by Greg Parks, Torch Columnist

WWE Smackdown review
February 5, 2010
Taped 2/2//10 in Memphis, Tenn.
Aired on MyNetwork TV


- The show opened with stills of Edge returning at the Royal Rumble, and subsequently winning. The voice-over mentioned Undertaker as a guest on an all-new Cutting Edge tonight.

- Smackdown Open.

- Todd Grisham welcomed viewers and after the camera panned the crowd, we got a graphic that noted the five qualifying matches for the Elimination Chamber match at the upcoming PPV would take place tonight..

- Also, Matt Striker said we’d see exclusive footage of what happened after Raw went off the air this past week.

- Chris Jericho came out. He said he should be standing here tonight as the Royal Rumble winner, but he’s not. Jericho said he had been preparing for the main event of Wrestlemania ever since last year’s Wrestlemania match. He said that in ten seconds, that was all taken away from him at the Royal Rumble by Edge. He argued that Edge didn’t deserve the win, whereas he did. Jericho talked about carrying WWE while Edge was out injured. He was upset that people have been basking in the glory of Edge for the past week. Edge, he said, is a con-artist, like all of the fans. He said Edge has no passion and no fire. Well, he certainly showed some at the Rumble and on Monday night. Jericho talked about Edge abandoning him as a tag team partner, and now, he has nothing. “I’m Chris Jericho, and I don’t settle for nothing!” He called out Teddy Long and wanted repercussions for Edge. When Long failed to come out in a timely manner, Jericho began the walk backstage to find him. He went through the curtain and the camera, a few seconds later, caught up to him backstage. He yelled at the Hart Dynasty when they didn’t answer where Teddy’s office was. He also yelled at random backstage workers until he got to Long’s office (looked like there was a cut as he appeared in the office as well).

Once he got in there, he walked up to someone behind a desk reading a newspaper. He ripped the paper out of the hands of the person, who turned out to be Edge. Edge said Jericho lit the fire under him to make his return. He said Jericho created a monster and that tonight, he’d bringing back The Cutting Edge. As a guest on the show, he’s having the World Heavyweight Champion, The Undertaker. Jericho said he’d be watching, and stormed out of the office. Good interplay between Jericho and Edge to set things up for an eventual match between the two.

[Commercial Break]

- They showed the Graceland mansion of Elvis Presley while Grisham confused Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis.

- Striker threw it to a video package on the Elimination Chamber. After the video, they showed a graphic of the wrestlers who made it into the Raw Chamber this past week.

1 – DREW MCINTYRE vs. JOHN MORRISON vs. KANE – TRIPLE-THREAT ELIMINATION CHAMBER QUALIFYING MATCH

Morrison tried to fight off McIntyre and Kane once the bell rang, but soon, it was McIntyre and Kane going at it. Kane grabbed both men by the throat, but instead, the enemies teamed up to DDT Kane. Morrison cross-bodied McIntyre over the top rope and both men landed on the floor. They went to break about a minute into the match.

[Commercial Break]

McIntyre was up in Kane’s grill out of break, but once he got the big man to a vertical base, he ceded the advantage. Morrison came back into the picture, but got a tilt-a-whirl back-breaker by McIntyre. Mac walked into a big boot. He went to the top rope, where he was kicked in the head by Morrison. Morrison was the disposed of over the top rope by McIntyre. McIntyre tried to go up to meet Kane, but was shoved down. He ended up getting McIntyre by the throat, but Morrison hit the Flying Chuck kick on Kane. Cover got two after a leg lariat on the Big Red Monster. Morrison countered McIntyre with a DDT, but a pin was broken up by Kane. Kane clotheslined Morrison and McIntyre in opposite corners, then sent McIntyre to the outside via a clothesline. Sidewalk slam for a two-count on Morrison. Kane went to the top again, this time, landing a flying clothesline. McIntyre nailed Kane with the IC Belt (no DQ’s in a triple-threat), then connected with the Future Shock, but a pin was broken up by Morrison with a knee to the face. Morrison took advantage of the opportunity and pinned Kane after Starship Pain.

