We have a raucous edition of Smackdown tonight, just forty-eight hours away from Night of Champions.
Starting things off is Jeff Hardy out to talk about how he thinks CM Punk's way of thinking is wrong. He is sick of Punk shoving the straight edge lifestyle down everyone's throat and that he'll win the World Heavyweight Championship at Night of Champions.
Jeff Hardy vs. Chris Jericho
If you're expecting anything less than a solid match between these two, you won't be disappointed. These two were very good tonight, and well, that's to be expected. I loved Jeff's selling of the Codebreaker. It's like Jericho hit it and then shot him with a shotgun at the same time. The looking around for Hardy after Jericho hit it was a nice touch as well. Hardy was able to mount a comeback and out counter Jericho to hit the Swanton for the win.
We head backstage where WWE Women's Champion Michelle McCool is getting make up done and running down former Women's Champions. She says she's the best when Melina shows up. She says she's invoking her rematch clause at Night of Champions and then throws make up in McCool's face.
I think this was after this, but Jericho was seen talking to Kane presumably about being his partner at Night of Champions.
The Great Khali vs. Mike Knox (with beard)
Hey it's Mike Knox and man, has that beard gotten more awesome. It's too bad he hasn't been seen in weeks or else that beard would be causing mayhem on Smackdown. Khali pretty much dominates this match. Kane comes out for a distraction, but it doesn't help as Khali is still able to get the win. Kane comes down afterwards to try in get in the ring with Khali, but thinks against it and walks away.
Time for another edition of Word Up with yo boys Cryme Tyme and Eve. They talk about great tag teams when The Hart Dynasty are seen. These two get into talking trash to each other when your real boy, Jesse shows up. He helps out Cryme Tyme in laying down the smack talk on The Hart Dynasty, even busting out a Badstreet reference. It looks like Cryme Tyme might actually except Jesse. We can only hope.
Dolph Ziggler heads to the ring with Maria. He gets on the mic and says the line of the night, "I'm not much for big introductions." Oh and he said he'll win the Intercontinental Championship.
Dolph Ziggler vs. Finlay
Finlay tries to beat down the young Dolph Ziggler here. He does a good job of this until he throws Ziggler outside. Ziggler is thrown into the announce table, rib first and head first. Finlay would then clothesline him and that would be when Maria would come to check on Ziggler. Finlay backs off to not hurt Maria, when Ziggler comes back and hits the reverse jumping complete shot on the outside. Ziggler slides back in and wins via count out. Really, three years ago, who would've thought that Nick Nemeth would've been the most successful out of the Spirit Squad?
World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk is out now to challenge the WWE Universe. He runs down people who do drugs and tries to teach them how to say no. He talks about the damages people do to themselves when they do drugs. Jeff Hardy comes out and is unhappy with Punk. Punk, however, does not try to tempt Hardy as he tells him he'll just say no here.
Jericho is backstage again, this time with The Great Khali asking him to be his partner. Khali wants nothing of it.
Eve (with Cryme Tyme) vs. Natalya (with Kidd and Smith)
We head back to the ring with Diva's action. Natalya showed her wrestling wherewithal here by busting out some seldom seen moves. Namely the Mexican surfboard. She also hit the discus lariat again, but did not go for the pin. She instead tried to go for a high impact move from the top, but was reversed and that allowed Eve to hit a moonsault for the win.
R-Truth vs. Charlie Haas
No Pretty Ricky tonight, but we do get R-Truth (WUTS UP). He's facing another seldom seen superstar on Smackdown, Charlie Haas. Since Shelton Benjamin is now on ECW, there's not much for Haas to do here on Smackdown. R-Truth picks up the win here with the scissors kick.
CM Punk vs. Rey Mysterio
It's champion vs. champion in the main event tonight as World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk takes on WWE Intercontinental Champion Rey Mysterio. Very good back and forth fast paced match here. Punk busted out some different submissions here and was able to weasel out of some 619 attempts. Dolph Ziggler would come down to ringside to get a better look at the action. I did like the spot where Mysterio rolled though Punk trying to slide him out of the ring. Punk would get hit with a 619, but as Mysterio was going for the pin, Ziggler would come in and interfere causing the DQ. Mysterio would come back and try and set up Ziggler for the 619, but Punk would cut him off before that. Punk would leave the ring, leaving Ziggler to hit his finisher twice on Mysterio. Jeff Hardy would come running down to ringside, bumping into Punk doing so. Hardy clears Ziggler from the ring, but not until Punk comes rushing back in to hit the Go To Sleep on Hardy to end Smackdown.
---
Another good edition of Smackdown tonight. On the one forum I frequent, I put in my Night of Champions predictions that Christian would be Jericho's partner. But now I'm really hoping it's Ziggler. Since after tonight with the somewhat helping out with Punk and Ziggler, I'd love to see a super heel trio of Punk, Jericho, and Ziggler. But who knows, WWE might swerve us and have Chris Masters be Jericho's partner.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
WWE Superstars 7/23/09 Review
Christian vs. William Regal
Wow, now this was a way to start off tonight's edition of Superstars. A great match with these two. Great mat-based wrestling throughout, which is expected of Regal. Regal's pushing of Christian from the top rope to the floor was almost nasty. Regal's half nelson suplex was very good as well. Not expecting that to be thrown out. Christian got the win with a springboard sunset flip.
Evan Bourne vs. Jamie Noble
I had almost forgotten Noble was still employed. But thank God he is, cause this was another hell of a match. Noble showed why he is a good wrestler and almost felt like I was watching an old ROH tape here. Noble tried to ground the high flyer, and almost had the job done a few times in this match. Bourne's jumping around the turnbuckle post to Noble on the outside was awesome. Bourne won with Air Bourne, the shooting star press.
A Chris Jericho hype video was shown here inbetween the main event. Nothing really to note.
John Morrison vs. Kane
I guess I got a little spoiled after two excellent matches. This of course was not as good as the two previous matches, but it still featured some good spots here and there. Particularly at the end of the match when Morrison back flipped out of the chokeslam. Morrison was able to hit the flying chuck kick and the pele kick near the end. He looked to springboard onto Kane, who was on the outside, but got hit with a flying chair from Kane to cause the DQ. Kane looked to finish off Morrison, but The Great Khali came down to ringside. Morrison used that to hit Kane with the chair before leaving. The Great Khali tried to pull Kane out to the outside, but was unsuccessful and Kane left through the crowd.
A really good night for wrestling here on Superstars. If you missed tonight, definately try and find a replay or something to check out the first two matches. If Night of Champions doesn't provide something better, one of these two might be match of the week.
Wow, now this was a way to start off tonight's edition of Superstars. A great match with these two. Great mat-based wrestling throughout, which is expected of Regal. Regal's pushing of Christian from the top rope to the floor was almost nasty. Regal's half nelson suplex was very good as well. Not expecting that to be thrown out. Christian got the win with a springboard sunset flip.
