In the arena, Smackdown GM Booker T was introduced to the ring. As Booker made his way out, Smackdown announcers Josh Mathews and JBL discussed "rumors" regarding the World Title tonight. In the ring, Booker said anything Raw can deliver, they can top on Smackdown. Raw: Cena vs. Ziggler. Tonight: U.S. champion Antonio Cesaro vs. Randy Orton. Raw: The Great One. Tonight: After ten years away, The Rock returns inside this ring. Suddenly, random music played. In an obvious voice-over from Booker after they cut away to a graphic, Booker announced Big Show vs. Alberto Del Rio in a Last Man Standing match for the World Title. Back in the ring, music continued to play over Booker, who said they are about to kick things off. This segment captured how much things changed last-minute at the Smackdown taping.
Big Show then walked out to the ring and complained about Booker T trying to get the title off him. "What's with me as World Hvt. champion?!" Show shouted. "Why, Booker? You need a new hero?" Show said he gets it - the people of Miami will embrace a Latino like Alberto Del Rio. Show said the problem is there are no Latino heroes. There are no Irish heroes nor Latino heroes, and a Viper hero will not stop him.
Show then walked close to Booker and said Booker trying to make a hero is a bad idea. As Show threatened to choke Booker, Alberto Del Rio's music played. Del Rio hit the ring to a mild reaction and dropkicked Show from the ring. The crowd then picked up a "Del-Rio" chant as Show and Del Rio stared each other down. It's Last Man Standing for the World Title tonight. Mathews then plugged a show-long look at great Rock moments before his return.
Rock Retrospective #1: Sept. 13, 2001. Rock tossed Shawn Stasiak over the top rope, then gave him Rock Bottom. That was an odd selection.
Still to come tonight: A Pipe Bomb from C.M. Punk to Rock. And, for the first time ever, it's Orton vs. Cesaro.
[Commercial Break]
Back on Smackdown, a DirecTV blimb floated across the ring as Mathews plugged DirecTV providing tonight's aerial coverage of Smackdown. That's new.
In-ring: Randy Orton was introduced for the opening match. Mathews noted Orton wants to become World champ, and he will have a shot in the Royal Rumble match. U.S. champion Antonio Cesaro was introduced next. As he came out, WWE cut to an inset promo from Cesaro, who declared his entry in the Rumble. He said, unlike Americans looking for a hand-out, he will take what is his.
1 -- U.S. champion ANTONIO CESARO vs. RANDY ORTON -- non-title match
Orton knocked Cesaro to the outside early on. Orton then stood tall in the ring as Smackdown cut to an early break at 1:10.
[Commercial Break]
Smackdown returned with Cesaro in control of the action as Mathews noted they are anticipating The Rock's return later in the show. Orton tried to mount a comeback, but Cesaro ran him over with a clothesline for a two count. Cesaro followed with a power sidewinder slam for another nearfall. Cesaro then ran into a clothesline from Orton, who made his comeback. Orton wanted slam, but Cesaro chucked him into the air for a huge European Uppercut, but it only resulted in a two count.
At 9:00, Cesaro missed wildly with a clothesline, allowing Orton to nail a backbreaker. Orton then stalked Cesaro for his trademark second-rope DDT and connected. Orton decided it was time to finish the match with an RKO, but The Shield hit the ring and attacked Orton, causing the bell to sound for a DQ.
Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, and Roman Reigns put the boots to Orton as JBL speculated on what injustice Shield saw in this match. Reigns got himself fired up, then waited for his cue to deliver a triple powerbomb to Orton. Reigns screamed in Orton's face, then Rollins and Ambrose declared their presence. "I'm not sure what these guys want, but I don't think anyone can stop them," JBL said. Smackdown faded to commercial with Shield standing tall over Orton.
WINNER: Orton via DQ at 9:40.
[Commercial Break]
Jan. 11, 1993: Monday Night Raw kicked off 20 years ago today. This Monday on Raw, WWE celebrates 20 years of Raw. Plus, The Rock returns. WWE announced that Rock will have a Rock Concertn during Raw.
Moments Ago: The Shield took out Randy Orton. At the announce position, JBL said Shield is trying to make a name for themselves, but if Mathews wants to find out a motive, then go ask them. Mathews transitioned to announcing Show vs. Del Rio in a Last Man Standing match tonight.
