SmackDown Results: 3/26/10 - Beth Phoenix Excuses Vickie Guerrero

Beth Phoenix has had her eyes set on Michelle McCool's Women's Title since arriving to SmackDown early in the fall. But a rising Mickie James took the spotlight, leaving Beth to side with McCool to take on her only threat, at the time.

Yet, with Mickie James taking time off to promote her debut country album, Beth Phoenix was certain that her time to challenge for the Women's Title had come. That was until Divas GM, Vickie Guerrero denied the Glamazon the opportunity. Instead of continuing to take a back seat, Beth Phoenix created an enemy within Vickie Guerrero, which culminated into this match between Beth and Vickie.

Much like the evil streak of Mr. McMahon, Vickie altered the match in her favor, making it into a 5-on-1 handicap match. Vickie Guerrero was joined by Women's Champion, Michelle McCool, Divas' Champion, Maryse, Layla, and Alicia Fox. Let's face it, Beth Phoenix is the most dominate "diva" in all of the WWE; heck, Beth Phoenix is the most dominating women's wrestler in all the WWE. And for Todd Grisham to comment, "She's dominate, but not that dominate," when introduced to her four other competitors, one doesn't simply know how dominate Beth can be. In addition, Beth Phoenix is a women's wrestler competing against two models, a former teacher, a dancer, and the widow of Eddie Guerrero, how hard can it be?

The match started off with Layla over confident of Phoenix's odds of winning the match, but in all honesty, Beth can tear her apart. Then during a Guerrilla Press lift, McCool started nudging the head of Beth Phoenix. You might as well be poking a bear or sticking your hand in a tank of piranhas, because Beth helicopter spinned Layla to knock down McCool. After that all hell broke loose as Beth didn't want to wait for the tags, but threw them into the ring and double clotheslined divas 2 at a time. But the numbers game was too much, and a simple kick to the face did her in for the 3-count, much like what happened to Orton on RAW. And just like McMahon, Vickie was tagged in to cover Beth for that 3-count.

And if things couldn't get any worse for Beth Phoenix, McCool suggested that Vickie execute the Frog Splash over the Glamazon. Indeed, it would have been an odd tribute to her late-husband, but the ribbiting splash was held off as Mickie James, Kelly-Kelly, Eve Torres, and Gail Kim cleared the ring. Which it has been announced on wwe.com that all 9, plus Vickie, will compete in a 10 Diva Tag Match at WrestleMania.

And the coup de grâce, Beth got some payback on Vickie Guerrero by accidently ripping off Vickie's pants. Now, I know this is not the wardrobe malfunction that men dream of when watching the Divas wrestle, but it was possibly the most hilarious thing on television. WWE is TV-PG, really? Because I believe that her grandma panties which read "Excuse Me" in bedazzled jewels just blinded the WWE Universe. Beth Phoenix, much like Melina, has crossed over from heel to fan favorite in miraculous fashion.

As for the WrestleMania match, whether it is a dark match or simply five minutes, it beats any Divas match in the past 3 years. There is no Playboy gimmicked matches, Lumber jills, or spoof Divas Battle Royal, it will be 5 on 5 in a clean match.

SmackDown Results: 3/12/10 - Tiffany Joins SmackDown

The Glamazon's Biggest Challenge to Date

With Mickie James out of action, due to a staph infection, this leaves the SmackDown Divas division without a fan favorite. That was until Tiffany, the former ECW GM, decided that she was going to compete on SmackDown.

We witnessed last week Tiffany babysitting Rey Mysterio's daughter, Aalyah, during what would be a turning point for Rey Mysterio's feud with C.M. Punk. And without ECW, Tiffany's status within the WWE was questionable. However, for those that follow FCW, WWE's developmental territory, Tiffany has been training to become a Diva since 2007.

The Special Consultant of SmackDown, Vickie Guerrero, scheduled Tiffany's debut match to be against the Women's Champion, Michelle McCool. There is no question that Michelle McCool and Layla (Team LayCool) have manipulated Vickie Guerrero with false praises of being "simply flawless." Much like Edge in the past, Michelle realizes the importance of befriending someone in power. And what looked to be a squash match for Tiffany, turned into a hell of a brawl.

Tiffany, with wrestling gear resembling a sexy cheerleader, carried herself towards the ring with presence. McCool, taking Tiffany lightly, found herself in the mist of a fury of clotheslines, drop kicks, and forearms. Tiffany made an impact by taking the fight to the outside and Irish whipping McCool to the barricades. However, Vickie cost Tiffany the match with a blatant tackle. And to make matters worse, McCool drove her knee to the skull of Tiffany against the barricades.

Yet, before the 'Simply Flawless' girls could take out Tiffany, the Glamazon rushed to the ring to deliver some punishment. After a double lariat, LayCool were licking their wounds on the outside, allowing Beth Phoenix to drive Vickie to the canvas. And before Beth could deliver the finishing blow with the GlamSlam, Vickie made her escape.

Let's take this back to last week when Beth Phoenix asked Vickie Guerrero when she would have her title shot against Michelle McCool. Vickie simply replied, never. Beth Phoenix, no doubt the most dominating women's wrestling in all of the WWE past or present, has her biggest challenge to date - the authority of Vickie Guerrero.

Can this story line become the biggest thing to hit the Divas' division since the Mickie James-Trish Stratus rivalry? Could this feud of authority become the biggest thing since Stone Cold and Vince McMahon? I leave it up to you, the WWE Universe, to decide.

SmackDown Results: 2/26/10 - Spear, spear, on SmackDown

Spear, spear, spear on Jericho

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.

