WWE Smackdown taping
Cincinnati, Oh.
Report by Dot Net reader Iain Moore

Though Triple H stated during the show that Hornswoggle wasn't there, he came out beforehand and launched t-shirts to the crowd. Now I'm not a fan, but people were very happy to see him and the kids loved it. Thats what its all about, right?

The show started with DX coming to the ring. Big pop for DX! The crowd was crawling with t-shirts and glow sticks. Hell, I couldn't even help myself from picking up a DX cowboy hat at the end of the night!

Shortly after, Rey Mysterio came to the ring to confront Shawn about him and the Undertaker. Saying that he'll beat Taker at the Rumble so Shawn would have to find another way to get at him.

C.M. Punk's music starts up while Gallows, Sarena and him hit the stage. I'm liking the way things are going with this new stable and at this point I'm thinking Punk and Gallows are going over on DX tonight.

After some more talky talk, Teddy Long hits the stage to announce that Punk and Gallows will not get their title shot tonight... Thanks for ruining my time Teddy. Instead it will be Triple H vs Punk, and HBK vs Mysterio in the main event.

1. HHH defeated CM Punk by DQ. Definitely a good match to start Smackdown. The crowd had mixed chanting but the majority was behind H. Good in-ring work from both guys and for the first time, I felt that the crowd was REALLY into the show. Punk had the offense for a while until Hunter hit a boot from the turn buckle and a spine buster which made the crowd go nuts. The match ended when Sarena jumped on Hunter's back. Gallows and Sarena worked Hunter and held him down while Punk got the clippers. HBK came to the rescue and Punk hid behind Sarena. They left while DX celebrated in the ring.

My excitement peaked when they announced that Jericho was coming up next!

2. R-Truth defeated Chris Jericho. Jericho dominated the majority of the match with Truth winning with an upset roll up (atleast I'm pretty sure it was a roll up.) Jericho had a lot of heat but the smarks were all cheering for him. I got some evil looks from the little kid in front of me! Truth went for the cheap pop with "Whats up Cincinnati!?!" This match had Jericho in it so you know the whole segment was money.

3. Drew McIntyre defeated John Morrison to retain the Intercontinental Championship. I'm always a fan of a legitimate IC championship match, and these two really delivered one! Cincinnati couldn't get enough of Morrison. Surprisingly one of the bigger pops of the night. McIntyre didn't get much reaction at all when he came to the ring but he picked up heat through out the match. Morrison did some alright mic work before the match. Good no DQ match with Singapore canes and spilling over the retaining wall. (I was right up close and personal with them!) Mcintyre won by pin fall.

Next was the divas segment... Ugh.

Michelle Mccool came to the ring and cut a less lifeless promo than normal. She challenged anyone in the back to come out and try to take her title. Mickie James's music started and the crowd got pretty loud. Only for Layla to come out dressed as Mickie wearing a pig nose and fat suit. Horrible diva segment. Thats all I'm gonna say about it.

4. Shawn Michaels beat Rey Mysterio by DQ. Rey came to the ring first and all the kids went nuts. He did his thing while I impatiently waited for HBK. Michaels came out to his own music and pyro which was a treat for me! With out saying, big crowd reactions for both wrestlers. The match got going and was very good. Watching HBK in person with a good opponent like Mysterio is indescribable. Shawn Michaels might really be the best in ring performer of all time.

A good back and forth with good spots and lots of "Wooo's." Rey eventually hit the 619 and while going for the west coast pop got super kicked in mid air! Amazing! Then big Dave came in attacking HBK. H came out for the save which got every body excited. The lights went out and quickly came back on to Taker standing over Rey and HBK in the ring. This moment was unreal! My first time seeing Taker live. He hit the double choke slam for a huge pop. This match had great wrestling with a good finnish with Taker showing up. It hyped his match with Rey at the Rumble and the potential Mania rematch all together. Batista's interference is kinda questionable but it was still a fun way to end the show.

Dark Maint Event Match

1. Undertaker and DX defeated Chris Jericho, CM Punk, and Luke Gallows. Short match that ended with Taker hitting Y2J with a huge choke slam. Still a cool match to show case the main event guys of the show. Even in defeat Jericho was great! All the other stars left, leaving Undertaker in the ring and eventually making his way up the ramp. Undertaker was over big time with the live crowd.

Biggest pops:
Undertaker
DX
Rey Mysterio
John Morrison

Biggest Heat:
Jericho
Batista
Mccool

Look for the "JERICHO IS GOD" sign friday night!

RECOMMEND THIS ARTICLE: