By John Shadle, PWTorch Specialist

Hello folks and welcome to Under the Microscope: Smackdown edition. Let's take a deep look at the first Smackdown after Unforgiven.

It's All About The Game

I am not sure if I really cared for that opening promo between Triple H and Jeff Hardy. This promo was all about praising Triple H. Did you notice the million Triple H signs when Hunter first hit the ring? Did WWE hand out signs to everyone on the camera side of the taping? Then both Triple H and Hardy just gave tons and tons of praise to Triple H. It was almost sickening. Yes, Triple H did give praise to Hardy, but did you notice the tone of Triple H's demeaning voice to Hardy's accomplishments? It just showed how Triple H really didn't mean the words he was saying. Matt Hardy did get some love though. I would disagree that Matt has had more success than Jeff since they split until recently. Yeah, Jeff did spend a few years away from the WWE. Yes, Jeff has been suspended twice. But Matt was also fired. Besides Matt's ECW title (which is the easiest "World" title to win), Jeff has the better resume with 4 Intercontinental title reigns. But anyway, it was truly a sickening Hunter lovefest to tear down the rest of the locker room.

Did You Know?

WWE TV is watched by 15 million people every week in the United States. I wonder if that is true.

Pat Patterson's Favorite Diva

I guess Maryse is the top heel diva on Smackdown since she was the one to have her ring intro for the heel team. What happened to Natalya being pushed as the top heel? Plus she pretty much was the only heel to be dominated by the faces. What did she do wrong? J.R. said that Maryse was Pat Patterson's favorite diva since they are both Canadian. I wonder how many of todays viewers know who Pat Patterson is. Patterson was the first WWE Intercontinental Champion and was a stooge along with Gerald Brisco for Mr. McMahon during the Attitude Era. Patterson is also the person who is supposedly responsible for coming up with the Royal Rumble idea. He has a done a lot for the WWE over the years, and today's fans should know who he is.

The Undisputed Audience

I noticed that two folks in the audience were holding the WWE Undisputed Title, which is ironic since this is the same week that the first Undisputed Champion won his first world title since being the Undisputed Champion. Of course, Jericho never wore that belt. He carried around for several months both the WWF Attitude belt and the WCW World title. The first person to wear that belt was Triple H. Others who wore that belt include: Hulk Hogan, The Undertaker, The Rock, Brock Lesner, Kurt Angle, Big Show, Eddie Guerrero, JBL, and John Cena.

Someone Needs to Find a New Job

Bam Neely took out Chavo tonight for some odd reason. It was funny listening to Chavo tell Bam that he pays him, and he wasn't getting paid today. I wonder if Bam was fired now for taking out Chavo. That was by far the first time that Bam showed any emotion.

Moving Time?

Kenny wasn't feuding with Jesse and Festus before this week, but yet they felt they needed to remove Kenny from Smackdown. I wonder what plans WWE has for Kenny after today. I sure hope it is more than him just coming back to Smackdown next week being mad. It would be funny if Jesse and Festus go to ECW next week and drop him off there. It would make sense of all this…sorta.

Taker Sent to the Principals' Office

So basically the Big Show worked out a deal with Vickie to take out Taker because he wasn't following the rules….What?

THEY ARE ALIVE!

It is good to see Hawkins and Ryder again. I believe they haven't been on TV since Taker took them out along with the rest of La Familia the Smackdown after Summerslam. I could be wrong as the internet isn't currently working for me to double check. Correct me if I am wrong.

The Colons

Primo Colon is introduced on Raw and even wrestles a match on Raw and wins. Now he is on Smackdown officially with no explanation why. Carlito is now a face just because he is tagging with his face brother and because he has a new look. Lets hope this face turn goes better for him than when he was a face with Ric Flair.

Disappointing Debut

This was Carlito's first appearance on Smackdown since being drafted to the brand back in June. This has to be his most disappointing debut on a show ever. Yeah Primo and Carltio did defeat the WWE Tag Champions in a nontitle match. But Carlito's first match on Smackdown back a few years ago was even bigger. He defeated John Cena for the United States Title. Carlito's first appearance on Raw was basically the same. He won the Intercontinental Title. Sadly, those are the only two titles he has ever won.

No Mercy

Jeff Hardy won the opportunity to face Triple H for the WWE Title at No Mercy in an ok Fatal Four-Way match. After the match, Koslov comes down and destroys him. Lets see what happens with this in the next few weeks before No Mercy.

Well that does it for this week. I won't be around next week to look deep at WWE Smackdown as I am going on my first family vacation in 6 years. It shall be a good one. If you notice anything about next week's Smackdown that is newsworthy, send me an email and let me know. You guys rock, and I'll see you in two weeks!

John Shadle is a life long WWE fan who keeps Excel spreadsheet rankings on the wrestlers with the most WWE World Titles. The amazing Rey Mysterio is ranked #37 on the all time list with 1 World Heavyweight Title and 4 WWE Tag Team Title reigns. If you are intrigued on where your favorite WWE wrestler is on the list or you would like to give any comments or questions, you can reach him at slim_shadle@hotmail.com.

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