SmackDown Results: 12/18/09

Batista's Challenge: After being screwed over at TLC, Batista demanded that Teddy Long made things right. And by screwed over, we mean that, either Long did right with restarting the match - making it fair for both of the competitors; or, he was in the wrong because all the other times that the referee's decision has been made - despite the foul play that goes unnoticed - it doesn't get restarted. Remember, the chairs match was a regular match, except for the use of chairs as the only legal weapon. So when Batista went for the low blow - Batista just plain cost himself the match. However, Charles Robinson never saw the low blow so he was right to award Batista the title. But was Long being gracious to restart the match, allowing both competitors an equal opportunity, or was he looking after himself? Yet, Taker was still reeling from the effects of that low blow, and still managed to strike with the tombstone. So tonight, Batista claimed there was no one else in the locker room who would dare challenge him for a #1 contenders match and to automatically grant him another title shot, well... think again. Rey Mysterio appeared to take on the challenge. Sure, Batista has pummeled him to the ring mat on two different occasions, but what about when a shot at the holy grail is at stake?

First Match: John Morrison, R-Truth, and Matt Hardy vs. Drew McIntyre, CM Punk, and Luke Gallows. What was really strange about this match, the heels were in the corner of the babyfaces, and the faces over on the heel corner. I have never recalled seeing that. Even on WWE Superstars: Cryme Tyme was on the left side while Ziggler and Knox were on the right. It's just how it has always been. I wonder what was the deal with that? This match had great promise because these superstars are truly the top of their game today. John Morrison, with only one World Heavyweight Title shot under his belt, looks to be in line for the main event picture. CM Punk, a former 3-time World Heavyweight Champion, is an extremely skilled wrestler and has great mic skills. CM Punk also has a protege in Gallows, as Matt Striker took a passage from the Gospel of Luke: "Blessid are those that are poor, suffer, and are hungry, for yours is the kingdom." Can Punk and Gallow's Straight-Edge lifestyle really find them the kingdom? And by kingdom, are they sticking to the kingdom of Heaven, or the top of the mountain of the WWE? Then you have Matt Hardy, the man who will not die, is probably on probation with the WWE, since he's had two life-threatening surgeries within the past year and a half. Once Hardy remains off the hospital gurney long enough, I don't see why WWE wouldn't put him in the main event slot. R-Truth and Luke Gallows are just starting out, but they have the personality and the skill to move up the rungs of the WWE ladder. I really liked the match, we get to see John Morrison dish out some punishment to Drew McIntyre, who, not only has been undefeated since coming to the WWE, is now the new Intercontinental Champion. The match had a weak ending - CM Punk, with the assist from Gallows, took his Slammy and knocked Hardy, without the ref's awareness of course, and went for the cover. The winners were: Drew McIntyre, CM Punk and Luke Gallows.

Second Match: Eric Escobar vs. Kane. Escobar keeps getting himself in to trouble, and this week was no different. Kane, who has advanced in the ECW Homecoming tournament (see ECW review for this week), was Escobar's opponent. Obviously, if Zack Ryder can't defeat him, how can a newbie like Eric? Chokeslam city was all he wrote, and Vickie went to gloat on his pain. Escobar proclaims that he may be in pain today but he'll heal, yet she will always be ugly. Escobar turning into a face at Vickie's expense.

Third Match: Chris Jericho vs. The Great Khali. The much anticipated return of Khali? Says who?? Matt Striker. I certainly wasn't anticipating Khali's return. I actually thought SmackDown ran better without him. The only thing about him that is remotely interesting is his sheer size, and the toned muscles that he use to have. However, the Playboy has let himself go as he now has love handles. Chris Jericho vows to be back on RAW, title-or no title, but losing his first match as a non-Unified Tag champion is certainly not the way to go. Jericho lost via count-out, as he refused to continue fighting against Khali.

Fourth Match: The Hart Dynasty vs. Jimmy Wang Yang and Slam Master J. Turns out Jimmy Wang Yang has a slightly altered gimmick that I would like to mention, he now wants to referred as the Asian Redneck Gangsta. Wait... The Asian Redneck Gangsta.....? NO! NO!! What in the heck WWE!?!? You CAN NOT do that! Striker's hilarious, Todd Grisham asked Striker on his thoughts on Dennis Miller's suggestion to have Bret Hart as a guest host. Striker replied, "Its Mr. McMahon, you wanna stay here, or do you want to go somewhere else," that was hilarious. The last time these two teams fought was on WWE Superstars, yet, a different show didn't alter the outcome - by much. Last week, Natalya scoop slammed Yang, but this week it was Slam Master J who would see how strong Natalya really is. Then, J would see how strong Tyson Kidd and DH Smith were with the Hart Attack. We learn that Hart Dynasty will be facing off against DX for the Unified Tag Team Championships, come Christmas Day. Can the Hart Dynasty be able to fend off against the Best in the Biz? or will they prove to be Better than the best, period?

Fifth Match: Beth Phoenix vs. Maria. Beth was right when she unplugged their SmackDown vs. RAW 2010 the video game, Maria and Mickie James should stop playing games and look for competition. Beth has the right mentality. This match had its significance. While Maria may be the Diva of the Year for 2009, as voted by the fans, Beth Phoenix was the Diva of the Year 2008 as voted by the committee. Maria may feel special that the WWE Universe may be behind her, but Beth Phoenix is a 2-time former Women's Champion. And as we noticed in the match, Phoenix overpowered Maria as a pure athlete should. Phoenix may not have graced the cover of Playboy or made her own wrestling attire, but at least Phoenix remains focused in the spirit of competition, and looks to dominate all who come before her. The winner was Phoenix with the Glam Slam.

#1 Contender's Match for World Heavyweight Title: Batista vs. Rey Mysterio. Rey Mysterio, a man that should have taken off to tend to his injuries, has remained in the WWE for one reason, and one reason only - for a World Title shot. Matt Striker claims that this is the Batista he always knew, the Batista who never never cared about the fans - the Batista who only cared about himself and no one else. Hence, why it is symbolic that the spotlight resides on him throughout his entrance, and the theme "I Walk Alone," finally makes sense. Batista's strenght has always come from his abundant protein intake to make his body more resilent than anyone else's; however, when going up against someone as unpredicatble as Rey Mysterio, it is best to keep a high-flyer grounded at all times. Batista's downfall occured when he attempted a high flying maneuver and was blocked by a a drop kick from Mysterio. Another weakness to note, Batista is not flexible, so when Mysterio caught him in a small-package roll up, Batista could not bring himself to kick out.

Final Assessment: The Batista-Mysterio feud looks like it is far from over. I foresee Batista interferring with Mysterio's title match - costing him the win, just like Mysterio did at Bragging Rights. The confrontation between the two is getting better, and the heat between these two is igniting beautifully. As for the Unified Tag Team Title Match, it has been rumored that Hornswoggle will appear on the SmackDown taping - possibly costing DX the titles, or - depending how the court session goes this Monday - help them retain. Hornswoggle can become the third member and make things even, seeing as Hart Dynasty has the beautiful Natalya.

Next SmackDown:
Unified Tag Team Title Match: (C) D-Generation X vs. The Hart Dynasty
World Heavyweight Title Match: (C) Undertaker vs. Rey Mysterio