by Greg Parks, Torch Columnist

WWE Smackdown review
February 26, 2010
Taped 2/23/10 in Milwaukee, Wis.
Aired on MyNetwork TV

- WWE Open.

- Clips aired of the Smackdown Elimination Chamber match from the PPV on Sunday.

- Tony Chimel introduced the new World Heavyweight Champion, Chris Jericho. How lucky, he got to lead off both (major) WWE shows this week. As he came to the ring, they showed what happened to him on Raw, with Edge attacking him, then announcing he’d face Jericho at Wrestlemania. Jericho again proclaimed himself World Champion and said he has finally returned to the top of the mountain. He had the cameraman zoom in on the championship to show his name. He said that this Monday was supposed to be his party, where the “failures” in the crowd could bask in his championship glow. Jericho said his moment was taken away from him by Edge, an attack he said he did not deserve. Then Edge came out.

Edge insisted on congratulating Jericho for winning the Elimination Chamber. Jericho said he was the best in the world at what he does, but Edge countered by saying he’s the best in the world at getting speared. Edge put in a “spear” at the end of every name Jericho brags about having beaten. Crowd began to chant “spear” as well. Edge said that his spears were getting to Jericho mentally, because he saw doubt in Jericho’s eyes. Jericho, put off by Edge’s audacity, said that of course he can beat Edge. Edge talked about being in Jericho’s head, and that everywhere Jericho goes, he sees Edge. Edge told Jericho that if he comes to Wrestlemania with that doubt in his eyes, guess what’s gonna happen? Crowd picked up on it and chanted “spear.” He said if that happens, it would be all over. Jericho said Edge would never spear him again, then took a shot at Edge. Codebreaker attempt, but Edge held on to the ropes. He ended up spearing Jericho. Edge has gotten the better of Jericho in both of their appearances thus far since the Elimination Chamber. I wouldn’t be surprised if Jericho got closer to evening the score before the end of the night.

[Commercial Break]

1 – JOHN MORRISON vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER vs. R-TRUTH - TRIPLE THREAT MONEY-IN-THE-BANK QUALIFYING MATCH

David Otunga was at ringside with his NXT mentor, R-Truth. Morrison and Truth double-teamed Ziggler, who tried to flee on the outside. Truth and Morrison went at it next, and Ziggler broke up a pin after a Truth side-kick to Morrison. Then Ziggler ran back outside and let the other two hash it out inside the ring. Ziggler again charged in to break up a pin, this time by Morrison. Morrison chased him around the ring, then back in, where he was clotheslined by Truth. Ziggler was dumped out by Truth, who then flew onto Ziggler over the top rope, missing most of Dolph in the process. All three men were outside the ring trying to recover. Morrison garnered a two-count on Ziggler back in the ring. They cut to break after that, 2:00 into the match.

[Commercial Break]

Ziggler was in the ring with Truth out of break. Morrison was recuperating on the outside of the ring after taking a spill during the break. Ziggler applied a sleeper and Matt Striker made a big deal of it, since Ziggler has won twice over Kane in the last month or two using that move. Morrison was back in and went for a Flying Chuck kick, but Ziggler tripped him up. Inverted bodyslam by Ziggler on Morrison, but only a two-count. Inside cradle by Morrison for two, broken up by Truth. Textbook dropkick on Truth by the former Spirit Squad member. Zig-Zag was blocked, but Truth was powerslammed for another Ziggler near-fall. Morrison clobbered Ziggler with rights, then caught him with a leg lariat. From behind, roll-up by Truth for two. Spinning forearm for only two, as Ziggler got involved. Another Lie Detector from Truth, but Ziggler moved and he hit Morrison with it. Morrison and Ziggler fought on the top rope, and Truth joined them. Ziggler was knocked to ringside, and his face slammed the edge of the apron on the way down. Brutal-looking there. Morrison brought Truth off the top rope in a sunset flip. Starship Pain followed, but Ziggler pulled Morrison out of the ring and picked up the win himself.

