WWE Smackdown Hits

Chris Jericho and Batista promo: Batista opening the show made little sense to me given the fact that he was the first one out on Raw. On top of that, the show should have immediately addressed the World Heavyweight Championship picture. Nonetheless, enter Chris Jericho, and the segment immediately became very good. Jericho’s mic work nicely set up Batista’s return to Smackdown, dissention with Big Show, and the main event for later in the show.

C.M. Punk promo: Punk’s inclusion because of a promo has become a weekly happening. I absolutely love Punk’s “I told you so” attitude. Although the way he retained the championship at the pay-per-view was very weak, he looked very strong coming out of his feud with Jeff Hardy. I’ve been clamoring for a heel that says he is going to do something and does it. I hope Taker does not completely kill the momentum Punk has earned.

The Hart Dynasty vs. Cryme Tyme: The match itself was nothing to write home about, but I enjoyed it anyway. It had an old school feel to it and that is a good thing in this case. The Harts picking up the win was nice too because every one they earn is a big one. I am not ready for them to be thrust into a title program, but they are getting close.

John Morrison vs. Mike Knox: Although this match was about giving Morrison a solid victory and more importantly, progressing his feud with Dolph Ziggler, I couldn’t help but get excited about Knox in the future. Knox is obviously a big, strong guy, but he can go with someone like Morrison, which is nice. He is also a good (and unique) promo. Looking forward to big things from Knox.

Drew McIntyre: Not everybody is going to be in top programs and McIntyre is no exception to the rule. However, the idea is to make the most of whatever opportunity you may be given and McIntyre is doing that. He has a legitimate program and is finding himself on television every week. I feel he is going a great job with his opportunity and I am thrilled with his progress.

WWE Smackdown Misses

Undertaker kidnaps Teddy Long: Of course, everyone who saw this segment probably thought of the “Higher Power” angle when Taker kidnapped Stephanie McMahon posing as her driver. “Where to Stephanie?” Anyway, I am a Taker fan and I am loving Punk right now, but I hate everything about the screw job angle.

Chris Jericho vs. Batista: This match could be main eventing pay-per-views, but instead, Big Dave defeats Jericho and Randy Orton in back to back matches in less than twelve minutes combined. Batista is popular and I understand pushing the guy, but why give away a top caliber match? Beyond that, why give Batista the win in so little time?

Teddy Long and Scott Armstrong explain themselves: The economy sucks. I have a wife and kids. I have bills. Tommy needs braces. Bella wants to take ballet lessons. Rocco has fleas. What in the hell was that? After hearing both of these ridiculous sob stories, neither man found it necessary to point out how having Undertaker as the World Champion would take food out of their children’s mouths.

Michelle McCool vs. Melina: I remember seeing this match when I was in attendance at The Bash. So, I am thrilled to see it again. Actually, not so much. They had a good match at the aforementioned pay-per-view, but the women’s division on Smackdown is a mess. I want to see them succeed, but the division seems like such an afterthought and the lack of volume in the roster itself makes it difficult to make it exciting.

Kane vs. Great Khali: I just didn’t want to see it again. I am glad Kane ended this thing once and for all. I hope Khali’s injuries get taken care of and healed up. Moving forward, I hope Kane continues to shine like he did when he first came back. He deserves something for carrying this program for so long.

I noticed Dot Net contributor Marvin Hermanstyne picked his Bears to upset my Steelers this week and mentioned I would probably “laugh my ass off” at the prediction. I actually genuinely believe it will be a close game and although I do not think the Bears will win, I believe it will be much closer than people think.

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