If you're reading this, then you probably know what happened this week on WWE SmackDown. I'd love to say that this dire error in judgement was just further evidence to WWE's losing touch with its fans etc. etc... I just can't.
That's because this week's episode of SmackDown was a really fun wrestling show. It had great matches, it didn't mess around with too much bullshit.
Don't get me wrong, I don't agree with WWE's decision to have Christian drop the belt less than a week after winning it, and the main event was by far the worst match of the show (and just not a very good match in general), but should it really reflect on the show as a whole? Well let's hit the recap, trying to IGNORE that awkward knowledge of what's coming at the end, and see how it holds up.
- I STILL Neber Like You, Teddie!: Christian opens the show, as new champ, and works the crowd up. Unfortunately, before too long, competitors start coming out of the woodwork, including Mark Henry, Great Khali, and Randy Orton, all wanting a shot at Captain Charisma's belt. Teddie Long comes out and decides to make a match between Christian and whoever the "WWE Universe" chooses.
- I really wonder who they'd choose!!! Of course, Randy gets the largest crowd response (and unfortunately, seemed to get a bigger response than the champ...), and the match is set. What I found odd about this opening was the fact that it seems to set Khali and Henry as the SmackDown stable's biggest competitors? What? I guess this was so there'd be no doubt the people would want Orton v. Christian, but it still seemed odd. There was also some strange foreshadowing of Khali perhaps going through a big heel change again, as there's... some guy (sorry, I forget his name) who keeps questioning how Khali is being trained, and looks like he's gonna take over managing duties of him soon. I... really don't care.
- Sheamus vs. Bryan: And just like that, SmackDown comes strong out of the gate with this match up. Sheamus is a guy who I think is vastly improving as time goes by, and Daniel Bryan is among my absolute favorites. As such, this was a good match. There were some really cool spots, including Bryan hitting his big missile dropkick, and the finish which had Sheamus hitting two Brogue Kicks (including one on Bryan as he tried to dive outside). I like the physicality these two show in their matches, and hope this becomes a regular feud. However, with Sheamus likely entering the title picture, a place I'm not sure Daniel Bryan will ever get the chance to go, I'm not sure if it'll continue. Still. Awesome match to start out.
- Cody Rhodes is still Crazy: Yes he is.
- Zeke vs. Show: The Corrrrrrrre's in-fighting continue as Ezekiel Jackson takes on Big Show. A really entertaining match with a dumb finish. Big Show showed some surprising athletic acumen and some mat wrestling skills. Zeke REALLY impressed me (as someone who doesn't really like him) with his sheer strength. Sadly, the match is finished with a "big clothesline", one which Show didn't sell nearly good enough to have him lose to it convincingly. After his victory, Zeke leaves his Corre members at ringside, setting up a confrontation later in the show.
- *Divas Match* BOO! *Kharma* YAY!: Layla and Alicia Fox have a Divas match. It's bad. Luckily, much like she did on Monday, Kharma comes out and attacks the loser. Alicia actually tries to "attack" Kharma, which leads to more hilarity from Kharma's attack. I really can't wait until we actually get to see her in an actual match. Also, people were chanting for her to give Alicia ANOTHER Implant Buster after the first one. Now that's funny.
- Zeke gets Corrrrrred: The Corre question Zeke's actions backstage. Zeke, not havin' none of it, attacks Barrett, Gabriel, and Slater. Of course, he's outnumbered, and soon succumbs to blows, chairs, and laundry carts. I really liked this portion of the show 1.) because it means that the Corre is now leaner without its most problem-causing member, perhaps salvaging the team as a big heel stable and 2.) it means Zeke can perhaps start a feud with Barrett and lead to a IC championship match. Also, it was just good to see an actual vicious-looking backstage attack on a wrestling show again, one that involved foreign objects and some genuine intensity.
- Cara vs. Kidd: Sin Cara gets some more exposure on SmackDown, taking on Tyson Kidd this week. A really good match-up, both wrestler's athleticism and wrestling style made this match a lot of fun to watch. It also served dual purpose of starting a new feud, as Chavo Guerrero was guest-commentating, and pretty much trashed Sin Cara the whole time. I think this could be a fun feud, if a bit predictable, as there's no way that Chavo isn't being used just to put Sin Cara up further. Oh yeah, and Sin Cara won the match by hitting his finisher. No botches!!
- This is the Moment...: And here it is. The main event, and boy did it suck. Ok, it wasn't a TERRIBLE match by any stretch of the imagination, but the fact of the matter is is that it wasn't anything special. Orton pretty much dominated the offense the entire match (puzzling as he was the fucking challenger!), and his style and spots are getting so predictable that he's not even that entertaining to watch.
- Heck, even the finish, an RKO from a leaping opponent, was done at least two separate times in Orton's feud with CM Punk. The fact of the matter is that, after the match at Extreme Rules and the reaction that followed, Christian deserved to lose his title working a match that was SPECIAL. There was nothing special about this match, and it only served to "make Randy look good". Christian did his job, and one has to think at least some of his reaction at the end of the match was somewhat genuine. It was just a deflating finish to a really great show.
But despite that, my recaps attempt to give a rating to the show as a whole. The fact of the matter is that last night's SmackDown was great. It had great match ups and set up some involving storylines. The Orton situation is unfortunate, but hopefully WWE sees the numerous fan reactions and uses this opportunity to tell even better stories. I give last night's SmackDown gets a solid 4 stars out of 5.
Stay tuned to the Rotunda next week for recaps of next week shows, and another installment of the Wrestling Showcase.
Until next time...
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