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Here are the quick results for last night’s Superstars. Look for a more in-depth look at tonight’s Smackdown this weekend.
Chavo Guerrero defeated JTG
Curt Hawkins & Vance Archer defeated local competitors
The Bella Twins defeated Maryse & Jillian Hall
Chris Jericho defeated Yoshi Tatsu
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I do not want to sound like a broken record, so let me be brief. Smackdown is getting better than Raw each and every week. Let’s not waste any time in checking out last Friday’s Smackdown.
Drew McIntyre/Theodore Long promo
The show opens with McIntyre in the ring. Fresh off renewing his visa, McIntyre has something to say. But before he can, Long interrupts and joins McIntyre in the ring. McIntyre plays the “apology” card and attempts to suck up to Long, but Long doesn’t buy that, playa. McIntyre puts over Atlanta as the site of Wrestlemania XXVII and informs Long that he personally nominated him for the WWE Hall Of Fame. Long still doesn’t buy it.
The point of all of this was that McIntyre wanted Long to give him one of the two remaining spots in the Smackdown Money In The Bank ladder match. I like how Long still made McIntyre get on his knees and beg for a chance at Money In The Bank, but didn’t like how he showed a video of McIntyre forcing him on his knees three weeks earlier. Why would he remind everyone, including himself, of something so humiliating?
Anyways, McIntyre complied and in return, Long told him that he would get a spot in MITB…if he defeated someone who has had his number: Kofi Kingston. These two have good chemistry together and it makes sense that Long would place McIntyre into a match with someone who he has trouble defeating, which if successful, would give Long one up on McIntyre yet again. A strong opening segment.
MVP v. Chavo Guerrero v. Dolph Ziggler (with Vickie Guerrero) – Winner receives a spot in the Smackdown Money In The Bank Match
Vickie joined Matt Striker and Todd Grisham on commentary for this match and puts over Ziggler, who is definitely on the rise as of late. By the looks of it, the WWE is handling Ziggler’s push right this summer. Last summer, as you know, Ziggler was buried three times by Rey Mysterio in a rivalry over the Intercontinental Championship, then languished for a while. Ziggler’s push will continue next Sunday because he earned a spot in MITB by defeating Chavo and MVP.
Chavo and Ziggler worked together throughout the match and when Grisham called attention to it, Vickie (and creepy Striker) acted shocked and insulted. Yet, at one point during the match, Chavo was the only Superstar on his feet and covered MVP. Vickie screamed at Chavo and told him that what he was doing wasn’t part of the plan. The entire sequence was pretty funny. MVP hit the 305 on Chavo and seemingly had the match won, but Vickie pulled the referee out of the ring. Ziggler locked in the Sleeper Hold and that was that. MVP is…well…sad. I don’t understand why MVP is floating (or sinking) right now. I could see a heel turn in the future where he realizes that pandering to the fans is holding him back, sort of like Edge circa this spring. Anything that gives MVP, who was once considered a lock as a future world champion, a shot at becoming a main-eventer would be good.
Alberto Del Rio vignette
We get another look at Alberto Del Rio and his inspirational nature. Del Rio’s vignettes confuse me; he is being built as a heel who looks down upon people who do not possess the qualities he talks about (a la Chris Jericho, albeit Jericho-lite), but said qualities are good ones to have. it reminds me of C.M. Punk, who gets booed for asking people to abstain from drugs and alcohol. I know that the way that Punk preaches is what makes him a heel, but like Rey Mysterio said before Over The Limit, Punk’s message is a good one. The WWE has time to fix Del Rio or perhaps just make a few tweaks. Either way, I am not sold on Del Rio and need to see how he performs on television before I can make a judgment.
Rey Mysterio/Jack Swagger backstage promo
Last week, I mentioned that Swagger’s attack on the Big Show lost all of its momentum and venom when he cut a whiny promo the following week. The WWE got it right this week and Swagger is back on track. Josh Mathews is in the back conducting an interview with the WWE physicians regarding Mysterio’s ankle injury. Swagger busts in and tells everyone to get out. Swagger then attacks Mysterio’s ankle, puts him in the Ankle Lock, and then proceeds to drag Mysterio around with it for a few minutes. The Big Show finally makes the save.