WINNER: Morrison, at 8:24. Solid match, and I look forward to seeing Morrison in the Smackdown Chamber. He should be fun to watch in there.

- A reminder that Edge will be hosting the Cutting Edge tonight, with special guest The Undertaker.

[Commercial Break]

- Striker said that after the conclusion of the next match, we’d see footage of what happened after Raw.

2 – R-TRUTH vs. MIKE KNOX – ELIMINATION CHAMBER QUALIFYING MATCH

Truth used his speed to stay away from Knox, but Knox landed his patented cross-body. High knee-drop by the Phoenix native for two. Knox was sent to the outside, where Truth jumped over the top and onto him. Dropkick off the top back in the ring by Truth. He hit his spinning flying forearm and picked up a decisive win.

WINNER: Truth, at 1:35. The quick match doesn’t speak well for Knox. However, it does continue Truth’s sudden push.

- They showed an updated graphic of the Smackdown Chamber participants thus far.

- A video recapped Bret Hart’s return to Raw this past Monday. “What a crock!” was vintage Mr. McMahon.

- Grisham and Striker talked at ringside, previewing the exclusive footage of what happened after Raw went off the air. Then they showed that footage, which included John Cena running off Batista and helping Bret Hart to his feet. However, Batista came back and the assault on Cena was on. Included: Being thrown into the ringside steps, being thrown over the announce table, and being powerbombed onto the steps inside the ring.

- Backstage, all three members of C.M. Punk’s Straight Edge Society were watching the footage. Punk said they must realize without him, there is no Straight Edge Society. He said Batista has a lot of hate in his heart, as evidenced by what he did to Bret and Cena on Raw. Punk said he has protected them thus far, but he needed to know what they would be willing to do to protect him. They both said they’d do anything to protect Punk and the Society. Punk said they both may need to show that tonight. He ushered them out of his locker room as he began to prepare for his match. It’s next.

[Commercial Break]

- Tonight, the Cutting Edge welcomes The Undertaker.

3 – BATISTA vs. CM PUNK – ELIMINATION CHAMBER QUALIFYING MATCH

Luke Gallows and Serena did come to the ring with Punk. Once the bell rang, Batista just leaned back in the corner, looking very casual. Punk wanted to get things started, but Batista simply soaked in the jeers of the crowd. Then he stepped out of the ring, walked down the steps and stared at Gallows on the outside. Instead, he turned his back and started walking up the ramp. He got half-way up and stared at the ring while the ref counted. He didn’t move a muscle as the referee counted to ten.

WINNER: Punk, via count-out, at 1:47. Unique situation there. Answers the question of why we’d get a heel vs. heel match-up like that. I’m sure we’ll get a comment from Batista later on, but it kind of devalues the title when someone willingly gives up a shot in the Chamber like that.

- Matt Hardy was walking backstage when he came upon Maria. Hardy congratulated her for being on the Apprentice, and she wished him good luck in his match tonight.

- Hardy made his entrance for another Chamber qualifying match. It is next.

[Commercial Break]

4 – MATT HARDY vs. CHRIS JERICHO – ELIMINATION CHAMBER QUALIFYING MATCH

Jericho cowered in the corner as Hardy advanced toward him. Jericho shoved Hardy after a lock-up, then ran out of the ring. Hardy got the advantage with some right hands and a clothesline. Striker said that, in terms of Matt Hardy’s ring style, “you never know what you’re going to get.” Well, you can bet on a Side Effect. Jericho and Hardy both took their fight outside the ring, where Jericho kicked Hardy into the steel steps. Grisham brought up the fact that a torn Achilles tendon ended the career of NBA Hall-of-Famer Isaiah Thomas, yet Edge returned in only a few months. Striker surmised that Edge is a better athlete than Thomas ever was. “Or coach,” he said, taking a shot at Thomas’ record on the bench. Hardy got back into the ring at a nine-count and was bleeding from the nose or mouth once he got back in. Not sure if the fans bought that count-out tease after Punk just won in that fashion. Enziguiri got two for Jericho. Hardy fought back with a bulldog for two. Elbow to the back of the head off the second rope. Twist of Fate was unsuccessful, and a Lionsault from Jericho connected for a two-count. Crowd finally got into Hardy, who soon after landed a Side Effect for two. Jericho went face-first into the corner, but missed a charge. Jericho rolled Hardy up with his feet on the ropes for two. Walls of Jericho was attempted, and he was able to turn him over, but Hardy powered out and registered a pinning combination for two. Jericho held onto the ropes on a Twist of Fate attempt, then hit the Codebreaker for the win. “Vindication for Chris Jericho!” proclaimed Striker.

