WWE Night Of Champions 2012 » Matches » Sheamus vs Alberto Del Rio (World Championship)

World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus and No. 1 contender Alberto Del Rio are certainly not strangers in battle. Over the course of the past few months, The Great White and The Mexican Aristocrat have continually crossed paths, with almost every instance inevitably ending in absolute bedlam.

Now, coming off Sheamus’ controversial victory over Del Rio at SummerSlam and The Mexican Aristocrat’s triumph over Randy Orton on the Aug. 24 episode of SmackDown to once again lay claim to No. 1 contender status, the two Superstars are primed and ready once again to duel it out for championship gold at Night of Champions.

Sheamus — who has held the World Heavyweight Title since his historic 18-second WrestleMania victory over Daniel Bryan — has proven to be one of the most dominant titleholders in a long time, racking up win after win on big stages with the title gold on the line.

At SummerSlam, though, Sheamus may very well have had the luck of the Irish on his side, thanks to an errant shoe toss by Ricardo Rodriguez. When Del Rio’s personal ring announcer took off his dress shoe and heaved it into the ring — presumably so his employer would be able to wield it as a weapon against The Great White — Sheamus intercepted the foreign object, and smacked his opponent with it.

The Celtic Warrior then planted Del Rio with the Irish Curse Backbreaker, a move that could well have signaled the end for The Mexican Aristocrat. But when the always-cunning Del Rio put his leg on the rope during the three-count, the clever Great White was able to knock it off the rope before referee Mike Chioda could see it. The oversight by Chioda led to Sheamus’ title retention and, soon after, a formal protest by Del Rio.

Addressing the situation on SmackDown the following week, General Manager Booker T concluded that Del Rio and Randy Orton would face each other in a monumental blue brand main event with the opportunity to become the No. 1 contender on the line. With Sheamus looking on at ringside, The Mexican Aristocrat defeated WWE’s Apex Predator, locking Orton in the excruciating Cross Armbreaker and once again proving his mettle inside the squared circle.

While it’s undeniable that he’s had his opportunities in the past and come up short, never has Alberto Del Rio looked as focused as he does now. His exceedingly impressive victory over The Viper sent a message to the WWE Universe and to Sheamus that this Del Rio is more dangerous than ever before.

Will Night of Champions be the proving ground for The Mexican Aristocrat to finally lay claim to his destiny? Or can The Great White continue on what has become one of the most dominant reigns in the history of the World Heavyweight Title?

Source: WWE.COM

08/31/2012 : Smack Down Results : ORTON GIVES ZIGGLER THE BOOT

Sheamus starts the show by saying he wants to acknowledge HHH, and he says HHH was his first Wrestlemania opponent, but it was his first Wrestlemania loss too. He says HHH is a legend and he is a great guy, which is the complete opposite of what Alberto Del Rio is. Damien Sandow comes out and says he is there to help Sheamus, and Sandow says Sheamus is as ignorant as he is large in stature. Sandow says HHH and DX assaulted him on RAW 1000, and Sheamus says it was great but Sandow calls his response 'typical.' He says Sheamus calls himself a proud Irishman, but he brings shame and promotes a negative stereotype.

Sheamus says they could listen to him talk, but they have lives so he should shut up, or he can get in the ring and say it to his face. Sandow says he would love nothing more than to beat him up, but he says Sheamus is unworthy of his time and he actually saved him. Sandow says he will take his leave and says your welcome, but Booker T comes out and says he actually agrees with Sandow and the point he made. Booker says no one wants to see an intellectual thrashing, but they want to see a physical fight, so they will have a match tonight and he asks if the crowd digs that.

Rey Mysterio vs Cody Rhodes

Cody takes Rey to the mat and puts him in a keylock, but Rey reverses it so Cody stands up and slams him into the turnbuckles. Rey counters a suplex but Cody knocks him down, then he whips him into the ropes but Rey dropkicks him into the ropes. He sets up a 619 but Cody sends him outside, then he slams his head into the commentary table as we go to a break. When we get back, Cody suplexes Rey for a near fall, then he drives his knee into Rey's shoulders and goes for a near fall. Cody knees him in the stomach and hits a front release suplex, then he flips him over and knees him in the back before putting him in a side headlock.

Cody gets up and whips him in the corner, then he tries to take off Rey's mask but Rey counters with a dropkick to the back of the head and a top rope seated senton. Rey connects with a hurricanrana and a kick to the head for a near fall, then Cody comes back with a jawbreaker for a near fall. Cody picks him up and goes for a side suplex, but Rey counters out and sets up a 619, then Cody catches his legs but Rey counters with a rollup for the win. Cody attacks Rey after the bell and tries to tear his mask off, but Sin Cara runs out for the save and Rey hits a 619 before Cara puts a mask on Cody.

Winner - Rey Mysterio

Kaitlyn vs Natalya

Natalya sends Kaitlyn into the ropes and kicks her in the stomach, then she takes her down with a side headlock but Kaitlyn counters with a headscissors. Natalya goes outside and Kaitlyn follows, but Natalya slams her head on the floor then she rolls her in and slams her onto the mat. Natalya puts her in an abdominal stretch and pulls back on her free leg, but Kaitlyn throws and elbow and hiptosses Natalya to break it. Kaitlyn hits a dropkick and sends her into the ropes, then Natalya comes back with a knee to the face and a clothesline for a near fall. Natalya argues with the ref about the count and stomps Kaitlyn, then she goes to pick her up but Kaitlyn rolls her up and surprises her for the win.

Winner - Kaitlyn

Matt Striker welcomes Booker T for an interview, and he says the general manager position has been under criticism, then they show Vickie Guerrero complaining about AJ Lee. Booker says he knows AJ has a bunch of good ideas, but she looks overwhelmed and shouldn't have made the match between Dolph Ziggler and Chris Jericho. Vickie Guerrero walks in and says all of AJ's friends have ignored her, and she was assualted on Monday because of a deranged child. Vickie says she spoke to the board and they have assured her that they will take action, then she says if they don't, she will.

