Recap for WWE SmackDown #501 from Corpus Christi, TX.
- We open with... Match 1: 8-Man Tag: Kane, Finlay, Christian, and Shelton Benjamin over CM Punk, MVP, Kofi Kingston, and Mark Henry when Kane pinned Punk with the Chokeslam in 10:43. It started getting good midway through, but the strange mixed teaming hurt it a bit in my mind. I mean, it was odd to see Mark Henry cheering CM Punk against Kane. Decent enough match, though, going about **1/4.
- Postmatch, they all brawl. Christian decides to show off and sets up a ladder in the ring, and that goes about as well as you'd think. Horny distracts him, allowing Finlay to toss him off the ladder and out of the ring, wiping out the other six men. Finlay and Horny celebrate on top of the ladder.
Handicap Match: Big Show over Jesse and Festus when he pinned Jesse via The Punch in 2:28. Squashariffic. This gets 1/2* for the BIG SHOW ANGRY face.
- Backstage, Matt Hardy is with Ryan the Dog. Matt taunts Jeff for being a failure while showering kisses on the dog. Then he promises to take Jeff to the extreme at WM. More kisses. Something just doesn't match. Ryan the dog looks less than pleased with Matt, even. Matt calls Jeff a "pathetic, undeserving child" and promises to put his fire out at WM25. This was good work by Matt, though Ryan the dog was a bit over the top. I'm really surprised at the amount of mic time they've trusted Matt with, and the fact that he hasn't really let them down.
Match 3: Rey Mysterio over Chavo Guerrero via Diving Splash in 5:29. Good, fast-paced, action-packed match, almost like an Impact Special, only it was more than four minutes long. These two guys have always had great matches (remember their No Way Out encounter just prior to Wrestlemania XX?), and this was a fine TV match. ***.
- Postmatch, Rey celebrates, but JBL takes him out with a big boot.
- John Cena joins us for a brief history lesson on what makes Wrestlemania "The Grandest Stage of the All." Personally, I prefer "The Showcase of the Immortals" as a better moniker. Cena says this is THE place to settle issues. He says he's out here to put the focus on the World Heavyweight Title, which is what at stake. Cena says that the Show/Vickie/Edge love triangle has taken the title hostage, and he will free it at WM by winning it. Big Show comes out to tell Cena that his relationship with Vickie only makes him stronger. He challenges Cena to a match on Raw. Cena contemplates how crazy it is to face a 7-foot giant 7 days before Wrestlemania, and agrees! Cena, naturally, carried the promo and did a fine job of putting the focus on the title (which is what should really matter) than the ridiculous storyline.
- We hit the Vault to find Cena v JBL from WM21. This is Cena's first world title. The match is basically JBL kicking the shit out of Cena for 10 minutes before he does his hulk-up, but the superstar potential of Cena is evident. JBL mentioned on the Cena DVD that he thought it was an absolute crime that Batista's moment got to headline the show, but I gotta say that at the time Batista was THE NEXT BIG THING happening before injuries derailed that.
Match 4: Matt Hardy over R-Truth via Twist of Fate in 3:05. I think several people have noticed by now that Truth can't walk down the staircase and rap at the same time. The match was not much, seemed like their timing was pretty off. *1/4.
Match 5: 6-Person Mixed-Tag: The Colons and Brie Bella over John Morrison, the Miz, and Nicki Bella when Carlito pinned Morrison with the Backstabber in 2:23. This was just the same match that they've had, condensed into two minutes. Bellas are now wearing different colors, so I can identify them for the first time since they debuted. Match is about ** on the PES.
- Jeff Hardy is backstage, I think, with hair covering his face. I'm digging the rambling, free-verse promo style for Jeff. Jeff says it was hard for him to see that Matt was a sick fuck, but now he has acquiesced and he will be Matt's healer. Jeff flips back his hair to reveal...no paint! He says that he'll take something from Matt as retaliation. Didn't say what he would take...
Divas Championship: Maryse and Michelle McCool fought to a no-contest via Sportz Entertainment Finish in about 3 minutes. Gail Kim attacks both girls for the finish, nailing a MASSIVE missile dropkick on Maryse before dropping Michelle with a modified neckbreaker of sorts and celebrating with the Divas Title. This gets * for Gail.
Shawn Michaels' Tribute to the Undertaker: Michaels rips off the Taker entrance, druids and all, except in all-white garb. Michaels goes religious, quoting several things from the Bible, which I cannot reference since I'm not Christian. He recognizes that he and Taker are total opposites, light and dark. He claims to have eternal life, and says that once they visit the fiery depths of hell during their match at WM 25, only Shawn will emerge triumphant. Shawn appears to be all serious, then starts dancing and stripping. Undertaker has had enough, so he pops through the canvas to take him to hell, but Shawn fights out. Taker wants the chokeslam, but Shawn saves himself and bails. He hustles up the ramp to dance some more, while in the ring, UNDERTAKER ANGRY! Here's (youtube.com) a video if you wanna see for yourself.
- End Show.
Wrestling Counter: 27 minutes.
