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SHEAMUS & RANDY ORTON vs. CHRIS JERICHO & ALBERTO DEL RIO

Booker T, Michael Cole, and Josh Mathews were shown at ringside during Jericho’s entrance. No car for Del Rio, but Cole covered for him saying he didn’t want to soil his beautiful car in such a dirty city. Orton began the match, but at :43, slapped Sheamus on the shoulder to tag him in. The partners shared a few choice words before Sheamus went after Jericho. Sheamus made a hard tag himself to Orton. Jericho got the upper hand long enough to tag Del Rio. Orton missed a running knee-drop, and ADR immediately began setting up for the cross arm-breaker. A conventional tag was made to Sheamus after Orton broke out of a rest-hold. Sheamus hit the ropes, but Jericho pulled down the ropes and Sheamus fell to ringside. He kicked the injured shoulder of Sheamus for good measure. Back in the ring, Del Rio kicked the arm of Sheamus, then tagged Jericho. Jericho continued to brutalize the arm and shoulder. Booker rightfully countered Cole’s “25 percent chance to retain” claim by saying Daniel Bryan beat the odds a few months ago when people said he had little chance to retain. Orton set up for an RKO, but Jericho countered. Standing dropkick for two, broken up by Del Rio. Sheamus went after Del Rio and Jericho attacked Sheamus. The referee called for the bell, apparently a double disqualification.

WINNERS: Double disqualification, at 5:17

Referees came out to try to break things up. Things cooled down before they went to break.

CHRIS JERICHO vs. SHEAMUS

I wonder when the last time was that Smackdown had ten matches on one show. They again showed the video from earlier of the opening tag match ending in a schmozz. Sheamus got the upper hand in the opening few seconds. Jericho got his boot up on a charge and hammered away on Sheamus. Jericho missed a dive in the corner and Sheamus proceeded to pound on his chest with forearms. Jericho was knocked off the apron and to ringside. They cut to break at 1:21 of the match.

Back at 4:16 and Sheamus still in control. On the apron, Sheamus tried to suplex Jericho out of the ring, to no avail. Jericho took a page out of his partner from earlier tonight’s book, bringing Sheamus’ arm down across the top rope. Jericho continued the beating outside the ring, pushing Sheamus shoulder-first into the steel post. In the ring, Jericho again focused on the taped-up arm and shoulder of the World Champion. Lionsault missed but he landed on his feet. That didn’t help as Sheamus got into an offensive groove. Jericho attempted the Walls of Jericho a few times, locking it in on the second try. He sat back and Sheamus reached desperately for the ropes. Sheamus reached the bottom rope to break. Jericho argued with the ref and was then back-dropped to ringside. Alberto Del Rio ran out and tossed Jericho into the steps for the DQ.

WINNER: Jericho, via DQ, at 8:40.

Del Rio then entered the ring and applied the cross arm-breaker to Sheamus. Orton ran out to make the save, unloading on Del Rio with rights. Sheamus shoved Orton off to punish Del Rio himself. Orton was offended by this and the two began arguing. As they were, Jericho ran in, hit the Codebreaker on Del Rio, then ran back out while Orton and Sheamus just stood there. RKO for Del Rio, then Orton went to glare at Sheamus again. Del Rio got up and was put down with a Brogue Kick. Orton and Sheamus went face-to-face again to end the show.

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Sheamus was out first. He entered the ring and got a mic (though a referee was in the ring as well, so we’ve got a match coming up). Sheamus said he came out to do what he loves – fight. Hmm…I seem to remember another short-tempered Irishman who loved to fight. Sheamus said Daniel Bryan almost tore his arm off at Extreme Rules and he wants to finish the job tonight. Sheamus said Bryan asked for this match earlier today and Sheamus said “yes,” apparently over and over again. As he kept repeating that word, Daniel Bryan made his entrance. No mic work from him.

SHEAMUS vs. DANIEL BRYAN

This is apparently a non-title match. Fans were hot early on, but from the way things looked, it was the audio sweetener rather than the actual crowd in the arena. Bryan quickly started working over the left arm of Sheamus, continuing the assault from Extreme Rules. After Sheamus broke out of a submission move, Bryan gave Sheamus a European uppercut. Sheamus came back with forearms to the back and neck area. Running shoulder to the gut, then a running knee-lift. Bryan was clotheslined over the top and to the floor. Sheamus went to go after him, but the referee stopped him. On the opposite side of the ring, a man in a suit climbed the top rope and came splashing down onto Sheamus. It was Ricardo Rodriguez, followed soon after by Alberto Del Rio.

