Shore's WWE Smackdown Hitlist: John Morrison and Cryme Tyme vs. Dolph Ziggler and The Hart Dynasty, Rey Mysterio vs. Mike Knox, C.M. Punk vs. R-Truth, and Batista vs. Matt Hardy

WWE Smackdown Hits

Opening Segment: As I said in my report, I have never been a fan of Taker on the stick because he can go to far with his gimmick. That said, he kept it under control and it turned out to be a good promo. Jericho, as usual, was money. I’m surprised the mic doesn’t literally turn to gold when he touches it. My only complaint is that they face off next week when this should start at Survivor Series and slow burn to WM. Imagine if Taker chased Jericho for that long and then beat him there. The crowd could quite literally die from excitement.

Dolph Ziggler and The Hart Dynasty vs. John Morrison and Cryme Tyme: Even though this was the same old pairing, Ziggler and Morrison added so much that it becomes a hit. Next week’s IC match should be hot and I finally expect Ziggler to go over. I’m still tired of seeing these two tag teams face each other though. It wa time to move on 13 matches ago. If they’re going to keep this feud going, at least get the belts on one of them so I have something to care about.

Beth Phoenix: This is a little odd for me. I have never liked the “squash local jobber” way of getting people over. But I don’t ever remember seeing this done with the women before, so it’s kind of fun to watch play out. Beth is so good. She is the only person I don’t cringe at when the “smart, sexy, and powerful” line comes out because it’s true.

Drew McIntyre vs. Jimmy Wang Yang: I give this a hit only because the crowd went nuts when Yang got in his early offense. If WWE puts him in a meaningful feud right now, he can really get over in a long term way. IF they go back to his prematch assaults, it’s going to end badly for the “Future World Champion.”

Rey Mysterio vs. Mike Knox: If you missed this match, go find it for the sick cross body Knox hit on Rey on the floor. The rest of the match was good too, but that move, combined with some excellent camera work, was the spot of the night. And it’s not even close. Rey proved that he and a big guy can get it on (which he has done many times) and Knox proved that there are morons running the show because he is talent on talent. Please push this guy up the card as soon as possible.

R-Truth vs. CM Punk: This was a tough one. What played out on TV was a hit. The match was good, the ending logical, and I liked it. So hit. BUT…

Divas Segment: I cannot fully express in words my joy at seeing an actual storyline with the women. This slow burn to a probable three-way with McCool, Beth, and Mickie is so good. Layla played her part well and I just loved this segment. Hit, hit, hit.

Overall Show: This show was suspect on paper, but it delivered big time. The only bad match was the main event, and my only other real complaint is the burial of CM Punk. Good matches and a complete lack of camp made this the best show in about two months. And next week’s show with Ziggler/Morrison and Taker/Jericho sounds even better.

WWE Smackdown Misses

Rey Mysterio Interview: Rey’s promos continue to disappoint. He can’t do them calm, excited, hurt, cramping, or any way. Good thing his in ring work is so high. I do like that he no longer sounds like a whiney bitch, but still a miss.

R-Turth vs. CM Punk:CM Punk being driven back down the card is so upsetting to watch. I don’t understand what happened. I really don’t. I cannot imagine a scenario backstage that led from him being the hottest champion in the company to jobbing to Truth and beating up refs. It may be the biggest injustice in wrestling today.

Batista vs. Matt Hardy: Awful 13 minute squash that just killed the end of a very good show. Matt looks like the punk he is, and Batista doesn’t look any stronger. We all know he’s a beast. There is no need to remind us. Their individual promos set up the match nicely, but it just didn’t deliver. I did like the refusal to do the Batista Bomb like it was beneath him. That was a new and unexpected wrinkle in Batista’s character. Bit not enough to save this match and segment.