SmackDown started off with Teddy Long informing Randy Orton that due to a concussion he had suffered he would be unable to compete on the show that night and at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view. It's a big blow considering what a constantly solid performer Orton has been over the last year.
Big Show and The Great Khali defeated Cody Rhodes and Wade Barrett in an average and forgettable tag team bout, which is a little worrying considering all four will be working together in the Elimination Chamber on Sunday.
In Teddy Long's office an angry Big Show knocked out Mark Henry, then carried on to trash the entire office. Long then called for security to find Show and escort him away from the arena.
Hunico defeated Ted DiBiasse in a decent enough match up that was just a little too brief for my liking. If it were up to me I'd have DiBiasse replace Orton in the Chamber Match, I feel he deserves to move up to that next level.
Epico and Primo defeated Jimmy and Jay Uso in a solid tag team match with some exciting action in between the ropes. Although with the Tag Team Champions defeating one of their only real competitors in the Usos, who's left to challenge them for the titles right now? I wouldn't mind seeing Tyson Kidd and Trent Beretta possibly team up, which has been teased lately.
World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan claimed that the reason Orton and Big Show weren't facing him in the ring was because they were afraid of him, along with the rest of the locker room. He also said that he had proven all his nay sayers wrong, including the fans by winning the World Title and that he would do the same again at the Elimination Chamber. He then asked Lillian Garcia to announce him the winner of his match against Randy Orton due to forfeit, which she did. But as he was celebrating (in his usual over the top fashion, which I think is a superb touch for his persona) Teddy Long informed him that he was booked in a new match against Sheamus.
Daniel Bryan won via disqualification versus Sheamus after taunting him to continually assault him in the corner. It was a pretty enjoyable match up, although strange considering they'll both most likely be involved in a World Title match of some kind at WrestleMania, I would've thought the bookers would want to keep them separate until then.
Jinder Mahal defeated Ezekiel Jackson in a sloppy and drab match. At least on the plus side Mahal won, and via submission may I add, which is quite rare with 'Big Zeke'. I believe Mahal has more to offer then Jackson.
Tamina and Alicia Fox defeated Beth Phoenix and Natalya in a tag team match that had it's moments, mainly thanks to the underutilised Natalya who showed charisma and skill in the ring. Once again Natalya had to go through her new farting gimmick, this time causing the referee to turn away when she had Alicia Fox tapping to the Sharpshooter.
Santino Marella shockingly won the Wild Card Battle Royal to qualify for the Elimination Chamber Match on Sunday. While I feel other wrestlers are more worthy of the spot, and could gain a lot more from it, Marella's win certainly proved popular with the fans and his participation should be interesting on the pay-per-view.
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