WINNER: Ziggler, at 11:20. Definitely an upset there. Good to see him get the shot, as you know they’ll probably find a spot for at least Morrison somewhere else on the Wrestlemania card.

- They showed a graphic of the two men who have qualified thus far for the MITB Match.

[Commercial Break]

- Striker thanked Kevin Rudolf for the official Wrestlemania theme, “I made it.” They seem to always pick out some real good theme songs for ‘Mania.

- Striker and Todd Grisham threw it to a video package of the Shawn Michaels vs. Undertaker feud. I believe it was the same one that aired on Raw this past week. Because they can’t say “wrestling,” Striker had to call Michaels and Taker two of the greatest “craftsman” in the industry. Just sounds so lame.

- Vickie Guerrero, in referee regalia, was walking backstage. She’s the ref for the Michelle McCool vs. Mickie James match for the Women’s Title, and it’s next.

[Commercial Break]

- Vickie Guerrero was announced as special guest referee. The heat was off-the-charts, as usual.

2 – MICHELLE MCCOOL vs. MICKIE JAMES – WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Shoulder tackle by McCool, but then she was met with two dropkicks from James. Neck-breaker by Mickie, and she went for a cover that would’ve gotten her three, had Layla not gotten on the apron and distracted Vickie. Mickie threw McCool out of the ring, then landed a baseball slide. Headscissors take-over outside the ring by the Mick-ster. Layla distracted Mickie, and McCool pulled her off the apron, landing on the outside. Beth Phoenix was shown watching this match backstage on a monitor. McCool did some taunting, then cut off a Mickie comeback. Powerbomb attempt, but Mickie turned it into a hurricanrana. Bell-to-belly by McCool and as Vickie went down to make the count, she accidentally fell out of the ring, as it was very close to the ropes. Layla helped her out and rubbed her rump for her to make it feel better. Mickie rolled up McCool and Vickie slowly came into the ring and slapped Mickie. Mickie got pissed, but walked into a McCool high kick, and the belt has changed hands again.

WINNER: McCool, at 4:27. Disappointing finish. Mickie should’ve had a longer run based on how the feud has progressed.

- Drew McIntyre faces Kane in a MITB Qualifying Match next. Another match between these two?

[Commercial Break]

- Drew McIntyre came out, mic in hand. He said he was undefeated and not even Kane could beat him. McIntyre said he’d win over Kane, win the MITB and fulfill his destiny. He said he’d be I.C. Champion, World Champion, and still undefeated.

3 – KANE vs. DREW MCINTYRE – MONEY-IN-THE-BANK QUALIFYING MATCH

Bicycle kick was blocked by Kane, and he started in with uppercuts and right hands. Suplex out of the corner for a near-fall. McIntyre went to ringside to get away from Kane’s onslaught, and hit a neck-breaker onto the middle rope. Hard running clothesline from Mac for two. Front face-lock applied by McIntyre, but he was thrown off by Kane. Running clothesline in the corner by Kane, then a sidewalk slam. Kane missed his clothesline off the top and McIntyre did a Zig Zag-type move, which confused Grisham into shouting “Ziggler!” when he landed it. Late in the match, Kane locked in a chokeslam, but McIntyre got out. He did not get out of the way of a big boot, however, getting Kane a two-count. Kane tried to back-drop out of Mac’s finisher, but McIntyre tried a roll-up. Kick to the face by Kane…and it’s over?

WINNER: Kane, at 5:14. Second match I didn’t like the result. Again, McIntyre will probably have a spot on Wrestlemania, but KANE is the guy to break McIntyre’s undefeated streak? Really?

McIntyre tried to compose himself after his match as the crowd pelted him with chants of “you suck.” In a huff, he grabbed his title from ringside and yelled at the announcers as Striker tried to tell him to “take it easy.” At least we know he can show this kind of emotion, as he’s been a pretty even-keel guy up to this point, which some could say has made him a bit boring.

- The updated graphic showing the MITB qualifiers thus far was shown.

- The Miz was walking backstage. He’s on his way to the ring with something to say, next.

[Commercial Break]

- Striker thanked AC/DC for “Thunderstruck,” one of the theme songs to Wrestlemania. It’s going to be on the Iron Man 2 soundtrack.

