Smackdown
Aaron's UnReal Time Smackdown Review: Jericho Does What He Couldn't Do In England
By Aaron Wood
Feb 12, 2010 - 6:21 PM

Hello my Gathering!  Thankfully, my stinky cold is over and done with, more or less.  But I've had a largely unproductive week.  But hey, that's more my concern.  If it's a concern at all.  Which it really isn't.  I'm just opening this article.  Now, this week, of course, the New Orleans Saints won the Superbowl, in what was a pretty fun game.  But you know what is almost just as fun for me in the UK?  In the morning, I finally get to see all the Superbowl commercials that I don't see otherwise!  So even though 106 MILLION people have seen them already, I'm putting some of my favourite ones up here.  That said, there is one music video I want to get out there this week, because it's the video of a new single by one of my favourite bands, the New York duo, Shy Child, and their new track, from their new album "Liquid Love", which is called "Disconnected":



LAST WEEK ON SMACKDOWN:  Batista was too scared of getting his head shaved to fight for a title shot, the felon beat the fugitive, Truth took longer to rap than win and Edge & Chris Jericho remembered they were supposed to be feuding...

THIS WEEK…
We cold open this week right into the pyro, as The Legend That Is Todd Grisham pimps out a No DQ main event between Undertaker & Jericho to help promote the Elimination Chamber.  Striker then chips in with R-Truth vs. John Morrison!  Now hey, where does that leave the other two Elimination Chamber contestants in Rey Mysterio & CM Punk???

Rey Mysterio def. CM Punk in a "Another one of these at Wrestlemania, if you don't mind..." match
OK, fair enough...  Rey made his way out first, followed by the Straight Edge Society of Gallows, Punk's beard and Serena's boobies.  Punk piefaced Rey, but Rey then bitch-slapped him and floated over a charge to hit a dropkick before scoring a Victory Roll for a 2 count.  Rey then began to work over Punk's leg, but Punk made the ropes.  A test of strength led to a Lucha-esque sequence, with Rey getting another nearfall.  Punk scored with an enziguri for 2 before locking on a headscissors.  Rey fought out, but Punk scored with a couple of kicks to the stomach and then back for another 2 count.  Rey was slid out the ring, but he ran back in before Punk could baseball slide him.  Rey then went for the 619 while Punk was stood at the side of the ring, but Punk ducked away as he went for it and looked to his acolytes for help as we took a break.

A Punk shoulderblock was followed by a jumping heel kick as we came back.  Rey telegraphed a backdrop, but was elevated to the apron.  Mysterio bodyscissored Punk over the top himself before hitting a seated senton off the apron.  Gallows & Serena surrounded Rey, distracting him long enough for Punk to hit a back suplex onto the top of the guardrail.  Punk hit a slingshot rolling splash for 2 back in the ring.  As Rey rolled into the corner, Punk hit a baseball slide to his back while against the ringpost.  As Rey pulled himself up on the outside, Punk came out and clubbed him in the back before hitting a short clothesline.  Punk locked on a Bow & Arrow, but Rey managed to spin out for a quick 2 count.  However, Punk scored with a backbreaker for another nearfall.  Rey fought out another hold and hit Punk with a drop toehold into the corner.  However, Punk crotched Rey into the Tree Of Woe as he was about to come off the top rope.  However, as he went for a basement dropkick, Rey pulled himself up and Punk crotched himself on the ringpost.

Rey then hit a seated senton and springboard crossbody for a 2 count.  Punk drove a shoulder, but Rey avoided a rollup and scored with a kick to the head for a 2 count.  Rey had a whip reversed, but he blocked the charge, only to run into a powerslam for a 2 count.  Punk hit the knee in the corner, but the bulldog was shoved off, and Rey set Punk up for the 619, which caused Serena to get on the apron.  As the ref dealt with her, Gallows came up from behind Rey, only to get dropped on the rope.  Punk was again set up for the 619, but Punk countered to look for the GTS.  However, Rey headscissored out of that into the West Coast Pop for the win!

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7.5/10 - Fine match here.  And frankly, if this is just a taste of what they can do, I hope that rumoured Wrestlemania match happens.
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Luke Gallows immediately set upon Rey, hitting him with a backbreaker.  Punk then got Gallows to squash Rey, back-first, as Rey pulled himself up on the corner.  Gallows then set up Rey so Serena could punt Rey in the ribs.  Then, after telling Rey he could save him, in an AWESOME visual, Punk got on one knee and held his arms out while Gallows put Rey on Punk's shoulders for the GTS.

Striker then plugged Batista's explanation for later.


Little Kiss - Dr. Pepper Cherry

We came back to see the replay of the opener's ending and subsequent beatdown.

