WWE will broadcast a Smackdown live special tonight on SyFy at 7pm C/8pm E with a Champion vs. Champion match between World Champion Daniel Bryan and WWE Champion CM Punk. Here is a preview of this broadcast.
Internet wrestling fans will be rejoicing tonight when the two biggest independent wrestling stars make it in WWE, clash tonight on national TV as the two top Champions in Pro Wrestling. Daniel Bryan and CM Punk have history as the two came up from the independent scene where the two future champions battled in Ring of Honor and IWA-Mid South. Check out highlights of Daniel Bryan (then wrestling under his real name Bryan Danielson) battling CM Punk in the 2004 Ted Petty Invitational Tournament in the video posted with this article.
This is not the first time the two men have met in the WWE ring. Bryan defeated Punk via disqualification on the January 30th episode of WWE RAW when Chris Jericho interfered in a match that had fans roaring in Kansas City. Since both Bryan and Punk pride themselves on outperforming the rest of the roster, look for this to be a hard-hitting and pulse-pounding match with both men laying into each other. It has the potential to surprass recent TV matches from WWE RAW and Smackdown, especially with Wresltmania just six weeks away and both men trying to proove they are the ‘best in the world’.
The unfortunate expectation about ‘Champion vs. Champion’ matches is they usually end in a DQ or dirty finish so the loser’s status can still be protected. With an angry and vindictive Randy Orton waiting in the wings and 2012 Royal Rumble winner Sheamus waiting for their Wrestlemania title match, the odds are against Bryan winning this TV main event or escaping an a run-in attack.
Randy Orton could appear on tonight’s Smackdown after being removed this past Sunday’s Elimination Chamber Pay Per View due to a concussion he suffered on the Febuary 13th edition of WWE RAW. Orton was on last Friday’s Smackdown where General Manager Teddy Long told him he would not be medically cleared to compete in the violent Chamber match, which eventually ended with Bryan retaining the title. The Viper is known for not controlling his anger, so if his medical suspension is clear then expect him to be on the prowl for World Heavyweight Champion.
The Big Show made a big deal in the last few months about chasing the World Championship only to fall short or be cheated out of his satisfying victory. Tonight’s live Smackdown could have a very mad giant venting his frustrations out on the SD roster. Former NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal announced this weekend at an awards show that he’s wrestling at Wrestlemania 28, and all the rumors point to the Big Show as his opponent. Could Show call out Shaq tonight on SyFy?
Smackdown GM Teddy Long is facing a hostile takeover attempt by RAW GM John Laurinitis. ‘Johnny Ace’ made his intentions clear on Sunday’s Elimination Chamber and this past Monday’s RAW that he wants to take over the GM role on Smackdown and oversee both WWE brands. Long responded that he will not let that happen, and furthermore that he also intends to take on the RAW General Manager position. Overall the storyline looks to weave in a devisive split of superstars from RAW and Smackdown who will pick a side in this lackluster battle, with the fans showing lukewarm interest in this angle. It’s odd timing for WWE to have this ‘brand unification’ angle starting now with the all important Wresltemania 28 just six weeks away. On Smackdown this week, Long will get the momentum in his favor with his home field advantage in match-making.
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