SmackDown Review: The Shield In 5-on-3 Handicap Match

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Vickie Guerrero, Zeb Colter and Paul Heyman promo/Cesaro vs. Jack Swagger

Vickie said she was in direct contact with The Authority, who were taking a much deserved day off. She announced that The Shield will be in an 11-on-3 handicap match tonight. She then introduced “The Great Debate” between Zeb Colter and Paul Heyman.

Vickie was the moderator and let Zeb speak first. Zeb told a story about Cesaro coming to him 10 months ago, when nobody knew his name, and begged Zeb to take him under his wing, even though he was an immigrant. He wanted to ask Cesaro how he could turn his back on Zeb and Swagger, but his time ran out. Heyman spent his opening time reminding people that his other client, Brock Lesnar, broke some streak a couple weeks back. Zeb eventually got the chance to ask Heyman why he stole Cesaro away from him. Heyman said he is “The One Behind The One in 21-1.” Heyman said that Paul Heyman Guys win. Heyman revealed that when Cesaro won the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania XXX, he was already a Paul Heyman Guy. Heyman then repeated “My client, Cesaro, won the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania.” The debate ended when Heyman and Zeb started to get physical with each other, but their respective “Guys” pulled them apart and their match started. This debate was masterful, both Heyman and Zeb are so good at what they do.

Cesaro hit the Cesaro Swing, then followed it with the Neutralizer for the win. Good match. I’m pretty confused by what they’re doing with Cesaro, but I’m not going to pass judgement this early on.

After the match, The Shield came down. Reigns hit the Superman Punch on Swagger, then they followed up with a triple powerbomb. Ambrose got on the mic and mocked Triple H’s line “adapt or perish”, saying that Swagger, apparently, didn’t adapt. Reigns said they’re just getting started. Nobody gets revenge quite like The Shield.