By now most of you are aware of both Raw and Smackdown's Championship Scramble matches. After watching Smackdown, I'm very interested in this concept.
Much like this year's No Way Out, the concept for Unforgiven's main event is the same for Raw as it is for Smackdown, but they have different purposes.
While Raw's is due to a surplus of main eventers, Smackdown's is to raise the mid card. This is a very interesting, but much needed move.
This year's draft was good to both brands (and for the record ECW has done a good job staying entertaining while seemingly getting raped in the draft).
After the draft the two brands almost felt even, as Raw had an all-star cast of main eventers in Batista, John Cena, JBL, Randy Orton, Chris Jericho, Shawn Michaels, Kane and Rey Mysterio. With the addition of CM Punk to the main event, you can run your own WrestleMania from that roster.
With Smackdown switching networks they took the "you gotta tune in" approach casting "must-see" wrestlers such as the always popular HHH, the always exciting Jeff Hardy, the unpredictable Edge, the (no introduction needed) Undertaker, The outspoken Mr. Kennedy, along with guys The Big Show, Umaga, The Great Khali, and MVP.
Raw's overcrowded approach seemed to work better for them, as they were able to use it to their advantage with everyone chasing a title or each other. The problem is they don't have enough faith in their champ to see him headline a PPV on his own. While CM Punk is popular, he doesn't have the star power like other guys.
Smackdown's luck in the world title picture...well, it kind of went dry. Mr. Kennedy and Umaga both went out to injury. Edge has to sell an injury. The Undertaker is seeking revenge on La Familia, Khali blew his chance at Summerslam, and The Big Show is being "overlooked."
So the WWE answered both of their problems with a concept new to the World Title's. A Championship Scramble. It seems like a great idea. Raw will no doubt have the main event of the night surrounding Punk with big names in an exciting match. Smackdown will put on a great showing with their new stars.
For many, this will be their first time in a world title match. Shelton Benjamin is a guy who could always put on a show but never could do much with his pushes. He has some credibility as he is the current United States champion and has actually beaten HHH before a few years back.
Jeff Hardy is right on the brink of the main event. He's had a bittersweet year as he's been arguably this year's hottest wrestler, but his personal problems have kept him from going to that next level.
MVP had a tremendous year last year and it seemed like he was on the brink this year competing in the elimination chamber and Money In the Bank then after losing to Matt Hardy he was kind of just lost on Smackdown. The WWE appears to be trying to build his momentum back up.
The biggest surprise in this match however is The Brian Kendrick. A man who re-debuted on Smackdown a few weeks ago. Since then he's been in a squashing jobbers with the help of his bodyguard. The WWE seems to have wanted to split him up from Paul London and give him a push for a while, even including a small heel turn just before Wrestlemania.
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