Alberto Del Rio and two "Celtic Warriors" brawled at the start of SmackDown

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Nine days before No Way Out, Alberto Del Rio and Ricardo Rodriguez's involvement in the fierce World Title Match between World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus and Kane led to an uncertain finish. But, it was the presence of AJ that led to two earth-shattering post-match Brogue Kicks.

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Looking to get under the skin of World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus, No. 1 contender Alberto Del Rio journeyed to the ring in a boastful mood, following his post-match assault of The Celtic Warrior on Raw SuperShow this past Monday. ( WATCH | PHOTOS) The Mexican Aristocrat recalled Sheamus’ suggestion to “never trust a hooligan” before promising he will break The Great White’s arm in nine days at No Way Out. ( MATCH PREVIEW)

That guarantee brought Sheamus to the ring – or so it appeared. Instead, the WWE Universe quickly recognized a disguised Ricardo Rodriguez making light of the Irish brawler by mimicking his distinctive red hair, outfit and gestures. His over-the-top caricature drew the ire of the real Sheamus, who promptly made his way to the ring and took the fight to Del Rio and Rodriguez in short order. The fight would eventually spread outside the squared-circle, all the way up to the steel stage.

Before the aggressive Celtic Warrior and The Mexican Aristocrat could dole out any serious damage on each other, a slew of referees and former SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long emerged to put a stop to the chaos and make a huge announcement. Citing an order by John Laurinaitis – who was off preparing for his evaluation by a returning Mr. McMahon this coming Monday on Raw ( FULL STORY) – Teddy announced that Sheamus would face Kane in the SmackDown main event, while Alberto Del Rio was scheduled to fight immediately – against The Great Khali!

World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus and Alberto Del Rio brawl up the SmackDown stage after Ricardo Rodriguez does his best impression of The Great White.

Alberto Del Rio def. The Great Khali

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Following the chaos in the opening moments of SmackDown, Alberto Del Rio quickly found himself at the mercy of The Great Khali as the latter arrived ready to fight. In the opening moments of the match, it seemed that for each strike by The Mexican Aristocrat unleashed, The Punjabi Giant had a painful counterattack ready to throw  back his way.

Khali seemingly had an answer for Del Rio’s every tactic – except one: Ricardo Rodriguez. As the 7-foot-1 skyscraping of a Superstar sized up his opponent for a knockout blow, Del Rio’s personal ring announcer climbed up to the ring apron and created enough of a distraction for his wealthy boss to gain the advantage.

With giant turning his attention to the sneaky Ricardo Rodriguez, Del Rio brought down his imposing adversary and locked in his signature Cross Armbreaker to cement the win.

Alberto Del Rio must go through The Great Khali before facing World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus at No Way Out.

Brodus Clay def. Derrick Bateman

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Prior to his match against Derrick Bateman, Brodus Clay received an update regarding his competitive status from Teddy Long. Long announced that, per Mr. Laurinaitis, The Funkasaurus was no longer allowed on Raw and was now a permanent member of the SmackDown roster.

Big Brodus wasted no time in making himself at home on the best program on Friday night. With the Funkadactyls cheering him on from ringside, the dancing machine made short work of Bateman. After moving and grooving around the squared circle with his arsenal of moves, The Funkasaurus finished off his overwhelmed foe with a big splash to seal his first win as a regular fixture on SmackDown.

Brodus Clay faces Derrick Bateman one-on-one on SmackDown.

Sin Cara def. Drew McIntyre

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The International Sensation showed up ready to steal the spotlight once again in his bout against Drew McIntyre on SmackDown. Sin Cara put on an impressive display against his Scottish opponent, which was highlighted by a sequence involving the Mexican luchador executing two consecutive counters and a tilt-a-whirl DDT to seize the victory.

Now that he looks fully healed from the injury that kept him sidelined since Survivor Series 2011, the sky’s the limit for the “faceless” Superstar.

Sin Cara competes against Drew McIntyre on SmackDown.

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

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Despite poetic predictions to the contrary by the confident pairing of Tony Andriotis & Kevin Mahoney, the ferocious Ryback roared once more as he mauled the two competitors in a 2-on-1 Handicap Match.

Though his opponents were allowed to concurrently clash with the freakish brute, they failed to put up much of a fight as Ryback fed his appetite for in-ring destruction. The savage Superstar used his formidable strength to decimate his foes before bringing an end to their suffering by finishing them simultaneously with a double Shell Shocked.

Ryback faces two competitors in a 2-on-1 Handicap Match.

Cody Rhodes questioned Intercontinental Champion Christian’s motives on “The Peep Show”

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Looking to beat Intercontinental Champion Christian to the verbal punch, Cody Rhodes crashed “The Peep Show” set before its host even arrived to start the festivities. A clearly irate Rhodes made it clear that he would be the one seeking answers on this night.

