WWE taped its first edition of “Smackdown” following WrestleMania 31 on Tuesday, March 31. The showing of “Smackdown” will air on Thursday, April 2, from Fresno, California.
Below are the spoilers for the April 2 “Smackdown:”
The show started with new WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins, who was flanked by J&J Security, Big Show, and Kane. While cutting a promo, “The Viper” Randy Orton interrupted his WrestleMania 31 foe. Orton talked about how he is deserving of a title shot, trashing The Authority’s way of doing business. This prompted on-screen WWE Director of Operations Kane to make an impromptu match between Orton and Show.
1) Randy Orton def. Big Show via disqualification- Orton got the victory after Kane and J&J Security interfered, while Orton was setting up for the “RKO.” Rollins then entered the ring, only to receive some shots from Orton. Kane quickly delivered a chokeslam to Orton, which led to Ryback entering to make the save. Rollins was able to escape, while Kane and J&J Security were taken out by “The Big Guy.”
2) Naomi def. Natalya- The Bella Twins joined the commentary team for this match.
In a backstage segment between Kane and Seth Rollins, the former made a WWE World Heavyweight Championship match at “Extreme Rules” between Rollins and Orton. Then, Dean Ambrose walked out of Kane’s personal restroom. In turn, Kane put Ambrose in a singles match between Luke Harper.
Next, a pre-taped interview with Roman Reigns aired. Within it, Reigns talked about the disappointment stemming from his WrestleMania 31 match, in which he failed to win championship gold.
3) The Miz def. R-Truth- Before the match, The Miz displayed video of his attack on Damien Mizdow from “Raw.” In a quick bout, Miz bested Truth. Afterwards, Mizdow came out, seeking revenge. He hit a “Skull Crushing Finale” on Miz, and proceeded to pose with Miz’s sunglasses on.
John Cena entered to a generally favorable reaction. He cut an in-ring promo regarding his United States Championship reign, noting he will have an open challenge for his belt every week. Former United States Champion Rusev interrupted Cena, with Lana in tow. Rusev talked about how he should still be the champion, telling Cena he will win the title back at “Extreme Rules.” Cena challenged Rusev to a match right then and there. Rusev rejectd, trying to have his Russian flag come down from the rafters, only for Cena to make an American flag drop. The segment closed with the crowd fully behind Cena.
4) Luke Harper vs. Dean Ambrose ends with Ambrose being taken to the back- Luke Harper put Ambrose through the announce table, leading to EMTs coming to ringside. Harper shoved and argued with them, before walking to the back. The EMTs aided Ambrose in returning to the back.
On the titantron, The Primetime Players, Darren Young and Titus O’Neil, cut a promo on The New Day.
5) Sheamus def. Intercontinental Champion Daniel Bryan in a non-title match– Sheamus made his in-ring return in this match, playing up to the crowd’s continued “you look stupid” chants. Bad News Barrett would join the commentary team for the match, playing a big role in the outcome. The two historied foes went back-and-forth in a physical brawl, with Bryan getting thrown out of the ring at one point. This led to Barrett sneakily delivering a “Bull Hammer” to Bryan. Thanks to the interference, Sheamus won the match via countout, as Bryan appeared to be busted open. As “Smackdown” went off the air, the crowd cheered for Bryan, and poured boos down on Barrett, as he walked to the back.