However, the scheduled match was soon changed to a handicap bout after Kane refused to compete. Of the five men who competed in the main event, Big Show and Henry were the first to be eliminated by a double count-out.

With the numbers against him, Swagger put the ankle lock on Ryder, but Cena tagged in and hit The All-American American with the Attitude Adjustment for the victory.

After the match, Kane, who had earlier refused to compete in the main event, surprisingly emerged up through the ring to attack Ryder, then attempted to suffocate Cena.

The Big Red Monster almost pulled the United States Champion down through a gaping hole in the ring, but failed when Cena pulled his friend out of the abyss. Before Cena could get his hands on Kane, a monstrous burst of fire erupted from the hole in the ring, allowing The Big Red Machine to escape.

Homecoming

After weeks of cryptic "1-2-12" videos, Chris Jericho made a shocking return to the WWE and was warmly welcomed by the fans inside the Fedex Forum in Memphis, Texas.

Greeting fans with high-fives at ringside, a gallant Jericho urged them for more cheers. But as the superstar, who was dressed in a dazzling, light-up, blinged out jacket, prolonged his homecoming, the fans chants of "welcome back" soon turned to boos.

A smiling Jericho exited without addressing the Memphis crowd, leaving the irritated WWE fans wondering why he came back.

CM Punk lost his title bout against number one contender Dolph Ziggler, but retained the WWE Championship when the match ended in a count-out thanks to a distraction by interim Raw GM John Laurinaitis.

The vice president of talent relations ran down to the ring to advise the WWE official about an exposed turnbuckle. Meanwhile, The Straight Edge Saviour nearly hit his opponent with the GTS, then locked him in the Anaconda Vice, but the official never saw Ziggler tap because he was distracted by Laurinaitis.

Punk ended up outside the ring, thanks to Laurinaitis, who pulled down the ropes. Punk then struggled to get back onto the mat before the 10-count, giving his opponent the victory.

While the arrogant Ziggler didn't win the title, he left clutching Punk's WWE Championship knowing he's defeated him for two straight weeks.

It was later announced on Raw that CM Punk will defend his WWE Title against Ziggler at this month's Royal Rumble pay-per-view event. To add to Punk's woes, Laurinaitis will serve as the special guest referee for the match.

On the same night World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan will put his title on the line against Big Show, and Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes will defend his coveted gold against Booker T.

Don't miss another thrilling edition of SmackDown, this Friday Night at 10pm on Sky Sports HD2.