Saturday, April 3, 2010

SmackDown Results: 4/2/10 - SmackDown Gets Swag!

Chris Jericho No Longer Champion, Bank on That!

Similar to two years ago when Edge lost the World Heavyweight title to C.M. Punk, after Batista assaulted Edge which prompted Punk to cash in his Money in the Bank contract and defeat Edge to win the title, Jack Swagger cashed in his briefcase on Chris Jericho, who had just been assaulted by Edge. Seems like karma is coming back to Edge tenfold as he was dubbed the Ultimate Opportunist for cashing in the first-ever Money in the Bank contract against John Cena after he had retained the title inside an Elimination Chamber back in 2006 at New Year's Revolution; and again on The Undertaker in 2007 who had just retained his title in a Steel Cage Match on SmackDown. Edge lost his title match to Chris Jericho at WrestleMania after a blatant shot to the head with the World Heavyweight Title, but Edge received retribution when he speared Chris Jericho off of the announce table and into the time keeper's barricade. Being denied of a rematch on SmackDown, Edge rushed Jericho with the Edgecution followed by a Spear! Jack Swagger than used the opportunity to strike Edge with the briefcase, cashed in his Money in the Bank contract, and connected with the Gutwrench powerbomb for his first World Heavyweight Championship.

Jack Swagger became the ECW Champion on January 12, 2009 by defeating Matt Hardy for the strap, and now more than a year removed, Jack Swagger won the Money in the Bank Ladder Match at WrestleMania and cashed it in just five days later to become the World Heavyweight Champion. Swagger was always meant for greatness, but his switch over to RAW and constant jobbing to Santino Marella has hurt his credibility as the Champion. But much like Edge and C.M. Punk who cashed in their first Money in the Bank contracts when they weren't ready, over time they became credible World Champions. If this reign is anything like we saw in ECW, SmackDown is in for a rush of intense physical match ups and successful title retentions.

It's About Tyme Cryme Tyme Split
R-Truth and John Morrison vs. Cryme Tyme

After losing against R-Truth and John Morrison, in which Shad Gaspard never had the chance to tag in his partner, Gaspard assaulted JTG. Cryme Tyme have been teaming, stealing, and tugging together for four years, but another loss and zero tag team titles later, Shad has had enough.

With a big boot to the face followed by an STO on JTG, Shad Gaspard has proclaimed that there is no more Cryme Tyme, but only "My Time." Realistically, Cryme Tyme has never been a formidable tag team, never accomplished any goals, and has jobbed to everyone in the business. In late 2009, WWE had given individual attention to JTG who scored an upset over Chris Jericho. It is a surprise that now Shad Gaspard is getting the push towards a singles career. Will we see a match between these two former tag team partners, or will JTG slowly be forgotten?

Matt Hardy's WWE Future Shock
Drew McIntyre vs. Matt Hardy

This match up between Matt Hardy and Drew McIntyre cannot even be considered a squash match because it never started. McIntyre attacked Matt Hardy prior to entering the ring and struck with the Future Shock DDT. A few weeks ago, Matt Hardy delivered Drew's second "first loss" to qualify for Money in the Bank. Yet, with another WrestleMania set in the record books, Drew McIntyre went back to doing what he was known for, dominating his opponents. As for Matt Hardy, the heart and soul of the WWE, he was seconds away from becoming this year's Mr. Money in the Bank. And while the out pour of cheers for the possible culmination of a twelve year long journey was strong within the University of Phoenix Stadium, Matt Hardy did not win. Then for WWE to place Matt Hardy in this job boggles the mind. The fans want Matt Hardy to reach the mountain top, why would the powers that be within the WWE keep throwing Matt back in a jobbing position?

Back to India The Great Khali Goes
Dolph Ziggler vs. The Great Khali

In another squash match (becoming a regular thing), Dolph Ziggler picked his spots and locked in the sleeper hold on The Great Khali. The Punjabi Playboy was able to throw Ziggler off, but was susceptible to a second sleeper. Unable to break the hold, Khali was unable to continue and lost the match via submission. Afterwards, Khali informed the WWE Universe that he would be returning back to India to spend time with family and recharge his batteries. In other words, either his visa has expired, or his leave of absence from the Punjabi police force is long over due.