WINNER: Sheamus, via disqualification

After Del Rio and Rodriguez’s attack, Bryan hooked in the Yes Lock. After referees helped Sheamus out of the ring, Bryan was shown to be in a heated discussion with Alberto Del Rio. Bryan was offended that Del Rio cost him the match. Sheamus was angrily holding his arm in the aisle as they went to break.

An upset Sheamus was making it difficult for doctors to do their jobs backstage. He should know to cooperate, since he was backstage with Triple H and the trainers on Monday night after Hunter was attacked by Brock Lesnar.

DANIEL BRYAN vs. SHEAMUS

Bryan was in the ring upon break. Sheamus had his shoulder bandaged for this match. Booker T. criticized the decision for Sheamus to take this match given his condition. Hard shot to the kisser by Sheamus put Bryan on his butt. Del Rio on commentary called Sheamus an “Irish peasant.” Sheamus backed Bryan into the corner and elbowed hi in the side of the head several times. Bryan took the advantage with kicks to the shoulder of Sheamus. Bryan used the middle rope and worked Sheamus’ shoulder with it. Sheamus caught a charging Bryan with a one-armed back-breaker. That looked impressive. He couldn’t continue the momentum though and found himself on the apron. Bryan dropkicked Sheamus in the shoulder, sending the World Champ into the barricade. They took the final break of the show at 2:45.

Back at 6:51 of the match. Bryan tossed Sheamus into the ring and continued focusing his offense on the shoulder of Sheamus. Bryan took the shoulder of Sheamus and, outside the ring again, rammed him into the ring post. Diving headbutt to the shoulder for a two-count. Bryan at least gets to show off his knowledge of holds and maneuvers in a match of this nature. Sheamus turned the tide by sending Bryan shoulder-first into the ring post. Del Rio didn’t speak much after the break, choosing to focus on the match instead. Sheamus brought blow after blow down across the chest of Bryan. Suplex from the apron to the ring by Sheamus, but his pin only got a two-count at 11:18. Irish Curse back-breaker for another two-count. Knees to the throat and chest of Bryan. Bryan snuck in a shot and climbed to the top rope. Missile dropkick for two at 12:17. Bryan ran right into a clothesline that turned him inside-out. Sheamus signaled for the end, so del Rio abandoned the announce desk and climbed on the apron. Sheamus dodged a Yes Lock by throwing Bryan into Del Rio. If they collided it was only lightly, and Del Rio fell into the ring, then scampered out before Sheamus could get him. With Sheamus’ attention on Del Rio, Bryan again went to the top. He came down and was greeted by a Brogue Kick for the pin.

WINNER: Sheamus

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SHEAMUS vs. MARK HENRY

They once again replayed Bryan’s fast count on Henry’s pin Monday night. Henry took Sheamus to the mat but missed a short clothesline. Sheamus took Henry out at the knee and got a two count. Sheamus found himself on the apron and propelled himself in with a shoulder knock-down. Cole acted like it was the first time he had seen that. Both men eyed each other as they went to break at 2:29.

Back at 6:07 of the match. Henry fought off a Sheamus attack and whipped Sheamus from inside to outside the ring. Back in the ring, Henry stayed in control. Sheamus made his comeback around 9:30 and landed a short DDT for a two-count. Sheamus lined up for the Brogue Kick but missed and Henry clotheslined him down. Sheamus got his boot up on a running splash attempt. Sheamus rolled through after missing a tope-rope move. Henry turned around into a Brogue Kick for the finish.

WINNER: Sheamus, at 11:04.

Daniel Bryan came out after the match and mockingly slow-clapped for Sheamus. Sheamus got a mic and invited Bryan to the ring. Sheamus asked if Bryan was afraid because he couldn’t hide behind a ref’s shirt…or was it because he was afraid Sheamus would beat him in 18 seconds? Sheamus desperately tried to get an 18 second chant started, and it only caught on mildly. He said Bryan won’t get off easy at Extreme Rules. He asked if he was going to kick Bryan’s arse to remain champion? The answer: Yes, yes, yes, yes.” Crowd caught on and chanted along with Sheamus as the show ended.

