-- 9/4 WWE Smackdown Reax

Justin James of Columbia, S.C. (8.0): Best: Mysterio-Morrison. Worst: Khali/Finlay-Kane/Knox. This episode of Smackdown suffered badly from following last week's masterpiece; it was simply a very tough act to follow. I think Punk's opening monologue did a good job segueing into the program with Undertaker, but that program is suffering from a lack of motivation. Why is Undertaker not only after the belt, but apparently after Punk at a personal level? It's not like Undertaker and Jeff Hardy were partners or anything. The Mysterio-Morrison match was really outstanding at a technical level, but the non-technical aspects really took away from the match. First of all, we all know who would win thanks to Rey's suspension. Secondly, why was Morrison suddenly slotted into that match when Dolph Ziggler was already the #1 contender? Finally, it is really hard to cheer for either man when they are both babyfaces and the match starts off in such a sportsmanlike manner. All the same, I was glad to see Rey's suspension play out like this with him being given the opportunity to put on a top-flight match with another great performer and to drop the championship gracefully. The Khali/Finlay-Kane/Knox tag match was really lacking. Khali just doesn't cut it in that ring, and the extended beat down on Finlay was boring. It gets old watching Finlay use the shillelagh to win while the ref is distracted; how is he supposed to be a "face" when no one can remember his last clean win? Knox and Kan put on a competent effort, though. The Divas match was refreshingly good. Eve looked a touch off at times, and so did Layla, but they have both come a long way. Maria did a good job selling Natalya's brutality. Off topic, but I would love to see a Beth Phoenix/Natalya team. Hate to say it, but I am actually moderately intrigued by the Maria and Dolph Ziggler soap opera; good work on building a storyline with no obvious point. The main event was well done. The ending was weak, though. First of all, why didn't the bell ring for a DQ? I saw the ref seem to motion for the DQ ending, but there was no bell. I liked Punk teasing the chair on the neck, but the Undertaker appearance was completely predictable. Good intensity, though. It proved Punk's opening promo right about how predictable and lame Undertaker's smoke and mirror games are, and the fans eat it up.

Ezra Vickrey, Torch reader (7.5): The Hardy "Punked?" opening segment was okay. Punk definitely got a lot of heat. I think Punk as a heel was a great move for WWE. John Morrison vs. Rey Mysterio for the Intercontinental Championship was a great match. A lot of good back and forth action between the two. I wanted to see the Moonlight Drive as a follow-up to Starship Pain, but it proved effective. It's too bad Rey had to drop the title because of his drug incident. (9.5/10 on the segment.) Finlay & The Great Khali vs. Kane & Mike Knox was another typical cross-feud match. Okay match with some good and boring parts to it. I don't know why they made Mike Knox look smart in his promos when he looks like a mix between Paul Bunyan and the caveman from Geico. Haha, just kidding. Maria & Eve defeating Layla & Natalya
was a typical Divas match. Nothing else to say. Matt Hardy vs. World Heavyweight Champion C.M. Punk with Undertaker returning to Smackdown was a good match between Matt and Punk. Loved the way they're making that move Punk does with the chair as a signature heel move of his (e.g. Orton's punt kick). That was a pretty hard bump Matt took against the retaining wall. Good to see Taker back on Smackdown and nice chokeslam on Punk through the announcer's table to close the show.

We welcome your 0-10 score and comments on this show for a "WWE Smackdown 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, click here.

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