4/24/09 Smackdown Thoughts: The Final Prelude to Backlash!

The final Smackdown before Backlash! I personally thought Backlash came too soon after Wrestlemania and the draft, and it's a little confusing to even regular viewers like me since you have to constantly remind yourself of who belongs to what brand.

CM Punk and Jeff Hardy vs. Kane and Matt Hardy

It turned out to be a decent match between four of the best in-ring performers on Smackdown. It was a good build up to the match at Backlash that will likely be the last for the Hardy brothers. I’m kind of bored of seeing them constantly fighting each other anyway, no matter how good it is.

CM Punk and Kane would probably be the pre-show match or the opening match at Backlash. What a waste though. Their program should have a lot more build up.

Big Show vs. Undertaker

I did say I thought the Big Show was one of the best big men ever. I retract that.  He wasn’t that good in this match. He’s good no doubt you can’t deny that though. If you disagree, I would love to hear your argument.

I don’t like the idea of having Undertaker wrestle two weeks in a row, especially when it doesn’t progress a storyline. What a dumb way to end the match. C’mon man, give Undertaker a break from Backlash.

Maryse vs. Gail Kim

Another short match. I’ve seen nothing much in this match that impressed or disappointed me. I thought Gail would win here, but I guess this loss probably mean that her time is over. It’s a waste though. I think it’s time for Maryse to drop the title.

MVP vs. Chavo Guerrero

At this point, I’m kind of wondering to myself, "Backlash is two days away and here’s another match with no build up”. The match itself was kind of short, and I think it could have gone on a lot longer.

For what it’s worth, the few minutes we got were relatively interesting. But at the end I kind of get it. They’re building a Dolph/MVP feud. What has Dolph done to deserve a shot at the tile anyway?

Shane McMahon and Batista vs. Priceless

I like this tag team. Shane and Batista did show flashes of brilliance that I didn’t really expect. The crowd was fairly silent though. I didn’t like the ending Batista was standing at the corner doing nothing. I wouldn’t expect anyone from team HHH to turn heel now.

Overall, a so-so Smackdown.

Additional thoughts

The John Cena and Edge feud is suddenly serious. I like the direction it’s going, but maybe Backlash came too soon. An additional week of further bad blood would act more intensity in the feud.

I’m looking forward to having the wrestlers who got drafted away leave and those who are coming to Smackdown actually turn up and stop all the mixed bull shit that’s surely confusing the casual viewers.