WINNER: Jericho, at 7:00. Perfectly serviceable match. Hardy had some real nice near-falls near the end to wake the crowd up.

- A reminder that Undertaker will be on the Cutting Edge later tonight.

[Commercial Break]

- Ring announcer Tony Chimel introduced the new WWE Women’s Champion, Mickie James. Mickie said that ever since she was traded to Smackdown, she has been embarrassed and ridiculed by Michelle McCool and Layla. She said that at the Royal Rumble, she proved that by being real and being true to oneself are what real champions are made of. She sounded like she was going to make an open challenge, but Beth Phoenix interrupted before she could get it out. They showed stills of Beth entering the Rumble and eliminating the Great Khali. Phoenix got a mic and said she made history by participating in the Rumble this year with 29 grown men, while Mickie was fighting two little girls. Beth said she was proud of Mickie for getting her moment in the sun, but then told her not to think for one second that she won’t take the Women’s Title whenever she wants. Mickie told Beth she could have a match whenever she asks for one. Vickie Guerrero excuse me’d her way out to the top of the ramp. She ix-nayed the proposed match between Mickie and Beth tonight and said that since they both feel like competing, they can team up against the true #1 contender, Michelle McCool, and Layla. In a match that starts now.

5 – MICHELLE MCCOOL & LAYLA vs. MICKIE JAMES & BETH PHOENIX

The heels showed off their new hoodies that said “Simply Flawless” on the back. Phoenix dominated McCool until Michelle caught her with a boot to the gut. Splash in the corner by Beth as she stayed aggressive. McCool took out the knee of Beth and began to work it over with elbowdrops. She couldn’t fully lock in the heel hook, and Layla was knocked off the apron once Beth got to her feet. Tag to Mickie, who worked the arm of McCool. However, Beth gave a straight right hand to Mickie, her partner, soon after. Phoenix smiled at McCool, then nailed her as well. Both legal women were down in the ring as Beth walked to the back. Layla was able to tag in, but before she could do any damage, James small-packaged her for the win.

WINNERS: James and Phoenix, at 2:39. More about setting up or advancing the feuds than the match itself, but Phoenix showed good intensity and her segment with McCool was well done.

[Commercial Break]

- Cryme Tyme was back for another edition of “Word Up.” Today’s word: King. “Supreme, above the rest, without equal, loved and respected by all peeps and peers.” It was the word because they were in Memphis, Tennessee home of Elvis and B.B. King. Shad even sang a bit, showing off his golden pipes. The other King of Memphis, of course, is Jerry Lawler, who appeared with Cryme Tyme. Shad said Lawler was taking them downtown to see some puppies.

- Rey Mysterio and Dolph Ziggler made their entrances for the final Chamber Qualifying Match, which is up next.