Sheamus vs Damien Sandow

Sheamus locks up with Sandow and backs him into the corner, then he grabs him by the beard and asks him if he knows who he is. Sandow shoves him back and rolls outside, then he complains to the ref before getting in and kicking Sheamus in the ribs. He whips Sheamus into the ropes but Sheamus comes back with a shoulder block, then Sandow rolls outside and Sheamus goes right after him. Sandow attacks him and throws him into the steps, then he stomps Sheamus in the corner and punches him in the chest after he rolls in. Sandow puts him in a headlock and connects with a few kidney punches, then he slams Sheamus on the mat and calls for the Elbow of Disdain.

Sheamus knocks him down but Sandow comes back with a rollup attempt, then he punches him in the head and puts him in a headlock. Sheamus sends him into the corner but Sandow kicks him in the face, then Sheamus comes back with a axe handle smash and a knee to the face. Sheamus lifts him up for a powerslam but Sandow floats over and tries to run, but Sheamus ties him in the ropes and clubs him in the chest. Sheamus goes for a backbreaker but Sandow elbows him in the head, then Sandow runs again but Sheamus rolls him in and sets up for White Noise. Sandow counters that and avoids a Brogue Kick, then he throws Sheamus into the ring apron and runs backstage.

Winner (by countout) - Sheamus

Prime Time Players vs International Assualt

Kidd kicks Titus in the head and goes for a near fall, then Gabriel tags in and takes Young down before tagging back out to Kidd. Titus argues with the ref while Kidd kicks Young, then Titus comes in and surprises him with a stiff kick, Titus punches him a few times before hitting a pump handle slam, then he suplexes Young onto Kidd and tags out. Gabriel gets a hot tag and kicks Titus off the apron, then he takes Young down with a leg sweep and heads up top. Titus jumps up and Gabriel kicks him to the floor, then Kidd leaps on Titus as Young crotches Gabriel on the ropes and follows with a Gut Check for the win.

Winners - Prime Time Players

Josh Mathews welcomes Alberto Del Rio to the ring for an interview, then Alberto says he didn't just beat Randy Orton, but he made him tap out. They show a clip of last week's main event, then Alberto says he will become the next World Heavyweight Champion but Mathews asks how he will beat Sheamus. Alberto calls him a weasel and says if Mathews thought Kane beat him up at Summerslam, it's nothing compared to what he will do now. Kane rushes out and everyone clears the ring, then Kane says he wanted to apologize to Mathews as part of his anger management program. Teddy Long comes out and tells Alberto that he should stop where he is, because Kane's anger managemnt is going well and they will have a match together right now.

Kane vs Alberto Del Rio

Alberto ducks a punch then kicks Kane in the corner, but Kane comes back with a few punches then he knees Alberto in the midsection. Kane goes after Alberto but he gets kicked in the head, then Kane knocks him on the apron but Alberto kicks him in the arm and jumps down on his arm. Alberto goes for a Cross Armbreaker but Kane counters and hits a big boot, then he hits a sidewalk slam and follows with a top rope clothesline. Kane calls for a chokeslam but Ricardo grabs his leg, then Kane tries to grab him but Alberto surprises him with a Backstabber for the win. Kane gets pissed off and rolls out of the ring, then he throws Josh Mathews in the ring and apologizes as he chokeslams him.

Winner - Alberto Del Rio

Randy Orton vs Dolph Ziggler (w/ Vickie Guerrero)

Orton applies a headlock but Dolph counters with a dropkick, then they lock up and Dolph applies a headlock but Orton counters and throws him into the ropes. Orton hits a dropkick before stomping Dolph, then he uppercuts Dolph and uses the ropes to hit a suplex for two. Dolph hits a neckbreaker and multiple elbows for a near fall, then he applies a sleeperhold but Orton counters with a backbreaker and a corner clothesline. Dolph clotheslines him but Orton counters with a powerslam, then Dolph fights off a hanging DDT but Orton comes back with a superplex. Orton counters a Zig Zag with a hanging DDT for two, then he goes outside and throws Dolph into the commentary table before rolling him in and hitting a RKO for the win.

Winner - Randy Orton

And the show goes off air.

> 7/20/2012 WWE SmackDown Spoilers

SmackDown, Airing Friday:

* Michael Cole comes out to a new theme song. Booker T and Lilian Garcia also come out to nice pops. They recap Sheamus defeating Alberto Del Rio at Money in the Bank. Sheamus will be in action tonight.

* Rey Mysterio kicks off SmackDown to a big pop. He talks about coming back in his hometown and talks about Alberto Del Rio. Del Rio comes out with Ricardo Rodriguez and they argue. Dolph Ziggler interrupts this and declares he will be crowned the next World Heavyweight Champion. Ziggler has words with Del Rio about getting in the way at Money in the Bank. Mysterio suggests a match between the two tonight but out comes Sheamus. Sheamus offends Rey Mysterio and they get into it. Rey goes for 619 on Ziggler but Vickie Guerrero gets in the way. A tag match is set for later tonight.

* Darren Young, Titus O’Neil, Hunico and Camacho defeated Primo, Epico, R-Truth and Kofi Kingston when Young got the pin on Primo.

* Big Show came out after the tag match and destroyed everyone with knockout punches and chokeslams. He’s on a mission to destroy the WWE tag team division.

* Sheamus and Mysterio vs. Del Rio and Ziggler is made official for the main event.

* Damien Sandow defeated Zack Ryder after cutting a promo against the fans.

* Christian comes out for the Peep Show. He shows the wedding stuff from RAW with AJ Lee and Daniel Bryan. Out they come together. We see footage of them planning the wedding. Christian asks if they are really in love and Bryan says it’s true love. He gets the crowd to chant yes. Christian also gets the crowd to chant yes and no. Christian announces that one of AJ’s exes wants a match.

