WWE Smackdown Hits

Undertaker vs. Chris Jericho: We can get it out of the way right now that I disagreed with giving away this match (for the first time no less) on free television. Overlooking that, I enjoyed the match and thought both men worked really well together. I know they aren't going to give them 35 minutes like they did Taker vs. Shawn Michaels, but I would love to see it. Jericho took the loss, but he can do that and not miss a beat. I hope Jericho is the next World Heavyweight Champion.

Beth Phoenix and Natalya: I loved the fact that they both wrestled and they both looked dominant in victory. A few months ago, Natalya wasn't wrestling and on Smackdown, we were getting Layla vs. Eve every week. Now, Beth and Natalya are establishing themselves, and Mickie is right there too. The woman's division on Smackdown has made a complete 180.

Announced matches for next week's show: I know fans in attendance hate when a huge main event is teased, only to schedule the match for another show. Well, these fans were given two huge matches and WWE also loaded up next week's show with Ziggler vs. Morrison and Kane and Taker vs. JeriShow. Nice job by WWE to make next week's show must see.

John Morrison vs. Dolph Ziggler: I really enjoy watching these two work together and have enjoyed their feud over the Intercontinental Championship very much. I loved the finish here too because it led to the booking of the old school two out of three falls match next week. Could next week finally be the week for Ziggler? There is intrigue behind that notion too; the fact that Ziggler has been challenging for the title for awhile now and always comes up a little short.

Rey Mysterio and Batista contract signing: These segments are usually black and white in terms of whether or not they are any good. I enjoyed this one and it probably was due to the fact that there is a personal vendetta between the two. This is more than just a wrestling match; this is a crumbled friendship. Both men played their parts well here and I am looking forward to the match.

C.M. Punk promo: Punk's promos have been pretty similar every time out, but they are still damn entertaining. I honestly thought he was going to leave his feud with Undertaker with the title, so his current spot on the card is disappointing. Nonetheless, he has proven and continues to prove that WWE can give him the ball anytime and he will successfully run with it.

WWE Smackdown Misses

C.M. Punk vs. R-Truth: I just could not get into this match. The chemistry between the two just did not seem to be there and truthfully (no pun intended), part of my judgment here could have a bias due to the fact that I think Punk deserves better. If Jericho wins the belt though, I will be okay with Punk out of the title picture for now.

Drew McIntyre vs. Finlay: I've sang the praises of McIntyre many times in this very column, but I was bored to tears tonight with his promo and the match. Everyone is entitled to a bad week or two, and nobody seems to be having success working with Finlay these days. I've said this before and I'll say it again: I hope McIntyre doesn't end up like Elijah Burke in WWE.

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