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ECW HITS

Smith vs. Christian: I have not been very impressed with David Hart Smith so far in his early ECW run (wasn't impressed with his previous WWE run either). However, this was definitely his best match so far. Christian deserves a lot of credit for carrying young Smith to a good match. Smith still looks green in a lot of ways. But, he looked better here. The match went about 14 minutes and featured some nice wrestling action. There were a few dull spots. Smith needs to learn some submission holds that actually look like they might hurt his opponent. That would make some of the down time in the match more visually interesting. Christian looked determined to put on a good match. The ending was predictable, and while I feel that the Hart Dynasty shouldn't have to cheat to win every match, this was a case where it makes sense.

Swagger vs. Dreamer: One day after bad mouthing Christian and Tommy Dreamer for their match on Raw, I find myself giving each a Hit for their matches on ECW. It isn't surprising that both would turn in better efforts and matches considering the time given to them on ECW. This match was better than the previous matches between Dreamer and Jack Swagger. That power slam on the outside before the commercial was brutal! I also liked the pained look on Dreamer's face when it came back from the break as Swagger had him locked in a submission hold. Swagger continues to show why he will be a huge star for years to come after being drafted next year to Raw or Smackdown. Dreamer looks more confident in his role as ECW Champion. It was interesting how Swagger got the win, but was unable to use his gut wrench powerbomb.

Finlay Bashes Everyone: It was fun to finally see Finlay do something with an edge. It has been a long time since I have been able to say that. I liked seeing him come to Christian's aid, only to bash him with the shillelagh moments later. It was good to see Christian getting some revenge (and a very nice pop) by attacking Finlay at the end of the show when Finlay attacked Dreamer. Finlay completed the show nicely by bashing Jack Swagger too. This is what I want to see from Finlay now that he isn't held back into a kid pleasing role with Hornswoggle.

ECW MISSES

Can We Wait and See with the Hart Dynasty?: I have noticed that some people, both in and out of WWE, have been very quick to put this new team on a lofty pedestal. Maybe we should be fair to the new team and let them develop their skills and chemistry and gain experience before making them out to be the new Hart Foundation or British Bulldogs. It was one thing to hear David Hart Smith refer to himself as being better than his father on his second appearance on ECW. But, it is very tiresome to hear Matt Striker refer to the team as better than either previous generation tag team. I understand why he does it (Vince tells him to). I understand why it is the company line. WWE wants the fans to buy into this team in a big way. That makes sense. But, I feel that it is a little like when a new phenom basketball player comes along and wears #23 and gets the questions about whether or not he is the next Michael Jordan. It is a little too soon, isn't it? The Hart Dynasty has to win something before being compared to two great teams of the past. Striker loses credibility with such outlandish statements, even if he is a heel announcer talking up a heel tag team.

Wasting Bourne: I don't understand WWE wasting Evan Bourne's talents by having him get squashed by Mark Henry in about 3 minutes. Did that match do anything but bury Bourne? I am not a Henry hater. I think he had by far his best year in WWE last year. He has improved in the ring and stayed healthy. He has some charisma and mic skills. He can have good "big man" matches. But, watching him squash Bourne who can do so many amazing things in the ring was not fun to watch. Is Henry going to get elevated because of this victory? I doubt it. So, what was accomplished?

Raw Rebound: I understand that this week's Raw was hugely news worthy. But, I am not buying the notion that very many fans (if any at all) watch ECW who don't watch Raw. Sitting through video footage from the night before is ridiculous. I don't need to see it again, especially not so soon. Besides, isn't Raw owned by Donald Trump now? Why would Vince McMahon air footage on his show from a show owned by someone else?

Jon Mezzera is PWTorch.com's WWE Hits & Misses Specialist, providing his point of view for Raw, Smackdown, ECW, and Superstars each week. Email him at jmezz-torch@sbcglobal.net.

For another view from the original Hitlist author, compare Jason Powell's views to mine by visiting prowrestling.NET's "Hitlist" section here.

Send feedback on this article to pwtorch@gmail.com and we'll regularly publish reader feedback in the "Torch Feedback" category on the Main Listing.

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