Evan Bourne vs. Jamie Noble
I had almost forgotten Noble was still employed. But thank God he is, cause this was another hell of a match. Noble showed why he is a good wrestler and almost felt like I was watching an old ROH tape here. Noble tried to ground the high flyer, and almost had the job done a few times in this match. Bourne's jumping around the turnbuckle post to Noble on the outside was awesome. Bourne won with Air Bourne, the shooting star press.
A Chris Jericho hype video was shown here inbetween the main event. Nothing really to note.
John Morrison vs. Kane
I guess I got a little spoiled after two excellent matches. This of course was not as good as the two previous matches, but it still featured some good spots here and there. Particularly at the end of the match when Morrison back flipped out of the chokeslam. Morrison was able to hit the flying chuck kick and the pele kick near the end. He looked to springboard onto Kane, who was on the outside, but got hit with a flying chair from Kane to cause the DQ. Kane looked to finish off Morrison, but The Great Khali came down to ringside. Morrison used that to hit Kane with the chair before leaving. The Great Khali tried to pull Kane out to the outside, but was unsuccessful and Kane left through the crowd.
A really good night for wrestling here on Superstars. If you missed tonight, definately try and find a replay or something to check out the first two matches. If Night of Champions doesn't provide something better, one of these two might be match of the week.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
TNA Victory Road 09 Review
I haven't watched TNA in weeks, so I knew going into this, it'd be an interesting review. Really, I just wanted to see the crazy stuff that TNA would come up with.
TNA World Knockout's Championship
Tara (C) vs. Angelina Love
We kick off the pay per view with the Knockout's title on the line. I'm not quite sure about this match, it was just kind of there. Nothing impressive, but nothing bad. The ending was quite weird, as Love gets the pinfall while Tara had her foot on the rope to win the Knockout's title. Tara complains to referee Slick Johnson, but ends up kicking him and putting the tarantula on him.
We head backstage with JB and the Main Event Mafia. HOLY DOUCHEY ROSE KURT ANGLE. Yeah, had to comment on that shirt. Angle wants the MEM to dominate tonight and is expecting a win from every member, or they're fired.
"The Blueprint" Matt Morgan vs. Christopher Daniels
I still don't like them randomly dropping Chris Daniels' first name. It just seems dumb. Anywho, Matt Morgan is in this match. He's still getting a big push from TNA. I really don't understand why, I know Cornette was huge on this guy in OVW, but I personally don't see anything outstanding about him. Morgan picks up the victory with the Carbon Foot Print after a lacklastre match.
Dr. Stevie is back stage hyping up his No DQ match with Abyss next. That sounds like I'm reporting in EWR. Richards says that he's gonna win, yadda, yadda, yadda. Oh and Daffney was there as well.
Abyss vs. Dr. Stevie
Dr. Stevie's scrubs says that he's a professional therapist. I gotta get me a pair of those. Abyss is back in the old black attire. I'm glad he finally scrapped the white mental institution garb. I mean he'd been wearing that for what, a year? You'd think he'd change sometime between now and then. We see fighting in the crowd, random weapons shots, and Lauren trying her best to attack Daffney. Still, Lauren did better then some chicks that we'll get to later. Abyss wins with a Black Hole Slam and then using a tazor gun on Dr. Stevie.
Mick Foley is backstage giving a pep talk to AJ Styles and Beer Money Inc. Remember when the Frontline actually had more than 4 people in it? That seems like a while ago.
IWGP Tag Team Championship
The British Invasion (Brutus Magnus & Doug Williams with Rob Terry) vs. Team 3D (c)
Man, do I love me some Doug Williams. He was awesome in the old Ring of Honor dvds I have. I'm glad TNA actually found something for him, instead of having him just sit on his contract. These two teams have been fueding for a month or so, and Team 3D is out for revenge. I hadn't really seen The British Invasion team together, and I thought they did pretty well. Team 3D pick up the victory. After the match, Kiyoshi and Shiek Abdul Bashir hit the ring to try and jump Team 3D. They have none of it and Bashir is powerbombed through a table.
Backstage with Lauren and she's with referee Slick Johnson. He apologizes for not seeing Tara's foot on the rope and says that she'll get a rematch soon.
Jenna (with Awesome Kong) vs. Sharmell (with Sojo Bolt)
I wasn't expecting a five star classic here. Hell, I wasn't even expecting a decent match, but my God did this match truly stink up the joint. Someone could've at least taught Jenna how to run the ropes, or to at least run, and to not sell getting tripped like you're dead. It's bad when the only exciting parts, are things the non-participants are involved in. Jenna wins when Kong hits Sharmell with a right hand and then Jenna does a lap dance on Sharmell for the pin. I'm not kidding. Afterwards Jenna gets in Kong's face and gives her the weakest slap ever. Then Kong kills her.
Backstage with JB and Kevin Nash. Nash is determined to win the Legends title. He even says that if he can't win tonight, that he will retire.
TNA Legends Championship
Kevin Nash vs. AJ Styles (c)
I like Kevin Nash. I like AJ Styles. But these two guys don't mesh well when it comes to a match. Styles went with a game plan to chop the big man down, and did so for most of the match. Nice spot when Nash big booted Styles to the outside. Nash picks up the win with a chokeslam to win the Legends title.
Lauren is in the Knockout's locker room waiting to interview Tara. All of a sudden, Slick Johnson comes running out of the shower saying that he needed to get a spider bite checked out. Madison Rayne comes out soon after and tells Lauren to mind her own business. I guess Madison Rayne isn't now just the other one in The Beautiful People, she's the slut.
TNA World Tag Team Championship
Beer Money Inc. (c) vs. Booker T & Scott Steiner
Another match I wasn't too impressed with. Beer Money have been a good emerging tag team over the last year. Booker and Scott are both tag team veterans, I just couldn't get into it. I may have been getting worn out at this point. Finish comes when Storm tries to spit beer in the eyes of Steiner and connects, but also hits the ref as well. This distracts the ref for a bit, and then Booker capitalizes on that and hits an axe kick for the pinfall. Afterwards, JB comes down to interview Booker and Steiner about the win.
Lauren is backstage with Samoa Joe. He says that his adviser will be shown tonight and that Sting's time is up.
Samoa Joe vs. Sting
Oh hey, here is an actual good match. I figured going into this one, that these two would put on something good and they delivered. Some fighting through the crowd here and around the iMPACT! zone. Good in-ring action as well. The big thing to note is when Sting had the Scorpion Death Lock locked in, Taz made his debut as Joe's adviser. It lit a fire under Joe who was able to comeback and lock in the rear naked choke for the win. Joe and Taz celebrate afterwards.