This was a brilliant promo. Not only does it put Swagger over as a vicious beast, but also allows questions to run rampant regarding Mysterio’s status for the PPV. Swagger did little talking, and just like Randy Orton displays, sometimes things are better left unsaid. Mysterio was screaming in agony and makes Swagger look even stronger. The WWE is building up Swagger better now than while he was WHC. If Swagger had this demeanor during his title reigh, it may have been longer.
Christian & Matt Hardy v. Vance Archer & Curt Hawkins
Following last week’s confrontation on the Peep Show, Christian and Hardy teamed up against “The Gatecrashers.” It wasn’t much of a match because Christian turns on Hardy and leaves him to be defeated by Archer and Hawkins. Before you declare “Christian’s heel turn,” I am not sure if that’s what happened. I think it was just playing into the “every man for himself” mentality of MITB. Also, why would Christian tag with someone who ruined his show last week? Continuity is refreshing.
WWE Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston v. Drew McIntyre – If McIntyre wins, he earns the final spot at MITB
McIntyre has been putting in his best work in the ring recently. His match against Kofi Kingston was no different. What has really impressed me are McIntyre’s expressions in the ring. It’s not only important to put together a good match, but to convey emotion while doing it. Watching McIntyre get frustrated and have it affect his in-ring performance has been golden. As always, matches with Kingston always feature some great spots, including the Boom Drop on McIntyre’s back and the counter to McIntyre’s counter of Trouble In Paradise. Kingston goes for the Boom Drop on the apron, but McIntyre throws him into the ring post and hits the Future Shock DDT for the win and a spot at MITB. After being humiliated earlier, McIntyre regains his heat and I expect big things at MITB.
Straight Edge Society promo
Serena begs for forgiveness for her actions last week and on the tape. Luke Gallows wants nothing to do with her, but C.M. Punk decides to forgive her. The end. Anyways, the SES is falling apart (or so it seems). I only see this as a speed bump before something bigger happens, like Punk being put in a meaningful storyline again. What I do like about this whole thing is that Gallows and Serena are becoming individuals, not just Punk’s cronies. I can’t wait to see where this goes. P.S. When will we finally see Joey Mercury?
“Dashing” Cody Rhodes v. JTG
The digital mirror that Rhodes looks into on the Titantron is amazing technology. It is really remarkable how advanced of a digital age we live in. Speaking of remarkable, Rhodes has been nothing but. This was a glorified squash. While I could do without the hokey self-interviews, Rhodes is on track to become a singles champion really soon.
Kelly Kelly/LayCool backstage promo
Since there was no Diva action tonight, Mathews is with Kelly Kelly to put over her match against Layla at MITB. LayCool attacks her and I am actually looking forward to this match now.
Also in the back is the Big Show, who cuts a very serious promo that put over Swagger’s viciousness. To make a fun-loving guy like Show turn into a serious man, you must be a bad dude. This helps Swagger even more. Great work.
The Big Show v. Jack Swagger
I didn’t like how Show came out smiling right after he acted so serious. Show did recompose himself during the match, which was more of a fight than a sanctioned match. I loved Show chirping at Swagger while hitting him. The match breaks down and the two end up on the entrance ramp. Swagger kicks Show’s leg out and DDTs it onto the steel ramp. I think the show should have ended there, but instead, we get our weekly appearance from Kane, who corners Swagger and accuses him of attacking the Undertaker. Swagger claims he has an alibi and will have it for Kane next week. After everything that happened tonight to make Swagger look strong, this sucked it all away. Why is he cowering in fear? Oh well. With one week left before MITB, Smackdown has most of its storylines in check.
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I don’t have much to say about tonight’s Superstars, so I am going to just give quick results. I will, however, have my normal comprehensive recap of Smackdown on Saturday. Be sure to check back frequently for new content.
