WWE Friday Night Smackdown Report: July 2, 2010

Courtesy of wwe.com

Jack Swagger/Big Show promo

Jack Swagger is out to start the show and puts over his actions from last week. I was hoping he would take the time to gloat, but instead, he cries about disappointing his “daddy.” Kurt Angle meter says…it’s starting to become painfully evident that the WWE is trying to reincarnate Angle through Swagger. First the Ankle Lock, then the crying, It’s a bit much and I feel that Swagger lost some momentum from last week by trying to make the WWE Universe feel sorry for him.

The Big Show interrupts and is selling the ankle injury from last week. Show tells Swagger that while he hurt him, he didn’t finish the job. Swagger’s response about not having to prove anything to Show is the tone in which the entire promo should have been in. Show rushes down to the ring as fast as he can to exact revenge, but “Dashing” Cody Rhodes clips him and the beatdown is on. Rey Mysterio makes the save and we have our main event.

Smackdown Money In The Bank Participant Announcement

Todd Grisham and Matt Striker run down the names of the Smackdown participants in the Money In The Bank ladder match for a chance at the World Heavyweight Championship. Yet, only six of the Superstars involved were formally revealed: Kane, Matt Hardy, Cody Rhodes, Christian, Kofi Kingston, and the Big Show. Two spots remain. Here are some names I feel could find their way in: Dolph Ziggler, MVP, Drew McIntyre (if his visa issues get taken care of), Curt Hawkins or Vance Archer. Hopefully, whoever it is, the spots are earned in qualifying matches and not just handed out. Qualifying matches would have given each brand several weeks of material, but at least on Smackdown, Grisham explained that Theodore Long scouted the talent who would take part. Fair enough.

WWE Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston v. Dolph Ziggler (with Vickie Guerrero) – If Ziggler wins, he becomes the #1 Contender for the IC Championship

It has looked like the WWE has been building towards a Kingston/Ziggler IC TItle program for a few weeks now, so when Grisham announced the stipulation, I felt like Ziggler had no chance of losing. Well, I was wrong. Kofi wins by hitting Trouble In Paradise on a distracted Ziggler, who was focused on Guerrero at ringside. These two work very well together; their styles mesh well and have the perfect balance between differences and similarities. I guess because Kingston is involved in MITB, the WWE put the IC program on hold until after. I see Ziggler earning one of the two remaining spots and furthering his feud with Kingston through the match, which would ultimately lead to a IC Title match between the two at Summerslam.

Straight Edge Society backstage promo

C.M. Punk, Luke Gallows, and Serena are in the back. Serena pleads Punk to admit something, but Punk refuses and says he has everything under control. Serena tells Punk that if he can’t handle it, she will. It seems too simple to think that the SES is talking about “admitting” to attacking the Undertaker. Something else must be up.

The Peep Show

Christian’s guest is Matt Hardy. This was a very well-done and very worked shoot-like exchange between Christian and Hardy. Christian and Hardy both mentioned how they had been held down throughout their respective careers, even after being the pioneers of the type of match that has been given its own PPV. I could feel the respect and animosity between Christian and Hardy and I loved how they both said “It’s going to be me” at the same time, which set up their similarities even further. The arguing without the mics was a nice touch and the post-match melee emphasizes the “every man for himself” aspect of MITB. Both of these men deserve to win. A great segment to sell MITB.

“Dashing” Cody Rhodes backstage promo

Rhodes is in the back talking to himself while combing his eyebrows. This is getting a little too TNA for me. The prefix nickname. The hokey backstage segment. I hope the WWE realizes that Rhodes is a great talent and decide not to bury him with this stupid gimmick. I bet the “Uncommon Son” for Rhodes was too much like the “Fortunate Son” for DiBiase. Perhaps that’s why the WWE changed it?

Kane v. Luke Gallows (with C.M. Punk)

Punk accompanies Gallows to the ring and is wearing a sling after having legitimate arm surgery last week. Reports have Punk out for about two months, but Todd Grisham sold the injury as a result of the beating he took from Kane last week. What happened during the match (Kane won by DQ when the Masked Man jumped him from behind) isn’t important. What is important is what happened after.

Kane chokeslams the Masked Man and Gallows before turning his attention to Punk. As Kane has Punk by the throat, Serena runs down the ramp and pleads with Kane not to hurt Punk. Serena claims that Punk is innocent and can prove it. Punk keeps yelling at Serena to leave, but she doesn’t listen. Serena points Kane to the Titantron, where security camera footage captures Serena at a bar on May 31 (the day of the Undertaker’s attack) drinking alcohol. Eventually, Punk and the rest of the SES find her in the bar and lambast her over her choices. The video ends with Serena running after Punk.

