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Buy or Sell: WWE Smackdown on My Network TV, No Mercy buildup, Mick Foley's TNA debut, Jeff Jarrett, tasteless Kurt Angle, Bound for Glory

Posted in: Staff Editorials
By By Rich Twilling
Oct 4, 2008 - 03:10 PM

Today's Rundown: WWE Smackdown, Hurricane Helms, No Mercy, Mick Foley, Jeff Jarrett, Kurt Angle, Bound for Glory

First WWE Smackdown on My Network TV: I am buying the overall show even though I noted to Jason that I did not necessarily enjoy it. WWE went out of their way to book a show that came across as special. They promoted it all week and they even produced a new opening video. While the show did not hit a homerun, at least they treated it differently than they would just any other show.

Hurricane Helms: I am buying his "I'm just sayin'" bits because well, they are funny. The way they are reintroducing him is different and creative. With the recent success of The Brian Kendrick and Evan Bourne, an interesting character for Helms could catapult him to the top because his work in the ring is phenomenal.

No Mercy buildup: I am selling this. I understand the move to My Network TV was an important thing to get across to viewers. However, how stupid does WWE think their fans are? As soon as someone tuned in to see Smackdown on The CW and did not see it, they would then remember to flip the channel over to My Network. No Mercy has two Wrestlemania main event quality world title matches and they have done a subpar job of putting over that fact.

Triple H vs. Chris Jericho vs. Matt Hardy: I enjoyed this match very much and thus, I am buying it. I like that WWE bookended the first show on the new network with matches that showcased most of their top stars. Most people figured this to be a solid match at least given who was involved, but all three men seemed to bring a little something extra and it showed.

Mick Foley's first appearance in the Impact Zone: I am buying this huge because Foley looks rejuvenated, relieved, and happy. Foley was a good color commentator in WWE, but I always wondered why he never quite clicked. I would be willing to bet it was because he was never comfortable. He mentioned this in his promo. He looks ready to work and it is great to see him.

Mick Foley as the special enforcer in the Jeff Jarrett vs. Kurt Angle match: I am selling this. Foley has been a special enforcer or special referee seemingly countless times. I am not sure if he should be wrestling on the show, but the tired special enforcer gimmick is disappointing. I hope they let Jarrett and Angle just go and involved Foley afterwards.

Jeff Jarrett's microphone work: I continue to buy this. Speaking of rejuvenated, Jarrett has been fantastic since his return to television. I hope his work in the ring, which has always been solid, will mirror his newly found mic skills. Overall, I hope the straight forward, shoot aspect to the feud will lead to an overhaul of philosophies in TNA as a whole.

Kurt Angle takes a shot at Jill Jarrett: I am giving this away. I cringed and was appalled when Angle said, "You lost your wife too Jeff." I am sure Jarrett okayed the comment (he better have), but damn, it was not necessary. Jill Jarrett tragically died at a young age; mentioning that fact in a negative manner was tasteless and should have no place on a wrestling program.

LAX vs. The Motor City Machine Guns: I am buying the match they had and back when LAX were the champions, I was hoping to see a title feud between these teams. After their match, I hope they will have a program together in the very near future.

Bound for Glory: I am buying the card and am excited about the show. Once again, they are doing what they can to put over the event as something truly special. Joe vs. Sting and Angle vs. Jarrett are two high profile matches that I am genuinely intrigued by. That is saying something too given my feelings about Sting being in the main event. Here is hoping TNA lets their guys work and does not over book the card with a bunch of ridiculous finishes.

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