TNA shows a video from ESPN Radio with Bobby Lashley talking about his signing with TNA. He also mentions how we would want to fight Brock Lesnar in the future. Lashley was real classy here, no WWE bashing or anything.
Mick Foley is backstage with JB and delivers a passionate promo about his match next with Kurt Angle. He mentions how he wants to exploit the neck injury of Angle's and that he's TNA's last hope against the Main Event Mafia.
TNA World Heavyweight Championship
Kurt Angle (c) vs. Mick Foley
Another good match here in the main event. Foley unleashed some new moves I had never seen him pull out before. A fujiwara armbar and a modified version of the mandible claw with a body scissors. Foley controlled Angle throughout most of the match until Angle is able to mount a comeback and lock in the grapevined ankle lock to make Foley tap. The entire MEM comes out to celebrate with Angle as the pay per view ends.
---
A very meh pay per view here. TNA desperately needs to stop taping ppv's at the Impact Zone or else it just seems like an extended episode of Impact. Hell, start taping Impact more outside the impact zone as well. If TNA wants to branch out and become a bigger company, they're going to need to take their television show across the country. I'm not saying abandon the Impact Zone, but come back there for important Impact's, but take impact to different arenas across the country.
TNA World Knockout's Championship
Tara (C) vs. Angelina Love
We kick off the pay per view with the Knockout's title on the line. I'm not quite sure about this match, it was just kind of there. Nothing impressive, but nothing bad. The ending was quite weird, as Love gets the pinfall while Tara had her foot on the rope to win the Knockout's title. Tara complains to referee Slick Johnson, but ends up kicking him and putting the tarantula on him.
We head backstage with JB and the Main Event Mafia. HOLY DOUCHEY ROSE KURT ANGLE. Yeah, had to comment on that shirt. Angle wants the MEM to dominate tonight and is expecting a win from every member, or they're fired.
"The Blueprint" Matt Morgan vs. Christopher Daniels
I still don't like them randomly dropping Chris Daniels' first name. It just seems dumb. Anywho, Matt Morgan is in this match. He's still getting a big push from TNA. I really don't understand why, I know Cornette was huge on this guy in OVW, but I personally don't see anything outstanding about him. Morgan picks up the victory with the Carbon Foot Print after a lacklastre match.
Dr. Stevie is back stage hyping up his No DQ match with Abyss next. That sounds like I'm reporting in EWR. Richards says that he's gonna win, yadda, yadda, yadda. Oh and Daffney was there as well.
Abyss vs. Dr. Stevie
Dr. Stevie's scrubs says that he's a professional therapist. I gotta get me a pair of those. Abyss is back in the old black attire. I'm glad he finally scrapped the white mental institution garb. I mean he'd been wearing that for what, a year? You'd think he'd change sometime between now and then. We see fighting in the crowd, random weapons shots, and Lauren trying her best to attack Daffney. Still, Lauren did better then some chicks that we'll get to later. Abyss wins with a Black Hole Slam and then using a tazor gun on Dr. Stevie.
Mick Foley is backstage giving a pep talk to AJ Styles and Beer Money Inc. Remember when the Frontline actually had more than 4 people in it? That seems like a while ago.
IWGP Tag Team Championship
The British Invasion (Brutus Magnus & Doug Williams with Rob Terry) vs. Team 3D (c)
Man, do I love me some Doug Williams. He was awesome in the old Ring of Honor dvds I have. I'm glad TNA actually found something for him, instead of having him just sit on his contract. These two teams have been fueding for a month or so, and Team 3D is out for revenge. I hadn't really seen The British Invasion team together, and I thought they did pretty well. Team 3D pick up the victory. After the match, Kiyoshi and Shiek Abdul Bashir hit the ring to try and jump Team 3D. They have none of it and Bashir is powerbombed through a table.
Backstage with Lauren and she's with referee Slick Johnson. He apologizes for not seeing Tara's foot on the rope and says that she'll get a rematch soon.
Jenna (with Awesome Kong) vs. Sharmell (with Sojo Bolt)
I wasn't expecting a five star classic here. Hell, I wasn't even expecting a decent match, but my God did this match truly stink up the joint. Someone could've at least taught Jenna how to run the ropes, or to at least run, and to not sell getting tripped like you're dead. It's bad when the only exciting parts, are things the non-participants are involved in. Jenna wins when Kong hits Sharmell with a right hand and then Jenna does a lap dance on Sharmell for the pin. I'm not kidding. Afterwards Jenna gets in Kong's face and gives her the weakest slap ever. Then Kong kills her.
Backstage with JB and Kevin Nash. Nash is determined to win the Legends title. He even says that if he can't win tonight, that he will retire.
TNA Legends Championship
Kevin Nash vs. AJ Styles (c)
I like Kevin Nash. I like AJ Styles. But these two guys don't mesh well when it comes to a match. Styles went with a game plan to chop the big man down, and did so for most of the match. Nice spot when Nash big booted Styles to the outside. Nash picks up the win with a chokeslam to win the Legends title.
Lauren is in the Knockout's locker room waiting to interview Tara. All of a sudden, Slick Johnson comes running out of the shower saying that he needed to get a spider bite checked out. Madison Rayne comes out soon after and tells Lauren to mind her own business. I guess Madison Rayne isn't now just the other one in The Beautiful People, she's the slut.
TNA World Tag Team Championship
Beer Money Inc. (c) vs. Booker T & Scott Steiner
Another match I wasn't too impressed with. Beer Money have been a good emerging tag team over the last year. Booker and Scott are both tag team veterans, I just couldn't get into it. I may have been getting worn out at this point. Finish comes when Storm tries to spit beer in the eyes of Steiner and connects, but also hits the ref as well. This distracts the ref for a bit, and then Booker capitalizes on that and hits an axe kick for the pinfall. Afterwards, JB comes down to interview Booker and Steiner about the win.
Lauren is backstage with Samoa Joe. He says that his adviser will be shown tonight and that Sting's time is up.
Samoa Joe vs. Sting
Oh hey, here is an actual good match. I figured going into this one, that these two would put on something good and they delivered. Some fighting through the crowd here and around the iMPACT! zone. Good in-ring action as well. The big thing to note is when Sting had the Scorpion Death Lock locked in, Taz made his debut as Joe's adviser. It lit a fire under Joe who was able to comeback and lock in the rear naked choke for the win. Joe and Taz celebrate afterwards.
TNA shows a video from ESPN Radio with Bobby Lashley talking about his signing with TNA. He also mentions how we would want to fight Brock Lesnar in the future. Lashley was real classy here, no WWE bashing or anything.
Mick Foley is backstage with JB and delivers a passionate promo about his match next with Kurt Angle. He mentions how he wants to exploit the neck injury of Angle's and that he's TNA's last hope against the Main Event Mafia.
