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Smackdown: Last stop before Backlash
By
JON WALDMAN -- SLAM! Wrestling
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With just a couple short days remaining before Backlash, the Smackdown crew
has prepared another Friday night of action. Let's send it up to the ring!
We open the show with La Familia in the ring for a group promo, which ends
with the match between Undertaker and Batista now becoming a no DQ match. You
know, there was a time, not too long ago, where a no DQ match actually was a
stipulation to look forward to, not an every-show occurance.
CM Punk wanders out for no apparent reason soon after this proclimation. Young
Punk and Mr. Copeland get into a verbal battle, which ends up setting up our
semi-main event for the evening. The segment ends really abruptly with Edge
saying that Punk will be "bankrupt" following their match. No witty
comeback for Punk though. The guy needs a catchphrase, stat!
Match 1 - The Miz vs. Shannon Moore
This, of course, is a follow-up to last week's John Morrison/Jimmy Yang match.
The bout isn't bad, as Miz has definitely improved from his early days. I'm
still waiting for someone to describe this team as being "Tough Enough",
but I'm not going to get that with C&C Rambling Factory on the headsets.
Moore ends up getting the blatantly fluke pin with a backslide for the win.
Does he even have a finisher?
Winner: Shannon Moore
Oh, and I'd like to point out that despite the fact that these four have been on TV tons with a hot feud, none are on the PPV this weekend.
Match 2 - Natalya vs. Cherry
Michael Cole proves once again that Divas don't have last names by talking
about Natalya, then saying that she's Jim Niedhart's daughter. Hmmm... no ring
on her finger... that must mean her last name is... We also get some Mike Adamle-level
commentary from Cole as he stumbles over the Jimmy reference. It's like there
are only two adjectives for retired WWE superstars - Hall of Famer, of which
Neidhart is not, and Legend, for which I don't believe Jim has signed a contract.
Evidently' Cole hasn't watch the Bret Hart DVD yet.
In any case, I don't know why Cherry is in this match. Natalya does get to
show off a pretty decent moveset here, finishing with, naturally, the Sharpshooter,
but her opponent is about as green as Lambeau Field.
Winner: Natalya
Next up, Matt Hardy is greeted in the ring by Michael Cole before MVP joins
the party. The segment is basically used to remind people of the 2007 FOTY rivalry
between the two, and executes it well. Strong back-and-forth from these guys,
even though it takes the fans a bit of time to get into the verbal confrontation.
Match 3 - Edge vs. CM Punk
This was another tease for what should be an upcoming feud that will fully
transition Punk to the Smackdown roster. If Edge wins on Sunday, I can see Punk
cashing in immediately.
This was yet another solid match between the two, with Punk seemingly ready
to wrap up a win with the GTS. Edge, however, falls to the outside, allowing
Zack Ryder enough time to make it down to ringside. Once Edge is back in the
ring, Ryder distracts Punk, allowing Copeland to get set for, and then deliver,
a Spear.
Winner: Edge
Match 4 - Vladimir Kozlov vs. Marty Garner
Quick match here to further Kozlov's supposed dominance and nothing more.
Winner: Vladimir Kozlov
Next up, Batista and Vickie have a quick chat about the match tonightl. Batista
regresses to a babyface for a brief time here, which is the exact, polar opposite
of what he shoud be doing.
Match 5 - Batista vs. Undertaker
Some would probably call this a solid match between the two, worthy of being
on Sunday's show. Me, on the other hand, am sick of seeing these guys in the
main event of seemingly every show.
Near the end of the match, the action intensifies with the introduction of
the ring steps into the bout. Batista is able to escape a near Tombstone on
the steel steps and counter into a Spinebuster. This leads to Shawn Michaels
coming out of the crowd and into the ring. HBK quickly delivers Sweet Chin Music.
Undertaker then hits the Tombstone for the W.
Winner: Undertaker
Overall, this was an incredibly strong show. I'm still waiting for the tag
belts to be on a PPV though. Miz and Morrison deserve a PPV slot, no questions
asked.
Visit the SLAM! Wrestling store! Load up on classic Bret Hart merchandise
Bret Hart Autographed Photo
WCW Bret Hart Poster for $2
Bret Hart T-Shirt for $5
Bret Hart Fanfest Q & A DVD
Jon Waldman has been with SLAM! since 2000.