THE SCOTTISH INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION~! Drew McIntyre & Kane wrestled to a Double Count Out in a "From Morrison to Kane, oh Drew, how I pity thee..." match
Drew came out first to a brand new entrance.  It had an old-Jericho like "inset" video to start with before cutting to the arena.  The song was really slow to start with before kicking in when Drew came out.  I'm not sure if it really worked in it's opening form.  The slow part of the track seemed to go on for a long time.  Plus, if Sheamus can get a theme that has tinges of Irishness in his theme, how come Drew can't get something that is Scottish influenced.  I'm not exactly calling for bagpipes (GOD NO!) but still, a nod to the Scots would be nice. Anyway, Drew had something to say.  He said when he was told he was in a match, he cut them off saying he didn't care who it was he was facing, because he was the undefeated IC champion and he was unstoppable.  Cue Kane's pyro and a look on McIntyre's face that suggested he instantly regretted saying what he just did.  McIntyre said he didn't have anything to prove to Kane.  He dropped Big Red last week.  But if Kane wants a match, try again next week.  Just not tonight.

The referee rang the bell anyway, and Kane immediately booted McIntyre out of the ring.  McIntyre rolled Drew back in, but Drew telegraphed a backdrop with a club to the back.  Kane hit a clothesline before heading up, which allowed Drew to head outside as we broke for the ads.  We came back with Kane locked in an armbar as we saw Drew send Kane into the barricade during the break.  Kane fought out the hold, but was kicked in the head and met with a clothesline for 1 count.  Drew had a whip reversed, and while he stopped himself, he ran into a clothesline.  Kane scored with a clothesline in the corner, and while Drew blocked a second, he ran into Kane's side slam.  Kane scored with the flying clothesline.  Kane called to finish, but Drew kicked out of the move and looked for the "Futureshock" DDT.  This was recountered into the chokeslam, but Drew re-countered out of that and both men tumbled outside, although it was rather awkwardly done to the point I'm not sure who was supposed to send whom out.  Either way, Drew tried to get back in, but Kane pulled him off the apron and beat on Drew until the referee counted them out.

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6/10 - It was alright, but it was relatively short, and went to a double count out, so it wasn't great.  And right now, I'd rather see McIntyre facing someone more akin to Morrison's style, rather than Kane.
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Kane rolled McIntyre back into the ring, but the Scotsman was up first and he scored with a big boot.  Drew got his title belt and went to hit Kane with it again, but Kane grabbed him and hit a chokeslam.   He then laid the IC Title across McIntyre's prone body before setting off his pyro.

We cut backstage as Mickie pondered eating some fruit when Simply Flawless came up.  They mocked Mickie, before Mickie said they were done.  They made a joke about the belt not fitting around Mickie before picking up a bowl of cottage cheese.  Mickie knocked it flying out of their hands.  Mickie laughed with LayCool were horrified.  Mickie turned to see the bowl had apparently landed all over Vickie Guerrero.  Mickie tried to apologise before running away leaving Simply Flawless to suck up to Vickie.


Fiddling Beaver - monster.com

Layla & Michelle McCool def. Mickie James in a "So, does this mean Beth punching Mickie was motivation to beat 2 women?" Handicap match
This was originally supposed to be Mickie vs. Layla, but seconds after the match started, Vickie Guerrero came out and made her cheesy presence known to make it a handicap match.  Michelle took off her boots and got in the ring.  Mickie tried to cut her off, but the numbers came caught up with Mickie.  Mickie managed to down Michelle and then Layla, scoring a Jacknife cover on Michelle that Layla broke up.  However, Layla whipped Mickie into a Michelle side slam for a 2 count.  The then charged the corner.  Layla's attempt was blocked, and she went for the headscissors on Michelle, but Layla broke it up and her distraction allowed Michelle to score with a big boot.  Michelle then hit the Faith Breaker for the win.

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5/10 - More of an angle than anything, but Mickie put up a decent fight before they let the numbers win the day.
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Game - Snickers

We saw an outside shot of Baton Rouge before sending it to a video of Batista's recent involvement in the Bret Hart angle and his attack on John Cena, followed by his refusal to wrestle CM Punk last week in the Chamber qualifier.

PROMO OF HIS CAREER!
ECW's Josh Matthews, quite possibly in desperate need for a new job, was in the ring, as he introduced Batista.  He asked Deacon Dave about his recent actions in powerbombing Cena into the steel steps and then last week, he refused his match with Punk.  And then on Monday he didn't answer Batista's call out.  Now, you requested the time to explain yourself, so start talking, ya wacky douche!