Kane lets go and storms away. My theory of the SES being behind the Undertaker’s attack is now ruined, but something much more intriguing has taken place. Serena tries to comfort Punk and tells him she had to do it, but Punk yells at her again, asking if she has any idea of what she’s done. The SES has shown some very subtle signs of infighting over the past few months, but could this really be the end? It couldn’t be; there is so much more this stable can do. Hell, we don’t even know who the Masked Man is yet. Why would Punk be upset over the footage? It doesn’t show him doing anything incriminating. Unless he went to the bar for a drink, but found Serena and quickly switched gears, but I doubt that. There are many more questions that need to be asked and answered, but we will have to wait until next week to find out. Usually, I am able to come up with something to explain what happens in the WWE, but when I can’t, it must be good. I have no idea what’s going to happen. Stay tuned.

Chavo Guerrero v. MVP

Chavo tells his aunt Vickie that if he wins, he deserves an IC Title shot. Too bad he doesn’t. This match was ugly. MVP botched almost every move he hit. He either needs a heel turn (and fast) or a meaningful program because he might just overtake Primo for “Mr. Thursday Night” status on Superstars. MVP deserves better.

Kelly Kelly (with Tiffany) v. WWE Co-Women’s Champion Michelle McCool (with WWE Co-Women’s Champion Layla El)

Yet another win for Kelly Kelly over LayCool. I guess these four Divas are the only ones in the Smackdown division. Other than Rosa Mendes, I can’t name another active Diva. And Rosa is trying to join LayCool, so everyone is involved in one angle. Melina and Beth Phoenix can’t come back any sooner. I think the WWE is setting up for the inevitable title defense of LayCool with how much Kelly is going over.

Alberto Del Rio vignette

The word of the day is “inspiration.”

WWE World Heavyweight Champion Rey Mysterio & The Big Show v. “Dashing” Cody Rhodes & jack Swagger

Before the match, Mysterio cut a promo about his victory at Fatal 4 Way. Mysterio’s promos are a bit childish, but since his fans are the same, it isn’t so bad. I can’t believe Mysterio as the World Champion. I didn’t really when he first won it several years ago and I don’t now. Maybe he can prove something to me.

All of the matches on last night’s Smackdown were fairly short, but these four Superstars were able to put on a show in a limited time. Rhodes looks like he belongs in the main event. He held his own against Mysterio and sold extremely well when on defense. Show’s press slam of Rhodes onto Swagger and his reversal of Swagger’s Ankle Lock attempt into a suplex were impressive. The good guys win when Swagger doesn’t let go of the Ankle Lock on Mysterio. I loved how Swagger dragged Mysterio from one end of the ring to the other to avoid the Big Show. If Swagger can carry this momentum into a solid promo next week, he can get back on track. Smackdown did a good job selling Money In The Bank tonight. With two weeks left, the Blue Brand has plenty of time to capitalize on all of its intriguing storylines.

WWE NXT Report: June 29, 2010

Courtesy of wwe.com

Just when you thought it was safe, NXT pulls out all of the old surprises. An unexpected elimination? A dumb contest? A new host? We did get the first Pro’s Poll of the new season, but other than that, this episode brought back all of the bad that I had hoped was purged after Season One. Oh well. Let’s take a look.

The Return of the Keg Carry

New host Ashley (who is having some mic difficulties) brings out the NXT Rookies. She mentions that there is a surprise elimination tonight for whoever is in eighth place, but immunity can be won by winning (GASP) the Key Carry. The main problem with last season was all of the twists and turns that “WWE Management” took during the course of the season. During this season’s premiere, Matt Striker spelled out the season’s process. I guess that’s out the window now, too. I don’t want to go too in-depth about the competition. But here were some highlights:

Kaval’s reason for not competing (he didn’t want to wear his body out) makes perfect sense as compared to Michael Tarver just refusing for no reason.

In response to Michael Cole mentioning that he started for four years playing basketball, Josh Mathews said it was because he was home schooled and played by himself. That was HILARIOUS. Point Mathews.

Lucky Cannon wins and receives immunity. Titus O’Neil falls on his ass (or his face, really). I thought we were past this.

Percy Watson video package

Watson is the only Rookie who did not compete, so we get a video package instead. Watson has grown on me. He is very entertaining and he always has a smile on his face. It makes me feel like Watson isn’t a caricature, but just an extension of who he really is. Those are the Superstars who shine through. Watson is still green in the ring, but once he has that figured out, he will be in great shape.

