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Smackdown: Four way leads to No Way Out
By
JON WALDMAN -- SLAM! Wrestling
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Welcome once again to the Smackdown report. The episode we're looking t today
is the last one before No Way Out. With the card solidified, it's all about
the go-home...well, somewhat about the go-home with very few of the guys (and
no gals) from Friday nights appearing at the PPV. Let's take a look at what
went down.
We kick things off with Edge and Vickie Guerrero, who talk about the Elimination
Chamber, how Edge is injured and won't compete tonight and Big Show's turn last
week. This, of course, brings Show out and the two have their usual fun exchange.
Vickie, of course, interjects herself and makes a Fatal Four-way bout for our
main event between Show, Triple H, The Undertaker and Vladimir Kozlov.
Match 1 - MVP vs. Chavo Guerrero
As I was half-heartedly watching the match last night, I came to the conclusion
that Chavo Guerrero has run his course in WWE. He either needs a bigtime character
makeover or look at Mexico to keep going in the biz. I'm just saying.
The match itself was fairly good, but the Chavo factor killed my interest from
the get-go. As you might expect, MVP was all set to deliver the Drive-by until
Shelton Benjamin ran in and corked him.
Winner: MVP (DQ)
Post-match, the beatdown continues. In a cool moment, after Benjamin leaves
the ring, Chavito takes the opportunity to deliver a Frog Splash to MVP. I get
the feeling we're going to either have all three in the Money in the Bank match
or a three-way at 'Mania between these guys for the US Title.
Somewhere, Undertaker cuts a promo about the Chamber.
Backstage, Los Bellas and Los Colons are chatting when its discovered that
Miz and Morrison sent the ladies flowers for V-Day. One of the Bellas (much
to the other's chagrin) calls for a match between the two teams with the winners
getting Los Bellas for Valentine's Day dates. A Bella breakup? I'm curious...to
an extent.
Match 2 - Los Colons vs. Miz/Morrison
Again, another solid match between these four. At this point, it seems like
a unification match is inevitable. The way that these guy gel so well, you have
to assume that a gimmick match is in their future. With MITB already owning
the ladder though, you have to think there's something else with a bit of creativity
open at 'Mania. Maybe a tag team elimination match or dual dog collar?
Anyways, the bout is once again solid between these four, and surprisingly
the Bellas don't get involved. I was sure a turn was coming by one of them.
Instead, Miz and Morrison execute their tag team trickery, leading to Morrison
pinning Primo with the Moonlight Drive. Should be an interesting episode of
The Dirt Sheet next week, eh?
Winners: Miz/Morrison
To the parking lot we go and Jeff Hardy pulls up in a sweet-looking ride. He's
welcomed by various low and mid-carders and backstage staffers.
After the break, Hardy comes out to the ring, talks about Matt and then very
quickly moves on to the Chamber hype. Another good promo by Jeff here. It makes
you wonder what Matt will do this Sunday to get back at Jeff for pushing him
to the side in this mic work.
Match 3 - Ezekiel Jackson vs. R-Truth
I really get the feeling that Brian Kendrick and Zeke are headed nowhere fast.
ECW would be a safehaven for these guys right now, especially if Jackson continues
on the path to being Ahmed Johnson v.2.0.
The match itself isn't too exciting. Truth looks great, but Jackson is just
another big guy. Eventually, Truth gets the duck after reversing out of the
Uranage.
Winner: R-Truth
Backstage we go to an Eve/Maria interview. Yay.
Match 4 - Maria vs. Michelle McCool
This was a bad match. Maria's getting better in the ring, but McCool, despite
having good psychology by attacking the leg, just isn't getting over as a heel.
It gets even worse when Eve interjects herself and doesn't get DQ'd. This all
leads up to a schoogirl pin for Maria. Maryse can't get back from injury quickly
enough.
Winner: Maria
Backstage we then go again to Todd Grisham interviewing Triple H. Trips plugs
his new T and talks about how he has the advantage in the Chamber since he has
the most experience in that type of match.
Match 5 - Big Show vs. Triple H vs. Vladimir Kozlov vs. Undertaker
The usual from these guys to hype the PPV. It's watchable, but easily forgettable
at the same time. Thank you TiVo. The crew run through their finishers, with
Show the last man standing before Edge comes in for the speak and the DQ. In
the end, Edge is standing tall and proud.
Winner: No contest
I was expecting Jeff to run down to have the final spotlight, but really, he's
been out of the equation in this match from the get go.
Overall, this wasn't a great show. It didn't inspire me to plunk down money
for the PPV. Maybe it did for others, but it just felt like a bad Friday night
episode with one good match.
See you next week.
Jon Waldman has been with SLAM! since 2000.
