 Sheamus controls The Miz with a headlock. Excellent opening segment featuring World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan, AJ, and Sheamus. Bryan's power over AJ was hilarious material as always, but Sheamus interrupting and then stating that he'll destroy Bryan at WrestleMania felt bland. This feud has been given very minimal build-up, but at least they were able to get some mic time to further establish the feud. Quick match with Mark Henry dominating R-Truth. This was their first singles encounter, so at least it felt fresh. It's good to see Henry pick up a decisive victory after losing to John Cena on Raw this week, so this helped him get his steam back. Of course the main focus of this bout was to give more build for the Team Laurinaitis vs. Team Teddy match at WrestleMania. Passable match between AJ and Brie Bella that focused more on the relationship between AJ and Bryan more than the match itself. Regardless, it was a nice victory for AJ that will hopefully get her in the Divas Championship picture someday soon. Additionally, I can't say I'm excited for another Bella Twins break-up, as their promo after the match felt meaningless. Good match between Zack Ryder and Jack Swagger that was good while it lasted. These two work well together, so it baffles me to why we didn't get this rematch in a feud over the United States Championship. This bout was effective in giving Ryder his first singles win in months, while giving Swagger the out due to Hornswoggle's distraction at ring-side. Decent match from Kane and Big Show that wasn't as slow as some would think, but it felt more of an extension of what we saw Monday night. Kane has really lost his threatening touch since his return, so his appearance on SmackDown didn't feel special at all. Cody Rhodes' interference in the match was predictable, as well as Randy Orton's post match RKO on Kane. Expect a tag team match between these four next week.  Brodus Clay makes his funky entrance. Typical squash match with Brodus Clay defeating Heath Slater. This bout was a bit longer than what we usually see from Clay given that Slater was able to get in some offense, but it was much of the same. They really need to find some sort of direction for Clay unless he'll be announced as the final member of Team Teddy at WrestleMania.
Throwaway match between The Great Khali and Dolph Ziggler that was an absolute overbooked mess. Ziggler's selling of Khali's mediocre moves was spot-on, but that was the only positive thing I could say about this match. The finish was way too chaotic, and didn't get me anticipating the 12-man tag team match at WrestleMania. Solid tag team match to close the show with WWE Champion CM Punk and Sheamus defeating World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan and The Miz. It was obvious that Miz wasn't winning since he hasn't won a match in months, but at least he looked good in defeat. However, his place in this match seemed a bit random, as was Punk's to an extent. Regardless, this was the highlight of the night that included some enjoyable action. Overall, a meaningless show that provided weak action and very little hype for WrestleMania 28. Sure, it included a ton of build for the Team Teddy vs. Team Johnny match, but none of those matches were effective. Usually, the go-home show for SmackDown going into Mania focuses on Fan Axxess, so I believe this was their last hope of selling feuds on Friday nights going into the event.
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