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World Hvt. champion SHEAMUS & IC champion BIG SHOW & RANDY ORTON vs. DANIEL BRYAN & MARK HENRY & CODY RHODES

The match started during the break and the show resumed with Orton working over Rhodes as Cole continued to complain about Show joining the face team. Mathews explained that the heels took out Khali before the match, so Show was allowed to replace Khali. The match settled into the heels working over Sheamus as Cole endorsed D-Bryan, saying they’ve learned that he can be a pitbull in the ring. Rhodes then lost control of the match, bringing in Orton to tee off on Rhodes. Orton wanted his second-rope DDT and connected. Orton then went to That Place and stalked Rhodes for the RKO, but D-Bryan ran into the ring, only to take a powerslam. Henry cut off Orton, though, and the heels resumed control leading to break.

Back from break, Orton was trying to rip Orton’s head off in a neck vice. Orton tried fighting back, but Henry shoved him to the mat, trash-talked, and tagged in Bryan, who delivered strikes as the somewhat-muted crowd chanted, “Yes!” in the background. Bryan then clobbered Orton in the corner with a leg whip before climbing up top for a diving headbutt that did not connect. Both men sold on the mat before Orton made his way to the corner to tag in Big Show. Henry also tagged in and the two big men collided center-ring. Show got the better of Henry early on before butt-splashing Henry. Rhodes attacked Show from behind, though, allowing Henry to clothesline Show to the mat. Henry had enough and tagged in Rhodes, who went to work on Show.

The heels tried to pick up where Del Rio left off in the top-of-the-second-hour match by focusing on Show’s lower body, including Rhodes applying a figure-four leglock center-ring. Rhodes then reached up and tagged Henry, who entered the ring with a big splash on Show. But, it was only good for a two count. Henry had enough, so he tagged in D-Bryan, who tried a pin, but Show press-slammed D-Bryan clear out of the ring. Bryan was late re-entering, allowing Show to tag in Sheamus, who went to town on Bryan.

At 16:00, Rhodes found himself on the outside, where Show KO’ed him with the WMD. After that emphatic end to Rhodes’s night, Sheamus and Henry battled inside the ring. Sheamus then dropped Henry with the Brogue Kick, and reached over to Orton for a tag. Meanwhile, Show KO punched Henry, who fell backward into Orton, who dropped Henry with the RKO. Orton with the cover on Henry for the win.

Post-match: The faces celebrated in the ring before WWE replayed the final 60 seconds of the match with the faces hitting their finishers leading to Orton’s pin on Henry. Back in the ring, the face trio posed in the ring as Mathews plugged Extreme Rules coming up in nine days. Cole gave a final plug for the three-hour Raw on Monday for Cena and Lesnar in the same ring at the same time.

WINNERS: Team Orton at 16:56

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Mean Gene Okerland is in the ring welcoming us to the Blast From The Past Smackdown. He introduces Sheamus as the new World Heavyweight Champion. Sheamus out to the ring to join Okerland. Sheamus is handed to the mic and Sheamus gives Okerland props for who he is. He starts talking about the code of honor and how he let everyone down. The ref made a bad decision and he broke down. He wants to publicly apologize to the ref, all the refs and everyone for what he’s done. He hopes they take the apologies from a red headed Irishman. He learns the hard way, and he learned…

Laurinaitis cuts Sheamus off and comes to the ring at this point. He tells Sheamus to not say a word, and shows video of what Sheamus did last week, including what Sheamus did to the ref. Laurinaitis turns and demands to know who Sheamus thinks he is. How dare Sheamus put his hands on his ref. He wants Sheamus to publicly apologize to the ref. Sheamus says he’s done that, that’s why he was out there. Laurinaitis claimed he didn’t hear Sheamus and do it again.

Sheamus apologized to Chad. Laurinaitis tells him to apologize to all the refs. Sheamus says he did. Laurinaitis didn’t hear it, do it again. So Sheamus does it again. Laurinaitis says it’s time to apologize to the world. Sheamus smirks, then does is. Laurinaitis says it’s not good enough. Sheamus is on permanent probation. If Sheamus touches a ref on purpose, or accident, he’s fired. He’s fining Sheamus the most ever in WWE history, $500,000. Laurinaitis is about to leave the ring and stops to say good luck to Sheamus in his match tonight. Sheamus will face ADR and D-Bry. Sheamus will be tagging with Mean Gene Okerland! Okerland doesn’t look happy.

