by Greg Parks, PWTorch Contributor

WWE Smackdown review
January 30, 2009
Taped 1/27/09 in Indianapolis, Ind.
Aired on MyNetwork TV


-The show began with highlights of the Hardy vs. Edge match from this past Sunday, as well as some comments thrown in from Jeff from a previous interview to give the background of the story. Good video that threw in some classic Hardy clips as well to really sell the turn.

-In the arena, ring announcer Justin Roberts announced Matt Hardy, who came out sans music and brought a chair with him to the ring. He sat down in the chair with a mic in hand, soaking up all the jeers from the crowd. He opened by saying that finally, he no longer has to share the spotlight with his brother. Matt said the fans who are expecting Jeff to come out will be disappointed, as Jeff is at home and will be staying at home. Some more clips of the Hardys, from childhood to now, played while Matt talked. Matt said some people have had the audacity to accuse him of causing the accidents to Jeff, saying no one can prove he had anything to do with it. He said what wasn’t an accident was what he did to Jeff at the Rumble. They had some real soft music playing in the background. Matt said all the pain and suffering Jeff put him through over the years was transferred to Jeff when Matt hit him with the steel chair. Matt called taking care of a brother like Jeff a “burden,” and called him a constant mistake. He said too many times he’s had to cover for Jeff and worry about him. He said that Jeff wouldn’t be able to survive without Matt guiding his way. Matt said he’s never been healthier or happier. If his survival means Jeff’s total destruction, then so be it. Matt said Jeff isn’t the only one to blame for his decisions; he also blames the fans. He went the “I’ve tried to get you to like me, but it was never good enough” route, which doesn’t ring true. He always got some of the biggest pops in the arena. Matt said all anyone ever cared about was Jeff. He began to break down at this point. He said he’s the only person he cares about now. He looked in the camera, speaking directly to Jeff: He said there is no such thing anymore as The Hardy Boys and he no longer considers Jeff his partner or brother. The crowd chanted “We Want Jeff.” Matt’s longest promo in a quite some time, and I thought he did well, aside from the “blame the fans” game that every heel seems to have to play now. Plus, the music and videos playing during Matt’s speech was a little over-dramatic. Overall, the segment accomplished what WWE wanted it to, I suspect.

[Commercial Break]

1- R-TRUTH vs. THE BRIAN KENDRICK

During R-Truth’s entrance and 16 minutes into the show, JR finally spoke, plugging Undertaker vs. Mark Henry in a Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match later tonight. This bout is a re-match from two weeks ago. JR also plugged a Triple-Threat Match where the winner goes to the Chamber Match at No Way Out: Triple H vs. Great Khali vs. Vladimir Kozlov. Referee Chad Patton ejected Ezekiel Jackson from ringside before the match even started, as he wouldn’t leave the ring.

Kendrick got the first cover of the match, only a one-count. Kendrick did a double-stomp to the back of Truth and kicked away at him. Truth came back with a powerslam, but Kendrick landed a drop-toe hold, catching Truth’s throat in the middle rope. Corkscrew forearm followed by an axe kick for the win for Truth.

WINNER: Truth, at 2:15. Too short to accomplish much in-ring wise, but the story was told before the match with Ezekiel being sent to the back.

-Edge will be here tonight, and we’ll hear from the new champion for the first time later on.

-A WrestleMania video aired, the same one they showed on Raw and ECW this past week, the one that ended with AC/DC’s “Shoot to Thrill.”

[Commercial Break]

-The “12 Rounds” trailer will air later tonight.

2- CHAVO GUERRERO vs. MVP

Didn’t sound like much of a reaction for MVP.....perhaps the fans are confused as to whether he’s a heel or face right now. Ah, some slight “MVP” chants did break out once the bell rang. Some mat wrestling by MVP and Chavo retaliated with some right hands. MVP fought back and got a back body-drop and an arm-drag. Montel Vontavious Porter continued to work Chavo’s left arm, but Chavo came back with a slightly awkward-looking spinning heel kick. He then went to work on Porter’s arm. MVP and Chavo picked up the pace, trading offense when MVP landed an overhead throw. Three Amigos by Chavo, but the third was blocked. Chavo went to the top rope, but MVP caught him up there and tried to suplex him down, but Chavo pushed him off. Frogsplash missed and MVP hit the Drive-By kick for the win.

WINNER: MVP, at 5:11. Something just seemed off about this match. Neither wrestler had their A-game, at least, as it appeared to me.

-Tazz interviewed MVP in the ring after the match and MVP proclaimed that he was back after his second win in a row. He then said he wanted his United States title back. Look out Shelton Benjamin.

-An “Umaga Returns” video aired. He’s in action up next.

[Commercial Break]

-On camera, Tazz and JR discussed the Elimination Chamber Title Matches set for No Way Out. Then we got a video package on the Chamber itself.

-The Triple-Threat Match later tonight for a spot in the Elimination Chamber was plugged.

-Umaga came out, making his return. He has new music, a little more subdued, that is on WWE’s newest theme music CD. His match is next.

[Commercial Break]

3- UMAGA vs. JIMMY WANG YANG

Yang had a look of apprehension on his way to the ring. Yang tried to out-quick Umaga, but the Samoan used a swinging side-slam to halt Yang. He even ripped Yang’s shirt! He pounded Yang with rights in the corner, and even choked him. Running rear-end attack found it’s mark. Crowd seemed into Umaga. He gave the thumbs-up and hit the Samoan Spike for the win.

WINNER: Umaga, at 1:43. Boy, Yang can really make someone look good. That must be why he’s been kept around. Match was too short and basic to see if Umaga has worked off the ring rust.

-Undertaker takes on Mark Henry next in an Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match.

[Commercial Break]

-A Vladimir Kozlov training video aired.

