WWE Smackdown Hits

Jeff Hardy and Matt Hardy vs. Edge and Big Show: Sensational heat for Jeff Hardy. Off the charts. The live crowd was with him every step of the way, and he came across like the most popular wrestler in the company. The Edge and Big Show storyline with Show walking out is only mildly intriguing. They've done such a bad job with Big Show since WrestleMania 24 that it's been hard to care about his character lately.

Vickie Guerrero nude photos: I know this storyline isn't for everyone and it really does push the boundaries of the PG programming label, but I laughed out loud when I saw the "nude photos" on the WWE website. Furthermore, she continues to be one of the most entertaining characters on Smackdown every week and there are wrestlers who would give their right arm to get as much heat as she does.

Undertaker and Shelton Benjamin: This was a good segment, as the announcement of the Royal Rumble participants seemed prestigious with Jim Ross making the rare in-ring announcement. Shelton was intense and believable on the mic, and Taker's surprise appearance was very well done.

MVP: He's playing the stressed out loser part to perfection. His promo before the match and his mannerism afterward were well done. Too bad the rest of the match with Kizarny was so forgettable.

WWE Smackdown Misses

Triple H and Vickie Guerrero: The jokes about the Vickie doll were cute, but it does seem hypocritical given that Stephanie McMahon has issued the edict that she can't be filmed below the waist. One can only hope that Vickie is comfortable with her appearance and simply takes the jokes in stride.

Vladimir Kozlov vs. Hurricane Helms: The live crowds seem to have lost interest in Kozlov. I was surprised to see Helms go from having that strong match with Shelton Benjamin last week to becoming Vlad's latest victim.

Kizarny vs. MVP: This match felt like it was never going to end. Kizarny plays his character well, but I'm just not sold on the concept. That said, I dug his underhook DDT finisher.

Overall show: An uninspired broadcast and a rare clunker from the Smackdown brand. It wasn't a terrible show, but I've come to expect more from WWE's Friday night show.

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