Okerland doesn’t like their chances tonight. Sheamus is smiling, but must have something up their sleeve. Sheamus says they will lose. So why is Sheamus happy? Sheamus is not going to let Laurinaitis see them sweat, plus he’s tagging with Okerland! If they survive, Sheamus will buy the first round. Okerland says if? Sheamus says they will drink to remember, or drink to forget!

SHEAMUS & “MEAN” GENE OKERLUND vs. DANIEL BRYAN & ALBERTO DEL RIO

The heels quickly ganged up on Sheamus, with Bryan delivering rapid-fire kick strikes to the body before Sheamus cut him off with a sledgehammer. Sheamus then dumped Del Rio over the top rope to the floor, but missed with a Brogue Kick on Bryan. Bryan then dropkicked Sheamus to the outside, where Del Rio smashed Sheamus with a running kick. Cole told Okerlund to start getting ready because Sheamus is going to need to make a tag. Suddenly, the heels cornered Okerlund in the ring, then Ricardo entered the ring to taunt Okerlund.

Suddenly, Roddy Piper’s music played to bring out all of the scheduled Legends for the show. Cole wondered who opened up the door to the retirement home. All of the Legends assembled around the ring as Piper confronted D-Bryan on the ring apron. Piper told Bryan to turn around, then Bryan ate a Brogue Kick from Sheamus. Sheamus with the pin for the win.

WINNERS: Sheamus & Okerlund

Fink ran to the ring, drawing comments from Cole, then the able-bodied Legends took turns giving Ricardo finishers. Cole said they must be close to being over because there’s a curfew at the retirement home. Mathews called it a feel-good moment to close the show. After a replay of the finish, Mathews noted Bryan vs. Sheamus for the World Title occurs in a few weeks at Extreme Rules. The Legends and Sheamus continued to celebrate in the ring before Michael Cole entered the ring. Cole said he knows they need to head back to the retirement home, but he thinks they should do a photo-op. The Legends took exception and gave Cole noogies as the crowd sat silently. Cole was then knocked out by Patterson, and Sheamus kicked the trash out of the ring, leaving Cole face-first on the floor. The Legends and Sheamus got their curtain call in the ring to close the show right at the top of the hour.

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The Bellas fawned over Laurinaitis backstage. Except Nikki, who didn’t seem impressed. Sheamus walked in and as he did, Laurinaitis told Nikki to get ready for her match with Beth Phoenix – Brie has the night off. Nikki wasn’t happy with that. Sheamus asked Laurinaitis what “people power” even means, but Laurinaitis side-stepped it and said he wasn’t happy with Sheamus kicking Bryan’s head off at Mania when he wasn’t ready, and doing the same thing to ADR on Raw. Laurinaitis said he has instructed the referee to bring Sheamus and ADR face-to-face before the match. Sheamus said he’ll only kick the head off of people who deserve it. He told a parable of his cousin and it was comparable to Laurinaitis’ situation; and it did not end well for the cousin of Sheamus.

ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. SHEAMUS

Some quick exchanges early and Sheamus went to the top. His shoulder tackle didn’t connect but he rolled through and hit Del Rio with a forward roll with Del Rio on his shoulders. Del Rio was able to create separation and brought the arm of Sheamus down across the top rope. Back in the ring, Del Rio continued working over the arm of Sheamus. Sheamus missed a Brogue Kick and Del Rio rolled to ringside to regroup with Rodriguez at 2:48.

Back to action at 6:42. Sheamus nailed Del Rio with a shoulder tackle, propelling himself over the top rope to do so. Sheamus brought his forearms down hard across the chest of Del Rio. Del Rio held onto the ropes when Sheamus tried to bring him toward the middle of the ring, then low-bridged Sehamus on a charge. When Sheamus got onto the apron, Del Rio gave him an enziguiri to send Sheamus back to ringside. Del Rio tossed Sheamus into the ring steps. Back in the ring, a lateral press by Del Rio got only one. Del Rio continued to punish the arm of his opponent. Del Rio got caught charging at Sheamus, and he paid with a back-breaker. Both men were down at 10:11 of the match. Sheamus made his comeback and powerslammed Del Rio. Rodriguez distracted Sheamus by standing on the bottom rope, so Sheamus kicked the rope and Rodriguez flew into the ring. A chair was brought in by Del Rio and Sheamus picked it up. The ref turned around from getting Rodriguez out of the ring in time to see Sheamus with the chair. Del Rio sold that Sheamus hit him with it and the ref DQ’d Sheamus.

WINNER: Del Rio, via DQ, at 11:31.

After the match, Rodriguez happily proclaimed Del Rio the winner. Sheamus Brogue Kicked the referee in anger. Sheamus seethed as he started at Del Rio and Rodriguez, who were in the aisle, as the show went off the air.

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Daniel Bryan was introduced by Lilian Garcia. AJ appeared to be in her wrestling gear. Bryan did his over-the-top celebration, then AJ handed him a mic. He gave a few shouts of “yes!” on the mic before beginning his promo. He said he could talk about himself all night, but he’s going to put AJ on the spot. He asked her to tell everyone what it’s like to be in love with the World Champion. AJ first wanted to talk about her match and how Bryan is going to be in her corner…so Bryan pulled the mic away and told her to just answer the question. She answered it by saying “heaven.” She said Bryan caresses her and has the softest lips. And at night, they spoon. She called him “Danny,” so Bryan pulled the mic away and told her off-mic never to call him “Danny” in public. She apologized and went on complimenting her boyfriend. AJ said he makes her feel safe, which is why she really enjoys cuddling. He whispered something in her ear and she was taken aback. She shook her head and told him it was a little personal. Then she said “Daniel Bryan is a great lover.” She put her head down as Bryan had a look of self-satisfaction on his face. “And at Wrestlemania?” Bryan asked. AJ talked up Bryan as if she were reciting lines, but purposely, not accidentally like how most Divas (and some Superstars) give interviews. Bryan took the mic and addressed the crowd while AJ appeared to try to go in for an embrace. Sheamus interrupted and he walked to the ring.

Sheamus said he threw up in his mouth before he came out because of what AJ said. He questioned Bryan’s bravery and courageousness, then called him a coward. Sheamus turned his attention to Wrestlemania and called Bryan “Danny.” Bryan angrily corrected him, saying his name is “Daniel.” That allowed a “Danny” chant to catch on. Sheamus called him “Danny boy,” and the crowd began to chant that too. Sheamus said if he doesn’t like that, he sure won’t like being called “former world heavyweight champion.” That did not turn into a chant. He ended the segment by promising to kick Bryan’s teeth down his throat.

CM PUNK & SHEAMUS vs. THE MIZ & DANIEL BRYAN

Sheamus clotheslined Miz down and made a quick cover for only one. Tag to Punk, who came off the top with an elbow to the arm. After beating on Miz some more, Sheamus brought Bryan in the hard way. It didn’t work, as eventually, a distraction by the ref allowed Bryan to take out Sheamus outside the ring. They went to break at 2:05.

Back at 5:37 with Miz in control of Sheamus. Back-drop by Sheamus created some separation for him. He made the tag to Punk at 6:07. He was a house afire and when he kneed Miz in the corner, he told AJ to give him a call sometime. He went to the top, but Bryan began to walk over toward him. Punk jumped off the top to confront Bryan allowing Miz to go on offense. Running knee-lift by Bryan to keep Punk grounded. Miz tried the back-breaker/neck-breaker combo, but Punk caught him with a boot to the back of the head. Both men were down at 9:00 and Bryan made the tag first. Bryan couldn’t keep Punk from tagging his opponent for Wrestlemania, Sheamus. Powerslam by Sheamus. As he was going to go for the Brogue Kick, Bryan tagged an unsuspecting Miz. Sheamus chased Bryan around ringside and eventually went back into the ring, shoved Miz off and landed the Brogue Kick for the win.

WINNERS: Sheamus and Punk, at 10:11.

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CHRIS JERICHO vs. SHEAMUS

Cole recalled these two men being the final two men in the Royal Rumble match in January. Sheamus, still showing the bruise on his back from Monday night, gave Jericho a few knees to the mid-section. When he was on the apron, Jericho ran at him, but Sheamus propelled himself over the top and shoulder tackled Jericho. Jericho missed a corner dive and ended up outside the ring. Hard forearms to the chest by Sheamus. He suplexed Jericho back into the ring, but kept Jericho in the air for a spell during the vertical suplex. Jericho dodged a Sheamus attack, leading to the Rumble winner being sent to ringside. He kicked Sheamus to keep him outside the ring. Daniel Bryan and AJ walked to the ring as the show went to break, 3:26 into the match.

