Live Report From Last Night’s WWE Smackdown Tapings (SPOILERS)

Credit Jeremy Hedenberg and prowrestling.net:

-The lights were off when “EXCUSE ME” rang through the Giant Center. It was easily the loudest heat I have heard in a looooong time.

-The only thing the crowd really boo’ed Paul Heyman about during his allotted debate time was the first time he mentioned his client “Brrrroock LLLLesnar” being the 1 in 21-1. He then proceeded to say it again and again and again about 8-9 times, and the crowd was completely into it and laughing it up the whole time. The crowd was then cracking up BIG TIME when he mentioned his new client, Cesaro, won the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal-at least 15 times.

-Many Audible ECW and Paul-E chants during that segment.

-Oddly enough, nobody really got behind Cesaro in the way I think WWE wanted them to during the course of the opening match, but when the end seemed to be imminent, a King of Swing chant started up and the place went nuts for the Giant Swing/Neutralizer finish.

-The Shield came out to easily the biggest reaction of the night, and laid the Smackdown on Jack Swagger.

-After Dean Ambrose said they weren’t finished, the crowd was visibly looking to the stage/audience steps for them throughout the rest of the show.

-Bray Wyatt is just so incredibly gifted on the microphone, he cuts the best promo hands down – not just currently, but may be top 5 all time in my honest opinion. He had the crowd in the palm of his hand, and the WHOLE arena was singing along with him at the end. Awesome.

-Loud “This is Awesome” and “Holy Shit” chant for Fandango being Triple Powerbombed off the stage.

-During the main event, a very loud CM punk chant started up, to which Ryback turned to the crowd and yelled “SHUT UP”. Funny.

Overall, it was a very enjoyable edition of Smackdown, regardless of the lack of star power. The very selfish part of me was disappointed that Bryan wasn’t there, but I completely understand why he wasn’t and my thoughts and prayers go out to him and his.

Biggest Pops:
1. The Shield, and it wasn’t even close
2. Paul Heyman, Cesaro
3. JBL

Biggest Heat:
1. Vickie-and again, not even close.
2. Zeb Colter
3. Ryback/Axel