Edge then listed Chris Jericho's accomplishments, ranging from becoming the first-ever Undisputed World Champion, defeating Shawn Michaels in his own match, to defeating Undertaker two-times; but he ended each accomplishment with the word, "spear." Edge is sending Jericho the message that no matter what he does, in the end, he will get speared. Edge then informed Chris that come 'Mania, he would be speared again, resulting in Edge's 10th World Title reign.

Chris Jericho then attempted a Code Breaker, but Edge evaded and struck with another spear. Does Edge have Jericho's number; or will he join the fate of the last two Royal Rumble winners?

Dolph Ziggler's perfect restart

A few weeks ago, John Morrison won a Triple-Threat qualifying match to participate in the Elimination Chamber. After failing to capture the World Title, could Morrison win another Triple-Threat to participate in this year's Money in the Bank Ladder match? R-Truth, who also participated in the Elimination Chamber, was inserted in this triple-threat qualifier for MitB. The final competitor was Dolph Ziggler, who has incurred more loses in his quest to become the Intercontinental Champion, counted on the outcome of this match to propel his career.

At the very start of the match, Ziggler's strategy was obvious, have Morrison and Truth battle it out as he picks his spots. Morrison and Truth, knowing this full well, rolled to the outside and tried getting Ziggler in the ring. But the tension shifted after Truth pulled Morrison out of the ring, in order to take on Ziggler by himself. Unable to seal the pinfall, Truth ended up fighting Morrison, a match that the fans were deprived of two weeks ago due to Morrison's tweaked ankle.

Ziggler played to his strengths, evading attacks and avoiding confrontation. With a Lie Detector corkscrew meant for Ziggler, accidentally struck Morrison, thus turning the attention between Morrison and Truth yet again. Morrison, after a pele kick and Starship Pain, covered R-Truth for the pinfall. But Dolph Ziggler pulled Morrison out of the ring at the last second, and covered Truth for the emphatic win. Dolph Ziggler has finally taken the first-step towards reviving his career.

Dolph Ziggler will have his WrestleMania moment as he joins Christian and 6 other competitors in the Money in the Bank, Ladder Match.

Vickie screwed Mickie; New Women's Champion

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.

A few weeks back, Mickie James accidently tossed a plate of cottage cheese at SmackDown's special consultant, Vickie Guerrero. As if the release of Maria from the company wasn't bad enough, the added rival of Vickie, along with LayCool and Beth Phoenix, truly has Mickie outnumbered. Vickie first decided to set Mickie in a handicap match against LayCool following the cottage cheese incident, and then announced that Mickie would defend her title against Michelle McCool, and named herself as the guest referee.

At the Royal Rumble, Mickie James scored some much needed payback, after defeating McCool for the title in one switft DDT. It may have been satisfying for her, but not for the fans that wanted to see a hard fought women's match. This rematch more than made up for the squash, however, it ended with Vickie slapping Mickie in the face, a fast 3-count, and awarding the Women's title to Michelle McCool. In what could be considered a modern-day screw job in women's wrestling, left Mickie James, the only remaining babyface on the SmackDown brand, defeated in the ring. With high hopes of Mickie James defending against Beth Phoenix at WrestleMania may remain a dream. And any chances of Beth Phoenix contending for the title may be hard pressed as McCool now has Vickie Guerrero on her side.

Drew's first loss; Kane qualifies for Money in the Bank

Drew McIntyre had never been defeated, not by R-Truth, John Morrison, not even Kane. The brash Intercontinental Champion, coming off from a major title defense at Sunday's Elimination Chamber pay-per-view, looked to fulfill McMahon's prophesy of being a future World Champion.

All Drew had to do was win one more match to be automatically inserted into the Money in the Bank Ladder match at WrestleMania. And if he won that match, he would then have the opportunity to cash in on a World Title shot at any time, up to one-year. This qualifying match was an opportunity for McIntyre to one-up Rowdy Piper (WWE's famous Scotsman), who's highest achievement was winning the Intercontinental Championship.

At the pay-per-view, Kane lost to McIntyre after being thumbed in the eye and struck with the Future Shock DDT; this time around, Kane was fully aware of McIntyre's capability. After failing to lock in Future Shock, Drew McIntyre shocked the fans, and the announcers, when he connected with a reverse bulldog, similar to Dolph Ziggler's Zig-zag finisher. Yet, Kane managed to kick out, evade a second Future Shock, and connect with a Big Boot for the win.

Similar to Christian, Kane was in the first and last Money in the Bank Ladder match. And just like Christian, Kane has qualified for this year's Money in the Bank Ladder match. At WrestleMania 25, Kane was finger tips away from becoming Mr. Money in the Bank, will this year be different?

Drew McIntyre, incurring his first-ever loss, was distraught. He behaved as if he lost the Intercontinental Title, because he no longer has the edge which made him above everyone else. Despite the loss, Drew McIntyre needs to stop obsessing, and focus on finding an opponent to defend the Intercontinental Title at WrestleMania.

Shelton is Gold for WrestleMania; C.M. Punk vs. Mysterio at 'Mania?

Aside from being synonymous with Straightedge, C.M. Punk is the only 2-time winner of the Money in the Bank Ladder match, back-to-back. And both times, C.M. Punk successfully cashed them in against Edge and Jeff Hardy to capture his first two World Heavyweight Titles. So, a qualifying match to enter this year's MitB would just be a formality, right?

"The Gold Standard" Shelton Benjamin has been in every Money in the Bank, except for one. Shelton may have never won any ladder matches, but he is a gifted athlete that always puts on a performance in such stipulations. His latest conquest was against then-ECW Champion Christian at the TLC pay-per-view. He failed to best Christian, but the two put on possibly the best match of the night, only to be matched by D-X and JeriShow in the TLC main-event. What happens when the two Money in the Bank favorites are set to face each other in a qualifying match?

