The WWE continued its stay in California in the afterglow of "Wrestlemania 31" with "SmackDown's" latest taping for Thursday.

New WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins started Thursday's recording with Big Show, Kane, Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury.

Rollins, however, was interrupted by Randy Orton, who is still seeking his WWE World Heavyweight Championship match since his title loss at "WrestleMania 30." Orton has yet to receive a one-on-one match for the title. After criticizing The Authority, Kane made a match for Orton, and he would face the winner of the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal: Big Show.

Orton vs. Big Show started immediately as the first match on "SmackDown," but the match ended by disqualification (DQ). With the DQ finish, caused by Kane, Mercury and Noble's interference and attacking Orton, "The Viper" won the match. Rollins reentered the ring, but he was caught by Orton. After failing to defend himself, Kane saved Rollins and chokeslammed Orton. Ryback appeared to save Orton and put in some offense against Kane, Mercury and Noble.

The Divas were next for a one-on-one match while The Bella Twins were on commentary. Naomi continued a winning streak, following Monday's six-woman tag-team match, by defeating Natalya.

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Backstage, Kane spoke with Rollins about defending the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Orton at "Extreme Rules" later in April. The segment was interrupted by Dean Ambrose, who came out of a nearby bathroom. In response to him using his bathroom, Kane put Ambrose in a match against Luke Harper later in the show.

An interview with Roman Reigns was shown. Reigns spoke about his experience at "WrestleMania 31" and how he will beat Rollins soon.

Back in the ring, The Miz defeated R-Truth. Miz was confronted by Damien Mizdow, who was assaulted by The Awesome One on Raw Monday night. Mizdow performed the Skull Crushing Finale on Miz. Mizdow received a very positive crowd reaction.

New United States Champion John Cena entered the ring and announced he will have an "open challenge" for his new title every week. Unlike on Monday, Rusev finally confronted Cena. Rusev said he did not lose against Cena at "WrestleMania 31" and wants to fight him immediately. Rusev was set to showcase the Russian flag, but instead, Cena had placed the American flag in its place above the ring. Cena also received a positive reaction.

Before starting the Ambrose vs. Harper match, The Prime Time Players cut a promo on The New Day. Finally, Ambrose vs. Harper finished by disqualification after Harper powerbombed Ambrose on the announce table.

Thursday's main event is Sheamus vs. new Intercontinental Champion Daniel Bryan, with Bad News Barrett on commentary. Sheamus, who assaulted both Bryan and Dolph Ziggler on Monday in his return from injury, initially received a positive reaction from the crowd, but it quickly turned into boos and mocking his new look. Sheamus would defeat Bryan by countout following interference by Barrett, who delivered the Bull Hammer on the new champion. The match was said to be very physical while Sheamus and Barrett received negative reactions.

After the shows taping, the dark match occurred, which will not air on television. Cena and Reigns defeated Rollins and Bray Wyatt. Reigns got the pin for his team.

"SmackDown" airs Thursday nights on SyFy.

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