WWE SmackDown continues. Now we see Kurt Angle. He talks about how he used to run SmackDown and lists some of the big names he’s worked with, and plugs Edge and Orton’s upcoming match. But now he talks about the next upcoming superstar on SmackDown, the guy he saw for himself as a guest referee in his final NXT match – Matt Riddle! We see a vignette of him and even just listening to the voiceover I can tell he’s reading from a script for maybe the first time ever. Sheamus backstage takes exception to Matt Riddle’s hype, just like he did with Jeff Hardy. Says while Jeff Hardy and Matt Riddle get all the hype, he gets results. That’s why he’ll enjoy Brogue Kicking Daniel Bryan’s face one more time tonight.
Sheamus says the Intercontinental title is the only title he’s never won and he won’t let a little rat like AJ or Bryan keep him from becoming the grand slam champion. Threatens to leave a trail of bodies in his wake. Bryan confronts him and Sheamus tries to punk him out, Bryan just kicks him in the shin and walks off laughing as Sheamus is hopping on one foot like a goofball.
Hilariously there’s no actual segment building up the Universal title program this week, instead we just see a replay of last week’s events and it’s announced that Miz and Morrison have some kind of message in store for him next week.
WWE Intercontinental Championship Semi-Final: Daniel Bryan vs. Sheamus
Bryan takes Sheamus to the mat swiftly. Sheamus fights up, takes him into the corner, big arm drag! Kick to the shoulder. Wants a facelock, Bryan fights it but Sheamus wrestles him to his knees. Arm wringer and fishhook. Bryan fights back to his feet, takes him into the corner for a series of roundhouse kicks and uppercuts! Sheamus fires back with a charging clothesline! Stomps him into the mat! Pulls him to his feet, short uppercut! Clubbering blow! Grinds his nose as he holds him down. Batters him in the corner, whip to the opposite corner, Bryan with a floatover, hits the ropes, flying forearm! Back body drop takes him to the floor, suicide dive nailed and Sheamus goes headfirst into the barrier! Commercial break.
We come back to see Sheamus backing Bryan into a corner and driving elbow after elbow into his face! Slowly he takes him to the mat, nails him with knee drops. Charging knee lift takes him to the floor, Sheamus pursues and tosses him into the barricade! Sheamus trying to get Cole into the “Yes” chant. Crowd says “No”. Sheamus rolls Bryan into the ring, goes up top and hits a flying clothesline for a nearfall! Bryan trying to fight back but an Irish Curse stops that! Cloverleaf cinched in now, they remembered this finisher! Bryan crawls over and grabs the bottom rope for the break!
Sheamus tries to set up Ten Beats of the Bowery but Bryan fights out with elbows, rushes over the to the top rope but Sheamus cuts him off! Pursues him up there, hooks for a superplex! Bryan blocks though. Headbutt takes Sheamus to the mat! Missile Dropkick! Bryan with the Yes Kicks! Sheamus ducks one, pulls him up for White Noise but Bryan with a crucifix counter for a nearfall! Pounding on him with elbows but Sheamus powers up to his feet and keeps him on his shoulders – White Noise! Nearfall! Sheamus pounds his chest for the Brogue – but somehow Jeff Hardy is here coming down the ramp! Off the distraction, Daniel Bryan hits the Buisaku Knee for the win!
Winner: Daniel Bryan
Man he posted bail fast huh? Jeff rushes into the ring to brawl and leaves Sheamus laying!
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