* Kane defeated Daniel Bryan by DQ when AJ interfered. AJ teased kissing Kane after the match but didn’t. She left with Bryan chanting yes and they kissed on the ramp.

* Heath Slater comes out and is interrupted by Road Warrior Animal.

* Road Warrior Animal defeated Heath Slater.

* Backstage comedy segment with Ricardo and Vickie.

* Heath Slater is still in the ring and he’s upset about the Legends. He issues an open challenge and it’s answered by Triple H. He hits Slater with a Pedigree to end the off-camera segment.

* Rey Mysterio and Sheamus beat Dolph Ziggler and Alberto Del Rio by DQ when Ricardo interferes. Del Rio attacked Sheamus after the bell and put him in the armbreaker. Ziggler goes to cash in his MITB briefcase but Mysterio stops him. Sheamus knocks Ziggler out with a Brogue Kick and looks at Mysterio to end the show.

Money In The Bank 2012 » Result » Sheamus vs Alberto Del Rio (World Championship)

World Heavyweight Title Match: Alberto Del Rio vs. Sheamus

Lilian Garcia is in the ring for introductions as the challenger Alberto Del Rio comes out first. World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus is out next to a nice pop from the crowd.

Ricardo Rodriguez does the formal ring introduction for Del Rio while Lilian does it for Sheamus. The bell rings and they go at it. Del Rio goes out and comes back in. They lock up and Del Rio smacks Sheamus. Sheamus beats him down in the corner and is forced to back off. Del Rio comes back and they trade shots in the middle of the ring. Sheamus takes it back to the corner and beats Del Rio down again. More back and forth. Del Rio works on the arm. Sheamus drops Del Rio with a knee to the head for a 2 count. Sheamus with more knees and another pin attempt.

Del Rio ends up hung on the ropes. Sheamus throws him into the outside of corner and suplexes him in from the apron. Sheamus goes to the top and hits the battering ram for a 2 count. Sheamus brings it back in but is distracted by Ricardo. Sheamus gets kicked by Del Rio and he falls to the floor. Del Rio comes out and slams the injured arm of Sheamus into the steps. Del Rio throws Sheamus into the fan barrier and brings it back in the ring. Del Rio climbs to the top and comes down with a forearm for a 2 count. Del Rio goes back to the arm now. More back and forth, another 2 count for Del Rio. Del Rio goes back to work on the arm and beats Sheamus down. Del Rio with another 2 count. Del Rio with another arm submission. Del Rio with kicks now. Another arm lock but Sheamus fights out. Del Rio runs into a big boot after a headbutt and gets caught with a swinging neckbreaker. Sheamus with a clothesline but Del Rio comes right out of the corner and goes for another pin attempt.

They brawl and Sheamus runs into the ring post. Del Rio with another big kick and a 2 count. Del Rio with more kicks and a headbutt to send Sheamus back down. Del Rio goes for the cross armbreaker but Sheamus blocks it. Sheamus ends up on the apron. He tries to come in with the battering ram but Del Rio catches him with an armbreaker for a 2 count. Del Rio taunts Sheamus now. Sheamus picks him up and rams him back into the corner. Sheamus with a running knee lift and a big powerslam for 2. Sheamus takes Del Rio on the apron and hits the big forearm shots to the chest.

Del Rio grabs the arm and slams it over the top rope to come back in the ring. Sheamus catches him with the Irish Curse backbreaker for a 2 count. Sheamus picks Del Rio up but he slides out. Del Rio with a kick to the face. Sheamus side steps another cross armbreaker. Sheamus goes for the Brogue Kick but gets hung on the rope. Del Rio with the armbreaker for another close 2 count. Del Rio with a big kick to the gut. Del Rio waits on Sheamus to get up and misses the kick tot he back of the head. Sheamus hits White Noise and gets ready to put Del Rio away. The crowd chants "Brogue" before Sheamus nails the Brogue Kick for the win.

Winner: Sheamus

- After the match, Ricardo jumps on Sheamus' back and stops the celebration. Del Rio attacks and beats Sheamus down to the mat. Del Rio mounts him with right hands before both of them stomp away on Sheamus. The music hits and out comes Dolph Ziggler to cash in. He lays Del Rio out with a briefcase shot and talks with the referee. Sheamus gets up and hits him with a Brogue Kick before the match can start. Ziggler still has a title shot. Sheamus poses with the World Title before celebrating with the fans on the way to the back.

Money In The Bank 2012 » Matches » Sheamus vs Alberto Del Rio (World Championship)

At Money in the Bank, Alberto Del Rio will look to demonstrate an aristocratic lesson in destiny, when he finally gets his one-on-one title opportunity against World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus. However, considering the explosive nature of The Great White in recent months, perhaps the lesson he should teach himself is “be careful what you wish for.”

Since capturing his illustrious prize in 18 seconds at WrestleMania, the first-ever Irish-born World Champion has ripped through the competition. Pay-per-view after pay-per-view, SmackDown after SmackDown, Raw SuperShow after Raw SuperShow, The Celtic Warrior has dominated in the win-loss column.

Armed with a ferocious love for fighting and a brutal arsenal – highlighted by the devastating Brogue Kick, White Noise and Celtic Cross – the hard-hitting titleholder has made it clear that he will not easily be knocked off the mountain.

On the same timeline, in the four months since returning to WWE from injury, Del Rio’s bid to capture the World Heavyweight Championship has been littered with a series of almosts and could-have-beens – thanks to a string of unfortunate events and injuries.

It all started when The Mexican Aristocrat won a non-title match against Sheamus that made him the No. 1 contender and earned him a one-on-one bout against The Great White with the title on the line.

With the contest already signed for WWE Over the Limit, now-former General Manager of Raw and SmackDown, John Laurinaitis, decided to morph his opportunity into a Fatal 4-Way World Title Match –to put Sheamus at a greater disadvantage. When the dust cleared on that whirlwind showdown, which also included Chris Jericho and Randy Orton, The Great White was victorious – though not by pinning Del Rio.