TNA World Heavyweight Championship
Kurt Angle (c) vs. Mick Foley
Another good match here in the main event. Foley unleashed some new moves I had never seen him pull out before. A fujiwara armbar and a modified version of the mandible claw with a body scissors. Foley controlled Angle throughout most of the match until Angle is able to mount a comeback and lock in the grapevined ankle lock to make Foley tap. The entire MEM comes out to celebrate with Angle as the pay per view ends.
---
A very meh pay per view here. TNA desperately needs to stop taping ppv's at the Impact Zone or else it just seems like an extended episode of Impact. Hell, start taping Impact more outside the impact zone as well. If TNA wants to branch out and become a bigger company, they're going to need to take their television show across the country. I'm not saying abandon the Impact Zone, but come back there for important Impact's, but take impact to different arenas across the country.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
ECW 7/21/09 Review
We kick off this weeks episode with everyone's favorite J-Pop theme.
Yoshi Tatsu vs. William Regal
Sometimes I forget how awesome William Regal can be. And then he cuts a 20 second promo that gets the entire crowd to hate him. I really like this match. Yoshi Tatsu remains over with the crowd this week, and that's good to see. These two worked well with one another and the crowd was into it as well. I did like the subtle nods to the Lord Steven Regal gimmick by Striker tonight. Good wrestling seen here as Tatsu picks up the victory with his head kick.
Ezekiel Jackson vs. Local Guy
This quite possibly could've been the weirdest segment I've seen, well since Raw last night. I can describe this match just naming Big Zeke's moves. Big boot. Devastating lariat. Uranage. Pinfall. That's all she wrote folks.
OH WAIT NO IT'S NOT. Out comes the Russian Mauler, Vladimir Kozlov. We get a stare down between him and Big Zeke and then Kozlov picks up our poor local competitor and slams him with his finishing maneuver. For some reason, the though of a Kozlov/Jackson fued or tag team gets me really excited. It's odd.
Shelton Benjamin vs. Goldust
This match featured way too much gold. Gold standard versus the bizarre one here. I like the move of Goldust to ECW as it gives him a chance to put over some of the younger talent. And it still shows that he can go in the ring. The end sequence was pretty cool as Shelton showed his athletic prowess by leaping over the top rope to the outside to catch Goldustin's neck on the top rope. That lead in to Pay Dirt and it was all she wrote.
We get a promo from Sheamus here. He mentions that the days of Finlay and Hornswaggle are done and that a real Irishman is here. That's pretty much it.
Gregory Helms is backstage with 'The Ripper' Paul Burchill. They try to talk about his match next with Tyler Reks, but Goldust appears and somehow, his turrets phase is still mentioned. This could be the longest form of continuity I've seen in WWE. Oh and he hits Burchill in the face thanks to those turrets.
Tyler Reks vs. Paul Burchill
Oh yeah, these two had a match. Not really that good of a match I thought. Reks still hasn't won me over at all. He's starting to border going into Ricky Ortiz territory. Burchill's saito suplex is still brutal looking. Reks picks up the win with a roll up and afterward, Burchill knocks him from the ring as Reks was celebrating.
And now we get to The Abraham Washington Show. Man, I'd rather have the Christian and Tommy Dreamer Power Hour than this. The show, or I guess I should say writing hasn't gotten better in the last few weeks. Maybe the whole thing is to have a show with really lame and corny jokes. It was brought up many times about how Night of Champions is hailing from Philadelphia and how Tommy would be the one the fans would be behind there. Christian sure showed some heel tendencies though, but he usually is like that even as a face. A slap exchange happens as we close out ECW.
---
Some good wrestling tonight. Though nothing really else to note. Some fued progression with Dreamer and Christian and that was really it as far as storylines go. But that is the only real storyline on ECW at the moment. The lack of Zack Ryder definitely disappointed me. Boo Boo Boo.
Yoshi Tatsu vs. William Regal
Sometimes I forget how awesome William Regal can be. And then he cuts a 20 second promo that gets the entire crowd to hate him. I really like this match. Yoshi Tatsu remains over with the crowd this week, and that's good to see. These two worked well with one another and the crowd was into it as well. I did like the subtle nods to the Lord Steven Regal gimmick by Striker tonight. Good wrestling seen here as Tatsu picks up the victory with his head kick.
Ezekiel Jackson vs. Local Guy
This quite possibly could've been the weirdest segment I've seen, well since Raw last night. I can describe this match just naming Big Zeke's moves. Big boot. Devastating lariat. Uranage. Pinfall. That's all she wrote folks.
OH WAIT NO IT'S NOT. Out comes the Russian Mauler, Vladimir Kozlov. We get a stare down between him and Big Zeke and then Kozlov picks up our poor local competitor and slams him with his finishing maneuver. For some reason, the though of a Kozlov/Jackson fued or tag team gets me really excited. It's odd.
Shelton Benjamin vs. Goldust
This match featured way too much gold. Gold standard versus the bizarre one here. I like the move of Goldust to ECW as it gives him a chance to put over some of the younger talent. And it still shows that he can go in the ring. The end sequence was pretty cool as Shelton showed his athletic prowess by leaping over the top rope to the outside to catch Goldustin's neck on the top rope. That lead in to Pay Dirt and it was all she wrote.
We get a promo from Sheamus here. He mentions that the days of Finlay and Hornswaggle are done and that a real Irishman is here. That's pretty much it.
Gregory Helms is backstage with 'The Ripper' Paul Burchill. They try to talk about his match next with Tyler Reks, but Goldust appears and somehow, his turrets phase is still mentioned. This could be the longest form of continuity I've seen in WWE. Oh and he hits Burchill in the face thanks to those turrets.
Tyler Reks vs. Paul Burchill
Oh yeah, these two had a match. Not really that good of a match I thought. Reks still hasn't won me over at all. He's starting to border going into Ricky Ortiz territory. Burchill's saito suplex is still brutal looking. Reks picks up the win with a roll up and afterward, Burchill knocks him from the ring as Reks was celebrating.
And now we get to The Abraham Washington Show. Man, I'd rather have the Christian and Tommy Dreamer Power Hour than this. The show, or I guess I should say writing hasn't gotten better in the last few weeks. Maybe the whole thing is to have a show with really lame and corny jokes. It was brought up many times about how Night of Champions is hailing from Philadelphia and how Tommy would be the one the fans would be behind there. Christian sure showed some heel tendencies though, but he usually is like that even as a face. A slap exchange happens as we close out ECW.
---
Some good wrestling tonight. Though nothing really else to note. Some fued progression with Dreamer and Christian and that was really it as far as storylines go. But that is the only real storyline on ECW at the moment. The lack of Zack Ryder definitely disappointed me. Boo Boo Boo.
WWE Raw 7/20/09 Review
Tonight, your guest host is legendary rockers, ZZ Top.