The match looked in C.M. Punk's favor as he managed to hoist Shelton for the GTS, but was distracted by Rey Mysterio attacking Luke Gallows. C.M. Punk's distraction allowed Shelton to connect with Pay-Dirt to win a spot in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match at WrestleMania XXVI. As for C.M. Punk, he may not be going to WrestleMania via a ladder, but we may see a grudge/lucha apuesta match against Rey Mysterio.

Edge's Awesome spear; The Miz ready to main-event

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.

In the best match of the week, even topping the Jericho-Bryan match on NXT, glimpsed the realization that The Miz is main-event material. Just last year, The Miz was begging for a pay-per-view match, and now he's scoring multiple ppv victories, and main-evented this week's SmackDown against a 9-time World Champion and the winner of the 2010 Royal Rumble, Edge.

Edge is known for bringing the best out of every superstar he faces, whether it be John Cena, Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy, C.M. Punk, or John Morrison, Edge creates quality matches. Just last week, Edge lured Batista out of his no-compete attitude, and got him to fight in a match against him, no other superstar has that level of ring presence that The Rated-R Superstar has. Edge is still a heel, when many felt he would turn babyface, but he still remains a fan favorite because of his willingness to face any opponent head on.

Throughout the match with The Miz, Edge dictated the pace as Miz tried keeping up. NXT Rookie, Daniel Bryan viewed the match from backstage, in order to learn a thing or two from his mentor. The crowd grew considerable reactions from both Miz and Edge, but with an Impaler DDT followed by a spear, Edge would walk away with a victory over the United States/Unified Tag Team Champion.

SmackDown Results: 1/29/10

D-Generation-X Turning SmackDown Upside Down

D-X arrived on SmackDown to defend the Unified Tag Team Titles against the #1 contenders' C.M. Punk and Luke Gallows; however, they ran into some controversy.

Shawn Michaels is dead set on winning the Royal Rumble for another shot at ending the Undertaker's Streak, but what happens if Rey Mysterio defeats Taker this Sunday? This is a possibility that both Taker and Michaels have dismissed, which is why Rey Mysterio called Michaels out. Rey has always respected Shawn, but he feels that he doesn't respect him. Michaels flat out told Rey that he doesn't see him defeating Taker for the title. Yet, Rey stated that he'll do something Michaels nor Triple-H have been able to do at WrestleMania, which is defeat The Undertaker.

C.M. Punk interrupted Rey's challenge to Michaels and reminded everyone that D-X is here to defend the straps against Luke Gallows and himself. And when they win, they will become the first-ever "Straight-Edge" Unified Tag Team Champions. Triple-H then entered an amateur comedy-hour segment with C.M. Punk and his merry crew. Such zingers as: "I'm relieved to know that you're Straight."... "Maybe take them clippers out of the bag, shave that squirrel off you got on your chin." Triple-H's jokes were gold in this segment, but that's because he's a cocky jerk.

Then Teddy R. Long came out and announced that D-X would not be defending the titles, but instead Shawn Michaels would be taking on Rey Mysterio in the main event, and C.M. Punk would take on Triple-H immediately.

C.M. Punk's Evolution

For three weeks, C.M. Punk has been turning people over to the straight-edge lifestyle, but Serena has been the only one to show face the following week. Will she eventually be integrated into the divas' division? That has yet to be decided, but that is probably the course of action that will take place after this cult dissipates.

The announcers have mentioned that Triple-H has been a part of two of the biggest factions in the WWE, and has mentored the likes of Randy Orton and Batista, who are now mega-stars; will The Straight-Edge Society be one day considered as one of the best factions in professional wrestling? The Society has Luke Gallows and Serena, which we witnessed the vital roles they play for C.M. Punk. Luke sucker punched Helmsley behind the ref's back, and Serena provides distractions and a shield for Punk to hide behind.

C.M. Punk has truly evolved into the main-event scene, something he was able to fill three years ago during his encounters with Kane and Batista. C.M. Punk was lucky enough to become the World Heavyweight Champion by cashing in his first Money in the Bank briefcase, but he was considered a paper champion because he didn't belong in the main-event, until now. His match with Triple-H, possibly one of the most decorated men in the WWE, was incredible. Most would assume that Triple-H would have owned the match, this may have been true a few years ago, but Punk has stepped up his game. C.M. Punk went toe-to-toe with the Cerebral Assassin, withstanding the pressure of the figure-four leg lock, and breaking away from the Pedigree. However, a conclusion to this match was too good to be witnessed on SmackDown, hence the disqualification that took place when Serena jumped the back of Triple-H during the second Pedigree attempt.

C.M. Punk has what it takes to defeat Triple-H, and this match is just the beginning to when they finally meet in their Unified Tag Team Match.

R-Truth Breaks Down the Walls

Chris Jericho and R-Truth have danced around with each other in several match-ups, but where is this going? R-Truth failed his United States Title quest when first returning to the WWE; he was the stepping stone for Drew McIntyre; and he failed to see through a feud with C.M. Punk. But unlike the past weeks teaming up with either Cryme Tyme or John Morrison, R-Truth's match with Chris Jericho would be one-on-one.

R-Truth dances around and breaks out a wrestling move once in a while, usually administering mid-air spinning kicks. Despite being unorthodox in his wrestling skill set, Ron "The Truth" Killings not only held his ground against Chris Jericho, but he countered the Walls of Jericho into an Oklahoma roll-up, then withstood the Code Breaker by holding onto the ropes and going for a bridge-pin for the win.

