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.
Chris Jericho praises his WrestleMania oppoenent Edge. He is a tremendous performer, his drive and determination is second to none. There has never been anyone in the business able to come back from as many injuries as Edge. Came back three months early from his Achilles Tendon injury, won the Royal Rumble and that is an impressive story. Chris admits that Edge has every tool to defeat him except for one, DNA. Chris Jericho has never been injured, but Edge is constantly injured. Chris Jericho has vowed that he will use that flaw to end Edge's career.
Matt Hardy and MVP teaming up brings back memories of when they were the WWE Tag Team Champions back in 2007. Certainly things have changed over the years as MVP (fan favorite) is now friends with Matt.
Possibly the most idiotic move on WWE's part to team John Morrison and R-Truth to take on the Unified Tag Team Champions. Albeit, Morrison and Truth are rising stars but they do not belong in a tag team match.
Teddy Long issued this main-event match to symbolize Drew McIntyre's "undefeated" streak against Undertaker who has a real Undefeated Streak. Knowing full well that McIntyre indeed lost to both Kane and Matt Hardy, Long felt it prudent to teach McIntyre what a real Undefeated streak meant.
Oh how far WWE has fallen... When John Cena stood in the same presence as Stone Cold Steve Austin, the fans of the Attitude Era wept. Stone Cold Steve Austin may not seem like much of a wrestler, but he was a technician in the ring who went grip for grap with "The Excellence of Execution" Bret Hart.
WrestleMania Rewinds means jack squat in the realm of the WWE. Its not about living in the past, its about looking towards the future. We saw it with Cena's match against Big Show, and this match was no different.
Thirteen years ago, Bret may have screwed Bret, and recently, Vince may have screwed Bret, but chosing Stone Cold as the guest host, Vince screwed Vince. In a contract signing between these combustible elements, there is only one man that can keep these guys in check, and that is the guy who had been whipping their asses since the start - Stone Cold Steve Austin.
After suffering his first loss at the hands of Darren Young, David Otunga has lost faith in his mentor (R-Truth) without taking the time to realize that C.M. Punk was the cause of the upset. Yet, this week, the two worked as a cohesive unit as they capitalized on the ever growing split between Miz and Daniel Bryan.
Wade Barrett, a personal favorite to win the NXT competition, is rolling with great momentum after defeating fan favorite, Daniel Bryan, last week. This week, he went one on one with Justin Gabriel.
Last week, Edge competed in one of the most impressive main-events to date on SmackDown, against The Miz. Holding a victory over one-half of the Unified Tag Team Champions, it is only a matter of time before the other-half pays a visit. Most people just assume that it is a tag team thing, collect victories over the dominating tag team and you gain momentum. But there is a significance of Edge taking on The Big Show.
Unlike his Festus in-ring gimmick, Luke Gallows is a competent wrestler. His match against Mysterio was top-notch to what he brings to the Straightedge Society. Despite losing the match, Gallows forcibly latched onto Mysterio and flung him to the turnbuckle. He would then ground Mysterio with a chin lock, evade a crossbody with a throw-a-way slam, and power out of Rey's Dragon Sleeper by inching his body towards the ropes. 
The World's Largest Athlete has claimed many a victory with the Kayo punch, but Edge has vowed to spear his way to his 10th World Title reign. The last time these two confronted was during last year's WrestleMania, in a Triple-Threat Match in which Edge was the defending champion. But with the passing of a year comes new rivalries. 
Surprisingly not making an appearance on RAW, Kofi Kingston wrestled on WWE Superstars against Chavo Guerrero. Always a treat to see a basic mat wrestling match. Chavo Guerrero, who is highly underrated, brought Kofi Kingston back to a more solid wrestling based match, rather than the crazy high-flying ones that he is use to. Kofi, originally with a Jamaican gimmick, has shed the yellow and green trunks for red and black. Signs of a more serious competitor, as well as signs of unrelenting after missing the first Trouble in Paradise kick, immediately followed up with a second for the win.