Back at 6:52 of the match. Jericho propelled Sheamus throat-first into the bottom rope as Bryan was shown sitting at ringside with AJ standing behind him. That’s a nice subtle visual there, Bryan taking the chair and making AJ stand. Sheamus attempted to get some momentum going, but Jericho stopped it with a knee-lift. Back suplex for only one at 8:34. Jericho slowed the match down with a rest-hold, but Sheamus stood up with Jericho on his back and backed him into the corner. Jericho went for a running bulldog, but Sheamus shoved him into the buckle. Sheamus went on the offensive and landed his Irish Curse back-breaker for two at 10:49. Mathews noted that Sheamus hasn’t seemed to notice Bryan’s presence at ringside. Forward roll by Sheamus for two. Jericho thumbed the eye of Sheamus without the ref seeing. Brogue Kick missed, catching Sheamus on the top rope. Springboard dropkick, then Lionsault for two at 11:56. Sheamus went to the top, but Jericho crotched him. “Y2J” chant from some of the males in the crowd. Sheamus fought off Jericho’s attempts at offense on the top rope and Sheamus took Jericho out with a diving shoulder tackle. Celtic Cross countered into the Walls of Jericho. Sheamus made the ropes at 13:54. Sheamus got back to his feet and went for the Cross, but Jericho got out and was clotheslined over the top and to the floor, in front of the announce table (and Bryan and AJ). Jericho was thrown in Bryan’s direction by Sheamus, but Bryan and AJ moved. Sheamus got on the apron and stared down Bryan, allowing Jericho to dropkick him back outside. Behind the ref’s back, Bryan dropkicked Sheamus as well. He couldn’t quite make it back before the 10-count.

WINNER: Jericho, via count-out, at 15:19.

Sheamus chased Bryan and AJ around ringside, but stopped when the heels reached the top of the stage. Sheamus stared at them from ringside as they replayed the finish of the match. Sheamus snuck back into the ring and gave an unsuspecting Jericho the Brogue Kick. Sheamus intensely stared at Bryan from the ring as the show finished.

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Sheamus and Cole were in the ring as Cole introduced Daniel Bryan. He walked out with AJ in tow. Cole’s first question was to ask Bryan how much luck has come into play in still being champion. Bryan basically said luck had nothing to do with it. He discussed all of his major wins, saying luck had nothing to do with any of them. Bryan credited his in-ring work and his vegan lifestyle (and his “undeniable sex appeal”) for contributing to his success.

Cole turned his attention to Sheamus and said the luck of the Irish must be with him. Sheamus said he’s lucky to be in America, in WWE and standing in front of the fans. But he said you also make your own luck. Sheamus said he’s never hid behind a 99-pound little girl who should be in a Catholic school-girl’s outfit. Thank you, Sheamus, for that image. And I mean that. AJ lifted Bryan’s mic to speak but Bryan said, “AJ, shut up.” She just looked down at the mat. Bryan said AJ has nothing to do with his success, and if anything, she’s gotten in the way (don’t worry, he only meant that literally). Sheamus said Bryan should be the one wearing the skirt and that his luck will run out at Wrestlemania. Cody Rhodes’ music hit and he walked out. It’s time for entrances for the main event. Good mic work from both men, and a tease for AJ turning on Bryan down the line. Big Show came out as well, and the six-man match is next.

SHEAMUS & BIG SHOW & RANDY ORTON vs. DANIEL BRYAN & CODY RHODES & THE MIZ

Sheamus and Rhodes began the match. Orton tagged in at 29 seconds of the match. He hammered away with rights in the corner on Rhodes. Clothesline by Orton as Cole bragged about how long Rhodes has held the Intercontinental Championship. Rhodes held Orton, allowing the newly-legal Bryan to kick Orton in the chest. Cole has become such a fan of Bryan that he even suggested he’s going vegan. Dropkick by Orton, then a tag to Show. Show headbutted Bryan to the mat. Miz tagged in and Miz stumbled backward when Show feigned a right hand. After a hard slap to the chest by Show, Miz retreated and tagged Rhodes. Rhodes stepped in and tagged Miz back in. Show brought Miz in the hard way as they cut to break at 3:36.