Then, heading into No Way Out in June, the affluent Del Rio secured a second World Title opportunity against The Celtic Warrior, only to be sidelined with a concussion.

After a No. 1 Contender’s Contract-on-a-Pole Match against the treacherous Dolph Ziggler spun out-of-control, a Triple Threat Title World Title Match between Del Rio, The Showoff and Sheamus on the June 29 edition of SmackDown ended with another win for Sheamus – but again not with his pinning of the Mexican Superstar.

The following Raw SuperShow, after discussing the matter with the WWE Board of Directors, Interim General Manager Theodore Long informed the resentful Superstar of his one-on-one, pay-per-view World Title Match.

But just because Del Rio has his much-deserved chance at the championship gold, that doesn’t guarantee he’ll capture it. As dangerous as The Mexican Aristocrat may be with his ruthless in-ring style and patented Cross Armbreaker, one wrong move against the self-acknowledged “hooligan” could leave him with one “classless” defeat.

Who will triumph when World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus takes on Alberto Del Rio one-on-one? Find out at Money in the Bank, Sunday July 15 at 8 ET/5 PT, only on pay-per-view.

> 07/13 : SmackDown Results : The Great White Outfaught Jericho , only to be blindsided by A counterstrike Delrio

On the final stop before Money-in-the-Bank, the 673rd edition of WWE Friday Night SmackDown came to you from the Pepsi Center in Denver, CO. With his victory in The Great American Bash Battle Royal on last week’s Super SmackDown Live, Zack Ryder would turn SmackDown into ZackDown as the Interim General Manager for one night only! Also on ZackDown, World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus goes one-on-one with a former World Heavyweight Champion in Chris Jericho as the two would square off in a non-title match.

Match Results

• Alberto Del Rio def. Sin Cara by submission to the cross armbreaker.
• Primo def. Darren Young by small package roll-up.
• Dolph Ziggler & Cody Rhodes def. Christian & Santino Marella by Dolph Ziggler pinning Santino Marella following the Zig Zag.
• Big Show def. The Great Khali by pin following the W.M.D.
• Ryback def. Tyler Reks by pin following Shell Shocked.
• Damien Sandow def. Justin Gabriel by pin following the straightjacket neckbreaker.
• Non-Title: Sheamus def. Chris Jericho by pin following the Brogue Kick.

Detailed Results

The show kicks off with the Interim General Manager of SmackDown, Zack Ryder, who welcomes everyone to the first ZackDown in history before leading the Denver crows in the world’s biggest group of fist pumps. “The Long Island Iced Z” is then interrupted by the #1 Contender for the World Heavyweight Title, Alberto Del Rio, who calls Ryder a “clown” before vowing that he will become the new World Heavyweight Champion this Sunday. Ryder says that he brought Del Rio to ZackDown for a reason, because there is a Superstar who wants a piece of Del Rio before the Interim GM reveals Del Rio’s opponent as the man who Del Rio assaulted two weeks ago on RAW, Sin Cara, gets his shot at revenge.

 

Per the orders of Interim General Manager Zack Ryder, the opening match of ZackDown saw the #1 Contender for the World Heavyweight Title, Alberto Del Rio, going one-on-one with the latest qualifier for the World Heavyweight Championship Contract Money-in-the-Bank Ladder Match, “The International Sensation” Sin Cara. In the end, it was Alberto Del Rio locking in the cross armbreaker on Sin Cara, forcing the high-flyer to tap out.

 

The #1 Contenders for the WWE Tag Team Titles, The Prime Time Players appeared on ZackDown as Darren Young, with Titus O’Neil & A.W. in his corner, went one-on-one with Primo, with Epico & Rosa Mendes in his corner. In the end, it was the veteran, Primo, catching Darren Young with a small package roll-up to pick up the win, putting a rare blemish on The Prime Time Players’ record.

 

Four of the eight participants in the World Heavyweight Championship Contract Money-in-the-Bank Ladder Match were in tag team action on ZackDown as Intercontinental Champion Christian teams with United States Champion Santino Marella to face “The Show-Off” Dolph Ziggler and Cody Rhodes, with Vickie Guerrero in their corner. In the end, it was Dolph Ziggler hitting the Zig Zag on Santino Marella en route to pinning the United States Champion to pick up the win for himself and Cody Rhodes.

 

ZackDown also featured a titanic showdown as one of the four competitors in the WWE Championship Contract Money-in-the-Bank Ladder Match, “The World’s Largest Athlete” Big Show, went one-on-one with “The Punjabi Giant” The Great Khali. Big Show felled The Great Khali quickly as Show toppled Khali with the W.M.D. en route to picking up an impressive win.

 

After Curt Hawkins failed to defeat Ryback on last week’s SmackDown, Hawkins’ tag partner, Tyler Reks, would try his hand at victory as Reks went one-on-one with “The Undefeated War Machine” Ryback on ZackDown. Despite Tyler Reks getting a few shots in on Ryback, Ryback was still able to hit Shell Shocked on Reks en route to racking up another dominant victory.

 

Another participant in the World Heavyweight Championship Contract Money-in-the-Bank Ladder Match was in action on ZackDown as Damien Sandow went one-on-one with Justin Gabriel. In the end, it was Damien Sandow hitting the straightjacket neckbreaker on Justin Gabriel en route to picking up the win.

 

Then it was time for the main event as, two nights before he defends the gold against Alberto Del Rio at Money-in-the-Bank, World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus went one-on-one with one of the four competitors in the WWE Championship Contract Money-in-the-Bank Ladder Match, Chris Jericho, in a non-title match. At the end of an incredibly hard-fought match, it was Sheamus blasting Chris Jericho with the Brogue Kick en route to picking up a huge win. After the match, Sheamus was celebrating his win on the staging area when Alberto Del Rio’s music hits. As the World Heavyweight Champion watches a car pull into the arena, Sheamus is blindsided by Del Rio as Del Rio delivers an enziguiri to the champion before hanging Sheamus off of the stage while holding Sheamus’ arm in the cross armbreaker for several minutes before referees were finally able to break the hold!

