A name most famous in its WCW days before it became a WWE Pay-Per-View for some few recent years, it was time to bring back “The Great American Bash†again, this time as yet another themed “Super Smackdown†live special.
It was exactly what you would expect from WWE TV lately, as it featured plenty of patriotism, campy comedy and more of the awesomeness that is A.J. Lee.
WWE can do no wrong with A.J., C.M. Punk and Daniel Bryan, as it remains the most interesting storyline and it got some more of the spotlight, just like on Raw.
MATCHES
1) The Great Khali/Layla vs. Antonio Cesaro/Aksana: This less-than-appealing mixed tag was the brainchild of GM Teddy Long. This was a short one thankfully, which ended with a vicious neckbreaker by Layla on Aksana for the pin. Yawn.
2) Cody Rhodes vs. Christian (World Heavyweight Championship Money in the Bank Qualifier): Rhodes was given a second chance by the WWE Board of Directors to qualify for the Money in the Bank. However, the Board of Directors also allowed Teddy to choose Rhodes’ opponent. That’s where Christian came in. A pretty fun back-and-forth match with high spots aplenty. In the end, Christian attempted the Kill Switch, but Rhodes countered into the Cross Rhodes to get the win. Rhodes adds some nice intrigue to the already talent-packed Money in the Bank match.
3) Alex Riley vs. Dolph Ziggler (World Heavyweight Championship Money in the Bank Qualifier): Riley almost pulled off an upset in the first seconds, but Ziggler kicked out. Riley put in some more good offense surprisingly, but it was Ziggler who came out victorious. Ziggler now has to be the favorite to win, as Sheamus and Ziggler is a money feud.
4) Santino Marella/Sgt. Slaughter/Hacksaw Jim Duggan vs. Hunico/Epico/Drew McIntyre: More patriotism. The legends did their thing and Santino won with a Cobra Strike. July 4th filler.
5) Curt Hawkins vs. Ryback: Another Ryback squash, but at least it’s not a no-name jobber this time. Perhaps Ryback has graduated to the lower card.
6) Great American Bash Battle Royal: In a Battle Royal that featured the likes of John Cena, Kane, Jack Swagger, CM Punk and Daniel Bryan, it was an all-out free-for-all for GM control of next week’s Smackdown. It came down to Zack Ryder and Kane as the final two, certainly no stranger to each other. As a pleasant surprise, Ryder emerged the winner and will now be next week’s Smackdown GM. Nobody knows what Ryder will have in mind as it’s a nice hook to tune in for next week.
Final Thoughts: The show’s obvious highlights included Cody Rhodes and Dolph Ziggler added to the World Heavyweight Championship Money in the Bank, the stellar segment with A.J., C.M. Punk and Daniel Bryan as she did more to brilliantly confuse both men (and everybody else) and the Battle Royal, which really woke up the crowd and was well-done. Who knew Ryder would win? Other than that, there was nothing too groundbreaking here, just some more filler TV.
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