Back to the show at 6:33 of the match. Sheamus and Miz were in the ring, and Sheamus ran over Miz with a few Irish Hammers. Near-fall at 7:28 by Sheamus. Sheamus fought off Rhodes, then put Miz back down. Forearms to the chest of Rhodes, then an elbow to Bryan. Miz dropkicked Sheamus out of the ring, as the three-on-one was just too much. Bryan hit a flying knee to Sheamus off the apron. Bryan wanted the tag and got it. Sheamus fought back to his feet, but wasn’t there for long. Bryan dropped several knees across the chin and throat of Sheamus. Running boot by Miz after he tagged in. Rhodes also got a chance to work over Sheamus. Short DDT by Miz for a two-count. Side Russian leg sweep by Rhodes after he avoided a Celtic Cross. That got him a two-count at 11:33. Irish Curse backbreaker and the match reset at about 12:00. Both men made tags, with Orton showing a lot of energy against Miz. Show took care of Rhodes and chased him up the ramp. Orton gave Miz a rope-assisted DDT. He avoided a kick from Bryan and tried to give him the same DDT. Instead, Bryan brought Orton throat-first across the top rope. Sheamus knocked Bryan over the apron then over the barricade and into the timekeeper’s area. Orton avoided a Skull Crushing Finale and hit the RKO for the win.

WINNERS: Orton, Show, and Sheamus, at 13:33.

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Sheamus was the first to come out, and I believe I saw a middle-aged gentleman singing his theme ever so briefly. Josh Mathews, Michael Cole, and Booker T. were shown at ringside. Sheamus got the mic and said all he can think about is Wrestlemania. He talked about how Daniel Bryan has changed since he won the World Title, and how it reminds him of him when he won his first WWE Championship. Sheamus said he should’ve realized how lucky he was. He said he became something he despised his entire life: a bully. And he needed someone to knock his block off to help him realize what he achieved. Bryan needs that person too, and he volunteered for the spot. Before he could go any further, Vickie Guerrero interrupted and walked onto the stage with Dolph Ziggler.

Guerrero said that was a wonderful story, but her favorite part was when he finally stopped talking. She handed the mic to Ziggler, who asked if anyone really cares about his story. He said the people really want to see him in the main event at Wrestlemania, not Sheamus. Ziggler calmly told Sheamus that his hair was on fire. Sheamus said that joke is almost as old as Ziggler’s grandmother Vickie. Vickie told the “fella” that she’s not old, but experienced. Guerrero turned her attention to discussing the battle of general managers, putting her and Ziggler firmly in John Laurinaitis’ camp. She said she’s the only one without the surname McMahon who has been GM for Raw or Smackdown – I assume she meant Raw AND Smackdown. Teddy Long came out and said the only thing Vickie is going to run is Ziggler’s career, right into the ground. Long then told Ziggler he’d have to fight Sheamus. Right now. “Ratings, it’s all about ratings,” said Booker T. Where did that come from? What does that have to do with anything?

SHEAMUS vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER

Match was joined in progress, but it didn’t look as if it had been going for long. Ziggler caught Sheamus by surprise with a dropkick, but missed another not long after. Sheamus took advantage and beat on Ziggler in the corner, then clobbered Ziggler with forearms to the chest. Sheamus suplexed Ziggler from the apron into the ring to give him a near-fall at 1:55. Sheamus chased after Ziggler outside the ring, but Ziggler caught him coming in and took over. Neckbreaker by Ziggler, then he followed up with elbowdrops. Sheamus worked out of a chin-lock and back to his feet. Powerslam by Sheamus for two. Ziggler jumped up on Sheamus’s back to stop the onslaught. Sheamus went down to both knees in the middle of the ring. However, he reached his feet and slammed Ziggler back-first into the buckle, then dumped Ziggler to ringside. Ziggler went to the top, but Sheamus caught him for the Irish Curse back-breaker. Vickie hopped into the ring to put Ziggler’s foot on the rope, but they were further away from the rope than planned (I’d guess) and Vickie had to go all the way into the ring, making it unlikely the ref didn’t actually see it (though from the camera angle, they wisely didn’t show the ref and when he looked). Sheamus registered a few near falls. Vickie signaled for Jack Swagger when Sheamus began to signal for the finish. Sheamus Brogue Kicked Swagger off the apron, but Ziggler hit the Fameasser for a near-fall. Ziggler tried to go for the sleeper hold again, but Sheamus turned it into what he now calls the White Noise (Emerald Frosien) for the win.

WINNER: Sheamus

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