Chris Jericho is not only there for himself, but to create superstars in the process. Will R-Truth finally start moving up the ranks in the WWE?

No-DQ for I-C Title

John Morrison lost the Intercontinental Title to Drew McIntyre at the TLC pay-per-view, and lost his rematch on New Years' Day. Can John Morrison defeat the undefeated Drew McIntyre in a No Disqualification Match for the I-C Title?

John Morrison mentioned how, when lost the title, Drew McIntyre dropped the I-C title backstage to give a chest bump to Sheamus. Now, Morrison is all for celebrating, seeing as he is a rock star, but is that how you treat the Intercontinental Title? John Morrison is a three-time I-C champion, and it was not until he defeated Rey Mysterio that he understood the importance of being the I-C champion.

John Morrison attempted to end the streak of Drew McIntyre and reclaim his title on the same night, but a no DQ match was too unpredictable. Drew pulled out a kendo stick from under the ring and struck Morrison several times before discarding it and going for the cover inside the ring. But the kendo stick would come into play later on in the match by Morrison. After delivering a flying forearm over the barricade, Morrison used the Kendo stick to attack but was hit with a thumb to the eye. Drew then tired using the stick but was launched in the air and spine-first into the steel steps, with an arm drag by John Morrison.

Morrison's undoing came when he dragged McIntyre back into the ring and to execute Starship Pain. McIntyre used the time to recuperate enough to lift his knees at the last second; and then disgraced Morrison by connecting with the double underhook DDT over the Intercontinental Championship.

This was most likely Morrison's final shot at the I-C title, and it is time that Morrison refocuses and moves forward to the next rung in the WWE ladder.

Bad Taste for Mock Women's Title Match

Michelle McCool claimed that Mickie James was done with WWE after last week's farewell, and that she would not have an opponent for this Sunday. She also reassured everyone that she was a fighting champion and would take on anyone who felt that they could defeat her for the Women's Title.

Now, a few names came to mind on who could face McCool: Beth Phoenix, Natalya. But instead, Mick's theme sounded, but Layla showed up in a fat suit and pig snout, pretending to be Mickie James. This storyline has reached its expiration, and the mock title match was by far the most disgusting and degrading display of garbage that WWE has produced.

Michaels-Mysterio, The One?

Shawn Michaels and Rey Mysterio have reached the peak of their careers by winning the Royal Rumble. Shawn Michaels entered in at No. 1 and won the '95 Royal Rumble but lost that year's WrestleMania. Then, the following year, Michaels entered at No. 18 to win the Royal Rumble, and go on to realize his dream by defeating Bret Hart in an Iron Man Match at WrestleMania for the coveted WWE Title. In 2006, Rey Mysterio entered in at No. 2 to win both the Royal Rumble and go on to capture the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 22. Both have their history in the Royal Rumble, and both have come out as champions because of it.

The match showcased possibly the two most passioned competitors in the WWE today. The last time we saw these two fight was in 2005, in honor of the late Eddie Guerrero. Shawn Michaels is no stranger to the luchadore style, as he was trained by Jose Lothario, who taught him the style. Michaels was the first white kid to ever do a moonsault, something that was only reserved for luchadores in his time.

When Michaels connected with the elbow drop, and the Indian Death Lock, Michaels showed Mysterio why he will go on to win the Royal Rumble. But Mysterio attempted to win with the 619, but was superkicked in mid-air by Shawn Michaels.

And just like Punk and Triple-H, this match was too good to be decided on SmackDown, as Batista attacked both Michaels and Mysterio. Triple-H came to Michaels rescue, as Michaels did for Triple-H earlier. Triple-H clashed with Batista and tossed him over the top rope. Batista may feel that he can overpower and hurt anyone who stands in his way, but what happens when the guy you are left with is the man who mentored you in Evolution.

Then the bells tolled, and The Undertaker appeared in the ring to deliver a double chokeslam to Michaels and Mysterio. The Undertaker fears no opponent, because they must go through hell before trying to get to heaven.

SmackDown Results: 1/22/10

Batista's Royal Rumble Promise

The opening bout of the night was "The Animal" Dave Batista versus Finlay. You know... we shouldn't even call Batista Dave anymore, because that implies a sign of kindness, which is clearly not the case. Finlay, on the other hand, is tapping into the Celtic Warrior deep inside by sporting the red hair, instead of the Eminem blonde fade. The two had a gruesome back and forth tussle as the action was forced out of the ring. The referee called for the bell after both competitors failed to return to the ring. However, that didn't stop Batista from tossing Finlay into the announce table, the turnbuckle, and finishing him off in the ring to prove a point.

The point was Batista staking his claim that he will win the Royal Rumble, and challenge the Undertaker at WrestleMania. The Undertaker seems to have a price on his head as Shawn Michaels also looks to challenge him by winning the Royal Rumble.

One Nation, Under Punk

During the past two weeks, C.M. Punk secured two followers, and has now been self-depicted as a savior. This week, a young woman jumped over the barricade, and made her way to touch Punk's shirt; which is very biblical, seeing as a woman once touched Jesus' cloak in order to be healed. The harbinger of sobriety called forth Serena to heal her sins. C.M. Punk is no longer just mocking the pledge of allegiance.... he's taking on a Christ-like persona; except, Christ did not look for praise. Serena took the pledge by having C.M. Punk shave her hair. In this over-drawn segment, C.M. Punk managed to hold the audience's attention without doing a single wrestling move. I consider that an accomplishment, proving that losing the World Heavyweight Title has not slowed down his momentum one bit.

Amazing Showmanship

Initially a handicap match pitting John Morrison against Chris Jericho and Drew McIntyre, Teddy Long evened the match by teaming JoMo with R-Truth. Despite Long turning it into a tag team match, Jericho and McIntyre kept Morrison in their corner, cutting him off from R-Truth.

