Torch Feedback Smackdown/Thursday Night TV Reax #2: "That was the best ending to ANY WWE show I've seen in a long, long time"
Aug 15, 2009 - 10:30:15 AM
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We're looking for more Reax from last night's WWE Smackdown shows. If you caught the show, send your reaction and 0-10 score to pwtorch@gmail.com
-- 8/14 WWE Smackdown Reax
Adam J. Grammas of Westchester, Ill. (7.5): Best & Worst-N/A. I have to admit right off the bat, I haven't been watching Smackdown. Just too busy and forgetting to set the old DVR. But I remembered around 8:30, so I caught the last half hour. That was the best ending to ANY WWE show I've seen in a long, long time. When you have six guys involved in your last match, and the Hardys are the "vets," you know you've got some fresh stuff out there. They were able to elevate all six men without the help of any of the oldsters. Over on Raw, it's same old same old. It's good to see Smackdown as the breeding ground for fresh talent. Alas, we know whoever comes out shining from all this will end up on Raw lost in the shuffle come next draft.
-- 8/13 TNA Impact Reax
Terrie Neilson of Las Vegas, Nev. (5.0): Best: Lashley interview; Nash-Foley promo. Worst: Hemme vs. Bolt; Rhino-Neal story. Impact continued to suffer from too much stuff and not enough follow-up with too many matches feeling like "lather rinse and repeat" with the
distraction finishes. That said, for the first time in a long time, Impact out ranked Raw. Whodathunkit? How is it that Hernandez still hasn't had his case returned to him? I suppose TNA wants to put this case up for grabs like they unnecessary did it for the X Division case. The best way to handle it is squashing the overgrown wasted space Rob Terry for it. Tara is taking her title loss way too well. Kong may be the toughest ever, but wouldn't beating the best entail beating the champion and keeping the title more than a short time? Kong is not the champion; Angelina Love is. I would have rather wanted the four-way to do more for Number One contender ODB than push the Tara-Kong feud as a bigger deal. The Rhino-Neal story isn't just frustrating to Rhino. Neal doesn't look or move like a credible wrestler, and no offense, but Rhino hasn't been allowed much credibility, period. It feels like tag title reign #23 for Team 3D, though it really should go to someone else like Beer Money. Mick sending himself through the contract table is the damnedest piece of intrigue. Kevin fell right in line with his character penchant to follow the almighty dollar. Yes, the contract table getting trashed seems tradition for this segment so that was somewhat of an insider reference. Unlike most set-ups it's not the most telling of the eventual result of the match. Batista sending Triple H through one back in 2005 would normally have signaled that Hunter would have won the title match, but we now Batista won. Mick went through the contract table, but since he threw himself through it, the Legends Title match doesn't seem to have an obvious result. A.J. Styles deserved to be in the three-way title match more, but Morgan kicks up the match a notch. But TNA suffers from "old habits die hard" syndrome, and Morgan looks to be laying down (either "swerving" and plotting with Angle or doing the job). A.J. could go heel for being a "loser" after the show, but there are almost no strong faces left. Or, for that matter, TNA Originals or non-WWE roster wrestlers in prominent places.
-- 8/13 WWE Superstars Reax
Terrie Neilson of Las Vegas, Nev. (9.0): Best: Morrison vs. Smith. Worst: Ask The Divas. Well, Sheamus, you did it: you finally got yourself out of my "worst" choices. Goldust seems a little underrated at the moment as each match with Sheamus has shown improvement in the newbie. I'm still not convinced that he's ready for the big leagues, but for the moment he's off my down list. Hope he can keep it that way. The "Ask The Divas" segment really does nothing for me. Thankfully, the Raw Rebound focused on the Cena-Orton story over DX, leaving the DX return in a commercial promo that could be ignored. (Sorry, Shawn, this was definitely not your week to return.) I'll have to check my past reviews, but am I seeing a pattern of heels winning the main events? Could that explain the crazy ratings (aside from WGN being a bad place to have a show)? Morrison got booed only because he's non-Canadian; okay, I'll grant the Canadians on this one. Correct me if I'm wrong, but weren't there some "boring" chants aimed at Smith, too? D.H. is decent enough in the ring, but I don't think he will ever catch the fire and mojo his dad had. Don't know if there is anything that could be done to fix that.
We welcome your 0-10 score and comments on these shows for a "TV Reax" feature in the Torch Feedback section of PWTorch.com. Just to add a twist to this feature, include not just your hometown, but also your occupation (mechanic, lawyer, stay-at-home-dad, college student, etc.) so readers get a flavor for what everyone does as "day jobs." To contribute your thoughts on SD, Superstars, and Impact, click here.
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