C.M. Punk's Hairy Proposal

C.M. Punk lost to Rey Mysterio at WrestleMania, thus losing a new recruit to the Straightedge Society. The leader of the Straightedge Society has requested a rematch, and if Punk loses to Mysterio again, he is willing to part with his hair. Much like the sacredness of a Samuari's top knot, Punk's hair is a symbol of his leadership status within the Straightedge Society because he has never been tainted with drugs or alcohol. Punk's offer is to show Mysterio that he actually cares about saving his soul. But do not let the offering fool anyone, because behind those eyes of C.M. Punk lies hatred towards a world filled with drugs and alcohol. C.M. Punk may look like the anti-Christ, but his dream of a non-hallucinogen society has some merit; however, his approach of the ends justify the means disregards the law of free will.

A Glam Slam Victory
Beth Phoenix and Tiffany vs. Michelle McCool and Layla w/Vickie Guerrero

Beth Phoenix was not able to lead her team to victory at WrestleMania, but on SmackDown she proved once again why she is the most dominate diva in all the WWE. She once again teamed up with Tiffany against Women's Champion Michelle McCool and Layla. Tiffany continued to improve on her in-ring skill set as she tripped McCool with a drop down toe-hold and connected with an Inverted Atomic Drop. But it was Beth Phoenix who dominated Layla with an airplane spin, clotheslines, and The Glam Slam. Vickie Guerrero may not want to give Beth Phoenix a title shot, but eventually Vickie will be forced to place McCool in a title match.

Kane's NEXT victims
Kane vs. All 8 NXT Rookies

Kane growing bored and frustrated with the amounting losses announced that he would take on his frustration against the entire NXT roster. After the pros had their first poll to rank the NXT rookies, it has been announced that in six weeks, the rookie that reaches last place will be eliminated from the NXT competition. So for this match to feature all the NXT rookies is a major treat, because only one will make it into the WWE, while the other 7 will be sent back to FCW or out of WWE.

Kane started out the match with Daniel Bryan, who ranked #1 in the polls despite his 0-5 loss record prior to voting. Daniel Bryan may be the best wrestler, but when it comes to the Big Red Monster Kane, 10 years in the indies cannot prepare you for that encounter. Wade Barret, ranking in 2nd place and mentored by the now-former World Heavyweight Champion, was the first to be eliminated by Kane. Heath Slater, undefeated on NXT, became Kane's next victim as he was eliminated. The match ended in disqualification as the remaining 6 rookies ambushed Kane, thus disregarding the tag-in rule. Then in order to make an impact, Daniel Bryan went air born with a double kick to the face of Kane, followed by Justin Gabriel who struck with the 450 Splash.

The World Heavyweight Champion's Inaugural Address

The new World Heavyweight Champion, Jack Swagger, addressed the WWE Universe and proclaimed that his World Title win was a sign of him succeeding Shawn Michaels as the company's greatest wrestler. Jack Swagger does have the makings of becoming a dominate World Champion, it is however sad that it took a World Title to elevate his status, when his wrestling and power speaks for itself.

Chris Jericho and Edge argued on who should take on Jack Swagger, seeing as Jericho is injured and unable to use his rematch and Edge does not have a rematch. Teddy Long, possibly the worst GM in the WWE, is giving Chris Jericho, an injured man, a hard time of not wanting to use his rematch. Yet, he allows Michelle McCool to not defend her title well past the 30 day mark. If Batista can utilize his rematch when he feels the time is right, Chris Jericho should be allowed until the next pay-per-view to contend for Swagger's title.

Afterwards, Teddy Long has announced that next week, Chris Jericho and Edge will face each other for a shot at the World Heavyweight Title. Then Chris Jericho struck Edge with the Codebreaker, but was doubled in pain from his existing injury. Jack Swagger entered the ring and delivered Gutwrench powerbombs to both Chris Jericho and Edge. Love him or hate him, Jack Swagger is the World Heavyweight Champion.

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