By Ryan Kester

Smackdown on SyFy
Taped 3/26/12 in Atlanta, Georgia.

[Q1] The show opened with the Rock vs. Cena video package featuring WWE Superstars discussing how important the match is to both men and the WWE as a whole…

Zack Ryder made his entrance and an old-fashioned pretaped promo of his played. In the promo, Ryder talked about Eve's importance to him and how he would go on to help Team Teddy win at Wrestlemania. Drew McIntyre followed suit and joined Ryder in the ring.

1. Zack Ryder defeated Drew McIntyre in 5:58. The two men traded control several times until McIntyre was able to hid a modified GTS on a charging Ryder. Cool spot.

McIntyre worked his move set as he continued to wear down Ryder. McIntyre went to the second rope and jumped, but Ryder got a boot up and connected with McIntyre's face.

Ryder hit the Broski Boot for a near fall, which was quickly answered by a big boot from McIntyre for a near fall of his own. McIntyre went for the Future Shock DDT, but Ryder was able to roll out of the maneuver. Ryder got some distance from McIntyre and connected with the Rough Ryder for the pinfall victory.

The latest vignette for Lord Tensai aired… [C]

Ryan's Rant: That was a fun back-and-forth affair. McIntyre continues to be one of WWE's most underutilized workers.

[Q2] Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler checked in at WrestleMania Axxess and they showcased some of the attractions available at the preshow event…

The Hell in a Cell video featuring Undertaker, Triple H, Shawn Michaels, and their history with Hell in a Cell aired… [C]

Cole and Lawler welcomed us back to Axxess, and they set up the video from Extra that set up Kelly Kelly and Maria Menounos vs. Beth Phoenix and Eve at WrestleMania…

[Q3] [C]

Cole and Lawler welcomed us back to Axxess and showcased some of The Rock's memorabilia. They then hyped the online charity auctions.

The CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho video package aired… [C]

[Q4] Lawler and Cole discussed who they wanted to win the GM power struggle match. Footage from Raw of the David Otunga vs. Santino Marella, CM Punk vs. Christian, and The Great Khali vs. Mark Henry aired… [C]

Back in the arena, Big Show made his way to the ring. Footage aired of Cody Rhodes' attack on Big Show on Raw two weeks prior.

[Q5] Once in the ring, Big Show said he feels fortunate for having such an extraordinary career. He sia dhe's competed against some of the greats and he won the World Heavyweight Championship in his very first match. He said there's one thing he's never done. He's never had a WrestleMania moment.

Show said he's been called a choke artist and a failure by Rhodes. He said Rhodes wishes to make a name for himself by beating him on the grandest stage of them all. Show said history is on Rhodes' side, but on Sunday he won't be stepping in the ring with history, he will be getting in the ring with the World's largest Athlete.

Show said he feels it in his heart that Rhodes will go into WrestleMania and end up getting broken. Show said he will become the new Intercontinental Champion and Show will have his WrestleMania moment…

Chris Jericho was shown walking through the backstage area… [C]

Ryan's Rant: Good promo from Show, and if I am not mistaken, that's the first time he's even mentioned winning the Intercontinental Championship. Personally, I hope that does not come to pass as I feel the IC Title is central to Rhodes' current character.

Cole and Lawler welcomed us back to the show and Cole rapped Cena's entrance music. I am not joking.

The Daniel Bryan vs. Sheamus hype video aired…

[Q6] [C]

Cole and Lawler discussed this year's Hall of Fame Class briefly before a second hell in a Cell hype video aired, this one complete with testimony from WWE Superstars and Legends.

When Cole and Lawler returned, Lawler spoke candidly about his thoughts on the Hell in a Cell match. He said no matter what happens during the match, history will be made… [C]

Ryan's Rant: Short-yet-effective promo from Lawler. I am already looking forward to this match, but The hype during this segment was solid.

2. Chris Jericho defeated Kofi Kingston in 11:05. The two men worked some basic chain wrestling to start the match.

[Q7] Kingston managed to hit a flurry of offense, but when he went for a slingshot maneuver, Jericho was able to hit the ropes, causing Kingston to crash to the mat. Kingston sold the fall as the show went to break… [C]

Back from the break, Jericho continued to wear down Kingston Striker informed us that Jericho had been focusing all of his attention on Kingston's power back and midsection. Kingston made a few attempts to fight back, but Jericho stayed a step ahead of him and continued his assault.

Eventually, Kingston began battling back and hit the S.O.S for a near fall. Kingston hit his double chops and the Boom Drop for another near fall.

Kingston called for Trouble In Paradise, but Jericho avoided the kick. Jericho went for the Walls of Jericho, but Kingston kicked him off.

Kingston hit his high-angle cross body for another near fall. Kingston went for another Trouble In Paradise, and Jericho again reversed it into the Wall of Jericho. Jericho pulled Kingston up into the Liontamer position and Kingston was forced to tap.

Ryan's Rant: Great match. The result was fairly obvious from the onset, but Kingston looked like a star here. One can only hope that Kingston gets a good push after WrestleMania, but I realize that's not the first time that sentence has been written.

Cole and Lawler talked about The Rock vs. Cena and the "Twitter War" between the respective wrestlers' fans.

A full recap of Raw's closing segment featuring the final confrontation between The Rock and John Cena aired.

Ryan's Rant: Decent show, and exactly what you should expect from the final Smackdown before WrestleMania. The Kingston/Jericho match was entertaining, but unless you've not been paying attention to the Raws heading into WrestleMania, this was all recap.

If you have any questions or comments or just wish to chat with a fellow wrestling fan about whatever, then feel free to email me at ryan.kester@gmail.com or follow me on Twitter at @TheRyanKester.

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