--> The end segment made the show for me. Sure it was cartoonish, but it was nicely done, and it did a fantastic job of moving the feud forward. While the wrestling was largely forgettable, the build to the big PPV kicked in gear tonight with all major feuds getting some good treatment. I particularly enjoyed the Hardy promo work (imagine that!) and the Cena/Show interaction to put the focus back onto the World Title in the Smackdown main event.
--> *** on the PES.
Forfeit the game, before somebody else takes you outta the game, and puts your name to shame Cover up your face, you can't run the race The pace is too fast, you just won't last - "Points Of Authority" - Linkin Park
You know, I guess it's hard to have a 'white druid' costume and not come up with something that looks like the KKK, but either way, that's probably not an image you want on your wrestling show. Nitpick aside, that whole segment was awesome. What was that music that Michaels entered the ring to? That was one of the best entrance themes I've heard in a while.
Kirk, crackers are a family food. Happy families. Maybe single people eat crackers, we don't know. Frankly, we don't want to know. It's a market we can do without.
That last segment was MONEY. As in, "Here, Vince. Here's my $54.99. I want to see that match." I could care less about anything else on the card, but I want to see that match more than anything else right now.
Originally posted by used2bcool- Jeff Hardy is backstage, I think, with hair covering his face. I'm digging the rambling, free-verse promo style for Jeff. Jeff says it was hard for him to see that Matt was a sick fuck, but now he has acquiesced and he will be Matt's healer. Jeff flips back his hair to reveal...no paint! He says that he'll take something from Matt as retaliation. Didn't say what he would take...
Jeff,
This is the voice of God here. Yes, really. What, only you can be enigmatic? Listen, if you want to take something of Matt's, might I, in My infinite wisdom, suggest his nasty hair? Make your match hair vs. hair, Jeff.
What? No, we don't have enough gimmicks for WM. How can you say that? That's blasphemy. I oughta know.
Jeff, My son, this will be, as the kids say, awesome sauce. You and Matt have maintained luxurious manes to the delight of the gals for a decade now in the WWE, and it's time for a change. Matt needs to ditch the Team Extreme look, and this is the just the opportunity. Plus, it will add a bit of Biblical conflicted-brethren drama to the match. I'm a sucker for that stuff, you know. That's OLD old school.
Anyhoo, bat it around. See what you think. And if you don't do it, I'll give you really bad corns or something. No pressure.
-- G.
P.S. You had a really sucky 2008, and I'm rooting for you.
"To be the man, you gotta beat demands." -- The Lovely Mrs. Tracker
Originally posted by used2bcool- Jeff Hardy is backstage, I think, with hair covering his face. I'm digging the rambling, free-verse promo style for Jeff. Jeff says it was hard for him to see that Matt was a sick fuck, but now he has acquiesced and he will be Matt's healer. Jeff flips back his hair to reveal...no paint! He says that he'll take something from Matt as retaliation. Didn't say what he would take...
Jeff,
This is the voice of God here. Yes, really. What, only you can be enigmatic? Listen, if you want to take something of Matt's, might I, in My infinite wisdom, suggest his nasty hair? Make your match hair vs. hair, Jeff.
What? No, we don't have enough gimmicks for WM. How can you say that? That's blasphemy. I oughta know.
Jeff, My son, this will be, as the kids say, awesome sauce. You and Matt have maintained luxurious manes to the delight of the gals for a decade now in the WWE, and it's time for a change. Matt needs to ditch the Team Extreme look, and this is the just the opportunity. Plus, it will add a bit of Biblical conflicted-brethren drama to the match. I'm a sucker for that stuff, you know. That's OLD old school.
Anyhoo, bat it around. See what you think. And if you don't do it, I'll give you really bad corns or something. No pressure.
-- G.
P.S. You had a really sucky 2008, and I'm rooting for you.
Jeff's response:
"Shouldn't you be more focused on your match with Orton?"
Originally posted by The King of KeithThat last segment was MONEY. As in, "Here, Vince. Here's my $54.99. I want to see that match." I could care less about anything else on the card, but I want to see that match more than anything else right now.
I know it won't be the Main Event at 'Mania, just like HBK/Flair wasn't last year, but it should be. There's no way any other match on the card will top this one. RKO/HHH has a chance to be a good final match, but the one that everyone will be talking about afterwards will be this one.
Originally posted by Big BadYou know, I guess it's hard to have a 'white druid' costume and not come up with something that looks like the KKK, but either way, that's probably not an image you want on your wrestling show. Nitpick aside, that whole segment was awesome. What was that music that Michaels entered the ring to? That was one of the best entrance themes I've heard in a while.
I thought that final segment came off more 1990's weekday morning televangelist, asthetically anyway. I have expected Tammy Faye to send the show off with a tear-filled eunny eyeliner prayer, then for the theme for "Biker Mice from Mars" to play after the credits rolled.
Loved the White Undertaker outfit. Loved the HBK promo. Shame the best buildup is going to the match with the foregone conclusion, because if this was at any other PPV I would be excited about this, but we all know how this match ends.
