Reviewing the 4/29/11 episode of Friday Night Smackdown…
1. I like the change in the intro to reflect the draft changes, especially how they incorporated the lyrics where Green Day says “eyes” into Randy Orton’s look giving him snake eyes when he is setting up for the RKO. Very cool.
2. I don’t think WWE could have made Kofi Kingston look any worse than what they did when Sheamus thrashed him. Unless of course this leads to an impromptu unscheduled match at Extreme Rules where Kofi upsets him to bring the U.S. Title back to RAW. Then of course it would make some semblance of sense.
3. I had to chuckle at the very obvious off screen dub of “WWE” instead of “Smackdown” in the “Loser Leaves” stipulation when Michelle McCool accepted the Extreme Rules match vs. Layla.
4. WWE put together a very strong international package highlighting their stops along the way interspersed with superstar comments and interaction with the WWE Universe. These are the types of packages that solidify why WWE is such a huge deal not only here, but overseas.
5. I would guess given the body language of Jinder Mahal, the newest superstar on Smackdown, that he didn’t really care to shake the hand of Ranjin Singh and didn’t even bother to even look The Great Khali in the eyes. So we might be seeing The Great Khali’s first feud as he returns to action on Smackdown.
6. Christian gave a very inspiring backstage promo talking about his title opportunity at Extreme Rules and what it would mean to his career after his own career was put in question when Alberto Del Rio took him out last year. If there ever was a time for Christian to advance to the next level in WWE it is at Extreme Rules and by capturing the World title.
7. I found it amusing WWE had every superstar compete with a t-shirt to signify which brand they currently are on. It would have been just as easy to keep not only the graphics, but have the announcers remind viewers as well as highlight it on each side of the Titan Tron for the crowd as well. But I suppose draft time and Bragging Rights time are going to be littered with Brand representation and pride.
8. Lines Of the Night:
a. Banter between Booker T & Michael Cole after Booker T talking about knowing tag team wrestling and referencing Alberto Del Rio and Brodus Clay doing ultimate team work
Booker T – “And trust me I know being a part of one of the greatest tag teams of all times(Harlem Heat).”
Michael Cole – “Yeah you and Goldust were pretty good.”
Booker T – “(Chuckle) Yeah we were.”
9. Match of the Night:
Sin Cara vs. Jack Swagger
Sin had his best match yet hitting his moves with precision and working with Jack Swagger who complimented Rey Mysterio very well in their contests. It’s a shame Jack won’t be able to get in a program with Sin Cara at this point and time as they would probably gel well together in an extended program. The match was exciting and well paced edging out the tag team main event which at times was a bit too methodical.
10. Final Show Thoughts:
The artist formerly known as Awesome Kong received a name in her newest vignette and it’s Kharma. Lots of cross promotion and superstars crossing brands presumably for the final time before Bragging Rights I’d guess. It was well pointed out that even though Big Show was wearing a Raw t-shirt, he will be allowed to compete on Smackdown as long as he and Kane are tag team Champions. This was very smart to point out and remind viewers with even Josh Mathews stating he wants Show to win just so he can continue to call his matches on Smackdown. The show in general felt a little flat and that could be due to the comedown after the WWE Draft, but it’s also because I feel Smackdown has a long ways to go to build up a lot of the characters/superstars they just acquired. Mark Henry’s push is being handled very well and perhaps the Jinder fellow might shine, but there is talent that can shine if Smackdown can get a return on their inevitable investment. I really would love to see Tyson Kidd w/ Natalya and Ted Dibiase break through here on Smackdown. Hopefully they can get another chance to take the ball and run with it after Extreme Rules. I’ll miss watching the matches of Rey Mysterio, Jack Swagger, Drew McIntyre, the entertaining segments with Alberto Del Rio, athleticism of Kofi Kingston, seeing Chris Masters improve and watching Beth Phoenix and Kelly Kelly wrestle, all of whom were drafted to Monday Night Raw this past week.
Show MVP:
Randy Orton
Gave RKO’s out like candy and ended the show strong. I still have to stick by my feeling that Mark Henry will be attacking him at Extreme Rules to give him some fresh competition. I also believe that a feud with Cody Rhodes has to be inevitable given their history.
That is all.
M.C. Brown
You can find me on Twitter as
ShocXwavE