> 07/13 : SmackDown Results : The Great White Outfaught Jericho , only to be blindsided by A counterstrike Delrio

On the final stop before Money-in-the-Bank, the 673rd edition of WWE Friday Night SmackDown came to you from the Pepsi Center in Denver, CO. With his victory in The Great American Bash Battle Royal on last week’s Super SmackDown Live, Zack Ryder would turn SmackDown into ZackDown as the Interim General Manager for one night only! Also on ZackDown, World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus goes one-on-one with a former World Heavyweight Champion in Chris Jericho as the two would square off in a non-title match.

Match Results

• Alberto Del Rio def. Sin Cara by submission to the cross armbreaker.
• Primo def. Darren Young by small package roll-up.
• Dolph Ziggler & Cody Rhodes def. Christian & Santino Marella by Dolph Ziggler pinning Santino Marella following the Zig Zag.
• Big Show def. The Great Khali by pin following the W.M.D.
• Ryback def. Tyler Reks by pin following Shell Shocked.
• Damien Sandow def. Justin Gabriel by pin following the straightjacket neckbreaker.
• Non-Title: Sheamus def. Chris Jericho by pin following the Brogue Kick.

Detailed Results

The show kicks off with the Interim General Manager of SmackDown, Zack Ryder, who welcomes everyone to the first ZackDown in history before leading the Denver crows in the world’s biggest group of fist pumps. “The Long Island Iced Z” is then interrupted by the #1 Contender for the World Heavyweight Title, Alberto Del Rio, who calls Ryder a “clown” before vowing that he will become the new World Heavyweight Champion this Sunday. Ryder says that he brought Del Rio to ZackDown for a reason, because there is a Superstar who wants a piece of Del Rio before the Interim GM reveals Del Rio’s opponent as the man who Del Rio assaulted two weeks ago on RAW, Sin Cara, gets his shot at revenge.

 

Per the orders of Interim General Manager Zack Ryder, the opening match of ZackDown saw the #1 Contender for the World Heavyweight Title, Alberto Del Rio, going one-on-one with the latest qualifier for the World Heavyweight Championship Contract Money-in-the-Bank Ladder Match, “The International Sensation” Sin Cara. In the end, it was Alberto Del Rio locking in the cross armbreaker on Sin Cara, forcing the high-flyer to tap out.

 

The #1 Contenders for the WWE Tag Team Titles, The Prime Time Players appeared on ZackDown as Darren Young, with Titus O’Neil & A.W. in his corner, went one-on-one with Primo, with Epico & Rosa Mendes in his corner. In the end, it was the veteran, Primo, catching Darren Young with a small package roll-up to pick up the win, putting a rare blemish on The Prime Time Players’ record.

 

Four of the eight participants in the World Heavyweight Championship Contract Money-in-the-Bank Ladder Match were in tag team action on ZackDown as Intercontinental Champion Christian teams with United States Champion Santino Marella to face “The Show-Off” Dolph Ziggler and Cody Rhodes, with Vickie Guerrero in their corner. In the end, it was Dolph Ziggler hitting the Zig Zag on Santino Marella en route to pinning the United States Champion to pick up the win for himself and Cody Rhodes.

 

ZackDown also featured a titanic showdown as one of the four competitors in the WWE Championship Contract Money-in-the-Bank Ladder Match, “The World’s Largest Athlete” Big Show, went one-on-one with “The Punjabi Giant” The Great Khali. Big Show felled The Great Khali quickly as Show toppled Khali with the W.M.D. en route to picking up an impressive win.

 

After Curt Hawkins failed to defeat Ryback on last week’s SmackDown, Hawkins’ tag partner, Tyler Reks, would try his hand at victory as Reks went one-on-one with “The Undefeated War Machine” Ryback on ZackDown. Despite Tyler Reks getting a few shots in on Ryback, Ryback was still able to hit Shell Shocked on Reks en route to racking up another dominant victory.

 

Another participant in the World Heavyweight Championship Contract Money-in-the-Bank Ladder Match was in action on ZackDown as Damien Sandow went one-on-one with Justin Gabriel. In the end, it was Damien Sandow hitting the straightjacket neckbreaker on Justin Gabriel en route to picking up the win.

 

Then it was time for the main event as, two nights before he defends the gold against Alberto Del Rio at Money-in-the-Bank, World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus went one-on-one with one of the four competitors in the WWE Championship Contract Money-in-the-Bank Ladder Match, Chris Jericho, in a non-title match. At the end of an incredibly hard-fought match, it was Sheamus blasting Chris Jericho with the Brogue Kick en route to picking up a huge win. After the match, Sheamus was celebrating his win on the staging area when Alberto Del Rio’s music hits. As the World Heavyweight Champion watches a car pull into the arena, Sheamus is blindsided by Del Rio as Del Rio delivers an enziguiri to the champion before hanging Sheamus off of the stage while holding Sheamus’ arm in the cross armbreaker for several minutes before referees were finally able to break the hold!

WWE SmackDown Results for 06/29/12

Layla defeated AJ Lee with help from Daniel Bryan. Bryan came out chanting YES and AJ was distracted, allowing Layla to get the win. Bryan called out Vickie Guerrero and demands AJ be banned from ringside during his WWE Title match against CM Punk at Money in the Bank. Vickie announces AJ will be the guest referee for the match.

Vickie announces Money in the Bank qualifying matches for tonight and next week. The first is up next.

Damien Sandow defeated Zack Ryder to qualify for Money in the Bank.

Tyson Kidd defeated Jack Swagger to qualify for Money in the Bank.

Jack Swagger got on the mic but ended up getting laid out by Jerry Lawler to a big pop from the crowd. This was likely a dark segment.