When The Hart Dynasty placed Jericho in the Hart Attack weeks ago, it was evident that Chris Jericho was a vital part on the elevated star power on SmackDown. Chris Jericho is a phenomenal athlete and a sure fire Hall of Famer, but his caliber of excellence did not occur overnight, he started out as a nobody and strived to the main event scene. Now, he is giving back by helping the youngings, like Drew McIntrye, by showcasing their potential, most of the time through interrupting the announce team, or just by allowing them to shine in the ring.

One of John Morrison's greatest attributes is his endurance in the ring, as this match proved, as he was blocked off from R-Truth for a good eight minutes. Eventually, Truth did get the tag and won the match after Morrison struck Jericho with a pele pick from the outside. It may have been a deceitful way to win, but Morrison's performance alone garners the victory.

Women's Wrestling Not Dead

I would like to take this time to congratulate the women of SmackDown for proving that the WWE is not dead when it comes to Women's Wrestling.

The segment started off with Michelle McCool and Layla, who threw Mickie James a premature "Going Away" Party. Since the Divas' draft, which saw Mickie and Beth Phoenix to SmackDown, Michelle McCool has done everything to eliminate the new threats. Mickie James, being the only fighting babyface on SmackDown, has staked her claim on recapturing the Women's Title. McCool is afraid of the threat that Mickie poses to the Women's Title, so for women, what better way to asses the situation than by destroying their self-esteem? Which has spawned into Lay-Cool's "Piggy James" taunts, with the intent that Mickie will chose to leave SmackDown on her own.

The Slammy Award Winning Diva of the Year, Maria made an unexpected appearance. Recall 2004-2009, Maria had a bubbly dumb-red head personality, but when she entered that ring to confront Lay-Cool, I was impressed. She carried herself as a strong independent woman, which is really what WWE is trying to convey about women.

Mickie James arrived and expressed, in a passionate speech, that real women are short, tall, fat, skinny, curvy, and so forth... Mickie then brought the fight to Michelle, as Maria roughed up Layla. However, Beth Phoenix arrived and sided with Lay-Cool. Similar to Triple-H, Beth Phoenix is a tweener, for lack of a better term; meaning that she can move between heel or face, it doesn't matter, as long as she's #1. Currently, Mickie James is the only threat to Beth Phoenix, seeing as she herself lost the Women's Title to Mickie in 2008. While, in regards to Michelle McCool, Beth knows that she can defeat her at anytime.

Mickie James was held down to get hit in the face with a pig-shaped cake, and doused with red punch. If Mickie was not considering leaving the company, she may now. However, Mickie James will be contending for the Women's Title at The Royal Rumble.

Kane, The Eliminator

The following match up saw Cryme Tyme take on Charlie Haas and Mike Knox. For a moment, when the lights went red, I thought Kane would resume his feud with Mike Knox, but instead he tossed everyone from over the top rope. Kane does hold the record for most eliminations in a single Royal Rumble, so can he win big at his 12th Royal Rumble? If Kane were to win, it would mark the third time these two fought at WrestleMania.

Matt Hardy does it Alone

The third, and final, tag team match of the night was Matt Hardy and The Great Khali against The Hart Dynasty. Matt Hardy took on Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith, practically, by himself because Tyson gave Natalya the idea to distract Khali, which she did beautifully. In Khali's defense, you can't hate the playa, hate the game... now if we can only get Runjin to translate.

The Harts attempted to execute the Hart Attack on Matt Hardy, but he shoved Smith - knocking Kidd off the ropes - and pinned Smith with a small package roll up. So much for Natalya having a bright future anytime soon.

Mysterio Digs his own Grave

Four years ago, Rey Mysterio won the Royal Rumble and went on to win the big one at WrestleMania.; and next Sunday, Mysterio looks to relieve that dream by defeating The Undertaker. Undertaker restates, "I will defeat you," bold words for a small man.

Out of nowhere, Batista attacked Mysterio with two spinebusters, and escaped through the crowd. Is Rey Mysterio digging his own grave, or will he be holding the shovel at the top of the mound?

Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Break Down

Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match #1: Team John Morrison vs. Team The Miz. The captains, both intermediate champions, each successfully defended their titles just days before the pay-per-view. But in what condition would these former team mates be in, especially since Morrison suffered immense damage from his 2 out of 3 falls match with Dolph Ziggler? The action was faced paced with Evan Bourne eliminating Morrison's foe with the Shooting Star Press and then being quickly taken out by SmackDown's newest Scotsman, Drew McIntyre. The playing field evened out with each team losing a player. Then the Celtic Warrior found himself against Finlay, an interesting confrontation as they are both Irishman; one following the stereotypical 'lucky charms' irish lore against the ruthless warrior of ancient Ireland. Sheamus proved the better with a boot to the face that eliminated Finlay right out of the match. Followed by Shelton Benjamin and Matt Hardy, the rest of Morrison's team was eliminated, leaving Morrison as the last remaining superstar against Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, and The Miz. John Morrison put up a valient effort, but was eliminated by Sheamus. This marks the second consecutive pay-per-view, in which The Miz out did his former WWE and World Tag Team partner.

