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Thoughts on Smackdown 10/23/2009

Date Added: October 24, 2009
Story By: Keith Lehtinen

Greetings and welcome to my very first Smackdown column. In this first week, I hope to provide a vivid image of how I see the WWE and each superstar. ECW got a pretty spectacular review from me, but then again I have always been partial to the show. Did Smackdown match up? Or did Batista, Mysterio, the Undertaker and our Strait Edge (former) Champion disappoint?

Well the show definitely started well. The first superstar that we heard from was none other than Chris Jericho, making an appearance on all three brands this week. My love for Jericho's work on the mic aside, I enjoyed the promo and the ones that followed. As each member of the team made their way to the ring, I took that moment to evaluate them one by one. First of all was JTG, representing Crime Time. I've liked the two of them since their first appearance and I am genuinely shocked that the WWE hasn't put the tag team titles on them at this point. There isn't a more talented, fluid, or charismatic tag team in the WWE (other than DX of course). The crowd really seemed to be into JTG on the mic only emphasizing my point.

Out next was former general manager Vickie Guerrero, soon accompanied by her new "boyfriend" Eric Escobar. Honestly, I'm not impressed. He has a good look and his mic work isn't terrible, but he hasn't shown me a single thing that I can get behind. With Vickie in his corner, he can definitely make a huge heel impact on the show but I wonder about his staying power.

The next superstar to make his way to the ring is the GREATLY improved Dolph Ziggler. I can remember months ago seeing him on Raw and feeling bad for him. His gimmick was absolutely terrible and I imagined a very sad career arc for him. He was traded to Smackdown, however, and then just, BAM! Soon enough, his matches were amongst my favorites and his feuds with Rey Mysterio and John Morrison saw him lose every title match but still come out looking better than ever. Now that the Maria debacle is behind him, I expect this young man to make huge strides.

The last of the Team Smackdown recruits then entered the arena and I truly considered Drew McIntyre for the first time. I like his style, he holds himself very well. He is already pretty good on the mic. Overall I think he has a bright career ahead of him. As I tried to ignore my girlfriend swooning over his accent, a familiar pyro exploded behind him and Kane made his way to the ring.

I've always loved Kane, but as of late I just can't seem to care. His matches are usually boring and he is usually paired against someone that clashes with his style. I miss the Kane that abruptly attacked whoever was in the ring every time he came out, the Kane that actually held a World Heavyweight Title. Can someone please find that Kane and tell him that he is desperately needed?

Anyways, what followed was a brilliant idea for a match, but didn't quite click like I wanted it to. My first problem was the inclusion of Finley. He is a great worker, but I think I'm over him. He is terrific in the "building up younger talent" role, but the main event of Bragging Rights? I just really don't see it. Add that to the weak ending of the match and I personally feel that Team Smackdown was actually weakened in the trade. It is nice to see Matt Hardy in a match with some weight once again however.

Following that, and throughout the night, we had some backstage work with CM Punk and the conspiracy cronies. CM Punk continued to impress with how hated he could be, after being loved just months ago. I enjoyed the entire thing, especially Scott Armstrong. Many younger fans don't realize this but the Armstrong family really DOES mean something in the history of sports entertainment. Trust me. Wiki it.

The backstage segment with the ladies of Smackdown was pretty good as well, but not great. I just don't like Mickie James anymore. Some of her matches have been downright awful lately and she doesn't have that fiery charisma on the mic. She seems very toned down and bored. I did enjoy Michelle McCool, Mae Young, and Beth Phoenix. In fact, Beth Phoenix looked gorgeous. I wasn't even sure that was her. If this is a sign of things to come, I think the women's division of Smackdown is looking up.

The resulting match was decent enough, but again, I have had too much Mickie James. As soon as I saw who her opponent was, I knew Layla would be jobbing. And in my opinion, predictable results disappoint me more than any other thing in wrestling. At least Mickie actually connected with her kick this time.

Also, in a final lead in to the match I am looking most forward to Sunday, John Morrison defeated Mike Knox. Of course, I expected him to win, but it was an enjoyable match and I got to watch two men do what they do best. As big men go, Mike Knox is very impressive. He can be overwhelming and still lose without it looking ridiculous.

