WWE Smackdown Hits

Opening segment with Chris Jericho, Edge, and CM Punk: In the immediate to somewhat distant past, opening segments featuring promos get a groan reaction from the crowd and television viewing audience. However, this was fantastic. Jericho reminded everyone he was the best in the world. Edge stopped him and explained why he was the best. Then Punk came out and both Jericho and Edge remembered they were heels. Jericho took off and a confident but smart Punk told Edge his plan for cashing in Money in the Bank, setting up the main event.

Fatal fourway to determine a number one contender for Edge's World Championship: Multiple person matches either hit or miss and this was a definite score. A fantastic, fun, and athletic match that was worthy of a pay-per-view. Jeff Hardy winning makes perfect sense as Jericho will continue to successfully play the disrespect card. This one had me on the edge of my seat and I loved it.

CM Punk vs. Edge: What can you say? They loaded up this show and this match capped it all off. Punk winning clean was not only surprising, but great. Jason and I talked about taking clean pins and how it only helps the winner, but does not have to affect the loser. Edge will be just as over as ever here.

Punk's plan to cash in Money in the Bank: I gave this its own entry because I thought it was a genius idea. Sure, telling everybody about it ahead of time was not the smartest thing to do and hurt the surprise factor, but the plan itself was very smart. Punk is a confident guy, but beating Edge is hardly automatic, so he decided to cash in after he already beat him. Of course, it didn't work out for him.

Umaga returns: I am a huge Umaga fan and think he can work at the top of the card with anybody. He is a legit monster like character and his work in the ring is second to none on Smackdown. I'm curious to see what happens to Punk's title shot; I'm guessing it is cashed in and done. Punk vs. Umaga could elevate both guys and I would never mind seeing another round of Jeff Hardy vs. Umaga matches.

John Morrison vs. Shelton Benjamin: Yes, the match was too short, but I am listing this here because it seems as if Morrison was playing the babyface (and it was pretty much confirmed later). In the Member's Forum, I answered a question of who I would turn babyface on Smackdown. I said John Morrison. If he is too quirky as a heel, make him a babyface the fans will love. Morrison vs. Jericho could be a fantastic program.

Announcers hyping the draft picks: This falls under the "little things are important" category but I absolutely loved this. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think they covered every single draft pick to Smackdown. That seems basic and easy enough, but it is so important and goes so far and establishing the newcomers as stars. Well done.

Overall show: This was the best episode of Smackdown in recent memory and if some of these newer faces continue to work with top guys, the show will just continue to get better.

WWE Smackdown Misses

MVP and Sherri Shephard: Well, I can understand why WWE is doing this. However, it just isn't that big of a deal for those of us who watch the shows anyway. It's almost ironic that the one thing I did not like about the show came from someone who is going to Raw anyway. Also, I was cool with a babyface MVP, but damn, he is such a natural heel and I hope he turns back.

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