Elimination Break Down:

Evan Bourne pins Ziggler
Drew McIntyre pins Bourne
Sheamus pins Finlay
John Morrison pins Jack Swagger
The Miz pins Benjamin
Drew McIntyre pins Hardy
Sheamus pins Morrison

Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match #2: Team Mickie James vs. Team Michelle McCool. Last year's Divas' Survivor Series Elimination Match saw Beth Phoenix as the sole survivor, but how well would the Glamazon fair after being wanned down in recent months to fighting jobbers? Surprisingly, the weakest links from Mickie's team eliminated the weakest links from McCool's team, then Beth eliminated Eve and Kelly Kelly; thus, eliminating the weak links from both sides. Mickie James, a former 5-time Champion, took out both Melina's adversary, Alicia Fox, and last year's winner, Beth Phoenix. With McCool the last remaining member of her team, The Women's Champion was eliminated by the Divas' Champion. Mickie James and Melina were the survivors of their team.

Elimination Break Down:

Kelly Kelly pins Layla
Michelle McCool pins Gail Kim
Eve Torres pins Jillian Hall
Beth Phoenix pins Kelly Kelly
Beth Phoenix pins Torres
Mickie James pins Phoenix
Mickie James pins Fox
Melina pins McCool

Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match #3: Team Kofi Kingston vs. Team Randy Orton. Legacy proved victorious over The World's Strongest Tag Team, with Orton repeating his take down of Mark Henry, and Rhodes, redeeming his loss on WWE Superstars, by pinning MVP. It was solely up to the ECW Champion, Christian, to eliminate both Rhodes and DiBiase of Legacy, only to be taken out by their leader. It was dissapointing to see R-Truth eliminated so quickly by Punk, seeing as he was given a push on SmackDown. WWE decided to sacrifice that push in order to focus of Kingston's push in recent weeks. Kofi Kingston is no stranger of facing a large group by himself, since he has been a part of numerous Fatal Four-Ways, Triple Threats, and even a 6-Pack Challenge during his United States Title reign; hence, why it was no surprise to see Kofi alone against CM Punk and Randy Orton. Now, don't forget, Kofi and Punk were once World Tag Team Champions over on RAW, so they know how the other thinks, but Kofi found a way to eliminate The Only Straight-Edge in the WWE. The two captains remained, Kofi often getting the better of Orton, would look to win tonight. This feud started because Orton claims that Kofi cost him the WWE Championship at Bragging Rights (sound familiar?), and it escalated to MSG where Kofi broke Orton in half through a table with the Boom Drop. Within seconds, Kofi struck with Lost in Paradise to be, what WWE has dubbed him as the, 'Soul' Survivor, having eliminated two former World Champions.

Elimination Break Down:

Randy Orton pins Henry
CM Punk pins R-Truth
Christian pins DiBiase
MVP pins Regal
Cody Rhodes pins MVP
Christian pins Rhodes
Randy Orton pins Christian
Kofi Kingston pins Punk
Kofi Kingston pins Orton

SmackDown Have All The Bragging Rights

Last night's pay-per-view was a brand new concept, replacing that of Cyber Sunday's, where the best of the best would be decided and leave Pittsburgh with Bragging Rights. Now, the rules are simple, the show who wins the best of 2 out of 3 leaves with the Bragging Rights trophy.

The first competition: Intercontinental Champion, John Morrison vs. United States Champion, The Miz (aka The Dirt Sheet War). As I mentioned before, John Morrison is the better of the two, but when it comes to the WWE, better doesn't always mean you'll win the match. I could've gone with Miz to win, seeing as John let slip that he was going to lose on Friday, but I root for the best. On Friday, after his match with Knox, Morrison noted that Miz beat Marty Jannetty, and while Miz is trying to figure out whether he's the Jannetty or the Shawn Michaels, Morrison knows who he is: He's The Friday Night Delight, The Intercontinental Champion, he is John Morrison. When you're that certain on who you are, there's no need to win a match to prove anything. Miz needed the win more than Morrison, because Morrison has a good standing within the WWE, while Miz is really just starting to become a well known heel in the business. Miz did, however, prove that he would capitalize of Morrison's flaw, his high flying. Just like the days of MVP vs. Jeff Hardy, a ground wrestler always feels that he can do away with a high flyer.

RAW scores the 1st win.

Second competition: 6 Divas Tag Team Match, SmackDown vs. RAW. If the RAW Divas had managed to win this match, then RAW would have been automatically considered the winners of the Bragging Rights Trophy, and the 14 man tag team match would then become a regular match. The SmackDown team was comprised of the Women's Champion, Michelle McCool alongside: Beth Phoenix "The Glamazon," and Natalya Neidhart. And on the RAW team, Divas' Champion, Melina along with Kelly Kelly and Gail Kim. This is where rooting for the best really pays off, because McCool has been proving herself throughout the course of 2 years why she is the Women's Champion; Natalya is the only woman to have trained and graduated from Stu Hart's Dungeon; and Beth Phoenix is the most dominant woman in the WWE. As much as I love the RAW Divas, victory belonged to SmackDown. Maybe if Gail Kim wasn't jobbing, RAW would have had a chance. But it wasn't even Gail's, or even Kelly Kelly's weakness that caused the match, it was the newly crowned Divas' Champion that was destroyed by The Glam Slam, and a perfectly executed one at that.

SmackDown ties up the score: 1-1

Final Round: 14 Man Tag Match, Team SmackDown vs. Team RAW. Earlier on in the pay-per-view, members of the RAW Team continued to dispute with one another on who was the greatest asset to the team. DX, frustrated, threatened that any one of them could be replaced by the next person that walked through that door; queue in Hornswoggle for laughs. The last minute change with the SmackDown team made for a more believable match up. Because who was honestly going to buy the fact that McIntyre and Escobar, who have been in the WWE for only a minute could stand toe-to-toe with the RAW members. That's why it made me happy to see a great selection of up and coming stars such as R-Truth and The Hart Dynasty. Including Finlay, who is like the Irish Ric Flair, the dirtiest player in the game with that shellelegh. An what was really great was to see Shawn Michaels mix it up with several of the SmackDown members like Hart Dynasty and Matt; even a nice scuffle with Chris Jericho, which WWE promised as the main event for RAW. What really never crossed my mind, and it should have, was the fact that Big Show, one half of the Unified Tag Team Champions, was on the RAW Team. I know he was on the team, but it never crossed my mind that he was ON the team. Hence, when Kofi went for a high risk maneuver and Big Show connected with the KO Punch, it all made sense. Jeri-Show have probably been scheming from the start. Chris Jericho picked up the win by covering Kingston; thus winning the Bragging Rights Trophy for SmackDown.