Batista took the microphone.  He made like the was about to speak before staring a hole in Josh that sent him from the ring.  The crowd chanted for Cena.  Batista sat on the top turnbuckle for a few moments before deciding to leave the ring entirely. He walked around the ring a bit, coming across a guy in a Cena shirt who mocked him with the "You Can't See Me".  Batista got back in the ring and looked he was about to speak before dropping the mic and leaving.  He went up the ramp before turning around.  He angrily said "You want an explanation" before walking back down to the ring.  He picked up the mic and looked like talking about before dropping the mic again and kicking it out of his way before leaving entirely.  Like I says, best promo he ever gave.


Punxsutawney Polamalu - truTV

We returned to Teddy Long's entrance, and the GM said that since Batista refused to fight last week and then didn't pony up an excuse tonight, maybe next week, Deacon Dave might be in a fighting mood because he was now down to face the Royal Rumble winner, Edge, next week.

Grisham pointed out it would be Edge's first singles match in 7 months.

Matt Hardy & The Great Khali def. The Hart Dynasty in a "So, he's winning matches and getting girls.  It really is Matt Hardy’s week after all!" match
Hardy, Khali & THOSE 70'S SIDEBURNS~! came to the ring first.  Matt hardy got a mic and wished everyone a happy Valentines Day.  We all knew the POONjabi Playboy always had a good one, but this year, Matt was having one too!  He called out his Valentine, Maria!  Lucky bastard...  That said, I PRAY it doesn't end up with Maria banging Khali instead and a Hardy/Khali feud...  The Dynasty then came out.  Khali & Smith looked to start, but when Smith realised he'd be facing off against the Indian, he tagged himself out and ducked out the ring, leaving Kidd to be bieled in.  Hardy tagged in, scoring with the clothesline in the corner.  However, THE REAL CANADIAN BULLDOG~!, DH Smith, distracted Hardy, allowing Kidd to score a dropkick to the back of the head, allowing Bret's younger family to take over.  Smith tagged in and hit a delayed suplex for a quick 2 count.

Kidd tagged in again, hitting a snapmare and dropkick to the back of the head for a 2 count.  Tyson put on a headlock, getting some good leverage, but Hardy fought out and hit the Side Effect.  The Twist Of Fate was shoved off, and while Smith distracted the ref, Natalya tripped Matt up.  This made Maria come over and land a Thesz Press on her.  In the confusion, Hardy countered a rollup with one of his own for the three count!

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6/10 - It was decent enough, especially with them knowing to make Matt to the bulk of the work for his team.  That said, while I'm not necessarily one of those who DEMANDS that the Dynasty be intricately involved with the Bret angle, it would have been nice if they stepped up to Batista or some such.  Or maybe even got a win now and again...
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Natalya wanted herself a piece of Maria after the match.

We then saw the awesome Ted DiBiase Hall Of Fame video.  The fact he wore a CAPE to collect the Million Dollar Belt is truly an awesome image...


Megan Fox - Motorola

The RAW Rebound had some highlights of Carl Edwards's entrance and then the final angle with Cena calling out Batista and then Vince, which brought Bret back to the show and the tease of the Bret vs. Vince match at Wrestlemania.  Awesome stuff at the end of the show, I thought.  I'm surprised by the number of people I've seen who have surprised themselves by realising that a bunch of the stuff that happened in 1997 is being reflected now, such a Bret destroying equipment and someone being spat at.

Cypress Hill are doing the theme for the Elimination Chamber PPV.  I didn't know they were still around.  Hell, I think the last song I heard form them was the theme that Tazz used for a while!  This plug allowed the announcers to then talk about the Elimination Chamber matches.  This sent things back to the opening match tonight with Punk & Rey.

R-Truth rapped his way to the ring before the break.


House Rules - Doritos

R-Truth def. John Morrison by Referee Stoppage in a "Shawn Michaels just came..." match
We came back as Truth asked "Who Dat?" instead of the usual.  Morrison followed.  The pair shook hands, since we were all friends here, before locking up.  Morrison scored a shoulder block, but then Truth ducked a charge and then dropped his head as Morrison came back.  Morrison did a back roll over Truth but seemed to land badly on his right ankle.  The ref checked on Morrison but then decided to ring the bell, as Truth helped Morrison get his boot off.

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Unrateable - Hmm...Shawn Michaels wants in the Smackdown chamber.  One of the Smackdown chamber participants just so happens to go down with an ankle injury...  All kidding aside, I'm frankly astounded that it wasn't Truth who went down, assuming they are taking Morrison out the match.  I mean, I don't know what it says.  My normal instinct would be to say that they've given up on Morrison, at least now being behind Truth.  But that would be insanity at this point because Morrison with the right continued push could be red hot.  Hell, he's been metaphorically bubbling hard for a while now and just needs that one little extra kick.
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A trainer came out to check on Morrison before Truth and the trainer helped Morrison up.