We kick things off with John Cena heading to the ring. He's excited, the fan's are excited, everyone's excited. Cena goes over how important the triple threat match at Night of Champions is and mentions how it main evented WrestleMania two years ago. Cena goes on and, I HEAR VOICES IN MY HEAD, oops here comes the no-fun police in Randy Orton. Orton reminds everyone that he won at WrestleMania and that he'll do it again this Sunday. Fisticuffs are almost thrown out as it looks like Cena and Orton are going to go at it, until Orton unleashes Rhodes and DiBiase to ringside. It looks like it's going to be a three on one beat down when Triple H decides he wants in on the action. A very odd verbal exchange between Cena and Triple H where we learn that Hunter has never seen a Lord of the Rings movie. Or ever heard of them apparently. Anyways, main event is changed from Priceless vs. Cena/HHH to Legacy vs. Cena/HHH. Cena and HHH really played off each other well in this segment, which made it enjoyable.
We go from that to our first ZZ Top segment of the night, where they are backstage excited to be guest hosting. Santino Marella comes in and mentions he's a big fan and they outfit him in a ZZ Top outfit. Then we get fake playing of music by ZZ Top.
Kofi Kingston, MVP, Primo vs. Jack Swagger, Carlito, Big Show THIS MATCH IS SPONSORED BY DAVE & BUSTERS. odd.
Our opening contest brings up this six man affair. Before the match we learn that Kofi Kingston will defend the US title in a six-pack challenge against Swagger, Carlito, The Miz, MVP, and Big Show. Not much to note here really, extending the Colons fued and showing that Show is dominant. Primo picks up the win over Carlito, and then Big Show chokeslams everyone.
We're back to ZZ Top and now we get Chris Jericho joining them. Jericho mentions how he is a big fan and how they must be big fans of his band Fozzy. ZZ Top have no idea who that is, and then tell Jericho that he's facing Mark Henry in action tonight.
Oh look, it's THE Brian Kendrick. He's at the announcer's table campaigning to become Jericho's partner at Night of Champions. Unfortunately for him, he doesn't get that, but instead gets a match with Jerry Lawler.
The Brian Kendrick vs. Jerry Lawler
This is your typical, Lawler wrestling randomly match that we get every year or so. If there's anyone who has not benefited from the draft, it's Kendrick. He was doing well with Big Zeke on SmackDown before, and now he's really treading water on Raw. But I think that's a case of there really being nothing for him to do. Just give me Bourne/Kendrick on week WWE and I'll be happy. Oh yeah, Lawler wins by the way.
HOLY CRAP IT'S EARLY 90'S WWF AGAIN. We have a interview stage right by the entrance. It's like I'm watching Superstars or Wrestling Challenge and I'm three years old again. Oh right, anyways, Josh Matthews is out to interview Mickie James about her shot at the Diva's Championship. Remember kids, it's Night of Champions, not Night of Tramps, as Mickie pointed out. The Miz comes out to have words with Mickie. They banter back in forth throwing insults at each other when Maryse comes out AND SPRAYS MICKIE WITH ARROGANCE, I mean hair spray. See, I told you this was a early 90's WWF segment. Next week needs Rick Martel to come and try and sell Maryse a new form of Arrogance.
Chris Jericho vs. Mark Henry
Remember last week when we had Mark Henry and Chris Jericho looking like buddies, arms around each other? Well that's not what we got tonight. Instead, it's an actual match. Jericho gets DQ'd after using a chair and then tries to hit the Codebreaker while back in the ring to no effect. He gets World Strongest Slammed for his efforts. Henry poses for the crowd afterwards. I'm still not sure about super babyface Mizark yet.
Backstage again with ZZ Top and Santino where we get round 3 of Chavo Guerrero and Hornswaggle. This time, it's a Sharp Dressed Man match. Which is basically a tuxedo match.
"Sharp Dressed Man Match" Chavo Guerrero vs. Hornswaggle
Okay, the first time these two fought, it was a nice comedy match on Superstars. The second time on raw, not as good. This time, still not as good. Maybe it's time to write this angle off now, since poor Chavito can't pin Hornswaggle in three matches.
John Cena and Triple H are backstage talking about their match. According to them, everything will work tonight, but Sunday, it's a different story.
Backstage with ZZ Top and Santino again. This time, we get the Diva's to run through while "Legs" is played. It's all well and good until Santino get's a little carried away and strips down and starts dancing. Um, yeah, that segways us to our next match.
"Legs" Match Kelly Kelly & Gail Kim vs. Rosa Mendes & Alicia Fox
Wow, these gals sure no how to change clothes real fast. Anywho, Rosa still has the most stereotypical theme music ever. Though Alicia could be second in that category. Normal Diva's match here as Fox rolls up Kelly Kelly for the win.
Before the match, we are informed of next week's guest host. None other than NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal. Somebody might even get a taste of Shaq-Fu next week.
Legacy (Orton, Rhodes, DiBiase) vs. John Cena and Triple H
Main event time as ZZ Top drives into the arena before introductions. This is what the 20th handicap main event we've seen on Raw this year? C'mon Raw, I thought you had gotten out of that trend. Anyway, if you've seen one of the previous one, you know what to expect here. Legacy control most of the match, until everything breaks down. Orton goes for a punt on Cena and is then rolled up for the pinfall. Cena winning with a roll up? When's the last time you've seen that? Cena and Hunter shake hands afterwards as the final Raw before Night of Champions ends.
---
So this wasn't as bad as some people have been panning it. I've heard things like, 'Oh this raw was absolutely horrible!' to something like, 'Worst Raw of the year.'. Okay, if you're going to say that, you obviously missed the 4 to 5 weeks where Raw was nearly unwatchable after the draft. This has been the weakest of the guest host shows, but we're nowhere near the atrocities of the post draft Raw's. Shaq should be fun next week. It'll be cool if they put Big Show and Shaq in a segment together, just to size both of them up.
We kick things off with John Cena heading to the ring. He's excited, the fan's are excited, everyone's excited. Cena goes over how important the triple threat match at Night of Champions is and mentions how it main evented WrestleMania two years ago. Cena goes on and, I HEAR VOICES IN MY HEAD, oops here comes the no-fun police in Randy Orton. Orton reminds everyone that he won at WrestleMania and that he'll do it again this Sunday. Fisticuffs are almost thrown out as it looks like Cena and Orton are going to go at it, until Orton unleashes Rhodes and DiBiase to ringside. It looks like it's going to be a three on one beat down when Triple H decides he wants in on the action. A very odd verbal exchange between Cena and Triple H where we learn that Hunter has never seen a Lord of the Rings movie. Or ever heard of them apparently. Anyways, main event is changed from Priceless vs. Cena/HHH to Legacy vs. Cena/HHH. Cena and HHH really played off each other well in this segment, which made it enjoyable.