MVP (with Percy Watson) v. Husky Harris (with Cody Rhodes)

Watson joined his Pro, MVP, at ringside for his match against Cody Rhodes’ Rookie, Husky Harris. This match was really slow. The first two minutes was a feeling out process, if you will. A lot of circling and a lot of broken grapples does not lend well to entertainment value. Harris looks a step off with everything that he does. Minus the botched kip-up (which was painful to watch), everything else just didn’t flow. His moves were very basic (elbow drops, scoop slams) and other than his explosive uranage slam, nothing impressed me. MVP wins with the 305 and does an excellent job selling Harris’ offense, which may have salvaged him just a bit. Harris refused to shake MVP’s hands after the match, which makes sense considering his Pro, Rhodes, would do the same.

Lucky Cannon, Kaval & Michael McGillicutty v. Eli Cottonwood, Alex Riley & Titus O’Neil

This was a short match which highlighted Cannon, Cottonwood, and Kaval. Cannon did a great job playing the face in peril while Cottonwood, O’Neil, and Riley beat him down. Cottonwood looked much better than he has in the past, but I’m surprised they put him on the heel team. With a babyface Pro (Morrison), it’s weird to see Cottonwood develop as a heel. Kaval got the hot tag and was able to hit the Tidal Crush and the Warrior’s Way. It’s funny how a man with such a low speaking voice can shriek so loud. Anyways, a good win for Kaval, who won’t be a clone of Bryan Danielson after all.

Pro’s Poll

Here are the results of the first Pro’s Poll:

Kaval

Percy Watson

Michael McGillicutty

Alex Riley

Lucky Cannon

Eli Cottonwood

Husky Harris

Titus O’Neil

O’Neil is eliminated for being in eighth, which is where I had him last week. He gives a great exit promo, but like Cottonwood, O’Neil, though paired with heels, came off as a face. Not that it matters anymore, but just a thought.

Find out what happens NXT on NXT this coming Tuesday. In the mean time, check back tomorrow for my Superstars report.

WWE Friday Night Smackdown Report: June 25, 2010

 

Courtesy of wwe.com

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.

WWE NXT Report: June 22, 2010

Courtesy of wwe.com

This season of NXT is only a few weeks old and it is already flowing much more smoothly than its Season One counterpart. Tonight, we had a Pro/Rookie tag team match as well as the first Rookie v. Pro match of the season. Mix in some video packages, awkward exchanges, and some Matt Striker abuse and we have the recipe for yet another episode of NXT! Let’s take a look, shall we?

WWE United States Champion The Mix & Alex Riley v. MVP & Percy Watson

The Miz and Alex Riley are a match made in heaven. If it wasn’t for the noticeable size difference, these two would be indistinguishable. Even with the instant rapport between the two, I liked how the Miz showed disapproval with Riley at points during the match. It makes the Rookie/Pro pairing actually mean something. Percy Watson is so entertaining, but he’s like a juiced up Urkel. He needs more experience in the ring to go along with his noticeable promo skills in order to complete the package. Miz and Riley win in a good opening contest. Riley is this season’s Wade Barrett and David Otunga rolled into one. He is the consumate WWE Superstar. Expect big things from him.

Titus O’Neil video package

O’Neil brings up his rough childhood and the lack of support and respect he had while growing up. His “working man” gimmick works better for faces (see: Dusty Rhodes), so having him as a heel doesn’t make much sense. He gets cheered later on for his “working man” comments. I am not sure that is the reaction the WWE is looking for when it comes to O’Neil. Either way, he needs to get better in the ring if he wants the respect he yearns for.

Michael McGillicutty (with WWE Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston) v. Titus O’Neil (with Zack Ryder)

The discrepancy in talent between McGillicutty and O’Neil is astounding. Nevermind the bloodlines. O’Neil is the most physically imposing Rookie on Season Two, but is probably the most green in the ring. Irish whip clotheslines and reverse chin locks won’t win matches in the WWE. Albeit, McGillicutty uses a swinging neckbreaker as a finishing move, but at least it looks brutal. McGillicutty (by the way, we were told that McGillicutty is his mother’s maiden name, which it isn’t) put on a clinic in less than five minutes. Perhaps O’Neil’s struggles are a reflection of his “Pro,” Zack Ryder, but I would be surprised if he doesn’t find himself in last place when the first Pro’s Poll is released next week.