“I don’t answer to Christian,” Rhodes said. “Christian should answer to me.”

As Rhodes accused his rival of experiencing a “mid-life crisis,” an emerging Christian reminded “The Peep Show” crasher who won the Intercontinental Title at WWE Over the Limit. ( PHOTOS) Captain Charisma then clarified that he had shed his selfish ways after experiencing “a moment of clarity” while inducting his best friend, Edge, into the WWE Hall of Fame. ( PHOTOS) That moment inspired the Canadian competitor to strive for more than just one more title opportunity.

The explanation didn’t satisfy Rhodes, who continued to question Christian’s credentials before making the proclaimation that the Intercontinental Title “is coming home” following their rematch at No Way Out. ( MATCH PREVIEW)

Their conversation grew heated and nearly turned to blows until Dolph Ziggler interrupted, ready to prove his elite status in his scheduled match against Christian.

Intercontinental Champion Christian def. Dolph Ziggler

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With Cody Rhodes joining the announcer’s table as a guest commentator, Christian and Ziggler promptly squared off.

In the intense match that followed, Captain Charisma called upon his years of experience and tenacity to keep pace with the determined Showoff, withstanding a flurry of attacks that would easily have defeated a less prepared Superstar. In the height of the competition, he even outlasted Ziggler’s signature sleeper hold as well as the Zig Zag to regain the advantage.

The Intercontinental Champion’s patience and ability to absorb damage finally paid off as a top rope reversal allowed Christian to take to the skies and come crashing down with a frog splash that lead to victory for the charismatic competitor.

Intercontinental Champion Christian goes one-on-one with The Showoff while Cody Rhodes talks on commentary.

Hornswoggle “J.R.” got saucy with Michael Cole until Damien Sandow interceded

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Weighed down by the embarrassment of being coated in Jim Ross’ BBQ Sauce by John Cena, Michael Cole hoped to speak candidly about the trauma he suffered on Raw. ( WATCH | PHOTOS)

Unfortunately for Cole, Hornswoggle had other plans. The miniscule mischief maker dressed the part of J.R. and proceeded to mock the SmackDown announcer for his saucy fiasco.

Hornswoggle’s antics drew the ire of Damien Sandow, who expressed his disdain for the little rascal’s imitation of Ross. Defining himself as the “avenging steward of taste and decency,” Sandow saw fit to teach Hornswoggle a lesson in common decency by threatening to bludgeon the “diminutive ignoramus.”

As Sandow stalked his pint-sized prey, Tyson Kidd emerged to stand up to the aggressor. Kidd turned the tide long enough for ‘Swoggle to safely escape, but the cultured combatant trained his gaze on the unwelcome defender and eventually throttled him from behind.

Tyson Kidd feels the wrath of Damien Sandow after coming to the defense of Hornswoggle, who happens to be dressed as Good Ole' JR.

Antonio Cesaro def. Jimmy Uso

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Antonio Cesaro was in action on SmackDown – much to the chagrin of a frustrated Teddy Long, who was assigned by John Laurinaitis to serve as the former rugby player’s personal ring announcer.

He his match against Jimmy Uso, The Swiss-born Superstar quickly seized momentum with a well-timed uppercut. Cesaro proceeded to hoist up his opponent and send him crashing down on the canvas, thus ensuring that his recent success in the squared circle continues.

After the match, Teddy was forced to raise Cesaro’s hand in victory, while he and Aksana shared a passionate moment.

Teddy Long reluctantly introduces Antonio Cesaro before his match against Jey Uso.

AJ comes out of hiding following Kane’s interview ( WATCH)
Following The Big Red Monster’s interview with Matt Striker, AJ was seen lurking in the shadows, leaving the WWE Universe with many questions as to her interest in the masked menace.

World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus def. Kane by disqualification

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In a match made by Mr. Laurinaitis earlier, World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus clashed with Kane in the main event on SmackDown.

In the climatic final moments of their absolutely explosive match, the two intense Superstars took each other down with a fierce double clothesline. Before the action could continue, however, Alberto Del Rio and Ricardo Rodriguez charged their way to ringside. The latter jumped into the ring and attacked The Great White, giving the World Heavyweight Champion a victory by disqualification over a sizable Superstar in the process.

Kane recovered and looked ready to hit a post-match chokeslam on his Irish opponent. That was until AJ’s presence on the entrance ramp seemed to distract him – promptly leaving him wide open for a powerful Brogue Kick.

With the result of the match no longer in doubt and his No Way Out opponent fleeing up the entrance ramp, Sheamus instead chose to send a message of warning to Del Rio by annihilating his personal ring announcer with a second vicious Brogue Kick.

World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus clashes with Kane in the main event of SmackDown.