This was another Smackdown where Eddie stole the show. I liked Smackdown last night. Sure the show lacked some good matches but there were two that I really liked. And sure there were a few things that I question like teaming up Batista with Eddie Guerrero, and throwing MNM in that main event. And of course the so called tag team match with the tag team champions was worthless yet there was still enough to appeal to me. Here’s what I want to do, I want to go through the show, but there is someone on Smackdown that is losing a lot of credibility with me. Let me get to the show and then on to the man I’m talking about.
I didn’t mind the opening match with Booker vs. Christian. It kind of started out a little slow but slowly built up to an exciting ending. I noticed that Sharmell was really giving it to the ref for missing a lot of things, which I thought was fine, because I still think something will change between Sharmell and Booker. My only complaint about all of this was that one of the best on the mics, Christian wasn’t allowed to talk. Now there’s nothing at all wrong with this man’s wrestling but you add his cocky little mic work and you have the complete package. I think by silencing him last night it took a way from making him a major player on Smackdown. Let the man talk and spew out his trash-filled words that’s what makes him so much more fun to watch. After this match and Booker’s win it was on to a night of humor with Eddie Guerrero. Now remember I’m totally not into the old bathroom humor routine, but aside from that Eddie faking an injury to avoid working with Batista was GOLD. The man had me laughing so hard through out the show that as much as I love him in a very intense and sadistic mode Eddie is just a natural when it comes to making the fans laugh. And this segment did just that for me.
I see that JBL was back to his old conceited self last night. In just one week, Jillian Hall was able to help JBL get his self confidence back, which he had lost lately. I had to laugh when Mr. Tough was escorted out while he was on a horse. The faces that he was making made him look like he was scared stiff to be riding one. I was also laughing when JBL came up with a few good digs about Jillian’s mole. They were subtle yet really out there. A good segment with JBL and I prefer Jillian being with him than MNM. I’m not going to even comment on the jobber vs. Heidenreich and Animal match. You know what match I really liked? Sylvan vs. Bob Holly. I thought this was the best match of the show. I was very pleased with Sylvan’s performance. These two guys worked a nice match and I can’t tell you how much it appealed to me. I’m going to skip the Orton/Taker segment trust me I will go back to it. Ken Kennedy week after week becomes more and more obnoxious and unlikable. And I’m still enjoying his character. I bet as a youngster he was so annoying and that other kids wanted to slap him silly. Well at least keep their distance from him. I thought he held his own against Rey Mysterio. I liked this match a lot, and I had no problem with a Kennedy win over Rey. I look at it this way, he won because JBL made his way out, which distracted Rey and gave Kennedy the upper hand. I still feel Ken Kennedy can not only do it on the mic, but he has shown me that he can wrestle as well.
I noticed last night that Sharmell is trying very hard to get something going with Booker vs. Chris Benoit for the U.S. Title. Now a few of you have suggested that this could become a fatal 4-way match with Book vs. Benoit vs. Christian vs. Orlando Jordan. And I’m starting to think that’s a big possibility. I think that it’s a match that would showcase some really good wrestling and possibly give us a new champion, remember the keyword is POSSIBLY. Eddie’s segments continued when his “cramps” became so bad that they need to get medical help. The thought of a doctor didn’t appeal to him, but a sexy nurse seemed to be just what Eddie needed. Eddie again came through from acting like he was in excruciating pain to being in paradise when the nurse started rubbing his stomach. The more she rubbed it the more scum bag Eddie kept saying “LOWER.” Okay now see I’m excited about this. For months I’ve been reading about Bobby Lashley in dark matches, and it’s all been good. So I could not wait to see his debut on Smackdown. This guy has a great look and against Simon Dean his looks very promising. I’m looking forward to seeing a lot more of this guy’s work and hopefully he’ll add a lot to Smackdown. I didn’t mind the Orlando Jordan match against Benoit again, even though it was the 90th time they did it. Okay so I’m exaggerating. It’s been just about a weekly thing and I really think the novelty has finally worn off. But what I will say is this, call me nuts and trust me many do, but I feel that this angle with Jordan tapping out consistently to the Crippler Crossface has given Jordan some depth to his character. I look at him differently, meaning he’s played the role of being humiliated very well and honestly the one tag match that he was in against Benoit he came off looking good. I have kind of taken to Jordan and I would like to think that this will all play out in a favorable way for Orlando.
The last segment with the ailing Eddie had to do with Eddie in seventh heaven thinking the nurse was still rubbing him. However, when he opened his eyes it was Batista that took over from the nurse. And it was Batista that sent a gay doctor to check on Eddie. Yes it was cheesy but again it was Eddie that made it funny. Especially when the doctor put a glove on and had Eddie standing with his back to him. As I said it’s not the classiest of segments but Eddie Guerrero knows how to make get a good laugh. The main event was meant to show Batista as the animal that he is. I feel so bad that MNM got fed to the man, but think about it. As good as Mercury and Nitro are, there is no tag team division. And after last night I have a bad feeling that MNM are slowly going to be killed off and I don’t like that. Batista did what he had to do and I enjoyed him. I couldn’t figure out why they would pair up Dave with Eddie but I guess because Eddie wants to be “friends” with the champion. Of course Eddie stayed away from the match until Batista had a chance for the pin. I absolutely loved how Eddie got in there did his 5-Star frog splash to get the win over MNM. I felt that the ending was done perfectly.
This past Thursday I basically ripped on John Cena. I’m now seeing a star on Smackdown that is starting to make me feel he’s going in the Cena direction. And I’m talking about Randy Orton. This is a man that I totally loved in Evolution. When he became a face and World Champion I still was a big fan of his. In fact I was with him all the way until recently. I think he’s a very good wrestler he gives his all. But lately this guy and his promos are going nowhere. I realize he lost a few months because of surgery on his arm. But since his return, while the wrestling has been solid, watching him on the mic has become somewhat painful to me. I think one major problem is sticking his dad Cowboy Bob Orton with him. I don’t think dad is adding anything positive to Randy’s character. When Randy talks I noticed especially last night I started to think, “God he’s so boring, I am tired of hearing him say nothing.” Now again I’m not anti Randy like I am about Cena, but I’m afraid it could come to that. Last night it was cool watching Taker open his eyes to let the fans know that it was him in the coffin. And I also like the chokehold he put on Orton. But they need to make Randy a cocky TOUGH piece of crap. The way he was with Foley last year. This smiling conceited bland Randy is just not cutting it and the way he is portraying this character makes me feel he’s not ready to be the main heel or at least top heel on that show. He’s lost it and I’m really hoping the creative team can help him find his way.
Okay so a good Smackdown, and a Raw I liked and now Monday is the last Raw on Spike TV. WWE.com just put up that Shawn Michaels vs. Kurt Angle in a 30 minute Iron Man Match will take place on October 3rd when Raw moves to the USA network. And it will be Mick Foley that guests on Piper’s Pit. So let’s get ready for Spikes last Raw and hopefully it will leave with a bang. I will be back on Tuesday with my Raw thoughts. Okay I have another reader’s request. I am wondering if you or any of your other readers would know where I might be able to get a copy of the June 4th 2001 episode of Raw. It was taped in Minneapolis. I was in attendance at that show but I never was able to tape it or ever watch it. Any help you may be able to provide would be great. My email is fearless@astound.net Thank You!
Email lindarobin3@yahoo.com
