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Intercontinental Championship Tournament Semi-Final: Daniel Bryan vs Sheamus
Daniel Bryan was overpowered early by the Celtic Warrior on SmackDown. The power game prevented Bryan from going trough his regular grappling game. Several shots pelted Sheamus, but he responded with a big clothesline.
Bryan was able to send Sheamus to the floor where he rocked his long-time rival with a suicide dive. In the ring, Sheamus was able to break the grip of Daniel Bryan with a series of elbows to the jaw. Sheamus continued to batter Bryan, launching him shoulder first into the barricade near the SmackDown announcer's desk. He bullied Michael Cole into doing the "Yes Chants" before going inside for a diving clothesline.
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An Irish Curse Backbreaker and the Texas Cloverleaf weakened Bryan's back, but he fought out of Sheamus's Ten Beats before moving to the top. Sheamus responded with a Brogue Kick to the foot, taking Bryan out momentarily.
Bryan blocked a superplex and sent Sheamus to the mat. A missile dropkick connected, and Bryan set up the Yes Kicks. The final one missed, allowing Sheamus to drop him with White Noise.
Sheamus responded with a drop toe hold into the turnbuckle and a series of dropkicks. Sheamus came out of the corner with a vicious double axe handle, setting up for the Brogue Kick. Before he could connect, though, Jeff Hardy returned to SmackDown, entering through the ramp.
Sheamus turned back around and was met with Knee Plus.
Results: Daniel Bryan defeated Sheamus via pinfall.
Grade: A
Immediately following the match, Hardy jumped on Sheamus, forcing him to run away. Was Sheamus the one who caused the accident earlier tonight? Looks like we'll find out on SmackDown next week.
Daniel Bryan has made it to the finals of the SmackDown Intercontinental Championship Tournament, and will face the Phenomenal AJ Styles.
Episode Rating: A
Easily, one of the best SmackDowns in recent memory. The opening segment clearly had the fans hooked on to the show and Hardy returned to ensure that Sheamus' night ended badly.
