SmackDown 2/9
I can say that two of the three WWE brands seemed to get it right after watching Friday Night SmackDown on UPN. It seems like over the last two-three weeks that the energy level on both RAW and SmackDown has really picked up, and while ECW just drudges along, the other two shows really are strong as we have about a month and a half till WrestleMania. SmackDown was highlighted by the two top guys that will battle for the World Heavyweight Title at Mania, as Undertaker started the show making a statement in an easy win over the Miz, and then the final match Batista had a strong title defense and clean win over Mr.Kennedy. The show ended, as many will before Mania, with Taker on the ramp staring down Batista.
One question I have is what ever happened to Taker talking? I always remember him speaking, and it seems like over the last 4-6 months I have not heard him utter a word. Is it supposed to make his character more imposing if he does not speak? I don't quite understand that one. I think as we get closer to Mania, you are going to see him do at least one promo with words, possibly the last one that could really be cool to send a message to Batista.
The other strong angle on the show is actually in the tag ranks, and when is the last time you could say that?! London and Kendrick have had the belts for nine months, which is great in my opinion becuase it actually makes them look legit. They lost a non-title match to Deuce and Domino, which will set up the teams doing battle at Mania. For now you will see them go back and forth in non-title matches, and then the other big news is the ladder match rematch that the Hardy's, MNM, London and Kendrick and Regal and Taylor will have at No Way Out next weekend. That should once again be the show stealer.
The rest of the show was decent filler stuff to get fans ready for the PPV next weekend. They are pushing the Kane-Booker match as the thrid best match on the card, they also had a match with Finely and Boogeyman with Finely going over with use of the sheleighly. They will rematch at No Way Out as well from what I am hearing. How about the SmackDown return of Daivari? Interesting of them putting him with Gregory Helms right off the bat, and it was a solid match and win for Daivari. Another possible filler match for next Sunday's PPV.
Those were the highlights for the show, and again, it was a solid show. You can see most of the guys working hard and knowing that Mania is not too far away. With RAW not till Thursday and having to sit through ECW Tuesday, this is the best wrestling we'll get for close to a week.
One question I have is what ever happened to Taker talking? I always remember him speaking, and it seems like over the last 4-6 months I have not heard him utter a word. Is it supposed to make his character more imposing if he does not speak? I don't quite understand that one. I think as we get closer to Mania, you are going to see him do at least one promo with words, possibly the last one that could really be cool to send a message to Batista.
The other strong angle on the show is actually in the tag ranks, and when is the last time you could say that?! London and Kendrick have had the belts for nine months, which is great in my opinion becuase it actually makes them look legit. They lost a non-title match to Deuce and Domino, which will set up the teams doing battle at Mania. For now you will see them go back and forth in non-title matches, and then the other big news is the ladder match rematch that the Hardy's, MNM, London and Kendrick and Regal and Taylor will have at No Way Out next weekend. That should once again be the show stealer.
The rest of the show was decent filler stuff to get fans ready for the PPV next weekend. They are pushing the Kane-Booker match as the thrid best match on the card, they also had a match with Finely and Boogeyman with Finely going over with use of the sheleighly. They will rematch at No Way Out as well from what I am hearing. How about the SmackDown return of Daivari? Interesting of them putting him with Gregory Helms right off the bat, and it was a solid match and win for Daivari. Another possible filler match for next Sunday's PPV.
Those were the highlights for the show, and again, it was a solid show. You can see most of the guys working hard and knowing that Mania is not too far away. With RAW not till Thursday and having to sit through ECW Tuesday, this is the best wrestling we'll get for close to a week.