SmackDown wins Best 2 out of 3.

DivaWatch: Michelle McCool

Name: Michelle Leigh McCool
Billed Height: 5' 10"
Billed from: Palatka, Florida
Signature Move(s): Faith-Breaker, Big Boot
Highlights: Divas Champion (1 time), Women's Champion (1 time, current)
Entrance Music: "Not Enough for Me" by Jim Johnston

On Friday Night SmackDown, Chris Jericho, captain of the SmackDown team, spoke with McCool on the importance of the SmackDown roster being at their best when dealing with RAW.

McCool responded that she has made history twice, and there is no diva that she can't take on. Mickie and Beth, SmackDown's newest additions, could not fully agree with that statement. Around last year's Survivor Series and the 9th Anniversary of SmackDown, McCool had lost miserably to Beth Phoenix. And during the Diva Bowl 2 weeks ago, Mickie connected with the Mick DDT.

But don't sell McCool too short, she has indeed made history two years in a row at The Bash Pay-per-view. In her first title match, she made the submissions expert, Natalya, tap out with the MADT (Armbar takedown) and became the inaugural Divas' Champion. She then pinned Melina to become the Women's Champion and first Diva to have won both Womens' Titles in the WWE. She is also the current longest reigning champion in the company.

However, her finisher The Faith Breaker is copied from TNA's AJ Styles' Styles Plex. As of late, WWE has been slowly taking things from TNA to boost up their wrestlers: ie. Striker calls Shelton Benjamin, The Blue Print, a name that belongs to Matt Morgan.

Two weeks ago, in a match against Eve Torres, McCool introduced a new finisher The Big Boot. It's a standard boot to the face that we've seen giants like Kane, Taker, and Mike Knox use on a regular, but this is really big for a diva to have. McCool sold it perfectly against Eve, let's see if she can continue to do so in every match.

Jericho's pep talk is most likely setting up for a Women's vs. Divas' Champions Match at Bragging Rights. So we will most likely see another Melina-McCool match: but can McCool continue to best Melina, or will the new Divas' Champion finally come out on top?

Fatal Four-Way Match Revealed; Ziggler Dumps Maria; McCool Dominates

Last night's episode of SmackDown started off with a congratulatory announcement to Undertaker's 7th World Title Reign by GM Theodore Long. The announcement was halted by the man who lost his title at Hell in a Cell, CM Punk, demanding his rematch for the World Heavyweight Title. Then that was broken up by The Chairmen of World Wrestling Entertainment, Mr. McMahon.

McMahon proclaimed that the World Heavyweight Title would be defended at Bragging Rights in a Fatal Four-Way, with CM Punk, Rey Mysterio, and "The Animal" Dave Batista. Of course the stipulation is being passed off as Teddy's idea - giving him more heat towards the Undertaker.

There was a segment of Vickie questioning Long's judgment of not only reinstating Hell's Gate but making Taker's first title defense a Fatal Four-Way. Additionally, she also badgered him for not placing Eric Escobar in a match on his first official night on SmackDown.

SmackDown featured five matches: Rey Mysterio vs. One-Half of the Unified Tag Team Champions Chris Jericho. The match was an encore for those that loved the Jericho-Mysterio feud, which took on the earlier part of the summer - battling for the Intercontinental Title and The Mask. We even saw an instance of Jericho trying to remove Rey's Mask, but even after a spine-contorting Walls of Jericho - Mysterio won in his second attempt with the 619. Jericho may have successfully defended his title last Sunday, but the rest of the week proved less than desirable, as he lost a match to DX on Monday and now to The Master of the 619. Mysterio has done nicely for himself since coming back from his suspension - a title shot for the Unified Tag Team Titles, and now being named a contender for Taker's World Title... unbelievable.

Next was a non-title match up between Women's Champion, Michelle McCool vs. Eve Torres. This was actually an enjoyable match, probably won of the better women matches in a while. These are two women that have been given the push from WWE and are doing the most of what they are given. Eve is still a bit new to the fierce competition that goes inside the squared circle, but she is improving vastly. Her drop kicks are still impeccable and her new maneuver, a standing Senton is a great new addition. Now, McCool actually countered a maneuver with a cart-wheel, and it wasn't won of those peppy cheerleader chart wheels, it was more fluid - like the sack people from Little Big Planet game? What was also impressive was the finish - a boot to the face by Michelle McCool for the 1-2-3 victory. Usually WWE overdoes the finish of the match needing to be the Finisher - in her case it's the Faith Breaker, but a boot to the face was a nice change of pace. I applaud both women for putting on such a great match.

