WWE Smackdown Hits

Shawn Michaels and Batista confrontation: Easily the highlight of the show. A strong verbal exchange that laid the foundation for what should be an intriguing feud. I liked the insider references from Batista regarding HBK not doing jobs. The "job" lines may have gone over the heads of some viewers, but Batista made it clear what he was talking about by explaining that he thought Michaels could have taken a dive. By the way, I think it's really nice that Batista reaching out to the S&M crowd by wearing that sleeveless leather jacket. Wait, what the hell was he wearing?

Undertaker vs. Kane: A good television main event. As I noted last night, the cheap finish bothered me at first, but I thought they made up for it by sending viewers away happy by having Taker and Kane hit their finishing moves simultaneously. I'm not sure what that does to sell Backlash, but it was an entertaining way to close out the show. All that said, I can't help but wonder why WWE didn't hype this match a week out. If they feel strongly enough about these two to put title belts around their waists, then you'd think they'd try to pop a rating with their first match in four years.

Matt Hardy vs. MVP: I was worried when the match was so slow and the crowd was so quiet early on, but the crowd really got behind the finish and it turned out to be a good match. I'm still not crazy about this feud and I hope it doesn't last long. Don't get me wrong, I think they work well together and I know they can produce good matches, but I think it's time for both men to move forward and up the ladder. Then again, maybe they can be elevated simultaneously if the feud is good enough.

Diva contest: It gets a hit because it's finally over! Viewers don't have to suffer through anymore campy diva contests and now Michelle McCool has a new chopper she can drive when she goes out cruising with her boyfriend. Everyone is happy. Not sure what to make of Nattie Neidhart just yet. She was fine last night, although that whole t-top panties thing didn't really work for her. Maybe her pants just fell down. Maybe I'm too concerned with leather coats and panties this week.

WWE Smackdown Misses

John Morrison and The Miz vs. Jimmy Wang Yang and Shannon Moore: I was looking forward to this match because these two teams have delivered some entertaining matches in the past. Unfortunately, it lasted less than two minutes. As if Moore and Yang didn't look bad enough, Great Khali came out and beat up them and the WWE Tag Champions. Two tag teams with one stone. What a shame. This could have been a nice little feud.

Zach Ryder and Curt Hawkins: I think we've seen enough of these two as Edge's forgettable sidekicks. It's time to give them their own unique identities. They've proven to be solid in the ring and they definitely have upside as a tag team, but there's only so far they can go in the anonymous lackey roles.

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