Hey out there wrestling fans. Time for another Take on a WWE event from yours truly. To be honest with you, tonight’s Take on Smackdown! will be a bit shorter than my usual because of my work schedule tonight. Long story short, I had to cover for a guy taking a day off and it’s nearly 2 a.m. as I write this.
That being said, let’s take a quick look at the final Smackdown! before Survivor Series.
THE HEADLINERS:
Taking The Headliners section tonight is the build-up to what should be – or at least I’m expecting to be – a phenomenal Hell in a Cell match this Sunday between World Heavyweight Champion Batista and The Undertaker.
Taker did a rare in-ring promo tonight, noting that no one, even the devil himself, has entered that “demonic structure” more than he. He called the Cell “The Dead Man’s Playground” and told Batista that he would lose the belt, would not survive, but would rest in peace.
Batista answered with a no-disqualification match tonight against Mark Henry. Usually played as a worthy opponent, Henry was completely decimated by an intense-looking champion tonight. Batista used his own belt to win the match and then continued to take it to Henry hard after picking up the win, choking him with a cable, throwing him into the steel stairs and the ring post, and getting in a spear for good measure.
This is the most intensity I’ve seen out of Batista, and the look in his eyes tells me that the ante has just been raised. I might be going out on a limb here, but I’m on the cusp of saying that this match – probably the climactic end to the rivalry – could be one for the ages.
Of course, I’ll let you know how I feel afterward with my Take on Survivor Series.
THE DOWNSIDERS:
Ok, I know that the “most dysfunctional functional tag team” of Matt Hardy and MVP had to explode eventually. But giving the gold to John Morrison and The Miz? Give me a break.
To me, Miz is a joke and Morrison is perhaps a step up from that. Include the backstage incident where these two faced a lashing from JBL for their performances – to which Morrison reportedly got in JBL’s face – and these two don’t even have the right attitude to have gold around their waists.
Now, before you go off on me, note that I am an equal opportunity detractor. I also give many chances, and perhaps these two can prove me wrong and actually show some mettle. But I’m not going to hold my breath.
THE HIGH-FLIERS:
Tonight’s distinction goes to Mr. Kennedy and Rey Mysterio, although I must admit it seems I’m using Mysterio’s name a lot in my Smackdown! Takes. But let’s face it, the two put on the best match of the night, and it seems to me that Rey is getting a bit more aggressive lately.
I like aggressive.
Rey picked up the win by hitting a Hurricanrana from the turnbuckle as Kennedy tried to set him up for the Green Bay Plunge.
THE NUTSHELLERS:
– The night started with a good match between Finlay and Jeff Hardy, but one that may have resulted in an actual injury to Hardy. We’ll see if it’s a sell or not, but it certainly appeared as though he may have injured his arm or shoulder when sent into the ring post by Finlay. Finlay was disqualified after trying to use his favorite Irish weapon, but Hardy had the last laugh by sending Finlay from the ring and taking the man’s equalizer away from him in the process.
– Lots of Hell in a Cell recaps from history were shown, ah the memories.
– Torrie Wilson and Mickie James lost in a tag match against Beth Phoenix and Victoria – a match that was fairly decent as Divas matches go.
– MVP’s VIP Lounge with guest Matt Hardy is what led up to their eventual demise that I covered in the Downsiders. Hardy basically called MVP out for the U.S. Championship, saying that the whole “friendship and partners” thing was just a smokescreen to dodge Hardy’s challenge for the strap. Guess he was right, because after they lost their match to Morrison and Miz, and immediate rematch, MVP turned on his partner and “destroyed” his already injured knee. As much sell as they gave it, it will be interesting to see if Hardy even competes in his Survivor Series match on Sunday.
– An official weigh-in for the match at SS between The Great “I like to shout gibberish” Khali and poor little Hornswoggle. *chuckle* Hornswoggle weighed in at 138 lbs. Khali broke the scale. Hornswoggle cried.
– Another promo aired, as usual. It’s coming folks! This Monday Night it’s time to Break the Walls Down!
Sorry to cut things short tonight folks, but there’s lots more in store for you fans! Be sure to check out the roundtable discussion between myself, Chris Cash, Chris “The Authority” Schultz and Kevin Kelly – which should be posted later today – as we break down this Sunday’s Survivor Series PPV, and be sure to check back after Survivor Series for my Take on the event.
Don’t like my take? Let’s hear yours! Send me your e-mails to wzseanomac@yahoo.com … the best and worst of the bunch may be featured in the weekly editions of Sean OâMacâs Pullinâ No Punches (found in the editorial section). Remember, short ones are good, long ones may be cut, and keep the name of the column in mind when you come looking for answers!