4- THE UNDERTAKER vs. MARK HENRY- ELIMINATION CHAMBER QUALIFYING MATCH

Shoulderblock took down Taker within the first minute of action. Taker fought back with his legendary strikes, but Henry sent Taker to the mat with a hard clothesline. Taker went for old school, but Henry caught him in a bear-hug and slammed him into the turnbuckle. Tony Atlas got in a cheap shot on Taker in the corner when the ref was distracted. Undertaker went after Atlas, but Henry caught him from behind and sent him head-first into the steel steps. Bodyslam by Henry and then he actually hit an elbowdrop on Taker for two. I always remember Henry missing that elbow. Taker came back with shots to the mid-section and the two traded rights in the middle of the ring. Henry ate a big boot on a charge and Taker hit Henry with a jumping clothesline off the ropes. Atlas distracted Taker again and Henry clotheslined the Dead Man over the top, but he landed on his feet and took out Atlas. In the ring, Taker hit the chokeslam and locked in Hell’s Gate and Henry immediately tapped.

WINNER: Undertaker, at 5:26. Lot more action than I expected in this one, and I’m more and more becoming a fan of Henry’s work. He’s improved so much in the past few years; I’m sure staying healthy has had something to do with it.

-We’re going to hear from the new WWE Champion, Edge, next.

[Commercial Break]


-They aired some clips from Access Hollywood talking about Mickey Rourke perhaps stepping into the ring at WrestleMania as well as his promo on Jericho. They also showed a few soundbites from the Rourke vs. Jericho confrontation earlier this week on Larry King.

-Vickie Guerrero was in the ring. She asked the fans to help her introduce her soulmate and new WWE Champion, Edge. He came out and started off by saying that he doesn’t generally respond to fans, but tonight, he wants to open up a public discourse with the fans. Of course, it was about the fans accusing Edge of sabotaging Jeff Hardy. He said a lot of fans even told him he wouldn’t walk out of the Royal Rumble as champion. But he said each and every fan was dead wrong. He said because of that, he wants to open up the lines of communication with the fans. He asked all those in the arena to stand up and say “Edge, I’m sorry.” Instead, they booed. He acted as if they did apologize though, and even graciously accepted their apologies. Edge then plugged his DVD saying he watched it after his title win and even wanted to break out a new pose for those with the benefit of flash photography! His pose was making out with Vickie like their plane was going down. He raised the title while doing so. But then the Big Show interrupted.

Show was all smiles as he came to the ring and even picked Vickie up and hugged her. He put his hands on Edge’s belt though and The Rated R Superstar didn’t take kindly to that, so he and Vickie left. Apparently, he’s got an Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match next.

[Commercial Break]

-A WrestleMania 21 video package aired.

5- THE BIG SHOW vs. FESTUS- ELIMINATION CHAMBER QUALIFYING MATCH

Interesting that Festus gets this shot. Big Show cut off Festus’ attack right off the bat with a DDT. Hard slap to the chest in the corner. Show poured it on with punches to the gut. Festus got a boot up in the corner and hit some punches. He hit a terrible-looking version of a Tornado DDT for two. A few seconds later, he walked right into a chop to the chest. Show picked up Festus in a powerbomb like move, but flipped him over his head. Show set up for his big right hand and connected for the win. What happened to closed fists being illegal? Also, when was Taker’s submission finisher reinstated?

WINNER: Big Show, at 2:40.

After the match, Show chokeslammed Jesse for good measure. Referees came out to help Jesse and Festus out of the ring.

-The trailer for “12 Rounds” is next.

[Commercial Break]

-The “12 Rounds” trailer aired.

-Eve was backstage, looking ready for an interview and talking about Cena’s movie when Michelle McCool interrupted her and took her mic. Michelle said she’s surprised Eve is still around, then said what she did to Eve a few weeks ago was just what she deserved for provoking her. Eve slapped Michelle, who paused and walked off-screen.

-The Triple-Threat match is next.

[Commercial Break]

-JR and Tazz plugged Kevin Rudolf’s “Let it Rock” as the theme song for the Royal Rumble.

-The Raw Rebound aired.

6- TRIPLE H vs. THE GREAT KHALI vs. VLADIMIR KOZLOV- TRIPLE-THREAT ELIMINATION CHAMBER QUALIFYING MATCH

HHH went after Kozlov as Khali watched, but Kozlov put some shoulders into HHH’s gut. Khali pulled Kozlov off so he could do some damage to The Game himself. Kozlov and Khali argued in the middle of the ring. Khali hit a hard chop on Kozlov’s head, then kicked him out of the ring. He turned around to see Triple H staring at him as the show went to break.

[Commercial Break]

-The commercial for next week’s Smackdown aired right before the show returned and gave away the winner of the match in progress. Not that it was really in question anyway, but still.....

Upon return from break, HHH was working over Khali’s leg on the steel steps outside the ring. Back in the ring, Kozlov took it to Trips and got a few near-falls. Triple H turned the tide with a DDT. HHH couldn’t capitalize though and Kozlov hit a fall-away slam for two. Khali came back and chopped Triple H down to the mat. He locked in the vice grip on The Game, but Kozlov headbutted Khali right in the chest. It looked like he tried to hit HHH with it though. Trips low-bridged Kozlov out of the ring, and hit the Pedigree on Khali for the win.

WINNER: HHH, at 9:04.

What was your opinion of tonight’s show? Share your thoughts below in our new instant reader comment section!

Greg Parks has been covering Smackdown for PWTorch.com since January of 2007. You can also hear him every-other-week in the post-Raw audio show Monday nights in the Torch VIP audio section. Check out his column each week in the PDF-exclusive version of the Torch Newsletter. Comments, questions and feedback is welcome, and can be sent to g_man9784@yahoo.com.

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