[Commercial Break]

6 – REY MYSTERIO vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER – ELIMINATION CHAMBER QUALIFYING MATCH

Mysterio had a nice bright green/black ensemble working. Ziggler with a hard clothesline for two. Roll-up by Mysterio for two as well. Mysterio kicked away at the legs of Ziggler. Head-scissors take-down sent Ziggler to ringside. Mysterio flew onto Ziggler with a cross-body. Rey came up holding his ribs, and Striker believed it was effects from his match with Undertaker this past Sunday. Mysterio went to the top for another cross-body once Ziggler was in the ring, but Dolph countered with a dropkick as Mysterio was in mid-air. Mysterio came back to line Ziggler up for a 619. Match went to break a little over 3:00 in.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, Ziggler was pounding away at Mysterio. Rey was perched on the top rope and Ziggler tried a suplex off. He was successful in his attempt. Two-count only though. Ziggler began to stretch Rey a bit. The crowd was Rey’s bulwark at this point as he was able to fight out. The pace quickened somewhat as Rey rolled through a roll-up attempt by Ziggler, only to catch him with a kick to the face. Springboard by Rey, wheelbarrow into a bulldog for a near-fall. Mysterio tried a springboard about a minute later, but Ziggler caught him and slammed him in one fluid motion. Ziggler whipped Rey into the buckle, then gave him a back-breaker. Ziggler set up a back-breaker but Rey turned it into a roll-up for the win.

WINNER: Mysterio, at 10:37. Good finish out of nowhere that will give credibility in future matches to pin attempts out of nowhere.

Ziggler tried to get him some of Rey after the match, but Mysterio took him out with the 619. Striker said Mysterio may have just won the biggest match in his career. I’d say the one where he actually won the title would be bigger, but that’s just me.

- They showed the graphic filling out all six Chamber participants on the Smackdown side.

- The Cutting Edge is next.

[Commercial Break]

- Edge was introduced for his Cutting Edge segment. Edge said it felt good to be back, and the fans seemed to be behind him. He said it felt great to be back home on Smackdown. All the pain of rehabbing was worth it, he said, for this very moment. He said he was back months earlier than scheduled, and because of it, he’s on the road to main event Wrestlemania. Cue the Wrestlemania logo in the background of the shot. Edge said he may face his guest on the Cutting Edge tonight, the Undertaker. Or, he could face, the WWE Champion, Sheamus. He showed what happened when Sheamus got in his face this past Monday. Sorry, no one believes Edge is going after Sheamus. Edge said that was fun, but before he could go any further, his former tag team partner Chris Jericho’s music interrupted, and Jericho made his way to the ring.

Jericho grabbed the mic as it sat on one of the stools in the ring, and tipped the chair over. Jericho said Edge took away his Wrestlemania main event moment, and he won’t let Edge bask in the glory of his stolen shot. Edge countered by saying Jericho didn’t deserve to win because he threw Jericho over the top rope and eliminated him from the Rumble. Jericho reminded Edge that he was the face of Smackdown, but Edge disagreed. As he got fired up, Edge accused Jericho of making his possibly career-ending injury nothing more than a punchline. He said he was sick and tired of hearing Jericho say that he was the best in the world at what he does. Edge said he was sick of seeing Jericho’s face. Then CM Punk and his Straight Edge Society interrupted. Punk said the two of them look beautiful up there, showing off their tragic flaws for the world to see. Punk said they look like two pill-popping junkies arguing over who gets the last fix. Punk said it wasn’t about them, it was about the Undertaker. He said no one has had more spotlight moments against Taker than himself. He reminded Edge that he became the first superstar to make Taker tap out. He said neither man could dream of doing that. Punk also talked about his war against he fans. Punk told them that he’ll win at the Chamber because he’s better than them. Undertaker’s bell tolled at 9:58 EST, and he appeared in the ring. The five men (Gallows included) started brawling in the ring. Jericho got speared and Punk was chokeslammed by Taker. Taker turned around as Edge was setting up for the spear, but he didn’t go for it. He simply gave the belt-around-the-waist signal as the two circled the ring, not taking their eyes off each other. That’s how the show ended.

Greg Parks has been covering Smackdown for PWTorch.com since January of 2007. You can also read his frequently updated blog in the VIP forum. Check out his column each week in the PDF-exclusive version of the Torch Newsletter. Also, look for his Tuesday chats with James Caldwell each Tuesday afternoon, posted on the Torch website. Comments, questions and feedback are welcome, and can be sent to g_man9784@yahoo.com.

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