March 2 , 2012 Smackdown results The March 2 , 2012 Edition of Smackdown is a Professional wrestling television show of the WWE ' s Smackdown brand , which took place on February 28 , 2012 at the Key Arena in Seattle , Washington . Summary . While Sheamus informed the WWE Universe of his plans to teach World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan some humility at WrestleMania , Vickie Guerrero and Dolph Ziggler interrupted . In the current question of who should be the General Manager of Raw and SmackDown , the outspoken pair threw their support behind Interim Raw GM John Laurinaitis , insulting GM Theodore Long in the process . Moments later , Teddy put The Showoff into an impromptu match with Sheamus . Although United States Champion Jack Swagger ’ s attempted interference was met head - on with The Great White ’ s fierce Brogue Kick , Ziggler nearly scored the upset victory on the No . 1 contender to the World Heavyweight Title . The Celtic Warrior recovered , however , and silenced his cocky adversary with White Noise for an impressive victory . With " Mr . Excitement " taking control of SmackDown next Friday and Theodore Long running Raw SuperShow , Long informed his fellow GM that this coming Monday night , David Otunga will face The Great Khali ! Heath Slater climbed to the top turnbuckle , confident that he was about to deliver an arial attack that would ground Santino for the three - count . But then The Italian Stallion backed into the ropes , inadvertently causing his opponent to fall . Thinking on his feet , Santino quickly dropped The One Man Southern Rock Band with the Cobra for another huge win . Prior to their match , Natalya confronted Eve to give her opinion on the situation with Zack Ryder , and she truly “ let things rip . ” . Nevertheless , in the intense Divas contest that followed , Eve rose above the stink , reversing the third - generation Diva ’ s pin attempt for the quick three - count . Once again , Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes emerged to make fun of Big Show ' s 3 - 8 WrestleMania record , claiming that by costing the giant an opportunity to go to The Show of Shows at Elimination Chamber , he “ saved ” him from “ floundering ” yet again . When The World ’ s Largest Athlete joined him in the ring , however , Rhodes quickly exited into the crowd . Before Show could pursue him , Theodore Long put a stop to it , announcing that the two adversaries would face off for the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania . Then , as Rhodes sat in with the SmackDown announce team , Big Show battled Mark Henry in the ring . Charged with the prospect of impending WrestleMania redemption , the gigantic Superstar kicked out of the World ’ s Strongest Slam , then landed the WMD to reign supreme over the former World Heavyweight Champion . Shortly after SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long warned Drew McIntyre that he must win under the threat of being fired , the Scottish Superstar took on Justin Gabriel . Unfortunately for The Chosen One , his high - flying opponent triumphed over him with the 450 Splash , and Long made good on his promise , giving McIntyre the long - awaited heave - ho . After Daniel Bryan attacked Randy Orton on the Feb . 13 edition of Raw SuperShow ( WATCH ) – thereby denying him his spot in the SmackDown Elimination Chamber Match , a possible World Heavyweight Title and a chance to headline WrestleMania – WWE ' s Apex Predator returned to SmackDown on a venomous quest of retribution . In the punishing encounter that ensued Friday night , Bryan managed to escape two RKO ’ s before retreating outside the ring , with The Viper fast on his tail . However , just as Orton was about to deliver a devastating DDT onto the ringside floor , the vicious Kane suddenly emerged . Seizing the unexpected opportunity , Bryan hurled Orton into the steel ring post before jumping through the ropes to win the match by count - out . Without skipping a beat , The Big Red Monster and WWE ’ s Apex Predator began an intense post - match brawl , one which culminated in Orton receiving an earth - shattering chokeslam to the canvas . Seizing the mic , the sadistic Kane leaned down toward the battle - worn Viper and eerily stated , " Welcome back . " Moments before SmackDown went off the air , an observing John Laurinaitis - who will assume the duties of SmackDown GM next Friday - alluded that he may put Kane in a match against Theodore Long ' s girlfriend , Aksana .