Santino Marella and Christian defeated Cody Rhodes and David Otunga to qualify for Money in the Bank.

Otunga got on the mic and posed for the crowd after the match. Triple H came out and hit him with a Pedigree for another dark segment. Booker T also hit Otunga and did a Spin-a-rooni for a pop.

Backstage segment with Bryan and AJ.

Ryback beat two local wrestlers in a squash.

Teddy Long announces Layla and The Great Khali vs. Aksana and Antonio Cesaro for Tuesday's live SmackDown. Teddy will be the General Manager for RAW and SmackDown.

Tensai defeated Justin Gabriel to qualify for Money in the Bank.

Sheamus defeated Dolph Ziggler and Alberto Del Rio in the main event to retain the World Heavyweight Title. Sheamus got the win after a Brogue Kick on Ziggler.

SmackDown results: The Great White and Big Red Monster triumphed, as AJ “hammered” the competition

The gigantic Superstar was soon engaged by Brodus Clay. Although The Funkasaurus held his own against the nearly impenetrable giant, a sudden sneak attack from behind by David Otunga allowed Big Show to gain a decisive advantage – before finishing off the target of his rage with the WMD.

As the smoke cleared, Otunga added insult to injury, dancing and posing over Brodus to the big man’s own music.

Vickie Guerrero to be the Interim General Manager of Raw and SmackDown next week (WATCH)
WWE’s resident Cougar revealed to Mick Foley that she would be taking the temporary reins of both Raw and SmackDown next week, warning him that she might look to make him her assistant if he didn’t behave. However, the amused Hardcore Legend had a much “bigger” suggestion about who should be Guerrero’s assistant, The Great Khali.

(WATCH | PHOTOS)
As a result of missing his World Heavyweight Title opportunity at No Way Out due to a concussion – and with John Laurinaitis getting fired at the same event – Alberto Del Rio returned to SmackDown looking to once again work his way back to the top. That quest would set him on a collision course with Christian.

In the height of the fast-paced battle that followed, a distraction by Ricardo Rodriguez allowed Del Rio to catch Captain Charisma on the top rope with a fierce kick, setting up the Cross Armbreaker and a huge victory for The Mexican Aristocrat.

Moments after the bell, Cody Rhodes – who Christian successfully defended the Intercontinental Championship against in their explosive pay-per-view rematch five days earlier – attacked his war torn adversary from behind. In an absolute frenzy, Rhodes hurled the titleholder into the steel ring post, dropping him to the canvas before accusing his foe of “stealing [his] time” and that he himself “was SmackDown.”

(WATCH | PHOTOS)
For months, AJ has been involved in an out-of-control rollercoaster ride with CM Punk, Kane and Daniel Bryan. (WATCH)

This week on SmackDown, the off-the-wall Diva would serve as a surprise special guest timekeeper as Kane took on Bryan. In the height of the action that followed – after the submission specialist cinched in the “Yes!” Lock on The Big Red Monster – AJ suddenly rang the bell. This caused Bryan to release the hold, thinking his monstrous opponent tapped out.

But much to Bryan’s chagrin, the referee explained that the masked menace hadn’t, in fact, given in and that the match was still going. Before WWE’s “Yes!” man could get his bearings, The Devil’s Favorite Demon roared back, hitting the chokeslam for the three count.

And just as quickly as the match ended, a guiltless AJ skipped away again like nothing out of the ordinary had happened at all.

(WATCH | PHOTOS)
An irate Health Slater decided to interrupt Mick Foley in the ring, lodging a protest after getting slammed over the head by Cyndi Lauper on Monday’s Raw SuperShow. Demanding the GM do something about it, The Hardcore Legend took immediate action by introducing The One Man Southern Rock Band to his opponent, Zack Ryder.

With Foley watching at ringside, Long Island Iced-Z soundly defeated Slater with the Rough Ryder leg drop.

Later in the back, the self-professed “Intellectual Savior of the Unwashed Masses” Damien Sandow looked to enlighten Foley and Ryder. (WATCH)

(WATCH | PHOTOS)
Continuing to make big moves in a big way, A.W. returned to SmackDown to lead his new tag team – The Prime Time Players – to the ring. This occurred just five days after he turned on Primo & Epico at No Way Out in favor of his new acquisition.

In O’Neil & Young’s high-octane match with The Usos, the head of All World Promotions would cause a crucial distraction by jumping on the apron and admonishing the referee. This allowed Darren Young to drop Jimmy Uso onto the top rope, setting up his “Real Deal” partner to hurl his foe to the canvas for the pin.

Shortly after the match, the casted-aside Primo & Epico attacked their former representative and his new clients in the back. (WATCH)

(WATCH | PHOTOS)
Santino emerged before the WWE Universe, charged up to honor the many WWE signs made by the creative Baltimore crowd. And when the cameras found one that read “I love Santino,” The Italian Stallion called the woman down to say hi.

The ecstatic fan made her way to the ring, wearing a cobra of her own on her arm. But, after the two cobras kissed at the suggestion of Santino, the woman grabbed hold of the U.S. Champion, giving him a huge kiss and causing him to faint backward to the canvas with lipstick all over him.

(WATCH | PHOTOS)
In SmackDown’s main event, Dolph Ziggler entered his No Way Out rematch against World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus, looking to build on the incredible challenge he gave the Irish Superstar at Sunday’s pay-per-view.

Mixing undeniable talent with unrelenting heart, desire and determination, The Showoff brought The Great White to the brink yet again, nearly scoring the victory at several turns.

Still, in the end, it was not enough the stop The Celtic Warrior, who blasted Ziggler with a fierce Brogue Kick out of nowhere to capture another triumph in epic fashion.

No Way Out 2012 » Result » Sheamus vs Dolph Ziggler (World Championship)

World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus Comes First.

The challenger Dolph Ziggler is out next and he's got Vickie Guerrero right behind him. Lilian Garcia does formal ring introductions before we get the bell.