Hard Times - Coca Cola

Oh yeah, Edge works here...
TONY THE CHIM~! introduced Edge, who came out and took the mic saying he wanted to discuss the benefits of winning the Rumble match.  Not only was he main eventing Wrestlemania, but he was also avoiding the brutality of the Elimination Chamber.  It was a match that combined luck, skill and ability to take pain.  The only thing he could predict about the match is he'd face one of those who survived.  He could face his old Rated RKO buddy, Randy Orton.  Or the guy he faced last year, John Cena.  Or he could face the Smackdown Chamber winner.  How about Rey?  Or how about Brutus Beefcake and Charlie Manson's lovechild, CM Punk?  He could face 12 different guys at Mania, but there is one guy who stands out.

There have been a select few who have main evented Mania, but there is only one guy who is undefeated.  One guy who is 17 & 0.  The Undertaker.  But hey, it was out of his hands.  But there was a match taking place, he would be facing Batista.  And Dave, there's no-one Edge would love to beat more than him.

Feeling entirely left out and rightfully so, Chris Jericho came out.  Jericho said he didn't know if it was stupidity or arrogance, but Edge didn't mention him as a possible Mania opponent.  But hey, Jericho was Edge's back luck charm.  The anti-leprechaun said he was there the night Edge tore his Achilles tendon, and there seven months later.  Jericho said he didn't know what it was like to return from a long injury, because hey, he hadn't been injured like that.  He just won titles and carried the company on his back.  He told Edge to save himself some grief and choose the RAW Chamber winner, because he would be winning the Smackdown match.  And if Edge continued to antagonise Jericho, bad things would happen.  And if there was any doubt, watch what happens when he beat the Deadman, who destroyed Edge at Wrestlemania 2 years ago.

Did someone mention Undertaker?  It's a good thing he chose that point to show then, huh?


Superbowl Party - The Late Show

Chris Jericho def. The Undertaker in a "Should Edge really be helping the guy he's feuding with to win relatively pointless matches?" No DQ match
We joined things at the opening bell, with Edge having joined the announcers on commentary.  Taker went after Jericho, but he ducked out the ring.  Taker gave chase, and when Jericho rolled back in, he avoided an elbow drop, setting Jericho up on the apron and hitting his leg drop on the apron early.  Taker then rammed Jericho into the barricade as he looked over towards Edge.  Back in the ring, he went after Jericho's arm, dropping a leg on it, before going for Old School.  However, Jericho managed to crotch him on the top rope.  Jericho climbed up and hit some shots before hitting a superplex.  Jericho locked in a chinlock, but Taker rapidly jabbed his way out of it.  Taker whipped Jericho across and squashed him in the corner, before whipping him back the way and hitting Snake Eyes and the big boots.  The leg drop picked up a deuce.

Taker called for the chokeslam, but Jericho ducked out, and ended up locking eyes with Edge.  Taker clubbed Jericho in the back, himself locking eyes with Edgeward.  Jericho sent Jericho into where Edge was standing, but Edge moved.  Taker picked Jericho up and rolled him back in before booting Edge down.  However, as Taker was getting back in the ring, Jericho hit a DDT for a 2 count.  Jericho took off a turnbuckle pad, but turned into a chokeslam attempt.  Jericho countered it with a schoolboy, but was kicked off and sent into the exposed pad.  Taker went for the Last Ride, but when he hit it, turned into an Edge spear, putting both men down.  Edge walked away up the ramp.  Taker sat up, but as he went to pick up Jericho, he was surprised with a Codebreaker for the upset victory!!!

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7.5/10 - Fun match, although outside of the Edge stuff, there wasn't any real use of the No DQ stip, which would have been nice.  That said, it was good to see Jericho winning, and despite appearances, Edge, on commentary, made it make sense that he was going to end up helping Jericho, because he disliked everyone, and indeed, with the help of Taker booting him, Edge helping Jericho win made sense in the end.
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Jericho went up the ramp celebrating his big win.  We saw some highlights of the match before cutting back to Jericho who was still running his yap about how great he is.

OVERALL - Well, if this show that is focused around Elimination Chamber participants fighting each other is anything to go by, then RAW on Monday should be pretty frickin' good itself.  Yeah, you notice how RAW announce on Monday their six guys would be wrestling each other, and then, just by pure coincidence, that week's Smackdown had their 6 guys facing each other...  Otherwise, this was a fun show with some pretty good matches and a few angles that bubbled along.