WWE Survivor Series Results: Mark Henry Injury Angle Adds Intrigue to Smackdown

After Mark Henry defeated Big Show by disqualification at Survivor Series, most of the WWE Universe probably figured it was just a way to extend the pair's feud. However, by running an injury angle with the World Heavyweight Champion, Smackdown becomes must-see television.

Smackdown continues to be a second-tier program compared to Monday Night RAW, but it seems like the company is making a concerted effort to make it more relevant in recent months.

Between the long, dominant title reign by Henry and a solid battle between Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes, it's not the optional viewing program it was once for a casual WWE fan (unless you're a big fan of spoilers, of course).

And Henry's potential absence opens up a bunch of possibilities.

It could be a way to get the strap off Henry without having to make him look loose. When you have a wrestler on a huge roll like the World's Strongest Man, whatever person defeats him immediately garners a lot more pressure.

This could be a way to circumvent that problem. Potential contenders include Sheamus and Wade Barrett, who picked up the victory in the traditional 10-man tag team match on Sunday night, and both would benefit from lower expectations.

The best way to solve an opening like this is always a single-elimination tournament leading up to the next pay-per-view. December's Tables, Ladders and Chairs could definitely use the boost.

That said, it's no guarantee Henry will be out long term.

It could just be another way to make him look amazingly strong. If he's able to bounce back from Big Show jumping on his leg, he'll officially reach rare air when it comes to unexpected pushes.

WWE has been flirting with a feud between Henry and Money in the Bank briefcase holder Daniel Bryan recently, which wouldn't make much sense if Henry is about to be off TV for awhile. Unless, of course, they are already building toward WrestleMania.

There's no way to predict what will happen and that's exactly what the WWE Universe loves. One thing's for sure, no die-hard fan can miss Smackdown on Friday.

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