-- 4/9 WWE Smackdown Reax

Nicolas Ramirez Vargas of Chile, journalist (8.5) Best Match: Jack Swagger vs. John Morrison. Worst: WWE still making fun of Swagger's lisp. This show felt so fresh. It's nice to see the new faces get the attention they deserve, and this is what WWE must start doing with the new generation of stars. I liked Jack Swagger's run as the ECW champion, and I enjoyed WWE bringing that seem feeling to Smackdown with Swagger's first official week as World Hvt. champion, establishing him as a solid champion in talking segments, commentary, and in the best match of the show with another new talent, John Morrison, who will hopefully get on the right track again. The show represented what made Smackdown the best TV wrestling show in 2009 with two lengthy matches and more solid in-ring work. The talking segments were well done, too. C.M. Punk and the Straight Edge Society get better by the minute. I'm really digging their program. Speaking of the SES, I'm anxious to see if/when Serena start working in the ring because she looked good from the footage I've seen from FCW. Meanwhile, Chris Jericho and Edge did what they do best, although I thought the spear thing was over. Besides the "average" feeling to the mid-card that hopefully will be improved by the coming weeks, the worst of the show was without a doubt WWE making jokes about Swagger's lisp. I mean, come on. First, the joke got old two years ago. Second, I don't think a company that aims to be PG should make fun of that when kids around the world are bullied for the same reasons. Overall, a strong show that put Smackdown once again at the top of wrestling TV.

John Hecht, Torch reader: While an unprotected chair shot to the head may be disgusting, any storyline that portrays the degradation of 'the champion with an speech impediment' is deplorable. Psychological case studies report tens of thousands of children have involuntary speech/communication disorders. Children are persecuted and humiliated daily by bullies, peers, and the media for an articulation condition they simply can't control. It was discouraging to see a network/family-centered program giving the green light to verbal bullying by John Morrison - one of their good guys - under the guise of a cheap laugh and to set up a match.

Luigi Malinis of Calgary, Alb. (8.0): Best Match: Swagger vs. Morrison. Worst Match: Hardy vs. McIntyre. It was a refreshing episode of Smackdown, and like Raw, it was about pushing younger talents. Opening the show with Jack Swagger was a nice way to establish that he's the show's champion. I didn't like Morrison's promo about Jack's speech impediment because it sends all the wrong signals, but their match was fantastic. I did not like the blood stoppage, but Grisham gave a logical cover for it. McIntyre-Hardy was boring and why is Matt Hardy contending for the IC Title? Shad Gaspard's promo was wicked simple, but it was effective. Maybe JTG can form a stable with Yang, Slam Master J, and Funaki. Shad did not come across as a cocky heel, but he has shown that must be hated. But, please, big men should stop using the boot to the face. Sheamus, Jack, and now Shad? At least he's not clotheslining anyone, right, Rob Terry? Punk and the SES in Chicago was a sight to behold. That group is really effective. Hart vs. Dudebusters was a nice match, but it fell short of being competitive. Edge and Jericho's interaction with Jack backstage was a great way to push the youngster, and so maybe we'll see a triple threat match at Extreme Rules?

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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