Alberto Del Rio granted the right to pick World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus’ SmackDown opponent

BATON ROUGE, La. – Sixteen days before No Way Out, the first SmackDown WWE Title Match in four years, between WWE Champion CM Punk and Kane, ended in a brutal No Contest – thanks to the devious interference of Daniel Bryan. While the action was chaotic from start to finish, it paled in comparison to the incredible pay-per-view announcement that would come moments later.

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World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus opened SmackDown, justifying his attack on his new No. 1 contender Alberto Del Rio one week ago and declaring that at No Way Out, he would not kiss the backside of his extravagant challenger — like so many do — but would instead kick it. ( MATCH PREVIEW) After making it clear that money will not be able to buy Del Rio the World Title, The Celtic Warrior was interrupted by John Laurinaitis' legal counsel, David Otunga, who once again ordered an apology from the Irish Superstar for shoving the General Manager of both Raw and SmackDown on the May 21 edition of Raw.

As The Great White refused to comply with that directive, Del Rio joined the party — giving his opinion that Sheamus will, in fact, be very sorry when The Mexican Aristocrat captures his championship gold at No Way Out. Otunga, in turn, revealed that Big Johnny authorized him to let the champion’s pay-per-view adversary choose who Sheamus would take on later on SmackDown.

In light of that news, The Celtic Warrior opted to apologize after all, not for pushing “Mr. Excitement” but for the earth-shattering Brogue Kick he would lay on Otunga seconds later. Putting the exclamation of his action, Sheamus warned a retreating Del Rio to never trust a “hooligan.”

Sin Cara def. Heath Slater

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Returning from the injury he suffered seven months ago at the 2011 Survivor Series, the mysterious Sin Cara thundered his way back onto Friday nights – decked out in red, yellow and white ring gear. Looking to lay the high-flying SmackDown on Heath Slater, the “faceless” Superstar used his incredible acrobatic style to secure his comeback victory in explosive fashion.

Brace yourself SmackDown, the gravity-defying Sin Cara is definitely back and more explosive than ever!

Sin Cara makes an impressive return to SmackDown.

Damien Sandow def. Ezekiel Jackson

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Once again refusing to compete against what he labeled another “ignoramus,” the self-professed “Intellectual Savior of the Unwashed Masses” Damien Sandow started to make his exit from the ring — even though the bell, signaling the beginning of the match, had already sounded. His retreat was blocked by his opponent, Ezekiel Jackson.

Though the powerful Superstar introduced his educated foe to a painful offense, the unexpected aggressive side of the “Protector of Decency” quickly took over, as Sandow unleashed a superior pugilistic display before hurling The Personification of Domination to the canvas for another impressive win.

With a smug smile on his face, Sandow then executed a post-match cartwheel in honor of his sound triumph. "You're welcome."

Ezekiel Jackson is the latest WWE Superstar to face "The Intellectual Savior of the Masses," Damien Sandow.

Ryback def. two athletes in a 2-on-1 Handicap Match

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It seems that one opponent is no longer enough for Ryback. For the second week in a row, the ultra-intense competitor destroyed two athletes — a talkative combination that possessed the supposed "advantage" of not having to tag in and out during the match.

After using a barrage of absolutely earth-shattering maneuvers to lay the outmatched duo to waste, Ryback executed his Shell Shocked finisher on both unfortunate athletes at the same time for another one-sided triumph.

Ryback continues his dominance on SmackDown against two opponents at the same time.

World Heavyweight Sheamus def. Dolph Ziggler

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At the beginning of SmackDown, Alberto Del Rio was given the right to choose World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus' opponent for the night — just 16 days before he will challenge The Great White for the title at No Way Out. Later, while The Mexican Aristocrat was attempting to determine his selection, Dolph Ziggler volunteered — determined to establish his own elite status in the squared circle. Seeing the passion in The Showoff’s eyes, the No. 1 contender was more than happy to grant his wish.