We go from that to our first ZZ Top segment of the night, where they are backstage excited to be guest hosting. Santino Marella comes in and mentions he's a big fan and they outfit him in a ZZ Top outfit. Then we get fake playing of music by ZZ Top.
Kofi Kingston, MVP, Primo vs. Jack Swagger, Carlito, Big Show THIS MATCH IS SPONSORED BY DAVE & BUSTERS. odd.
Our opening contest brings up this six man affair. Before the match we learn that Kofi Kingston will defend the US title in a six-pack challenge against Swagger, Carlito, The Miz, MVP, and Big Show. Not much to note here really, extending the Colons fued and showing that Show is dominant. Primo picks up the win over Carlito, and then Big Show chokeslams everyone.
We're back to ZZ Top and now we get Chris Jericho joining them. Jericho mentions how he is a big fan and how they must be big fans of his band Fozzy. ZZ Top have no idea who that is, and then tell Jericho that he's facing Mark Henry in action tonight.
Oh look, it's THE Brian Kendrick. He's at the announcer's table campaigning to become Jericho's partner at Night of Champions. Unfortunately for him, he doesn't get that, but instead gets a match with Jerry Lawler.
The Brian Kendrick vs. Jerry Lawler
This is your typical, Lawler wrestling randomly match that we get every year or so. If there's anyone who has not benefited from the draft, it's Kendrick. He was doing well with Big Zeke on SmackDown before, and now he's really treading water on Raw. But I think that's a case of there really being nothing for him to do. Just give me Bourne/Kendrick on week WWE and I'll be happy. Oh yeah, Lawler wins by the way.
HOLY CRAP IT'S EARLY 90'S WWF AGAIN. We have a interview stage right by the entrance. It's like I'm watching Superstars or Wrestling Challenge and I'm three years old again. Oh right, anyways, Josh Matthews is out to interview Mickie James about her shot at the Diva's Championship. Remember kids, it's Night of Champions, not Night of Tramps, as Mickie pointed out. The Miz comes out to have words with Mickie. They banter back in forth throwing insults at each other when Maryse comes out AND SPRAYS MICKIE WITH ARROGANCE, I mean hair spray. See, I told you this was a early 90's WWF segment. Next week needs Rick Martel to come and try and sell Maryse a new form of Arrogance.
Chris Jericho vs. Mark Henry
Remember last week when we had Mark Henry and Chris Jericho looking like buddies, arms around each other? Well that's not what we got tonight. Instead, it's an actual match. Jericho gets DQ'd after using a chair and then tries to hit the Codebreaker while back in the ring to no effect. He gets World Strongest Slammed for his efforts. Henry poses for the crowd afterwards. I'm still not sure about super babyface Mizark yet.
Backstage again with ZZ Top and Santino where we get round 3 of Chavo Guerrero and Hornswaggle. This time, it's a Sharp Dressed Man match. Which is basically a tuxedo match.
"Sharp Dressed Man Match" Chavo Guerrero vs. Hornswaggle
Okay, the first time these two fought, it was a nice comedy match on Superstars. The second time on raw, not as good. This time, still not as good. Maybe it's time to write this angle off now, since poor Chavito can't pin Hornswaggle in three matches.
John Cena and Triple H are backstage talking about their match. According to them, everything will work tonight, but Sunday, it's a different story.
Backstage with ZZ Top and Santino again. This time, we get the Diva's to run through while "Legs" is played. It's all well and good until Santino get's a little carried away and strips down and starts dancing. Um, yeah, that segways us to our next match.
"Legs" Match Kelly Kelly & Gail Kim vs. Rosa Mendes & Alicia Fox
Wow, these gals sure no how to change clothes real fast. Anywho, Rosa still has the most stereotypical theme music ever. Though Alicia could be second in that category. Normal Diva's match here as Fox rolls up Kelly Kelly for the win.
Before the match, we are informed of next week's guest host. None other than NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal. Somebody might even get a taste of Shaq-Fu next week.
Legacy (Orton, Rhodes, DiBiase) vs. John Cena and Triple H
Main event time as ZZ Top drives into the arena before introductions. This is what the 20th handicap main event we've seen on Raw this year? C'mon Raw, I thought you had gotten out of that trend. Anyway, if you've seen one of the previous one, you know what to expect here. Legacy control most of the match, until everything breaks down. Orton goes for a punt on Cena and is then rolled up for the pinfall. Cena winning with a roll up? When's the last time you've seen that? Cena and Hunter shake hands afterwards as the final Raw before Night of Champions ends.
---
So this wasn't as bad as some people have been panning it. I've heard things like, 'Oh this raw was absolutely horrible!' to something like, 'Worst Raw of the year.'. Okay, if you're going to say that, you obviously missed the 4 to 5 weeks where Raw was nearly unwatchable after the draft. This has been the weakest of the guest host shows, but we're nowhere near the atrocities of the post draft Raw's. Shaq should be fun next week. It'll be cool if they put Big Show and Shaq in a segment together, just to size both of them up.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Is Kimbo Slice the real deal?
Short answer, at this point in time, no.
I'm sure you've heard of Kimbo Slice by now, but if you haven't, let me educate you a little bit. Slice rose to fame, thanks to youtube videos depicting him a street fighter. This was enough to get him noticed by former MMA promotion, Elite XC, and he was then swept into the world of mixed martial arts. Slice would be a feature attraction for Elite XC as they fed him fighters for him to just obliterate via KO. Unfortunately, that came to a screeching halt, when, on a night he was supposed to fight former UFC and WWE superstar Ken Shamrock, he was knocked out by former TUF alum, Seth Petruzelli. Soon afterwards, Elite XC folded and we didn't hear from Slice for quite sometime.
Until now. On season 10 of The Ultimate Fighter, one of the participants will be none other than Kimbo Slice. Watching a new ad for it on Spike this weekend got me to thinking about this situation. Dana White has famously said that Slice would not get into the UFC without going though TUF. And now the time has come. This season could easily be the highest rated, due to the fact that Slice is involved. With either Rashad or Rampage, two former UFC Light Heavyweight Champions as his coach, I think he can actually do well.
Since Spike has been advertising the crap out of TUF 10, I'm just going to assume that Slice is going to at least make it through his first fight. Remember, this season does not feature having to fight into the house. Some of you have probably heard the statement from Slice's former trainer, Bas Ruten, that he didn't take MMA seriously. I think that since Slice is going into TUF, he is actually taking MMA seriously now. Which brings me to the whole point of this column. I am predicting that Kimbo Slice wins TUF 10.
Some of you may be thinking that I'm off my rocker at this point, but look at it like this. Slice is a fighter who's main strength is his stand up. You stand with him and you run the risk of being knocked out. The key thing they need to work with him is establishing a ground game. Throw in some basic wrestling and jiu-jitsu and he could be potentially a threat in the heavyweight division. Hell, even throw in a very good takedown defense as well.
