Smackdown Results 1/4/13

Smackdown Results from Richmond, VA:

The show opened with Randy Orton out to talk about the 2013 Royal Rumble.  Sheamus also arrived out and they started arguing over who will be last.  Big Show and Antonio Cesaro both come out to interrupt them.  Smackdown GM Booker T finally comes out and books Orton and Sheamus vs. Big Show and Cesaro in the main event.

They showed a promo for the return of The Rock to WWE Raw this coming Monday.

The Miz defeated Heath Slater via pinfall. Late in the match, Miz and Slater traded shots on one another from their knees as they were getting back up.  Miz hit a bunch of strikes then revved up the crowd.  Slater managed to counter a move to hit a neckbreaker on Miz for 2.  Miz hit his big clothesline in the corner and jumped off the top with a chop on Slater.  He followed with Skull Crushing Finale to win it.

Natalya, Hornswoggle & Great Khali defeated Rosa Mendes, Primo & Epico via pinfall.  Horney was in towards the end, with Primo and Epico taking advantage of him.  However, Horney eventually slid under Epico and made a hot tag to Khali.  Primo came in to help, but Khali took care of both he and Epico.  He hit his big chop on Primo's head to get the pinfall.

Prior to the IC title match, Matt Striker interviewed Kofi Kingston about it.  Kofi said he's got his back up against the wall and this could be his last shot.  

Wade Barrett defeated Kofi Kingston via pinfall to retain the Intercontinental title.  Late in the title match, Kofi hit his patented Boom Drop on Barrett.  Barrett then avoided Trouble in Paradise and rolled out of the ring.  Kofi goes out and tries to roll Barrett in for a pinfall.  Wade breaks the count by grabbing the rope t 2.  Moments later, Wade hits a huge boot in the corner, and pulls his elbow pad down.  Kofi ducks the Bullhammer elbow on his attempt and goes from the second turnbuckle for a move.  Barrett is able to hit him mid-air with the elbow to get the pinfall win.

Tamina Snuka defeated Layla via pinfall.  Tamina dominated in the early part of the match after slamming Layla against the crowd barrier on the outside.  Layla ultimately fought back, kicking away on Tamina and hitting a faceplant.  Later, Tamina ws able to catch Layla and hit the Samoan Drop, followed by a Superfly Splash for the win.

Randy Orton and Sheamus defeated Big Show and Antonio Cesaro via pinfall.  Late in this contest, Sheamus ducked a KO punch from Show and hit the Brogue Kick.  Both Orton and Cesaro tagged in, with Orton taking it right to the US Champ.  Sheamus makes a tag in on Orton, then hits White Noise on Cesaro.  Orton stars at the floor as Sheamus calls for a finish on Cesaro.  Orton rushes in and hits the RKO on Cesaro, then slips out of the ring to stare at Sheamus.  Sheamus makes a pinfall cover on Cesaro to win the match.  Post-match, Sheamus claps for Orton from inside the ring as the two continue their stare down.