The October 19, 2012, edition of _WWE SmackDown_ featured a thrilling match between two incredibly talented competitors: _Ted DiBiase_ and _Antonio Cesaro_. This bout was not just a clash of two distinct wrestling styles, but also an opportunity for both men to showcase their abilities on a major stage. For DiBiase, it was a chance to prove his worth after struggling to break through the upper ranks in WWE, while Cesaro was in the midst of his rise as one of the most formidable athletes in the company.
This match stood out due to the contrast in their wrestling styles—DiBiase, a third-generation superstar with a blend of technical ability and high-flying moves, and Cesaro, a powerhouse with a technical and hard-hitting approach. As both men entered the ring with something to prove, the WWE Universe eagerly anticipated the outcome of this high-stakes showdown. But what exactly happened during this match, and how did it impact their careers moving forward? Let’s dive deep into this clash of styles and relive the excitement of this memorable SmackDown encounter.
## **The Background: Ted DiBiase and Antonio Cesaro**
Before we explore the match itself, let’s take a moment to understand the background of both competitors—Ted DiBiase and Antonio Cesaro—and how their rivalry had come to a head on this particular episode of _SmackDown_.
### **Ted DiBiase: The Third-Generation Superstar**
Ted DiBiase, the son of WWE Hall of Famer _The Million Dollar Man_ Ted DiBiase, was a third-generation wrestler who had grown up with wrestling in his blood. While DiBiase had found success in WWE, including a stint as a _WWE Tag Team Champion_ with _Cody Rhodes_ as part of _The Legacy_, he had struggled to break out as a singles star. His lack of significant victories in high-profile matches had put him at a crossroads in his career. By 2012, DiBiase was looking for a way to prove himself as a top-tier WWE talent.
DiBiase was known for his mix of wrestling styles, combining technical ability with high-flying moves. His impressive physique and background as a second-generation wrestler gave him an edge in many matches. However, he was often overshadowed by other members of _The Legacy_ and had yet to achieve the same level of success as some of his contemporaries. His match against Antonio Cesaro on _SmackDown_ was crucial to proving that he could compete with the best in WWE.
### **Antonio Cesaro: The Swiss Superman**
Antonio Cesaro, a Swiss-born athlete, had already started to make waves in WWE by 2012. Known for his powerful physique and incredible strength, Cesaro was a true “wrestler’s wrestler”—a competitor who prided himself on his in-ring skills. Having made a name for himself in _Ring of Honor_ (ROH) and the independent wrestling circuit, Cesaro quickly became a fan favorite in WWE for his hard-hitting style and technical prowess.
Cesaro’s big break came when he won the _United States Championship_ in 2012, marking a major milestone in his career. As the _United States Champion_, Cesaro began to show that he was capable of dominating in the WWE ring. His wrestling style was built around a solid foundation of technical ability, combined with a brutal, no-nonsense approach to his opponents. Cesaro’s wrestling was precise, calculated, and focused on inflicting damage.
By the time of his match against DiBiase on _SmackDown_, Cesaro had already proven that he was a force to be reckoned with in WWE, and a victory over someone with DiBiase’s pedigree would help solidify his position as a rising star.
## **The Build-Up to the Match: Tension and Anticipation**
The match between Ted DiBiase and Antonio Cesaro was built on the contrasting personalities and styles of the two competitors. While DiBiase had long been considered one of the promising talents in WWE, he had yet to establish himself as a main-event player. Cesaro, on the other hand, was beginning to show that he had what it took to be a top contender in WWE.
In the weeks leading up to _SmackDown_ on October 19, 2012, DiBiase and Cesaro had crossed paths several times, with Cesaro taunting DiBiase for not living up to the legacy of his family. Cesaro’s brash confidence and technical dominance set the stage for a showdown between two men with something to prove. For DiBiase, it was an opportunity to prove that he could hang with the top-tier talent in WWE, while Cesaro was looking to continue his ascent and establish himself as a true force in the company.
The WWE Universe was captivated by this rivalry because of the clear contrast between the two men. DiBiase’s background and technical ability made him a fan favorite, while Cesaro’s sheer power and technical precision made him a dominant force. Fans couldn’t wait to see which man would come out on top and whether DiBiase could finally achieve success as a singles competitor or whether Cesaro would continue his dominance.
## **The Match: Ted DiBiase vs. Antonio Cesaro – SmackDown, October 19, 2012**
The October 19, 2012, episode of _SmackDown_ saw the two competitors step into the ring for a match that would showcase their strengths and test their limits. The stage was set for a hard-hitting, technical showdown between the third-generation DiBiase and the Swiss powerhouse Cesaro.
