7/1/11 Smackdown

Ratings:
Randy Orton vs. Mark Henry: *

Daniel Bryan vs. Ted DiBiase: ***1/4

Christian vs. Sin Cara: ***

Cody Rhodes vs. Ezekiel Jackson: *1/4

Kane vs. Wade Barrett: **1/2
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Reviews/Thoughts:
Randy Orton vs. Mark Henry kicks off the show, and Christian is banned from ringside. Naturally, Cole goes berserk on how bad a decision that was from Long. Big Show's music plays to distract Henry. RKO on the outside, and Orton wins by countout. Lame. Henry takes out his frustrations on the sound guy (probably a stuntman or a wrestler). He flung the poor guy pretty far. Henry takes out the sound boards too. That was awesome.

Big Show and Hornswoggle MITB promotion with Big Show telling stories? Horrible. Play highlights of previous MITB matches instead.

Since the sound guy and  the equipment was taken out by Henry, no music for Daniel Bryan or Ted DiBiase. Great match here, and DB sold the shoulder very well. Nice submission win for DB -- and it wasn't the LeBell Lock! Nice showing of DB and his versatility.

Christian says the contract signing between him and Orton will take place tonight. Long says Christian must first face Sin Cara. Should be good.

Rhodes basically chews DiBiase out for losing.

Meanwhile, nice feature on Jinder Mahal about him being able to influence Khali. I liked Ranjin Singh's promo here, combining storyline (feud between Mahals and Khalis that evokes a familial tie) and Khali's real-life popularity with the Punjabi population.

Another nice video package on Sin Cara. I must say, the fans really love this guy, so WWE is doing something right.

Smackdown MITB match announced. Sin Cara obviously in it, along with Kane, Cody Rhodes, Daniel Bryan, Wade Barrett, Sheamus, Heath Slater, and Justin Gabriel. I'd think Barrett and Rhodes should be the odds-on favorites to win, but Kane and Sheamus actually have a shot in this one, I'd say. Don't bet on Sin Cara, Bryan, Slater, or Gabriel to win.

We have the entrance music back for all the superstars, as a note.

Sin Cara really frustrated Christian early on with his acrobatics. I really enjoyed this match as well. Christian is on a major roll with great match after great match.

Cody took on Big Zeke. Average match here that makes Rhodes look strong. Poor DiBiase is just a pawn in all this.

Johnny Curtis has another segment. I don't care.

Kane took on Barrett in another matchup of MITB participants. I can't stand Michael Cole's voice. What the...Kane did a cross-body? That's new. Very nice match here between two big guys.

Contract signing is basically the main event tonight. Long introduces Christian and Orton. Good war of words between Christian and Orton. Contract signed, and then Sheamus beats Orton up. Sheamus even gets to Christian. Good job to elevate Sheamus...is this a foreshadowing of who wins the Smackdown MITB?