Zack Ryder & Primo defeated Goldust & Yoshi Tatsu
Nikki Bella defeated Jillian Hall
Christian defeated Curt Hawkins
You’d think that after the lack of build-up between Raw and Smackdown before Fatal 4 Way, the WWE would try to figuratively hit the ground running with pushing Money In The Bank, the next PPV in about three weeks. Raw failed miserably. Smackdown? It passed with flying colors. We already know what the main event will be as well as some of the details regarding the Money In The Bank match itself. For a show on a lame duck network, Smackdown outshines Raw more often than not. Let’s take a look at last Friday’s Smackdown.
Theodore Long/Vickie Guerrero/Drew McIntyre opening promo
The show begins with a cold open featuring Theodore Long and Vickie Guerrero. Long recaps Fatal 4 Way and declares Rey Mysterio as the new World Heavyweight Champion. Right after that, he announces the concept behind MITB, where eight Smackdown Superstars will compete for a chance to win a guaranteed World Title match. I guess the Raw match will be the same except involving the WWE Championship. I heard reports that qualifying matches were going to start on Raw last week, but were ultimately scrapped. I would much rather have guys earn their spots instead of being handed them. I suppose qualifying will start tonight for Raw and next Friday for Smackdown. Five minutes into the show, Smackdown set up its MITB match.
Drew McIntyre interrupts and tells Long that he will face serious repercussions for his actions at Fatal 4 Way. Long tells McIntyre that since Mr. McMahon was incapacitated by Nexus on Raw, he has the authority to run Smackdown his own way. With that said, he reinstates Matt Hardy and the two will compete against each other tonight. Even Guerrero gets behind Long, which was weird, considering they’ve never seen eye to eye. This power rush of sorts for Long will be interesting to watch. I am not sure if it will only involve McIntyre or if it will carry over to other Superstars. Stay tuned. Either way, a great way to kick off the show.
The Big Show v. Jack Swagger
It gets better with the first match of the evening. Swagger walks out and rubs his stomach (Maybe he has a bellyache?) to highlight where his title used to be (Oh, nevermind). Swagger cashes in his rematch (no pun intended) at Money In The Bank against Rey Mysterio. The show is not even 10 minutes old and we already have Smackdown’s main event as well. Swagger promises to right the wrongs along the way to MITB and he will start with the Big Show.
This match, while shorter than their title match at Over The Limit, was leaps and bounds better. Yes, it ended once again with Swagger losing by DQ, but it was the storytelling that made the match. At Over The Limit, Swagger used the World Title to get himself intentionally DQ’ed because he couldn’t find a way to win. This time, he put Show in an Ankle Lock and refused to let go. While the former was an instance of cowardice, the latter made sense considering Swagger’s comments before the match. Swagger has been fighting Kurt Angle comparisons for his entire career. Let the floodgates open! The entire sequence involving the Ankle Lock screamed Angle, but I loved it. A new side to Swagger’s character would help. He already transformed during his title reign, so let it continue.
Christian, MVP & WWE Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston v. Curt Hawkins, Vance Archer & Dolph Ziggler
Five of these six men have been involved with each other in some way over the past several weeks (Kingston is the odd man out, but I believe the WWE is setting up an IC program between Kingston and Ziggler, so it might make sense). Hawkins and Archer have grown on me a bit, but Hawkin’s pants have not. These two guys will never be champions (in Hawkin’s case, again), but will be the mid-card heel team that each show needs (Sorry, Dudebusters). Ziggler is the rising star out of this group. We all love Christian, I know, but if he hasn’t received his main event push by now, I am starting to get a little “glass half-empty” about it. Yet, Christian gets the win over Ziggler with the Killswitch. I did love Christian’s stall before hitting it and his staredown afterwards. I love me some storytelling. That’s why I’m a journalist! And MVP? He needs to turn heel again. His best work has been behind him since he turned.
Matt Hardy v. Drew McIntyre
This angle has been beaten into the ground, but this might have been the best match either man has had in quite a while. and for McIntyre, it might have been the best match of his career. I know I’ve said this a few times already, but storytelling is what makes wrestling great. The bumps and spots are great for entertainment value, but knowing why things are happening and having acceptable explanations for those things is what really separates a good match from a great match. In that regard, this was a great match.