Backstage: Matt Striker was standing by with 3MB. Striker noted all three men have announced their Rumble entry. Drew McIntyre said the Rumble match has officially been added to their World Tour. Heath Slater said his mom says they have a 10 percent chance of winning Rumble. But, first, they have Sheamus to deal with tonight. Jinder Mahal said what Sheamus pulled on Raw was...way out of tune.
Announcers: Striker asked JBL if 3MB has a chance to win the Rumble. JBL: "No." Mathews laughed. "No!" JBL said. Mathews then transitioned to Rock vs. Punk for the WWE Title at the Rumble PPV.
Earlier Today: Mathews said C.M. Punk and Paul Heyman were in Miami with a direct message for Rock. WWE cut to SunLife Stadium, home of WrestleMania 28. Punk said this also happens to be home of the U. of Miami football team. Punk said everyone expects him to ruin Rock's homecoming, but that's not the truth. Punk said he's actually a huge fan of Rock's, including his college football career.
Punk pulled out a Hurricanes jersey with JOHNSON on the back. Punk put on Rock's jersey, then noted Rock didn't play at SunLife, but at the Orange Bowl. But, they tore that place down. "They laid the smack down to it," Heyman echoed. Punk said it's a great metaphor because the WWE that Rock lived is gone and this WWE is his. Punk told Rock to remember that when they step in the ring in the Rumble. Punk said WWE is trumpeting Rock's return to Smackdown, but the truth is Rock can never go home. The camera zoomed in tight on Punk as he glared into the camera.
In-ring: Dolph Ziggler's music played to bring out Ziggler, A.J. Lee, and Big E. Langston. It's mixed tag action for Ziggler and A.J. up next.
[Commercial Break]
Locker Room: Matt Striker interrupted Del Rio and Ricardo Rodriguez mid-conversation to get Del Rio's thoughts on Big Show tonight. Del Rio said Big Show is a bully and he doesn't know anything about the Latino community. So, tonight, Show will get a perfect picture of what La Familia means. Del Rio said the Last Man Standing in the ring tonight will be the new World Hvt. champion. As Del Rio paused to let his final words soak in, there was booing in the background. Odd editing.
2 -- DOLPH ZIGGLER & A.J. LEE (w/Big E. Langston) vs. GREAT KHALI & NATALYA -- mixed tag match
Khali and Natalya were in the ring following Del Rio's interview. Khali started the match and chopped away at Ziggler. Khali then clotheslined Ziggler before taunting the man. Khali wanted The Chop, but Ziggler fell to the mat and rolled over to A.J. for a tag. This brought in A.J., who skipped around Khali before hopping on his back. But, Natalya yanked her down, then punished her. A.J. proceeded to bite her way out of a mathold. JBL called her Michelle Tyson. A.J., after freaking out Natalya, delivered a reverse DDT finisher for the pin and the win.
Post-match: Khali tried to enter the ring to check on Natalya, but Big E. slammed him to the mat. Ziggler followed with a Zig-Zag that Khali tried to sell. Suddenly, Hornswoggle found himself in the ring. Big E. taunted the crowd with unspeakable harm to Swoggle before kind of licking his lips and smiling at Swoggle. Big E. followed with his finisher to Swoggle.
WINNERS: A.J. & Ziggler at 2:45. Apparently Big E.'s gimmick is that he's a strange monster?
Earlier Today: Back to Punk and Heyman in SunLife Stadium. Punk said Rock had a cute reference to Punk's time being up on Raw, but Rock can't save himself or The People. Punk said the fans can rot in hell because he's the Best in the World. Punk, slowly walking from the endzone toward mid-field with Heyman behind him, talked more trash before Heyman spoke up.
Heyman said Rock is deceiving himself thinking that he's going to be the Conquering Hero riding into town at the Rumble, then riding into WrestleMania as WWE champion. Heyman said they do not share Rock's vision because in the era of C.M. Punk, it doesn't matter what your vision is. Punk then removed the Canes jersey, wadded it up, and dropped it on the 25 yardline. The camera focused on the jersey to end the segment.
Up Next: The Rock returns home to Smackdown.
Rock Retrospective #2: 1999 for Rock 'n Sock Connection.