Vickie and Dolph have a strategy session on the apron before things begin. Vickie kisses Dolph good luck on the cheek. Dolph turns around and ducks a big Brogue Kick from Sheamus. Dolph retreats to the floor but comes right back in arguing with the referee. Ziggler almost gets dropped again and back to the floor he goes to regroup. Ziggler comes back in and goes behind on a lock up. They tangle until Sheaumus drops him with an elbow to the head. Sheamus with a headlock takedown now. Sheamus drops Ziggler with a shoulder. Sheamus with another big takedown.

Sheamus takes control until Ziggler connects with a dropkick. Sheamus sends Ziggler back to the mat with another shoulder. Ziggler comes back and goes for the sleeper hold but can't get it locked tight. Ziggler ends up on the top rope. Sheamus backs off and gets slapped. Sheamus comes right back and knocks Ziggler off the top and out to the floor. Sheamus slams Ziggler into the apron before bringing it back in the ring. Sheamus launches himself over the top with a big shoulder for a 2 count. Sheamus works on Ziggler's arm now. Ziggler fights out and wails away on Sheamus in the corner. They tangle on the apron again. Dolph goes up top, leaps off but Sheamus catches him in mid-air. Ziggler counters that but gets dropped by a big back elbow. Sheamus with a neckbreaker for another 2 count. Ziggler ends back up on the apron. Sheamus fights him. Sheamus gets pulled into the turnbuckle and down he goes on the floor. Ziggler brings it back in the ring and hits a big DDT for a 2 count.

Ziggler continues the assault until Sheamus fights back with knees and punches. Ziggler stops him with a knee to the gut and a 1 count. Ziggler with a headlock now as he does some showing off with Sheamus on the mat. Sheamus fights to his feet and out of the hold. Sheamus puts Dolph on his shoulders but Dolph counters and brings him down with a big DDT. Ziggler with a 2 count. More offense from Ziggler. Sheamus fights back but Dolph dropkicks him for another 1 count. Ziggler applies a body scissors now. Sheamus fights out again. Ziggler counters and rolls Sheamus up for a close 2 count as he used the ropes for leverage but got caught. Ziggler argues and Sheamus rolls him up for a close 2 count. Ziggler with a swinging neckbreaker for another pin attempt. Ziggler goes back to the mat with a submission on Sheamus. Ziggler with a big kick to the face but Sheamus runs over him with two big ax handles. Sheamus misses the high knee and Ziggler jumps on his back with the sleeper. Sheamus dumps Ziggler to the apron and breaks the hold. Ziggler climbs up top and comes down with a crossbody but Sheamus barely catches him. They tangle and Sheamus goes for White Noise but it's blocked. Sheamus misses a spear in the corner and Ziggler hits Zig Zag for a close 2 count.

The crowd chants for Ziggler now. Sheamus gets attacked in the corner but fights back. Sheamus goes up top but Ziggler runs up and grabs him. Ziggler drops Sheamus face first on the mat and covers him for a close 2 count. Ziggler grabs his knee in pain as Vickie screams at ringside. Ziggler goes for the sleeper but Sheamus counters with the Irish Curse backbreaker. Sheamus with the big forearm shots to the chest on the apron now. Ziggler fights back and goes for the sleeper again. Sheamus turns it into White Noise and gets hyped up. Sheamus goes for the Brogue Kick and nails it for the win.

Winner: Sheamus

No Way Out 2012 » Matches » Sheamus vs Dolph Ziggler (World Championship)

Just six days before his No Way Out title showdown against World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus, Alberto Del Rio found himself not medically cleared for action, thanks to a concussion he received during a match with The Great Khali on the June 8 edition of SmackDown.

With time of the essence, a new No. 1 contender for The Celtic Warrior was promptly established on Raw SuperShow. That Superstar would be none other than Dolph Ziggler, an ultra-dangerous competitor on a mission to prove himself.

Ever since his tag team loss on the May 28 edition of Raw, the determined Ziggler has been on a quest to show he truly belongs among the elite. However, despite his obvious drive and incredible talent, he would ultimately come up short in back-to-back outings against the first-ever Irish-born World Heavyweight Champion within a week – both on SmackDown and Raw.

So why exactly should The Celtic Warrior respect his latest pay-per-view challenger?

The answer can be found, not at the finish line, but in the race itself. In both intense encounters against The Great White, Ziggler demonstrated exceptional ability, nearly toppling one of the best Superstars who the squared circle has to offer at every pass. Though it’s true that he didn’t win, The Showoff did exactly what he set out to do: He brought his tremendous skills center stage.

Will it pay off in the long run? A former World Heavyweight Champion himself, Ziggler knows how it feels to get to the top of the mountain and, without question, has shown the capability to get there again.

But, defeating Sheamus involves a lot more than besting the luck of the Irish. Since defeating Daniel Bryan for the World Title in 18 seconds at WrestleMania XXVIII, the intense three-time World Champion again overcame the submission specialist in a grueling 2-out-of-3 Falls Match at Extreme Rules and triumphed in a Fatal 4-Way encounter at WWE Over the Limit against the likes of Del Rio, Chris Jericho and Randy Orton. The Celtic Warrior loves to fight and looks impressive doing it week in and week out.

Will Ziggler make an elite explosion at the expense of The Celtic Warrior? Find out this Sunday, at 8 ET/5 PT, only on pay-per-view.

WWE No Way Out Matches : World Heavywieght Championship > Sheamus Vs. Alberto DelRio

Mexican Aristocrat Alberto Del Rio will vie for SmackDown’s richest prize at No Way Out, when he challenges Sheamus one-on-one for the vaunted World Heavyweight Championship.

