Home / Results / Smackdown / February 17, 2012

1. Big Show & Great Khali def. Cody Rhodes & Wade Barrett when Show pinned Barrett.

2. Hunico def. Ted DiBiase due to interference from Camacho.

3. Non-title: Primo & Epico Colon def. Jey & Jimmy Uso when Primo pinned Jey.

4. Non-title: Daniel Bryan def. Sheamus-DQ.

5. Jinder Mahal def. Ezekiel Jackson-submission.

6. Alicia Fox & Tamina Snuka def. Beth Phoenix & Natalya Niedhart when Snuka pinned Niedhart.

7. Santino Marella won a battle royal to qualify for the Elimination Chamber World title match, replacing Randy Orton. Marella eliminated David Otunga to win the match.

We open with a recap of the Randy Orton-Big Show match from Raw. Backstage in Fresno, we learn that the belt shot Daniel Bryan gave Orton gave the "Apex Predator" a concussion, postponing the scheduled rematch between Orton & Bryan for tonight, and knocking Orton out of the World title match at Elimination Chamber! Orton is escorted out by security off camera.

1. Big Show & Great Khali vs. Cody Rhodes & Wade Barrett.

2/3 of the World title field are in tag action in tonight's opener. Rhodes & Barrett's misfortune continues. Khali dominated early, then fell victim to a chop block by Rhodes, then a boot to the face and a flying forearm by Barrett, so the heels could get heat on Khali. Hot tag to Show, who promptly got rid of Rhodes & destroyed Barrett, finishing Barrett with the chokeslam. Winners: Big Show & Great Khali.

To illustrate the every-man-for-himself nature of the title match, Show KO'd Khali after the match, then went backstage to demand a match with Daniel Bryan. Mark Henry, back after a 2-week suspension, is politicking for the same thing. Show KO's Bryan, then wrecks the office. He'd later be escorted out of the building.

2. Hunico (w/Camacho) vs. Ted DiBiase.

Again, Hunico worked on the injured wrist of DiBiase, but needed illegal help from Camacho and a handful of tights to gain the victory. Winner: Hunico.

3. Non-title: Epico & Primo Colon (w/Rosa Mendes) vs. Jey & Jimmy Uso.

They gave these guys plenty of time, but the smart move would've been to build up new challengers for the titles. Uncreative isn't interested in doing that yet. Their loss. Primo blocked the Superfly Splash off the top with a knee, then hit the Backstabber. Winners: Epico & Primo Colon.

Daniel Bryan came out and cut a promo, then asked Lillian Garcia to announce he won a forfeit over Orton. She complied, but Teddy Long wasn't buying. Sheamus was brought out as the substitute opponent.......

4. Non-title: Daniel Bryan vs. Sheamus.

No mention of AJ Lee, so she got a week's vacation. Bryan's over as a heel champ now, and was even more of a weasel this time, provoking Sheamus every chance he could to trigger the Irishman's temper. Mission accomplished, as Sheamus shoved down ref Charles Robinson, who promptly dusted himself off and called for the bell. Winner: Daniel Bryan via DQ.

5. Jinder Mahal vs. Ezekiel Jackson.

2 guys going in opposite directions. A year ago, Jackson was part of the Corre, and getting over. Now, he's a JTTS. Go figure. Mahal applied the Camel Clutch, but Jackson worked his way out. After an STO, Mahal reapplied the submission, and this time, Jackson tapped. Winner: Jinder Mahal.

6. Beth Phoenix & Natalya Niedhart vs. Alicia Fox & Tamina Snuka.

Natalya's flatulence issues may be driving a wedge between the "Divas of Doom". Nat applied the sharpshooter on Alicia, but an inconvienent fart had the ref covering his nose. Nat broke the hold, allowing Alicia a hot tag to Tamina, and there's your ballgame. Samoan Drop, Superfly Splash, rinse & repeat. Winners: Alicia Fox & Tamina Snuka.

Post-match, Phoenix tried an ambush, but was met with a superkick. Tamina went back up, but Beth escaped to fight another day.

John Laurinaitis & David Otunga visit, and Otunga will enter a Elimination Chamber Wild Card Battle Royal to determine who will replace Randy Orton. Long made that match earlier in a meeting with Rhodes & Barrett, who were not digging...........

7. Elimination Chamber Wild Card Battle Royal.

Main eventers need not apply. Mahal, DiBiase, Jackson, Hunico, Camacho, the Usos, the Colons, and others were entered. Otunga was the last man out, escorted as far as the stage by Laurinaitis. Your final four were Otunga, Jackson, Drew McIntyre, & Santino Marella, who led the parade out to the ring in the first place. Among some of the early highlights:

DiBiase eliminated Camacho, then forced Hunico out after he himself was eliminated.

Jackson gained a measure of revenge by eliminating Mahal.

McIntyre scored a number of key eliminations. Fans seemed to be getting behind him.

McIntyre & Jackson were eliminated by Marella, leaving him with Otunga. You had to believe Laurinatis, who'd gone back to the locker room, was hoping Otunga could win, to strengthen his case for taking over Smackdown. Nuh-uh. Marella reversed a whip, and Otunga went over. He lost his balance trying to hold on to the ropes, and dropped off the apron and to the floor, leaving a stunned Santino as the winner!!! Marella celebrated, while Michael Cole acted like he wanted to throw up. A "Viper" (Orton) has been replaced by a "Cobra" (Marella). Go figure!