SmackDown: June 3, 2011

DES MOINES, Iowa – Once again, Christian thrust himself into the limelight, costing Sheamus his World Title opportunity before making a powerful statement to World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton.  

World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton def. Sheamus (WATCH | PHOTOS)
From the start of the World Heavyweight Championship Match between Randy Orton and Sheamus, it looked as if special guest referee Christian would call things right down the middle. However, in WWE, things can change just like that.

When Sheamus inadvertently ran into Captain Charisma and attempted to pin WWE’s Apex Predator, Christian failed to finish the three-count – clutching his arm in apparent pain. But, after a frustrated Celtic Warrior shoved Christian, the temporary official blasted him with his supposed injured arm, paving the way for the reinvigorated Orton to hit the RKO and successfully defend his title.

Then, as the eight-time World Champion celebrated his triumph, Christian stunned the WWE Universe, smashing Orton with the World Title before shouting at his prey that “he can beat him.”   

Daniel Bryan def. Ted DiBiase (WATCH | PHOTOS) 
In an intense battle, Daniel Bryan overcame Ted DiBiase with the Lebell Lock, grabbing his second victory in as many weeks. Immediately after the pin, however, the extremely bitter Cody Rhodes attacked Bryan. This inspired the international sensation Sin Cara to leap to the rescue, using his logic-defying arsenal to clear the squared circle of both Rhodes and DiBiase. 

Ezekiel Jackson def. Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett in an Intercontinental Championship Match by Count-out (WATCH | PHOTOS) 
Barely escaping Ezekiel Jackson’s submission backbreaker, Wade Barrett held onto the Intercontinental Title by getting counted-out of the match. When The Corre stormed into the ring for a post-match attack, the English Superstar pulled back, leaving Heath Slater and Justin Gabriel to feel the full wrath of “The Personification of Domination.” 

Jinder Mahal def. Yoshi Tatsu (WATCH | PHOTOS) 
In his debut SmackDown match, Jinder Mahal overcame Yoshi Tatsu with a brutal full nelson, suplex slam. After the bell, he instructed The Punjabi Warrior to crush his opponent with the excruciating Khali Vise Grip. 

Cody Rhodes denied losing to Daniel Bryan (WATCH | PHOTOS) 
One week after Daniel Bryan made him tap to the Lebell Lock, Cody Rhodes dismissed the idea that Bryan defeated him at all. As his bagmen handed out paper bags to the WWE Universe in the hopes that they might cover their faces, Rhodes cited that he left Byran flat on the canvas after a brutal post-match assault. He predicted that one day soon, his adversary – who “oozes ordinary” – will be watching him win the World Heavyweight Title from the crowd with a paper bag on his head.  

Alicia Fox & Tamina def. A.J. & Kaitlyn (WATCH | PHOTOS)
Despite another valiant effort by the explosive Diva combination of A.J. and Kaitlyn – backed by third-generation Diva Natalya – Tamina snatched the victory for Alicia Fox and herself, hitting A.J. with the Samoan Drop.

Christian def. Mark Henry (WATCH | PHOTOS)
One week after coming up short in a Triple Threat No. 1 Contender’s Match, Christian triumphed over The World’s Strongest Man Mark Henry with the Killswitch.

Addressing the WWE Universe after the match, Christian made it clear that he didn’t blame the referee or anybody else for what happened to him one week ago. But, he did make it clear that he should be facing Randy Orton for the World Heavyweight Championship instead of Sheamus. When SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long emerged, Captain Charisma took a play from the GM’s book, asking the WWE Universe if they would rather see The Viper face him or The Celtic Warrior – or even a Triple Threat Match between the three explosive Superstars. Although Long wouldn’t oblige his appeals, he opted to make Christian the Special Guest Referee in the World Title main event. (PHOTOS)

MATCHES

• Christian def. Mark Henry
• Alicia Fox & Tamina def. A.J. & Kaitlyn
• Jinder Mahal def. Yoshi Tatsu
• Ezekiel Jackson def. Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett in an Intercontinental Championship Match (Count-out)
• Daniel Bryan def. Ted DiBiase 
• World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton def. Sheamus