WWE Smackdown Hits

The Undertaker vs. Chris Jericho: Quality match with a predictable ending. I understand why they run in, but I still hate it most of the time, and this time is no exception. I could go on and on about why it was good, but we all know. Jericho IS the best at what he does, and even with a bum hip, Taker can still work magic with someone who can go in the ring. The problem is Batista can't go in the ring. I don't want to see this feud again, but since I have to, I am finding the silver lining in the newness of Batista's hell and the knowledge that Jericho should be right around the corner.

Opening Segment: Once again, Jericho comes out and sets the stage for the rest of the show. I cannot get over how good he is. He comes out, talks junk, and then jobs, jobs, jobs, jobs, jobs. And yet to the casual fan, he could have beat Taker last night, tonight, or tomorrow night. It is a testament to his skills in getting over that his won-loss record matches Santino's right now and yet he is as credible as ever.

CM Punk and Luke Gallows: Festus has always impressed me. I was with Jason in hoping they could break him fro, that awful gimmick and I am glad they did. I particularly like CM Punk having a minion to run around with him and allow him to talk while this guy betas everyone up. It's classic heel stuff and I love the classics. Plus, if all goes well, we may see Gallows vs. Mike Knox soon. That could be a hell of a big man match.

Vickie Guerrero: I am in love with Vickie Guerrero. Not like Edge or Escobar, but genuine, heartfelt, deep, emotional love. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to have sex with her or anything. But she brings so much to Smackdown, I don't even know where to start. Her celebration last week when named consultant was hysterical, and going bat shit and dumping Escobar was fantastic. I was not a fan of Escobar calling her gross (a la Edge), but it was logical. Welcome back Vickie, you have been missed.

No Marv: I kid, I kid.

WWE Smackdown Misses

Batista vs. Kane: Kane has been very, very good since his return from hiatus a few months ago. He has had some spectacular matches with Jericho and Mysterio. But he could not carry Batista here. This match dragged on and on. The last few minutes were hot. But the count out ending was weak. I know it established the chair for his match with Taker and protected Kane, but I just didn't like it. Taker got the better of him the last few times, and this doesn't make him look strong. If he can't beat Taker's little brother, how can he possible hope to beat Taker himself? Give him a clean win to fully establish him as the guy who can beat Taker.

John Morrison vs. Eric Escobar: This match gets a miss because it never should have happened. I would have been happier with just about anybody else here. Hell, even Drew McIntyre would have been a better pick, especially after Survivor Series. Escobar looked Bush League after Morrison punked him in the back and then beat him in three minutes. Not a good start if you really think this guy deserves a roster spot.

Matt Hardy vs. CM Punk: This match only gets a miss because it didn't go long enough to really set the stage for the Gallows interference. They should have given the three minutes from the Escobar match to this one. That would have allowed both men to create a setting for Gallows to do what he did.

The Harts vs. Cryme Tyme: I went back and counted, and since September 1, we have seen the Harts vs. Cryme Tyme in some format 12 times! We have averaged four times each month. Do I need to go on with why this is a miss?

Batista's Beatdown of Taker: This gets a miss, not because it was bad, but because of the unprotected chair shot at the end. Yes, it was a glancing blow, but concussions can be killers. As a former athletic trainer and paramedic, I'm horrified at the laissez faire attitude that people take to concussions. It is an injury to the brain folks. And according to my last anatomy class, you need that to survive. Taker should have put the hands up, especially for the PG crowd in attendance.

A quick thank you to all who sent me well wishes regarding my grandfather. He had surgery yesterday and is already home. My wife, who is staying with him to help, describes him as a different person. Thank you all again for your prayers and good thoughts.