Everything from McIntyre’s facial expressions to Hardy’s tenacity really brought this rivalry to a head. Of course, there were some great bumps and spots, especially McIntyre’s Michinoku Driver off the top rope and Hardy’s counter of McIntyre’s head stomp on the steel steps. Hardy wins with a Twist of Fate. After all of the bad that this storyline has brought with it, if this is the end, what a way to go out. Great work.
After the match, Long appears on the Titantron and tells McIntyre that his visa has expired. I loved Hardy waving goodbye from the ramp. I wonder where this will go. Hopefully, he won’t be back in a week like after he was “fired.” (UPDATE 6/29: McIntyre’s work visa has expired, according to Wrestleview. He is “MIA” but might be able to stay in the U.S. since his new wife, WWE Diva Tiffany, is a U.S. citizen).
Cody Rhodes promo
Cody Rhodes is out with his NXT Rookie, Husky Harris, to talk about how good-looking he is. I don’t understand this whole “Dashing Cody Rhodes” thing. Those prefix nicknames are so TNA. I liked the “Uncommon son of a common man” thing he had going on. He did some funny lines though, particularly his line to an audience member that he was “hearing [him] get fatter.” Rhodes is a stud, don’t get me wrong, but this is a wrong turn. He is better as the silent type. His promo skills are adequate, but nothing special. Rhodes is a great mid-card heel, so I hope the WWE doesn’t screw him over.
Dolph Ziggler/Vickie Guerrero promo
Ziggler finds Guerrero in the back and tells her he wants an IC Title match or he’s done with her. I guess it will be Kingston/Ziggler after all. This could be good.
Rosa Mendes v. Kelly Kelly (with Tiffany)
This was a squash. Kelly wins with the K2 in about five seconds. LayCool is at ringside, so this match was just an excuse to further their feud before the inevitable Women’s Title match in the future.
Alberto Del Rio vignette
Alberto Del Rio, better known as Dos Caras, Jr., is debuting on Smackdown with some sort of “honest man” gimmick. I can’t tell where this will go, but hope it doesn’t fall the way of Kizarni or Eric Escobar. Only time will tell.
C.M. Punk v. Kane – No DQ Match
This wasn’t a match, but a fight. Kane is convinced that Punk is the culprit (WHICH I SAID A MONTH AGO. SHAMELESS PLUG) and he goes after him hard. The Straight Edge Society interferes, including the Masked Man in a new outfit. If that is Joey Mercury, damn he is ripped. Anyways, Kane disposes of them, eventually chokeslamming Luke Gallows through the announce table. Kane chases Punk into the crowd and out onto the concourse. Punk escapes and runs into the night in his ring gear, which makes me laugh. What would you think if you saw Punk running through the streets in his underwear? This wasn’t their best encounter, but a Kane/SES program possibly involving the Undertaker through the summer would be fun to watch.
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Looking at my Gucci, it’s about that time. Just kidding, Big Tymers. What I am trying to say is is that it’s time for Fatal 4 Way. Smackdown began and ended with a bang last night, but everything in between was just mediocre. At least the main event should be interesting Sunday. Let’s look, shall we?
C.M. Punk promo/The Mugging Of Kane
C.M. Punk makes his way to the ring to kick off the show. He claims that he nor the Straight Edge Society had anything to do with the Undertaker’s demise. Punk also mentions that he is the only man in history to make the Undertaker tap out and that the WWE is a better place without him. I know a lot of IWCers are pointing towards Kane as the culprit, but I kind of hope that it was Punk. I think that would make for a much better and longer storyline. Anyways, the lights flicker and the Undertaker appears. Except it’s not the Undertaker. It’s Luke Gallows. Hey, he’s expanding his range; first, he played Kane, now the Undertaker. The two get a laugh and Punk even puts on Taker’s hat. Matt Striker’s comment about Punk looking like a rabbi was absolutely hysterical. Punk would be one kickass rabbi.
Kane interjects, but on his way to the ring, Jack Swagger jumps him from behind. The Masked Man joins in and it is a four-on-one assault. Eventually, Rey Mysterio and the Big Show come to make what looks like a save, but then Mysterio gives Kane a 619 and Big Show chokeslams him. I like how the four participants in the WHC match “worked together” to take out what has been a thorn in their respective sides and what could be a wrench in their plans this Sunday.