Now I'm not saying that if he were to win, that they just feed him to Brock automatically. Give him fights with actual contenders in the divison. Valesquez, Carwin, Nogueria, Mir, and even Couture. The heavyweight division has been lacking for a while in the UFC and with Brock as champ and maybe the inclusion of Kimbo, it could shake things up in the division.
So what I'm trying to say is, Kimbo at this point in time, isn't gonna shake things up, but putting him through TUF might make him a decent fighter capable of making it in the UFC.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this as well, so drop me line and tell me how you think Kimbo is going to do on TUF. I might be made into a fool since this could be crazy Dana White's almighty plan to make Kimbo look like a bitch and if that happens, well I was wrong.
I'm sure you've heard of Kimbo Slice by now, but if you haven't, let me educate you a little bit. Slice rose to fame, thanks to youtube videos depicting him a street fighter. This was enough to get him noticed by former MMA promotion, Elite XC, and he was then swept into the world of mixed martial arts. Slice would be a feature attraction for Elite XC as they fed him fighters for him to just obliterate via KO. Unfortunately, that came to a screeching halt, when, on a night he was supposed to fight former UFC and WWE superstar Ken Shamrock, he was knocked out by former TUF alum, Seth Petruzelli. Soon afterwards, Elite XC folded and we didn't hear from Slice for quite sometime.
Until now. On season 10 of The Ultimate Fighter, one of the participants will be none other than Kimbo Slice. Watching a new ad for it on Spike this weekend got me to thinking about this situation. Dana White has famously said that Slice would not get into the UFC without going though TUF. And now the time has come. This season could easily be the highest rated, due to the fact that Slice is involved. With either Rashad or Rampage, two former UFC Light Heavyweight Champions as his coach, I think he can actually do well.
Since Spike has been advertising the crap out of TUF 10, I'm just going to assume that Slice is going to at least make it through his first fight. Remember, this season does not feature having to fight into the house. Some of you have probably heard the statement from Slice's former trainer, Bas Ruten, that he didn't take MMA seriously. I think that since Slice is going into TUF, he is actually taking MMA seriously now. Which brings me to the whole point of this column. I am predicting that Kimbo Slice wins TUF 10.
Some of you may be thinking that I'm off my rocker at this point, but look at it like this. Slice is a fighter who's main strength is his stand up. You stand with him and you run the risk of being knocked out. The key thing they need to work with him is establishing a ground game. Throw in some basic wrestling and jiu-jitsu and he could be potentially a threat in the heavyweight division. Hell, even throw in a very good takedown defense as well.
Now I'm not saying that if he were to win, that they just feed him to Brock automatically. Give him fights with actual contenders in the divison. Valesquez, Carwin, Nogueria, Mir, and even Couture. The heavyweight division has been lacking for a while in the UFC and with Brock as champ and maybe the inclusion of Kimbo, it could shake things up in the division.
So what I'm trying to say is, Kimbo at this point in time, isn't gonna shake things up, but putting him through TUF might make him a decent fighter capable of making it in the UFC.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this as well, so drop me line and tell me how you think Kimbo is going to do on TUF. I might be made into a fool since this could be crazy Dana White's almighty plan to make Kimbo look like a bitch and if that happens, well I was wrong.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
WWE Friday Night Smackdown 7/17/09 Review (or something like that)
Well I figure this is a way to start things off with the last live show I saw. Even if it took me two days to complete.
Friday Night SmackDown 7/17/09
Kicking things off is the #1 contender for the World Heavyweight Championship, Jeff Hardy coming out to the ring to talk to us about the events that occurred last week. Hardy goes over what CM Punk said in his promo last week, mentioning his prior suspensions, how he hasn't failed a drug test in a year, and how he's never been to rehab. Now before we go on, I'm not sure how it's a good thing that the fan's cheered the not going to rehab part. We all know that Hardy is certainly clean, but the fact that he was fired in 2002 over not going to rehab, isn't really something I'd cheer.
Speaking of people who have never been to rehab, out comes the World Heavyweight Champion, CM Punk. Punk goes on to cut a very well done, psuedo heel promo about how we shouldn't be cheering Hardy for not going to rehab. Punk goes on about how Hardy must have been terrible in school and how he's straight edge. The promo ends with punk saying how Hardy's fans may and well see Hardy become a 'statistic'. Hardy is irate after that and attacks Punk which causes Punk to roll out of the ring which leads to our next match.
CM Punk vs. John Morrison
These two put on a good match about a month or two ago, and we're here again with the rematch. John Morrison did challenge the winner of Punk/Hardy so it'll be interesting to see how that match takes place after Night of Champions. This was another good match like their previous encounter, with Morrison picking up the win after countering Punk's Oklahoma Roll. Punk is once again upset and refuses a handshake after the match ends.
We move next to random diva dancing segment #252 as Layla comes out in Miami Heat attire, for a dance. Layla was a former Heat dancer, so I'm guessing this was just to pop the crowd. But, unfortunately, that couldn't happen, as Ricky Ortiz comes out. Ricky tells us that the Heat suck and we should rally up. He offers Layla a rally up towel, which she takes and swings around before dropping it and walking off. Poor Ricky Ortiz, oh wait, I personally can't stand him, but that's me.
Up next was Cryme Tyme's Word Up. If you've watched the past few weeks, you know what to expect. Cryme Tyme educating you in new lingo, while everyone's favorite (mostly me) wigger, Jesse comes in to spoil the fun. Which leads to him being thrown out in someway. Hopefully we get to see 'your boy Jeezy' in the ring here soon, maybe in a six man tagging with Cryme Tyme!
Kane vs R-Truth
A very interesting mix of styles in this next match as we see Kane take on R-Truth(WUTS UP). Nothing really special here, Kane picks up the win with a big boot as Truth was coming off the top rope.
Afterwards, we get an appearance from The Great Khali who is still angry at Kane. Thanks to the distraction, Truth is able to hit a missile dropkick on Kane. Khali comes to ringside and Kane bolts through the crowd. It wouldn't surprise me to actually see a match between these two next week, or the week after Night of Champions. I doubt we'll see this stretched out until SummerSlam.
JR and Grisham hype up ZZ Top's guest host appearance this Monday on Raw and we are sent to another video of R-Truth's parody, Pretty Ricky. I'm still not sure of these videos, I mean they really haven't served a purpose yet, but it's nothing super wasteful, like some of the IWC have said. Just comedic relief really.
Back to the arena and it's everyone's favorite dynasty, The Hart Dynasty making their way to the ring.