### **The Early Moments: Power vs. Speed**
As the match began, the differences in their wrestling styles were immediately evident. Cesaro, with his superior strength and power, took control early on, using his force to dominate DiBiase. Cesaro’s intense physicality allowed him to overpower DiBiase with ease, throwing him around the ring with suplexes and hard strikes. His ground-and-pound style was on full display as he targeted DiBiase’s midsection and tried to wear him down.
In contrast, DiBiase relied on his speed and agility to evade Cesaro’s power moves. DiBiase’s high-flying moves, including his dropkicks and arm drags, kept Cesaro off balance. DiBiase also attempted to use his technical wrestling ability to counter Cesaro’s strength, working on Cesaro’s arm and leg with submission holds. The back-and-forth between the two men showcased their contrasting styles, with Cesaro’s power meeting DiBiase’s technical finesse.
### **The Turning Point: Cesaro’s Dominance**
As the match continued, Cesaro began to assert his dominance. He was able to counter DiBiase’s high-flying moves and keep him grounded with his powerful submission holds. Cesaro’s _Neutralizer_ move—his finisher that combines a fireman’s carry and a face-first slam—was a key weapon in his arsenal, and he attempted to hit it on DiBiase multiple times. DiBiase’s resilience, however, kept him in the match, as he fought back with all his might.
Cesaro’s confidence was evident as he continued to wear down DiBiase, taunting the crowd and showing off his strength and technical ability. At one point, Cesaro delivered a massive _European Uppercut_ to DiBiase, sending him crashing to the mat. The WWE Universe was on edge as it seemed that Cesaro might be moments away from securing the win.
### **The Final Moments: DiBiase’s Fight Back and Cesaro’s Victory**
In the final moments of the match, DiBiase managed to mount a brief comeback. He executed a beautiful _Slingshot Suplex_ on Cesaro and followed up with his signature _Dream Street_ finishing maneuver. The crowd erupted as DiBiase went for the pin, but Cesaro managed to kick out at two, staying in the match and proving his resiliency.
Cesaro, not to be outdone, regained control and hit DiBiase with a brutal _Neutralizer_ in the center of the ring. With DiBiase unable to recover from the devastating move, Cesaro quickly covered him for the three-count, securing the victory.
The crowd was left in awe as Cesaro celebrated his hard-fought win. While DiBiase had shown incredible heart and resilience, it was Cesaro’s strength and precision that ultimately won the match.
## **The Aftermath: What Did This Victory Mean for Both Competitors?**
### **Antonio Cesaro’s Continued Rise**
The victory over Ted DiBiase was a major milestone in Antonio Cesaro’s WWE career. This win further solidified Cesaro’s reputation as one of the most dangerous and skilled competitors in the company. Cesaro had already won the _United States Championship_ earlier in the year, and this victory over DiBiase proved that he was capable of defeating top-tier talent.
Cesaro would go on to have a decorated career in WWE, winning multiple championships, including the _United States Championship_ on several occasions. His victory over DiBiase on _SmackDown_ was just one chapter in what would become an incredible run in WWE, and it helped cement his place as a future WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
### **Ted DiBiase’s Career Path**
For Ted DiBiase, the loss to Cesaro was a setback, but it didn’t define his career. Despite his defeat, DiBiase’s performance in the match demonstrated his technical wrestling ability and heart. While DiBiase would never achieve the same level of success as his father, _The Million Dollar Man_, he would continue to be a respected figure in WWE.
Although DiBiase’s run as a top-tier singles competitor in WWE didn’t fully materialize, his legacy as a member of _The Legacy_ faction, his technical wrestling skills, and his work ethic made him a respected veteran in the locker room. He would continue to make sporadic appearances in WWE, but his loss to Cesaro proved that he had the ability to hang with the best, even if the results didn’t always go his way.
## **Conclusion: A Classic Showdown of Styles**
The match between Ted DiBiase and Antonio Cesaro on _SmackDown_ on October 19, 2012, was a thrilling and hard-fought encounter that highlighted both men’s strengths and abilities. Cesaro’s dominant power and technical precision were on full display, but DiBiase’s agility and resilience kept him in the fight until the very end.
While Cesaro emerged victorious, the match showed that DiBiase was no slouch in the ring, proving that he could go toe-to-toe with one of WWE’s brightest stars. This clash of styles—power vs. speed, technical precision vs. agility—created a match that was entertaining, exciting, and full of surprises.
This match remains an important moment in both Cesaro’s rise to the top and DiBiase’s continued career in WWE. It was a contest that delivered everything fans love about wrestling—intense action, dramatic near-falls, and an incredible display of athleticism from both competitors. This showdown was one for the books and a must-see moment in _SmackDown_ history.