[Commercial Break]
The Rock Return Segment
Back from break, The Rock's music played to a huge response. Rock slowly walked out on-stage and cocked an eyebrow toward the crowd, paused, then went back and forth on-stage as Lilian Garcia formally introduced him. Rock then bounced to the ring and posed for the crowd as JBL noted Rock is a billion-dollar box-office hit and multi-time WWE champion. Rock posed in the ring and tried to catch his breath before flashing the Hurricanes's hand signal toward the crowd.
After Rock's music stopped, the crowd picked up a "Rocky, Rocky" chant before Rock paused to listen to the crowd. Rock made them wait for his first words, drawing more chants and cheers. Rock pointed to the goosebumps on his arm before declaring, "Finally, The Rock has come back...pause...wait for it...eyebrow...eyes to the ceiling...home."
Rock said they have a very special show tonight. He said it's a special night and he wants the crowd to do something tonight. Rock pointed out Flo Rida in the crowd, drawing applause. Rock then noted he is back on his show tonight in front of his hometown. So, he's excited. How excited? Rock wanted to continue what he did on Raw, where he dropped a Rock Bottom and People's Elbow. So, he's quite disappointed that Punk decided not to show up. "Cookie Puss" chant followed.
Rock said Punk wants to run Rock, Miami, and the U. down, but on that campus, he formed a brotherhood with Warren Sapp and Ray Lewis. Rock said they learned about sacrifice and commitment. He said everything he accomplished all started here in Miami. Rock said home for Rock is at the Royal Rumble when he kicks Punk's "cookie puss ass" and becomes WWE champion.
But, since Punk didn't want to show up tonight, he wants to have some fun tonight. Suddenly, Damien Sandow's music interrupted at the top of the second hour to bring out Sandow and Cody Rhodes. Rhodes Scholars slowly made their way out to the ring, making Rock wait for their arrival.
Once in the ring, Sandow spoke first. He asked Rock for a moment, then introduced himself as Damien Sandow and the intellectual savior of the unwashed masses. Sandow said this is his tag partner and best friend, The Essence of Mustachioed Magnificence, Cody Rhodes. Sandow said they are out here not just to help Rock, but to correct him. Rhodes said Rock is not to become champion, but they will. So, they do not think Rock deserves this time. Cody told Rock to get out of this ring before he doesn't have any choice. Rock shot him a look of, "Are you serious?" then approached the ropes.
Rock paused, then said he wants to get this straight. Channeling Stone Cold's "What?" routine, Rock said they sauntered down this ramp, got in the People's Ring, on the People's Show, Smackdown, dressed like this, with a caterpillar on your mouth? "Sweet tap-dancing Jesus, what is on your face?" Rock asked Rhodes. Rhodes sold shock, then declared himself an adult and said if he wants to grow a mustache, then he will grow a mustache.
Sandow calmed this down, then offered a wager. Sandow noted his futile attempt to find an apprentice, then offered Rock a chance to stay in the ring, or else leave the ring. Rock told Sandow to read the shirt: "Just Bring It!" Rhodes said he's not sure if Rock can answer the three questions, though. "He did go to Miami," Rhodes said to boos.
Question #1... Silence! Sandow waited out boos. He continued. Sandow asked who the 19th president of the U.S. was, to which Rock replied is an answer that has never been uttered on Smackdown. "Rutherford B. Hayes...b----." Sandow was aghast at this answer. Sandow said that is not what the "B" stands for, but he's correct.
Question #2 from Rhodes this time. Which film won the Academy Award for Best Pic in 1993? Rock quipped to a cat-caller, "No, not the Tooth Fairy." Rock answered Schindler's List, which surprised Rhodes. Rock then told Rhodes he should know something about lists since he spends 20 hours per day on Craig's List, drawing laughs for the creepy mustache reference. He pointed out Lilian Garcia ringside and told her not to worry, and she can put the pepper-spray away.
Question #3...Rock interrupted before Sandow could ask the final question. Rock said if Sandow wins, then he will get an amazing prize from him and Miami. Rock asked what happens when you combine a geological aggregate of minerals with its lowest form. Sandow laughed to himself and confidently answered, "Rock Bottom." Rock replied, "Exactly," then delivered his finisher to Sandow, popping the crowd.