Prior to the match-up Vickie Guerrero emerged before the WWE Universe, attempting to reveal the “special arrangement” she had made for the night. However, before she could, she was swiftly interrupted by Ziggler himself. Without breaking stride, the bleach blond Superstar grabbed her microphone and made the profound statement, “Tonight, I beat the World Heavyweight Champion.”

But despite his unrelenting resolve, it was not to be. In the heart of the heated battle between The Showoff and The Celtic Warrior, Jack Swagger’s, perhaps unwelcome, attempt to help Ziggler overcome The Great White fell short. This opened the door for the World Heavyweight Champion to take advantage and overcome his opponent’s tremendous efforts with the Brogue Kick.

World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus clashes with Dolph Ziggler on SmackDown.

United States Champion Santino Marella & Zack Ryder def. Titus O’Neil & Darren Young

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In the height of the tag team showdown that pitted Santino Marella & Zack Ryder against the newly self-proclaimed “Primetime Players,” Titus O’Neil & Darren Young, The Milan Miracle rolled up one of his outspoken opponents for a quick three-count out of nowhere.

Following the match, however, the celebration would quickly come to a screeching halt. Continuing his ruthless tirade from Monday’s Raw SuperShow, an enraged Big Show emerged to take out both victorious Superstars in an onslaught of absolute brutality. Incorporating the steel steps into the mix, The World’s Largest Athlete punished Long Island Iced-Z and the United States Champion, sending a frightening message to John Cena as they prepare to collide at No Way Out. ( MATCH PREVIEW)

Both Santino and Ryder were taken to the trainers and treated for the devastation they had just endured, standing as strong as they could in the process. While their condition is still being determined, the only solace they can take is that they are lucky to be standing at all.

Big Show continues his rampage when he attacks United States Champion Santino Marella & Zack Ryder after their match against Titus O'Neil & Darren Young.

Cody Rhodes def. Tyson Kidd

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After losing his prized Intercontinental Championship to the returning Christian at WWE Over the Limit, Cody Rhodes emerged victorious over Tyson Kidd, making a strong statement that he is coming after "his" cherished title with a vengeance. As Captain Charisma joined the SmackDown announce team, the grandson of a plumber overcame the last graduate of the legendary Hart Dungeon with the Cross Rhodes.

Looking on after the bell, Christian made it clear that the former champion can have his rematch any time he wants it.

Tyson Kidd faces Cody Rhodes while Intercontinental Champion Christian is on commentary.

WWE Champion CM Punk vs. Kane's WWE Title Match ended in a No Contest

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After embarrassing General Manager John Laurinaitis on Monday’s Raw SuperShow four days earlier, CM Punk would have to put his WWE Championship on the line against Kane — in the first WWE Title Match on SmackDown in four years!

Prior to the match, Punk predicted that The Best in the World would make The Devil’s Favorite Demon Go to Sleep. In the heated showdown that followed, however, things would not prove that cut and dry. Although Kane had not held WWE’s top prize in 14 years, his true priority from the word go was the same as it always was – inflicting pain and anguish on anyone who dared to step in his path.

CM Punk defends the WWE Championship against Kane in the main event of SmackDown.

At the height of the explosive main event, CM Punk looked ready to hit the elbow from the top rope. That was until Daniel Bryan rushed to the ring, poised to get involved in the action. AJ – who earlier had come to the ring to watch The Second City Saint close up – warned the subject of his infatuation of the emerging intruder.

Her warning allowed Punk to hurl himself at his approaching adversary, before climbing to the top turnbuckle to successfully drop the flying elbow on The Big Red Monster. Moments after his monstrous challenger managed to kick out, Daniel Bryan recovered and attacked both Superstars from the top rope, forcing the referee to call for the bell. Punk and Bryan engaged in a fevered post-match battle, only to be painfully silenced by Kane's double chokeslam – proving without a doubt that he would no longer be a pawn in their volatile back and forth.

Following the chaos in the ring, General Manager John Laurinaitis came before the WWE Universe to declare that at No Way Out, WWE Champion CM Punk would battle both Kane and Daniel Bryan in a Triple Threat WWE Title Match! ( MATCH PREVIEW)