SmackDown Team Decided; Submission Rematch Set for Next Week

SmackDown may be in serious trouble when it comes to the 7-on-7 tag team match at Bragging Rights. If one looks at the RAW team, it's captained by DX, and they have 2 giants, and 3 rising stars on their side; but over on Jericho's team, the qualifying matches didn't breed a suitable team as one might have hoped.

Jericho started the night announcing his position as the team captain, as well as bad mouthing the shameless merchandising that DX plugs every minute, aka The Unauthorized History of DX. Unbeknown to Jericho's knowledge, Kane appointed himself the co-captain of the team. Jericho, intimidated, seemed rather accepting of Kane's self appointment, because it will take a strong team to take down Team RAW.

The first qualifying match was a triple threat match: Finlay, Mike Knox, and Dolph Ziggler. If it were up to me, I'd chose Mike Knox because his stature and boot to the face could prove useful against two other giants. But in the realm of predictability, Dolph Ziggler got the win after Finlay used the shillelagh on Knox, then took advantage of the prey. Some people are upset that Ziggler hasn't won the title yet, but honestly, Ziggler is not ready. People should stop being so obsessed with titles, a superstar has to be built and show quality craftsmanship in the ring. And as for Finlay, WWE has screwed him over - don't expect him to get a push anytime soon.

Team SmackDown: Chris Jericho, Kane, and Dolph Ziggler.

Second qualifying match was a tag team match where the winning team both advance to the SmackDown team: The Hart Dynasty vs. Cryme Tyme. With Eve being drafted to RAW, one would assume that the dynamic of Cryme Tyme would have fizzed, but they were as sharp as ever. If I were Jericho, neither one of them would advance - they are not hungry enough to taste victory! JTG managed to connect with the neck breaker on Tyson Kidd. The Hart Dynasty were taken out of ECW way too early, they never had enough time to develop.

Team SmackDown: Chris Jericho, Kane, Dolph Ziggler, and Cryme Tyme.

The following qualifying match was set for one fall: Eric Escobar w/ Vickie Guerrero vs Matt Hardy. This match could have gone 2 ways: Matt Hardy wins since he's been in the company for 10+ years; or the win would go to Eric to build his credibility. But to place him in a qualifying match for a pay-per-view? That's too much, plus look at the guy, he's out of shape. You could tell Eric was new because of the rigid grapple moves he held. Escobar won the match with a roll up and a distraction from his manager. What really looked over done was Escobar constant pulling on Matt Hardy's tights. Even during the roll up when Matt was unconscious and no signs of fighting, Eric went straight for the tights - unnecessary. It was a major upset, to watch Matt Hardy be disgraced in the ring like this. He certainly is paying for someone else's sins.

SmackDown Team: Chris Jericho, Kane, Dolph Ziggler, Cryme Tyme, Eric Escobar.

The final qualifying match, also set for one-fall: Drew McIntyre vs R-Truth. Drew McIntyre is a sad attempt from WWE to relive the Rowdy days of professional wrestling. So far, the guy has not brought anything to the ring that would make me what to watch. But of course, since WWE is pushing Drew that he would win the match. R-Truth, much like Evan Bourne, has the support of the fans but he has always been set to lose. We even see a shot of Jericho and Teddy discussing about Drew backstage. Like they actually believe that Drew will be the next best thing. McIntyre didn't win the match by pin fall, rather he won via count out.

Final SmackDown Team: Chris Jericho, Kane, Dolph Ziggler, Cryme Tyme, Eric Escobar, and Drew McIntyre.

And the final match of the night, technically the only match that had nothing to do with the SmackDown Team: Batista vs. Rey Mysterio. This is probably the fakest of all friendships. The way they talk to each other and hug each other ever so gently... It's questionable say the least. How can I root for either of these phonies, where Batista sees himself winning Taker's World Heavyweight Title, and to have Rey just being ok with that. All jokes aside, when the World Heavyweight or WWE Title is on the line, all friendship ties are severed. The match started off as just a basic fight, but when Mysterio attempted the 619, Batista's true colors showed. He knows deep down that Mysterio is not championship material or good enough to take him down. Much like what happened to Regal two weeks ago, the referee blindly counted the 3-count in favor of Mysterio. I say in favor because Batista's shoulder was off the matt, thus only a 2 and a half count. But they hugged it out anyway; again, ever so gently. But before Mysterio could enjoy his mocked victory, CM Punk rushed to the ring to deliver a devastating GTS. As the Fatal Four-Way draws near, it looks as if CM Punk made 2 more enemies.

It has been announced by Mr. McMahon that a rematch of the controversial Breaking Point World Heavyweight Title Submission match between CM Punk and The Undertaker will take place next week on SmackDown. And Scott Armstrong will be the referee again, with Teddy Long at ringside. Will Undertaker still be the champion headed to Bragging Rights, or will CM Punk be bragging over his 4th WHT Reign?