Rhodes was alone in the ring now. Rhodes then got tough and bounced up and down before removing his ring jacket and saying, "Let's do it!" Rhodes then charged Rock, who dropped him with Rock Bottom. Rock then delivered an emphatic and perfectly-timed People's Elbow to the chest. After dumping Rhodes to the floor, Rock grabbed the mic and signed off, "If you smell what The Rock is cooking." Rock, breathing heavily, then hopped on the turnbuckles and posed for the crowd before staring down at his victims. Mathews declared it quite the moment before sending Smackdown to break.
[Commercial Break]
Back to the DirecTV Blimp providing aerial coverage of Smackdown from Miami. In the arena, Mathews said they just watched The Rock's homecoming. And, in the ring for the comedown segment was 3MB. Sheamus was then introduced for what is apparently a handicap match against the entire group. As Sheamus made his entrance, Mathews plugged 2013 WWE Hall of Fame tickets going on-sale tomorrow.
3 -- SHEAMUS vs. 3MB (HEATH SLATER & DREW MCINTYRE & JINDER MAHAL) -- handicap match
Sheamus finished off Slater in less than a minute as McIntyre and Mahal stood on the outside, not wanting a piece of Sheamus. Post-match, WWE replayed Sheamus's easy, edited-down victory.
WINNER: Sheamus at 0:46. If this show needed to be trimmed down for time, then presenting a quick squash for Sheamus isn't a bad idea.
Up Next: WWE tag champions Daniel Bryan and Kane in tag action.
[Commercial Break]
In-ring: The Prime Time Players were in the ring back from break. Kane's pyro then shot off to bring out the tag champions together. As Bryan waved "No!" toward the crowd, Mathews wondered aloud if there is a chink in the armor of the tag champs. After a replay of Rhodes Scholars injuring D-Bryan's knee on Raw, the bell sounded to begin this match.
4 -- WWE tag champions DANIEL BRYAN & KANE vs. PRIME TIME PLAYERS (TITUS O'NEIL & DARREN YOUNG) -- non-title match
Bryan and D-Young started things off in an NXT1 flashback. As they locked up, Mathews noted Vickie Guerrero has ordered an evaluation of Kane and Bryan from Dr. Shelby on Monday's Raw. Titus then entered and ate a boot to the mouth from Bryan.
Tags all-around to Kane and D-Young, who accepted uppercuts from Kane. Kane delivered a sidewalk slam, but D-Young came back with a slingshot across the top-rope. But, Kane dropped him with an uppercut, then stalked him for a chokeslam. Titus broke it up, though. Bryan then came flying out of nowhere with a double knee to both Players. Kane chokeslammed D-Young, and it was good for the pin and the win. Kane and "The Dazzler" Daniel Bryan then posed in the ring after their win.
WINNERS: Kane & Bryan at 2:20.
Up Next: It's Big Show vs. Del Rio for the World Title.
[Commercial Break]
This Monday: a "huge celebration" commemorating 20 years of Raw from Houston. ... Back on Smackdown, Mathews announced Eve vs. Kaitlyn in a Divas Title re-match in Kaitlyn's hometown.
Earlier Tonight: Big Show threatened Smackdown GM Booker T, but Del Rio made the save to set up tonight's World Title main event.
In-ring: Lilian Garcia formally introduced a Last Man Standing match for the World Title. Big Show was introduced first, and he was not in a good mood after finding out earlier tonight that he would have to defend his title tonight. Once he entered the ring, Show held up his World Title belt and flashed it to the crowd.
Royal Rumble video: The Rock is back to challenge for the WWE Title.
[Commercial Break. The local ad for Raw in Houston on Monday focused on The Rock returning to Houston for the first time in over 10 years.]
Ringside: Alberto Del Rio was introduced in his Car of the Week sponsored by Gulf. Del Rio then marched to the ring with eyes locked on Big Show. No Ricardo Rodriguez with the formal ring introduction. Ricardo then appeared ringside to provide a formal ring intro for Del Rio, shifting his cadence to make Del Rio's name more sing-songy for the crowd. Lilian Garcia formally introduced Big Show, ref Chioda held up the World Title belt, and the bell sounded 20 minutes before the top of the hour.
5 -- World Hvt. champion BIG SHOW vs. ALBERTO DEL RIO -- World Title match -- Last Man Standing match
Del Rio tried to get after Show early on with kicks, but Show shook him off. "Come on, Pedro!" Show taunted. Show then brushed aside an angry attack and went under the ring to retrieve a table. Show set up the table ringside as the crowd chanted, "We Want Tables." Show then casually bodyslammed Del Rio through the table, giving the crowd what they thought they wanted. This all in the first 1:30 of the match. Del Rio made it to his feet at seven, though, avoiding a ten-count. JBL said it's going to be a long night for Del Rio.