The Hart Dynasty vs. Cryme Tyme & Eve
Typical match that we've seen with these two teams over the past few weeks. Cryme Tyme and The Hart Dynasty have been putting on some decent matches, though a singles match with JTG and Kidd would be nice to see. Natalya gets the pin over Eve after a vicious clothesline. It's too bad that the tag titles are undisputed now, as this would be a good WWE Tag Team Title feud.
Afterwards we get a nice segment from the newest couple on SmackDown, Dolph Ziggler and Maria. Just a cute exchange here.
Interview with Edge now talking about his achilles tear. Edge is hoping to be back soon which is good to hear. Normal interview stuff here, until someone must've hit the HYPOCRITE alarm as the self proclaimed "best in the world" and one-half of the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions Chris Jericho comes out to run down his former partner. They banter back and forth with Jericho being the smug person he is and with Edge showing some face like tendencies. Interesting to see if this will play out when Edge comes back.
Chris Jericho & Dolph Ziggler vs. Jeff Hardy & Rey Mysterio
It's main event time on SmackDown as we get the team of Chris Jericho and Dolph Ziggler taking on Rey Mysterio and Jeff Hardy. CM Punk comes down to do some guest commentary during this match. Good match from these four, with this being, I think, Ziggler's first main event. Of course that is since he is challenging Mysterio at Night of Champions. Crazy stuff at the end as Hardy tries to throw Jericho at Punk. Punk has no part of this who then sends Jericho into Hardy who hits the steel steps causing a DQ. It's not over yet as Jericho hits Hardy with a Codebreaker and slaps on the Walls of Jericho while Ziggler hits Mysterio with his finisher. All the while, Punk just watches everything unfold before heading to the back.
Overall, this was another good showing from the blue brand. SmackDown has been my favorite show since the draft, as it's been great wrestling and good storylines since then. I'm hoping this trend continues well past NoC and onto SummerSlam and the future.
Friday Night SmackDown 7/17/09
Kicking things off is the #1 contender for the World Heavyweight Championship, Jeff Hardy coming out to the ring to talk to us about the events that occurred last week. Hardy goes over what CM Punk said in his promo last week, mentioning his prior suspensions, how he hasn't failed a drug test in a year, and how he's never been to rehab. Now before we go on, I'm not sure how it's a good thing that the fan's cheered the not going to rehab part. We all know that Hardy is certainly clean, but the fact that he was fired in 2002 over not going to rehab, isn't really something I'd cheer.
Speaking of people who have never been to rehab, out comes the World Heavyweight Champion, CM Punk. Punk goes on to cut a very well done, psuedo heel promo about how we shouldn't be cheering Hardy for not going to rehab. Punk goes on about how Hardy must have been terrible in school and how he's straight edge. The promo ends with punk saying how Hardy's fans may and well see Hardy become a 'statistic'. Hardy is irate after that and attacks Punk which causes Punk to roll out of the ring which leads to our next match.
CM Punk vs. John Morrison
These two put on a good match about a month or two ago, and we're here again with the rematch. John Morrison did challenge the winner of Punk/Hardy so it'll be interesting to see how that match takes place after Night of Champions. This was another good match like their previous encounter, with Morrison picking up the win after countering Punk's Oklahoma Roll. Punk is once again upset and refuses a handshake after the match ends.
We move next to random diva dancing segment #252 as Layla comes out in Miami Heat attire, for a dance. Layla was a former Heat dancer, so I'm guessing this was just to pop the crowd. But, unfortunately, that couldn't happen, as Ricky Ortiz comes out. Ricky tells us that the Heat suck and we should rally up. He offers Layla a rally up towel, which she takes and swings around before dropping it and walking off. Poor Ricky Ortiz, oh wait, I personally can't stand him, but that's me.
Up next was Cryme Tyme's Word Up. If you've watched the past few weeks, you know what to expect. Cryme Tyme educating you in new lingo, while everyone's favorite (mostly me) wigger, Jesse comes in to spoil the fun. Which leads to him being thrown out in someway. Hopefully we get to see 'your boy Jeezy' in the ring here soon, maybe in a six man tagging with Cryme Tyme!
Kane vs R-Truth
A very interesting mix of styles in this next match as we see Kane take on R-Truth(WUTS UP). Nothing really special here, Kane picks up the win with a big boot as Truth was coming off the top rope.
Afterwards, we get an appearance from The Great Khali who is still angry at Kane. Thanks to the distraction, Truth is able to hit a missile dropkick on Kane. Khali comes to ringside and Kane bolts through the crowd. It wouldn't surprise me to actually see a match between these two next week, or the week after Night of Champions. I doubt we'll see this stretched out until SummerSlam.
JR and Grisham hype up ZZ Top's guest host appearance this Monday on Raw and we are sent to another video of R-Truth's parody, Pretty Ricky. I'm still not sure of these videos, I mean they really haven't served a purpose yet, but it's nothing super wasteful, like some of the IWC have said. Just comedic relief really.
Back to the arena and it's everyone's favorite dynasty, The Hart Dynasty making their way to the ring.
The Hart Dynasty vs. Cryme Tyme & Eve
Typical match that we've seen with these two teams over the past few weeks. Cryme Tyme and The Hart Dynasty have been putting on some decent matches, though a singles match with JTG and Kidd would be nice to see. Natalya gets the pin over Eve after a vicious clothesline. It's too bad that the tag titles are undisputed now, as this would be a good WWE Tag Team Title feud.
Afterwards we get a nice segment from the newest couple on SmackDown, Dolph Ziggler and Maria. Just a cute exchange here.
Interview with Edge now talking about his achilles tear. Edge is hoping to be back soon which is good to hear. Normal interview stuff here, until someone must've hit the HYPOCRITE alarm as the self proclaimed "best in the world" and one-half of the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions Chris Jericho comes out to run down his former partner. They banter back and forth with Jericho being the smug person he is and with Edge showing some face like tendencies. Interesting to see if this will play out when Edge comes back.
Chris Jericho & Dolph Ziggler vs. Jeff Hardy & Rey Mysterio
It's main event time on SmackDown as we get the team of Chris Jericho and Dolph Ziggler taking on Rey Mysterio and Jeff Hardy. CM Punk comes down to do some guest commentary during this match. Good match from these four, with this being, I think, Ziggler's first main event. Of course that is since he is challenging Mysterio at Night of Champions. Crazy stuff at the end as Hardy tries to throw Jericho at Punk. Punk has no part of this who then sends Jericho into Hardy who hits the steel steps causing a DQ. It's not over yet as Jericho hits Hardy with a Codebreaker and slaps on the Walls of Jericho while Ziggler hits Mysterio with his finisher. All the while, Punk just watches everything unfold before heading to the back.
Overall, this was another good showing from the blue brand. SmackDown has been my favorite show since the draft, as it's been great wrestling and good storylines since then. I'm hoping this trend continues well past NoC and onto SummerSlam and the future.
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