Kaval (with WWE Co-Women’s Champions LayCool) v. Eli Cottonwood (with John Morrison)

Kaval and Bryan Danielson took a very similar route to the WWE, so it doesn’t surprise me that he is being booked the exact same way. Kaval took on Eli Cottonwood in a one-on-one match, and much like McGillicutty/O’Neil, the talent discrepancy is alarming. Cottonwood is as stiff as a corpse in the ring. He doesn’t sell well and his offense isn’t fluid. Kaval definitely carried Cottonwood through the entire match, but ultimately lost. Kaval did get some impressive spots in, including his reverse Warrior’s Way and the springboard enziguiri. Cottonwood wins with a reverse chokeslam-like faceplant/flapjack manuever. Whatever it was, Kaval was out. Like Danielson, Kaval doesn’t need wins to earn or maintain credbility. Cottonwood, on the other hand, needs all of the help he can get. I just hope Kaval actually wins at some point.

Lucky Cannon video package

We get to hear about Lucky Cannon, who is “lucky” because he survived a brutal assault that left him unable to speak or walk. That is quite the story (if it were true). I know the WWE wants to make Johnny Prime look “lucky.” How about he wins some matches out of nowhere or has a penchant for knocking off Pros? Unfortunately, Cannon’s backstory is a little too farfetched for me to get behind.

In the back, LayCool is trying to cheer Kaval up. They give him a present. It’s a “I ❤ LayCool” warmup. To further the comparions with Danielson, Kaval has been placed with two Pros who are total opposites of him. Kaval, however, is taking things in stride in order to learn and succeed, showing his disicpline and respect for the business. Will he snap or will he continue to silently accept his mentors? Stay tuned.

Cody Rhodes (with Husky Harris) v. Lucky Cannon (with Mark Henry)

Cannon would have his chance to prove how lucky he is when he faced Cody Rhodes in the main event. Last week, Rhodes said that Cannon would be lucky to last five minutes. so Rhodes makes the match a “Five Minute Challenge.” All Cannon would have to do is not lose within five minutes. That didn’t happen. Cannon lost in about 3:30. Cannon got some offense in, but the story told through the match was his lack of experience. Last season, Heath Slater beat Chris Jericho, but it happened halfway through the season. That was more believable considering Slater had several matches (and a win over another Pro in a tag match) under his belt. This was Cannon’s second match; there was no way he was going to win, no matter how “lucky” he is.  Good work. Storytelling is important and it worked out very nicely here.

Rhodes is an absolute stud. I have said it before, but Rhodes has shined while Ted DiBiase has sunk. He is getting better on the mic and his movement in the ring is so crisp. The step-up kick off the turnbuckle looked and sounded brutal. The Cross Rhodes at the end looked a little weird, but I think that was more Cannon than Rhodes.

Rookie Final Thoughts

With the first Pro’s Pool being unveiled next week, Matt Striker gave the Rookies one last chance to speak their minds. Riley went first and said that he didn’t have to beat up nerds on the school bus anymore because he gets to do it on NXT. Kaval (wearing his LayCool shirt) is next and mentions that he has had to work hard to get to the WWE and will prove size doesn’t matter.

O’Neil follows with a “worked hard for everything and everyone doubted me” promo, which went over with the crowd. I wish he would stop with the “make it a win” schtick. McGillicutty must feel the same way because he mocks O’Neil before claiming that he possesses no weaknesses. I wish he would throw the word “perfect” into some of his promos to pay homage to his father. Surprisingly, Cottonwood delivers what I feel was the best promo, promising to wait in the shadows and bide his time until it’s time to strike. Watson is next and he makes me laugh, but in a good way. The gimmick is a little over the top for my taste, but it works for him.

Cannon, fresh off his loss, pretty much said the same thing that he said during his video package. Last, but not least, Harris says he doesn’t need 45 seconds and instead beats up Striker. Harris hits his senton splash and bails out. No one helps Striker. Do I blame them? No. Does it make sense? No. Striker has been taking quite the abuse lately. I would love to see him snap and put on the argyle trunks again. Rhodes looks pleased with Harris and the show goes off the air.

Don’t forget to vote on WWE.com next week for the first Pro’s Poll. Here is my Pro’s Poll based on what I have seen so far.

Michael McGillicutty

Alex Riley

Kaval

Eli Cottonwood

Percy Watson

Husky Harris

Lucky Cannon

Titus O’Neil

Be sure to tune in NXT week to find out what happens NXT on NXT.

WWE Friday Night Smackdown Report: June 18, 2010

Courtesy of wwe.com

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!