For his next trick, Show retrieved a chair. Show tossed Del Rio back into the ring, then brought the chair into the ring. Del Rio kicked the chair away, though, before blasting Show across the back with the chair. Another chair shot to the back. And, another. But, Show refused to go down. Del Rio then shouted something toward the crowd and teased a cross arm-breaker, but Show lifted Del Rio into the air. Del Rio hold on, though, and yanked Show's across the top rope, keeping it locked on since there's no DQ in this match. Show then regrouped and flung Del Rio down to the floor to break the hold. The ref began counting Del Rio, but Del Rio reached his feet in-time. Smackdown cut to break at 4:50.
[Commercial Break]
Back from break, Del Rio was shown kicking Show on the outside. Del Rio then ran Show shoulder-first into the ringpost. But, Show brushed it off and rolled Del Rio back into the ring. Show then went looking under the ring and found another table to his liking. Show slid it into the ring, then slowly re-entered the ring. Show then slowly placed the table in the corner as Del Rio blasted him from behind. Del Rio then knocked Show through the table, drawing Tie-Dye Guy out of his seat in the background.
Del Rio tried to follow with a sleeperhold to put Show on the mat, but Show unlatched Del Rio's hands and tossed him to the mat. Del Rio got up and tried to land blows to Show, but Show wouldn't go down. Show had enough and threw Del Rio into the corner, but walked right into a Del Rio boot. But, Show delivered a monster chokeslam in response. Show declared the match over, but Del Rio reached his feet at eight. Show, stunned, knocked Del Rio to the outside.
On the outside, Show stalked Del Rio, who stumbled across the ringside area. Show then pushed Del Rio through the gimmicked ringside barricade in front of the timekeeper, sending Del Rio to the ground. Del Rio struggled to his feet, but reached his feet at nine. Show, frustrated, rolled Del Rio back into the ring, then re-assessed the situation. Show wanted the KO Punch and delivered it. Show then trash-talked some fans as the ref administered a ten-count. Del Rio showed life at six, then slowly rolled out of the ring and used the ring apron to hold his body up, stopping the count. "He's not really up, but he is," Mathews said.
At 15:30, JBL encouraged Ricardo Rodriguez to throw in the towel for his friend. He said the ref needs to call the match before Show picked up steel steps and tried to take Del Rio's head off with the steps, but Del Rio ducked. The steps bounced back into Show's face, then he walked around the ringside area selling the effects. Del Rio added to Show's pain with ring steps to the face, then to the shoulders, then to the shoulders again. The third shot put Show on the ground next to the announce table. Del Rio then grabbed the announce table, grunted, and tipped it over on top of Show. JBL freaked out as Show disappeared underneath the table. The ref began his count as Del Rio remained on the ground, too. Del Rio was up at eight, then the ref hit nine, JBL said this is over, and the ref hit ten to award Del Rio the win. "Unbelievable!" JBL said as one fan in the crowd stood shocked, trying to process what happened.
Post-match, Ricardo excitedly declared Del Rio the new World Hvt. champion as Del Rio accepted the title belt. JBL said Del Rio survived two KO Punches and Big Show, and now Mexico is going to party tonight. Del Rio continued to celebrate in the ring before WWE showed Big Show still underneath the table. WWE cut to a replay of Del Rio surviving a ten-count on a technicality by using the ring apron to hold his body up before showing Del Rio dumping the table on top of Show to finally secure victory. Back to a live shot of Del Rio in the crowd celebrating with Ricardo and the fans, who were excited to be on TV. Mathews congratulated Del Rio as Smackdown signed off.
WINNER: Del Rio at 17:55 to capture the World Hvt. Title. Thrilling main event, but the Del Rio face turn still feels too manufactured to have legs to it. It will be interesting to see (a) whether Del Rio will actually catch on as face champ, (b) if Del Rio holds the title until Mania, and (c) how this title change affects the rest of the Smackdown roster, especially Sheamus, who lost three title matches to Big Show at the end of 2012 before Del Rio swooped in to capture the World Title.