The two big matches of the evening were pretty good, reminding me that Smackdown's biggest advantage over Raw is main event superstars that never get boring. I've seen all six of those men in several matches over that last few years, but I still enjoy watching them.

Kane and Jericho versus Rey and Batista was really good and I totally enjoyed it despite the fact that I am not a huge fan of Batista. Whenever the Animal teams with Mysterio, he seems to kick it up another notch and enjoy what he does just a little bit more. All four of them had their spots in the match and I loved it up to the end. However, the match ended with something that I think needs to stop. So my message to the WWE superstars this week is simple.

Just because Edge and Goldberg made the Spear a viable finishing move in their arsenal does NOT mean that you can too. If you can't explode like they can, just tearing someone out of their boots, then stick to your own moves. Nothing cheapens a match like someone as "tough" as Kane losing to a mid speed half tackle . . . thing.

Finally, the main event was just pure yummy goodness. As an original Child of the Night, Undertaker will always get a cheer from me. No one in this business, maybe ever, can set a mood like the Dead Man. When the lights go low and the bell tolls, I get goosebumps. Every time. Put him against a stacked deck and a really cocky CM Punk and I'm happy. The end of the match was very clever, with Taker locking in his own hold as soon as the ref entered the ring. The Undertaker stood triumphant as we closed the show. I enjoyed so much of the show and can honestly say it left me looking forward to Bragging Rights much more than I had before. Speaking of Bragging RIghts, I suppose I should make some predictions. Here we go.

Divas Match
Gail Kim/Kelly Kelly/Melina vs. Michelle McCool/Beth Phoenix/Natalya

This one is tough, but I have to give it to Smackdown. I think the best wrestler in the entire match is Gail Kim, but Kelly Kelly isn't nearly strong enough to be in this match. All three Smackdown ladies are proven wrestlers and ones that I think could individually dominate the women's division. I have to give them the nod.

Winner: Team Smackdown (McCool/Phoenix/Natalya)

Champion versus Champion
IC Champ John Morrison vs. US Champ The Miz

I am a big fan of both of these men and this might be the hardest match to predict. In the end, I have to give it to John Morrison in a clean victory. I think it will be an outstanding match and just might steal the show. Expect both men to give it their all and leave no doubts that they are the future of the WWE.

Winner: John Morrison

WWE Championship Iron Man Match
Randy Orton vs. John Cena

I have only one hope for this match. I hope with all my soul that Randy Orton wins. John Cena needs a break to film his new movie, and quite frankly I need a break from him. I can only imagine what the title picture would look like without Cena on Raw. Who knows? Maybe Mark Henry, Kofi Kingston, or MVP might get a few title shots.

Winner: Randy Orton

Fatal Four Way for the World Heavyweight Championship
The Undertaker vs. Batista vs. CM Punk vs. Rey Mysterio

I have to use process of elimination for this one. I cannot see Undertaker retaining. He is obviously still injured and can't work a champion's schedule. I also don't see them putting the title on Rey at the moment. After his brief suspension and the loss of the Intercontinental title, I don't think they have the faith in him at the moment. So it comes down to Batista vs. CM Punk. With Punk's problems backstage lately, I can see the WWE keeping the title off of him to cool his ego a bit. So I'm going with Batista.

Winner: Batista

Bragging Rights 14 Man Tag Match
Triple H/Shawn Michaels/Big Show/Mark Henry/Cody Rhodes/Jack Swagger/Kofi Kingston
vs.
Chris Jericho/Kane/R-Truth/Finley/DH Smith/Tyson Kidd/Matt Hardy

I reallllly wish I could debate this match. But let's look at this seriously. There is no way that Smackdown is going to get a clean win over Raw. There's barely a chance of a cheating win. All the five on four match did was fill the Smackdown team with a bunch of superstars that the WWE can afford to give a loss to. Unless something ridiculous happens, Team Raw wins it.

Winner: Team Raw

Thanks again for reading guys and enjoy Bragging Rights. Get well soon good ol' JR. And remember, all of you Children of the Night, Hulkamaniacs, Peeps, Edge Heads, Jericholics, and the millions and millions of Rock fans chanting his name . . .

The World is Watching.

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