SmackDown: February 21, 2014

Daniel Bryan def. Jack Swagger

COLORADO SPRINGS, Co. – Two days before Elimination Chamber – and three days before  WWE Network unleashes itself on the WWE Universe – a slew of determined Superstars used SmackDown to position themselves for the final pay-per-view along The Road to WrestleMania.

Daniel Bryan takes on one half of The Real Americans when he faces Jack Swagger.

Battered, bruised and bandaged, Daniel Bryan ultimately used a Running Knee to triumph over No. 1 contender to the Intercontinental Title, Jack Swagger, in SmackDown’s opening showdown. However, The Beard’s test of resilience was far from over.

The Beard battles the I.C. Title No. 1 contender | Triple H on Bryan and Sunday's Chamber Match

Before the dust could clear, SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero emerged, flanked by Director of Operations Kane. The Queen Diva congratulated Bryan on his victory, “rewarding” him with the opportunity to compete in a second match of the night against the other Real American, and fellow Elimination Chamber combatant, Cesaro!

Daniel Bryan def. Cesaro by Disqualification

Daniel Bryan clashes with Cesaro just two days before Elimination Chamber.

In his second match of the evening, Bryan faced Cesaroand both Swagger and Zeb Colter were expelled from ringside by the referee. But the area outside the ropes didn’t stay empty for long, as Kane soon walked down to ringside to observe the action.

Photos: Bryan showdown, round two!

In the height of the heated contest that followed, the ever-resilient Beard managed to hit a second Running Knee of the night on his opponent. Before he could even stand to follow up, however, Kane entered the ring and hit Bryan with a chokeslam. An amused Kane announced the fallen Bryan the winner by disqualification, before Cesaro delivered The Neutralizer on the three-time World Champion.

In light of the anguish Bryan has endured in recent weeks – thanks to what Michael Cole called a personal “vendetta” by Kane – the question arises whether he will be in any condition to battle inside the Elimination Chamber in just two days. Then again, could the punishment be all the incentive the underdog warrior needs to emerge victorious this Sunday?

The Wyatt Family def. Rey Mysterio, Goldust & Cody Rhodes

The trio of Rey Mysterio, Cody Rhodes, & Goldust collide with The Wyatt Family on SmackDown.

Prior to their SmackDown Six-Man Tag Team Match, Bray Wyatt characterized his  Elimination Chamber opponents, The Shield, as being “three dominos ready to fall” to the Eater of Worlds and his creepy disciples.

Photos: Prelude to Sunday's Six-Man mayhem

But the rocking chair would soon make way for SmackDown action. Slated to face Ryback & Curtis Axel this Sunday as part of Elimination Chamber Kickoff, Cody Rhodes & Goldust joined forces with Rey Mysterio against “The New Face of Fear.”

In the midst of an out-of-control melee outside the ring, Goldust continued his offensive on Erick Rowan inside – the Superstar he thought was the legal man. However, he hadn’t noticed Wyatt tagged in. As a result, the creepy Superstar blindsided The Bizarre One and hit Sister Abigail for the three-count.

Emma def. Summer Rae in a Dance-Off

Emma and Summer Rae attempt to find out is the better dancer between the two Divas.

In a SmackDown Dance-Off hosted by Renee Young, the WWE Universe picked the unorthodox dance moves of up-and-coming Diva Emma over Summer Rae’s traditional grace.

Getting down with Emma and Summer Rae | Swimsuit Divas

While Summer opted to launch an attack of retribution on the victor, Emma quickly turned it around – as she and Santino expelled both the beautiful sore loser and Fandango from the ring.

Dolph Ziggler def. Titus O’Neil

Titus O'Neil faces Dolph Ziggler while Darren Young helps provide commentary.

As a result of some whistling interference from SmackDown announce team guest commentator, Darren Young, Dolph Ziggler rolled up Titus O’Neil for the quick win.

Photos: Whistle before the bell

Mr. No Days Off was all smiles as he watched his former tag team partner have a post-match temper tantrum over the affair. But who will be smiling when the  ex-Prime Time Players square off at Elimination Chamber this Sunday?

Jimmy Uso def. Road Dogg

Jimmy Usos faces Road Dogg just days before the WWE Tag Team Championship Match between The Usos and The New Age Outlaws.

On Sunday at Elimination Chamber, The Usos will finally get their highly anticipated opportunity at The New Age Outlaws’ WWE Tag Team Titles. And momentum continued to rise in their corner, as Jimmy Uso overcame Road Dogg on SmackDown with the Samoan Kick.

High-flying Uso drops in on the Dogg

Sheamus def. Christian

Sheamus and Christian clash in the SmackDown main event.

In the final confrontation between Elimination Chamber combatants before Sunday’s career-altering showdown, Sheamus used White Noise to triumph over Christian in an extremely hard-fought battle by both Superstars. As SmackDown went off the air, however, Christian interrupted Sheamus' celebration, knocking the big man from the ring and leaving him down at ringside.

Photos: Furious pre-Elimination Chamber clash

Which of the WWE elite will walk out of the  Elimination Chamber with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and the opportunity to headline WrestleMania in his grasp?

Refresh for the latest SmackDown outcomes, videos and photos.

Sheamus def. Christian ( WATCH | PHOTOS)

Jimmy Uso def. Road Dogg ( WATCH | PHOTOS)

Dolph Ziggler def. Titus O’Neil ( WATCH | PHOTOS)

Emma def. Summer Rae – SmackDown Dance-Off ( WATCH | PHOTOS)

The Wyatt Family def. Rey Mysterio & Goldust & Cody Rhodes ( WATCH | PHOTOS)

Daniel Bryan def. Cesaro by disqualification ( WATCH | PHOTOS)

Daniel Bryan def. Jack Swagger ( WATCH | PHOTOS)