Originally posted by spfLoved the White Undertaker outfit. Loved the HBK promo. Shame the best buildup is going to the match with the foregone conclusion, because if this was at any other PPV I would be excited about this, but we all know how this match ends.
We do?
Originally posted by used2becool He [Jeff Hardy] says that he'll take something from Matt as retaliation. Didn't say what he would take....
I'm betting on Ryan the Dog.
Overall, an enjoyable show. Liked the promos from both Hardy's, loved Cena's mike work, and (to echo what has already been said) thought the ending was "money". Good enough show IMHO to have been the final prior to the big event. We'll see if next week's programs can keep the momentum going.
"Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help." - Isaiah 58:7 (New Living Translation)
Originally posted by spfLoved the White Undertaker outfit. Loved the HBK promo. Shame the best buildup is going to the match with the foregone conclusion, because if this was at any other PPV I would be excited about this, but we all know how this match ends.
We do?
The Undertaker will retire with the Wrestlemania undefeated streak intact. There is no doubt about it.
Loved the Undertaker tribute. Even the old school HBK gyrations when he was taking off the trench coat.
Am I the only one who was not enthused about the Hardy's feud, until they showed all the footage of them growing up? I mean, it's no Bret Vs Owen, but it's got potential.
I could still care less about the Big Slow, Edge and Cena match. No amount of promos will change that.
I don't think Taker SHOULD retire with the streak intact...I'm not saying he won't, but he shouldn't. The streak doesn't do him any good once he's retired, but being the one to end it could do a lot of good for a wrestler.
But Shawn Michaels doesn't need the help to get over. When the time comes, the streak should be used to help some really deserving young wrestler reach the next level.
You wanted the best, you got... Out of Context Quote of the Week.
"Mangini might not have had balls, but he DID have soft, supple breasts." (SEADAWG)
Originally posted by Peter The HegemonI don't think Taker SHOULD retire with the streak intact...I'm not saying he won't, but he shouldn't. The streak doesn't do him any good once he's retired, but being the one to end it could do a lot of good for a wrestler.
But Shawn Michaels doesn't need the help to get over. When the time comes, the streak should be used to help some really deserving young wrestler reach the next level.
While it would be a major honor for whoever breaks the streak, who would be worthy of it? There's no reason Shawn should do it, of course, but there's always the chance that whoever beats 'Taker would be boxed in by doing so. Randall Keith would've been perfect a couple of years ago, but he doesn't need it now either... hm.
Originally posted by drjayphdWhile it would be a major honor for whoever breaks the streak, who would be worthy of it? There's no reason Shawn should do it, of course, but there's always the chance that whoever beats 'Taker would be boxed in by doing so. Randall Keith would've been perfect a couple of years ago, but he doesn't need it now either... hm.
That's the Catch-22. It would be great on paper for an up-and-comer to break Undertaker's streak...but how do you truly know that you have an up-and-comer worthy of such a massive honor? A guy who might look like the best thing since sliced bread now might end up being tomorrow's drug test failure, or injury risk, or guy-who-leaves-wrestling-for-some-reason, or disciplinary malcontent. Jobbing 'Taker to, say, Brock Lesnar at WM19 might've looked like a great idea on paper, but it would've been seen as a huge waste now.
Kirk, crackers are a family food. Happy families. Maybe single people eat crackers, we don't know. Frankly, we don't want to know. It's a market we can do without.
Originally posted by drjayphdWhile it would be a major honor for whoever breaks the streak, who would be worthy of it? There's no reason Shawn should do it, of course, but there's always the chance that whoever beats 'Taker would be boxed in by doing so. Randall Keith would've been perfect a couple of years ago, but he doesn't need it now either... hm.
That's the Catch-22. It would be great on paper for an up-and-comer to break Undertaker's streak...but how do you truly know that you have an up-and-comer worthy of such a massive honor? A guy who might look like the best thing since sliced bread now might end up being tomorrow's drug test failure, or injury risk, or guy-who-leaves-wrestling-for-some-reason, or disciplinary malcontent. Jobbing 'Taker to, say, Brock Lesnar at WM19 might've looked like a great idea on paper, but it would've been seen as a huge waste now.
Well, any of that stuff could happen to any wrestler who they decide to give a big push. Look at Brock, Rock, or Lashley. That doesn't mean they shouldn't try to give someone that push for fear something might happen.
Originally posted by spfLoved the White Undertaker outfit. Loved the HBK promo. Shame the best buildup is going to the match with the foregone conclusion, because if this was at any other PPV I would be excited about this, but we all know how this match ends.
It is a double edged sword, we know Taker will win because it is WM. Backlash or Summerslam might be a different story. But then, where else should a match like this take place other than the biggest stage of them all? As dMp pointed out, last year was a forgone conclusion that Flair would lose, but some believed he might win, and would retire anyway on his own terms, not on Vince's. This seems much more clear cut.
Now if this were the Shawn of 1997 backstage, it might be a little more up for debate. But he has shown he has no trouble laying down at WM since his return.
"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."