Despite getting speared for six weeks, Chris Jericho is indeed the World Heavyweight Champion. When Edge was injured, everyone thought that Chris Jericho would drop the titles to Legacy, but he did what no one else could. He revived the career of the Big Show, and together they successfully held the titles for half a year. And when no one believed The Undertaker could lose the title inside the Elimination Chamber, Chris Jericho set out what he said he would do and became The World Heavyweight Champion for a sixth time. And on March 28th, in front of the sold out stadium for WrestleMania, Chris Jericho will defend his World Heavyweight Championship against Edge.
Welcome once again to WWEStrikesBack's NXT blog post. Last week was the inaugural episode which surpassed the ratings of any past episode of ECW on ScyFy, and is growing into a phenomenon. NXT Host Matt Striker, who can also be seen as the color commentator on Friday Night SmackDown, explained another concept to the enigma that is NXT. At the end of the season, all the pros will have a chance to vote for, or against, a rookie of their choosing. However, a pro cannot vote for or against their own rookie. So guys like Daniel Bryan and Skip Sheffield need not worry about what their mentors have to say.
Thus far, we have seen every rookie wrestle once or twice in the ring, but the main-event showcased the remaining two rookies having yet to make an appearance. The main-event was a tag team match scheduled for one fall. On one side of the ring we had Matt Hardy and his rookie, Justin Gabriel, and on the opposing side, William Regal and his rookie, Skip Sheffield.
The RAW following the hellacious Elimination Chamber, Chris Jericho celebrated his World Heavyweight Title win only to be speared again by Edge, who announced Chris as his WrestleMania opponent. Enraged, Jericho vowed that he would never be speared again.
Luck is back on Michelle McCool's side as she once again captured the Women's Championship, making her a four-time female champion. However, the incidents factoring around her title win is controversal at best.
The Miz arrived on SmackDown because he doesn't have a match for WrestleMania. He demanded that Teddy Long find a tag team to defend the Unified Tag Team Titles against, but instead, Teddy scheduled Miz into the main-event against Edge.
Welcome to the premiere post of WWE's newest concept NXT. Let's get underway with what exactly is NXT? NXT is a new concept where WWE plucks out eight rookies from FCW and pair them off with eight WWE pros from SmackDown and RAW. The show kicked off with The Miz introducing his Rookie, Daniel Bryan, an "Internet darling" and famous in the "minor leagues." Daniel's first task: enter the arena along to Miz's entrance theme, introduce himself, and come up with a catchphrase.
At the top of the RAW program, we were not introduced to some inane guest hosts or to the new WWE Champion, Justin Roberts proudly announced the new World Heavyweight Champion, Chris Jericho. Each and every week, Chris Jericho enters the ring with an antagonized look on his face, but the walls of Jericho have been torn down and rebuilt with the fortitude and exuberance that being a sixth-time World Champion can bring. His sprightliness was that of a child going to Disneyland, (hoisting the WHT high) "I'm going to WRESTLEMANIA!"
When Shawn Michaels won the Slammy Award for Best Match of the Year, he challenged the Undertaker to a rematch. People claim that Michaels-Taker was the greatest match in WrestleMania History - Possibly of all time... but it wasn't the perfect match. In Shawn Michaels mind, it was nearly perfect and he made one mistake - JUST ONE! That one mistake cost Michaels everything.
Right after winning the WWE Championship inside a grueling elimination chamber, John Cena was forced to defend the title against Batista. John Cena claims that he got screwed over by Vince McMahon, but as McMahon has stated, it was business. A few weeks ago, McMahon made a business deal with Batista to help him out with Bret Hart, and in return he could have a World Title shot at anytime. John Cena made it personal when he tried saving Bret from McMahon and Batista. Batista fired back by attacking Cena, and last week, John Cena made it even more personal by telling Batista if he wanted some, come get some. It was just business, Batista took Cena's words to heart and simply decided to target Cena at his most vulnerable.