After Sheamus impressively retained his title against Del Rio, Randy Orton and Chris Jericho in a hellacious Fatal 4-Way Match at WWE Over the Limit, there was one question that undoubtedly lingered in the minds of every Superstar in the SmackDown locker room: Who would emerge as the next challenger to The Great White’s World Heavyweight Championship? Ultimately, the answer came in the form of a No. 1 Contender’s Triple Threat Match on the May 25 edition of SmackDown. (PHOTOS)

Per John Laurinaitis’ Executive Administrator Eve, the WWE Universe witnessed Orton, Del Rio and the monstrous Kane battle it out to determine who would face Sheamus at No Way Out – the first of such pay-per-view events since 2009. When Daniel Bryan distracted Kane during the bout, the preoccupied Big Red Monster ate an RKO from Orton that seemed to seal a victory for The Viper. However, Del Rio would soon capitalize by breaking up the pinfall and stealing a three-count victory over the prone Kane. The Mexican Aristocrat was quick to gloat about his questionably earned win, but Sheamus cut the celebration short when he ambushed Del Rio from behind on the entrance ramp.

“I can’t wait to kick your head off at No Way Out!” The Great White warned as Del Rio writhed on the steel grating. A clearer statement could not have been made that night.

Over the years, Sheamus has cemented himself as one of the most dominant brawlers in WWE, but he would be wise not to underestimate Del Rio. A two-time WWE Champion, Del Rio has craftily dispatched the likes of Rey Mysterio, Big Show and John Cena, using his keen intellect, technical proficiency and ruthless demeanor to keep even the most decorated WWE Superstars on notice.

Although sidelined due to injury last December, The Mexican Aristocrat fixed his gaze on the World Heavyweight Championship – and its bearer – immediately upon returning to SmackDown this past April. At No Way Out on Sunday, June 17, live on pay-per-view, Del Rio will finally get the one-on-one World Heavyweight Championship opportunity he has long felt entitled to – and Sheamus will face the level of competition he always craves.

SRC- WWE.com

WWE Over The Limit 2012 Results > World Heavyweight Championship Fatal 4-Way Match > Sheamus (c) Vs. Chris Jericho Vs. Alberto Del Rio Vs. Randy Orton

RALEIGH, N.C. – In what was his greatest challenge as champion to date, Sheamus stood up to seemingly insurmountable odds in a brutal Fatal 4-Way Match on his way to retaining the World Heavyweight Title. It was certainly no easy feat, squaring off with three former multi-time World Champions – Alberto Del Rio, Chris Jericho and Randy Orton – but The Celtic Warrior’s triumph cements his rightful place as one of WWE’s most dominant Superstars. (PHOTOS)

The way in which The Great White picked up the victory was undoubtedly impressive – after all, he only had a one in four chance of leaving Raleigh, N.C., victorious. Fatal 4-Way Matches are especially treacherous for the defending champion as they can lose the title even if they don’t submit or succumb to pinfall. With that in mind, The Celtic Warrior’s victory leaves the WWE Universe wondering who could possibly dethrone the World Heavyweight Champion, and what the future holds for his challengers at WWE Over the Limit.

After ring announcer Lilian Garcia made each Superstar’s introduction, the opening bell sounded and each of the four gladiators immediately sized each other up. Clearly, there was a sense of trepidation among them over who to strike first. The free-for-all nature of the Fatal 4-Way leaves each competitor desperate to maintain momentum from the very beginning.

An all-out brawl erupted and Sheamus and Orton focused their attacks on Del Rio and Jericho, quickly removing them from the squared circle. The WWE Universe inside the PNC Arena rose to their feet at The Viper and The Great White sized each other up, ready to strike. The crowd waited with baited breath as the two Superstars taunted each other, only to be stopped by a returning Jericho and Del Rio.

Taking the battle to the outside of the ring, WWE’s Apex Predator and the World Heavyweight Champion once again left their opponents reeling and immediately returned to the ring to face off with one another. The WWE Universe watched anxiously as both Superstars challenged each other and finally went on the offensive.

Returning to the ring, Del Rio and Jericho formed an alliance to attack the venomous Viper and the World Champion. But as Fatal 4-Way Matches typically go, the cohesion between The Mexican Aristocrat and WWE’s first-ever Undisputed Champion was short-lived. As Del Rio and Jericho erupted, the true nature of the Fatal 4-Way was exposed, it was now every Superstar for himself.

When the dust settled, Jerry Lawler summed up the match perfectly by saying, “There was never a time that anyone had a clear advantage.” Momentum is key inside the squared circle, but it was never clearly in anyone’s grasp. The elite Superstars vying for the World Title knew that the only way to come out on top was to seize moments and opportunities. Jericho, fueled by his anger toward an article on WWE.com questioning whether he should have returned (FULL STORY), was the clear victor in terms of timing moments to take out his opponents with a Code Breaker or locking them in the devastating Walls of Jericho. There were many times when Jericho was half a count away from claiming the World Title.

However, to Jericho’s disadvantage, there were too many variables in the ring, including the most explosive, WWE’s Apex Predator. An impressive double DDT delivered to Del Rio and Ricardo Rodriguez delighted the WWE Universe in Raleigh, but not nearly as much as the flurry of high-impact RKOs that temporarily shifted momentum into The Viper’s corner.

As chaos erupted inside the squared circle, it would be a final opportunity seized by Sheamus that led to victory. With Del Rio reeling on the outside of the ring, The Celtic Warrior took out Orton with a Brogue Kick before delivering a crushing White Noise to Jericho to retain the World Title.

Since winning the 2012 Royal Rumble Match and defeating Daniel Bryan in a history-making 18 seconds for the World Heavyweight Championship, Sheamus’ momentum has made him nearly unstoppable. The Great White continued to build on his legacy after overcoming the odds inside Raleigh’s PNC Arena. Will Del Rio, Orton or Jericho continue to claim their place as No. 1 contender to the World Heavyweight Champion, or will a new challenger prove bold enough to challenge The Celtic Warrior? Stay tuned to WWE Raw SuperShow on USA and Friday Night SmackDown on Syfy to find out!