- The Miz entered the arena. I like how Tony Chimel even says Miz’s name like Miz does now. Miz was upset that he and Big Show don’t have a match for Wrestlemania. He said they have no challengers after beating MVP and Mark Henry on Monday. He asked Teddy Long to find them a tag team to face at Wrestlemania. He said he doesn’t care if they have to come back to Smackdown, or if Long simply makes a match for ‘Mania. Miz said he wanted his Wrestlemania moment because he’s the Miz, etc. Teddy Long did come out and said he’d take Miz’s words under advisement. He said if Show was there tonight, they could have a tag title match, but since he’s not, Miz will be in singles action. Miz said he wasn’t afraid of anyone, so Long set him up with Edge. I’d like to see a tournament to determine Miz and Show’s opponents for Wrestlemania.

- Newly signed Shelton Benjamin faces C.M. Punk in a MITB Qualifying match next.

[Commercial Break]

4 – C.M. PUNK vs. SHELTON BENJAMIN – MONEY-IN-THE-BANK QUALIFYING MATCH

Punk had to be restrained by the referee as he was all over Benjamin in the corner. Shelton fought back with a right hand or two, and Punk retreated to ringside. Punk choked Benjamin on the top rope after luring him in, then connected on a springboard clothesline. These are two MITB veterans vying for a spot here. Hard whip of Benjamin into the corner. Swinging neck-breaker by Punk for only a two-count. Head-scissors was then applied by the Straight Edge Savior. Shelton fought back with a German suplex. Not much crowd heat for Shelton, though he did hit a springboard clothesline. Corner splash missed and Punk kicked him straight in the head for a two-count. Shelton managed to avoid the bulldog out of the corner. Luke Gallows got on the apron to distract, allowing Punk to get Benjamin up for the GTS. However, Rey Mysterio came out and pulled Gallows off the apron, providing a distraction of Punk. Benjamin landed an ill-conceived Paydirt for the win.

WINNER: Benjamin, at 4:53. “A pessimist’s blood type is always B Negative (be negative)”- Matt Striker’s gem of the week. Match was OK, and at some point, there’s someone who deserves this spot over Benjamin, no matter his history in these matches.

- The Miz faces Edge later tonight.

[Commercial Break]

- The Raw Rebound aired.

- The announcers talked about the matches that are lined up for ‘Mania at this point.

- Edge and Miz both made their entrances for the main event. It’s next.

[Commercial Break]

5 – EDGE vs. THE MIZ

Grisham proclaimed this as the first time Edge and Miz have locked up. Match started slowly, but Edge got a nice suplex with a bridge. Miz kicked out before the ref could make a count. Striker was trash-talking Daniel Bryan a bit. Shoulder take-down by Edge, then he posed for the crowd. Edge played some mind games with Miz, eventually coaxing him to the outside, only for Miz to be thrown back-first into the barricade. Miz got the advantage when Edge tried to come back into the ring, and he rammed Edge shoulder-first into the ringpost. They went to break about 2:40 in.

[Commercial Break]

Miz was bringing the pain down on Edge, in the form of his elbows, out of break. Running boot to the face, which thrilled the audio sweetener. He got a two count from that. The southpaw Miz hammered away on Edge in the corner. Patented corner clothesline from Miz. Edge made a comeback and flap-jacked Miz. Both men were down and Miz hit a Russian leg-sweep. Daniel Bryan was shown backstage watching the match in a suit. Big boot from Edge. Edge went for a DDT, but Miz countered with a neck-breaker/back-breaker combo. Miz sized Edge up for his finisher, but Edge came back with an Impaler DDT. Edge went to the corner and speared Miz to pick up the win.

WINNER: Edge, at 11:30.

They showed a replay of the finish of the match. Edge stood on the second turnbuckle and pointed to the Wrestlemania sign to close the show.

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. Once a week, Greg participates in the Pro Wrestling Torch Livecast on blogtalkradio.com. Also, look for his Wednesday chats with James Caldwell each Wednesday 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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