M.V.P. & Christian v. Curt Hawkins & Vance Archer
“The Gatecrashers” have had their contracts extended. Yay for impact! Anyways, this is the team’s first real test, going up against the two guys who have been victims of their post-match attacks. There’s something about Hawkins and Archer that I like, but I can’t put my finger on it. What I don’t like, however, is Hawkin’s pants. Long story short, the Gatecrashers get their first big win after Archer saves Hawkins from the Killswitch, hits the inverted DDT, and Hawkins hits the elbow drop. Christian deserves better. As does M.V.P. Yet, if Hawkins and Archer needed two guys to go over to earn some credibility, Christian and M.V.P. are definitely two of the best.
LayCool is in the back making fun of Rosa Mendes. That’s rude.
Not only that, but Dolph Ziggler is hanging up pictures in Vickie Guerrero’s office while wearing cut-off jean shorts? Moving on. Oh hey, Chris Masters.
J.T.G. v. Chavo Guerrero
What happened to Shad? I didn’t think J.T.G. would be the one to get a “push” after the Cryme Tyme split. J. wins.
Drew McIntyre v. Theodore Long
For months now, it seems like Drew McIntyre has struggled to get the WWE Universe to really despise him. This segment was the best he’s ever done in that regard. Instead of just beating up Theodore Long, he humiliates him. McIntyre makes Long get on his knees, call him the “Chosen One,” and lay down so that he can pin him with his foot on his chest. Both Kofi Kingston (McIntyre’s opponent at Fatal 4 Way) and the “suspended” Matt Hardy try to make a save later in the segment, but McIntyre and his security force are too much to handle. Both Kingston and Hardy eat Future Shock DDTs. I am not a fan of this entire feud, but this was the best angle so far. The fans really want to se McIntyre get his ass kicked and will buy the show on Sunday to do so.
Kelly Kelly (with Tiffany) v. WWE Co-Women’s Champion Layla El (with WWE Co-Women’s Champion Michelle McCool)
Yet another contest involving any combination of these four Divas. Not only is the WWE trying to establish Tiffany and Kelly as credible foils to LayCool, but also Kelly as a formidable #1 Contender. This match did just that. Kelly wins with the K2 Leg Drop and we have ourselves a challenger for the Women’s Championship. I still am curious to see how it works since both Michelle and Layla recognize themselves as champions. If one loses, does the other one lose the belt, too?
Dolph Ziggler (with Vickie Guerrero) v. Chris Masters
A rematch from Superstars a few weeks ago, this match was much better. It played out much like it did on Superstars, but the crowd was much more in it. Ziggler wins with the Zig Zag. Like Kingston, I am glad that Ziggler has two established finishers that he can hit out of nowhere. Speaking of Kingston, I am hoping that Ziggler is next in line for an IC Title shot. In a promo earlier in the night, Josh Mathews asked Kingston if he was worried about his match with McIntyre considering his close relationship with Mr. McMahon. Imagine the possibility of the same thing happening, except with Guerrero and Ziggler. Ziggler is getting another solid summer push, but hopefully this time he won’t lose every title match he’s in. He’s closer to Mr. Perfect than his own son, Michael McGillicutty, who is Kingston’s NXT Rookie. This really was “Six Degrees of Separation.” Now that we have come full circle, I am intrigued. Stay tuned.
C.M. Punk & WWE World Heavyweight Champion Jack Swagger v. The Big Show & Rey Mysterio
Just like on Raw, Smackdown does the “let’s get everyone in the title match in a tag team contest” main event. It was very short, considering that the Big Show’s only tag into the match was the hot tag. Next thing we know, Mysterio gets ANOTHER clean pin on Swagger. I have voiced my disapproval of this before so I won’t waste time here. Kane comes out, wreaks havok, promises Sunday will indeed be fatal, and poses with a casket to end the show. Are you sold on Fatal 4 Way? If you’re undecided, it’s too late!
Check back tomorrow for my Fatal 4 Way Predictions!
#1 Pretender 