The third match was for the Intercontinental Championship: John Morrison defending against Dolph Ziggler. Sunday's Hell in a Cell pay-per-view saw both the IC and the United States Titles both successfully defended, but Kofi lost the title to Miz on RAW, would Dolph follow suit with a win on SmackDown? The two put on a spectacular match on Sunday, that it's incredible that they could replicate another high caliber match just five days removed from the ppv. John Morrison is a fighting champion with a background of ECW Champion, Multi-time Tag Team Champion, and now a 3-time Intercontinental Champion. Dolph Ziggler has still not gotten his taste of gold, and after some miscommunication with Maria, his time to shine is still a long ways off. Dolph had left a chair by the ring apron, so when the time was right he would strike Morrison for the quick win - but Maria, innocently, took back the chair so she could sit and watch the match. Of course, when looking for the illegal item, Ziggler was distracted by Maria sabotaging his plan and lost focus; thus, losing the match. Shortly after the match, the following segment was Dolph breaking up with Maria, because he wants to focus on his professional life. Maria just has a tendency to go for the bad boys: Carlito, Santino Marella, and now Dolph Ziggler. When Dolph speaks to Maria during segments, it's actually genuine, but when he tries to cut promos or talk in the ring - it's just really bad. Ziggler has a future in the WWE, but John Morrison is a fighting champion that will not relinquish easily.

The fourth match was a tag team match: R-Truth and Matt Hardy vs. Drew McIntyre and Kane. It was the team of the North Carolinians against two dominating forces. Kane has dominated The Great Khali, and is now trying to find more victims; while McIntyre just wants to reach the point of his career where he's a World Champion. But everyone has to start somewhere and last night, McIntyre hits it big by pinning Matt with the Double Underhook DDT - but it was thanks to Kane's uppercut that Drew was able to lock in the devastating move. Kane and Drew actually worked well together as a team, possible tag team? Singles careers are the best way to go, if one wants to be taken seriously.

The final match was between CM Punk vs. Batista. These two men, along with Mysterio, will meet at Bragging Rights as competitors fighting for the same prize, The World Heavyweight Championship. Some may not recall, but CM Punk and Batista feuded back in 2008, during Punk's 1st WHT reign as a Face. Punk would always get away with his title intact, and tonight was shades of that feud, as Punk was able to deliberately run the ref's 10 count long enough to keep Batista out of the ring. CM Punk was declared the winner via count out, but it was Batista that looked like a winner when he Batista Bombed him. Could this be a sign of things to come, when in 2 weeks Undertaker will defend his "holy grail" in a Fatal Four-Way?

WWE Superstars Matches Preview: 9/24/2009

Tonight on WWE Superstars, like every week, expect the unexpected!


ECW: Goldust vs. William Regal

- William Regal is desperately trying to get back into the ECW title picture, but will Goldust prove to be a speed bump along the road to Extreme?

Divas: Michelle McCool & Layla vs. Melina & Maria

- McCool and Layla have done everything possible to ruin Maria's relationship with Ziggler, while they just don't like Melina because she proves a threat to the Women's Title. However, Maria believes that Melina has been trying to humiliate her by posting photos of Ziggler's possible soiree - so things are not looking good for this team.

Smackdown: Matt Hardy vs. Kane

Matt Hardy has been out of action since tapping out to the Anaconda Vice, how will he fare when up against the giant who took out the Great Khali out of action?

RAW: Chris Masters vs. Primo

Neither superstar has been seen on RAW for weeks, but they have made their home on WWE Superstars. Masters has destroyed Santino time and time again. How will Primo fare against the Master Lock? It will be a test of Strength vs. Speed tonight on WWE Superstars!

Dolph Ziggler Framed; McCool's Gossip Girl

For weeks, Melina has been cautioning Maria about Ziggler, but Maria says she can take care of herself and to butt out. Well, in a backstage segment, Dolph Ziggler is looking for Maria and finds McCool instead.

Dolph Ziggler may be a heel in the ring, but he does have a soft spot for Maria. - Not what you expected from a heel?

McCool trying to spin her web of decent - asks Dolph why he's wasting his time with a girl like Maria when he can be with a Woman like her? Ziggler not wanting anything to do with her continues to ask if she's seen Maria.

What he got was a set up, as McCool tripped into Ziggler's arms and Layla snatched a photo of the "deception."

Dolph Ziggler has not had an easy Friday, first he is framed, which will probably blow out of proportion next week; and he got called Mr. Ziggles and forced to leave the arena.

Maria is the one salvation point that he has, and if McCool brings that photo to Maria - it'll destroy everything Ziggler has.

For the Women's match of the night, it's Melina vs. Layla. Really? This should be a quick match, right?

Well, interestingly enough, Layla has indeed improved in the ring; however, she's still a long ways to reaching Melina's status.

Even though Melina is the better wrestler, Layla still manages to pick up the win, thanks to the assist of McCool's crutch to the midsection.

Michelle McCool with her sidekick Layla, are pretty much out to destroy the lives of the other divas - Maria and Melina. So... high school.

Michelle McCool Retains at Night of Champions

The question on everyone’s lips – Is McCool the best there is?

She went on for a month that she is better than any Diva to step foot in the ring, but she never seemed to back that up as she contested in numerous tag team matches or not at all.

At The Bash, McCool made history again by defeated Melina for the Women’s Championship, just last year she beat Natalya to become the inaugural Divas Champion.

For the longest the card wasn’t set up for the Women’s match – can’t understand why, since it would be natural that Melina would initiate her rematch clause.

Before the start of the match, McCool took a cheap shot by attacking Melina with a baseball slide during her entrance split.

From then on, McCool had the upper hand and hit Melina with a hellacious DDT on the outside retaining wall.


McCool showing no remorse attacked Melina before the start of the match, inside and outside the ring to prove to her claim that she is the best ever.

Melina’s acrobatics were no match for McCool’s brute strength as she countered Melina’s high impact maneuver into a roll up pin.

With Michelle still the victor, will Melina get another shot at the title, or will someone else have to step up?


WWETheReturn Prediction for this match: DEAD ON!

Michelle McCool Indeed Strikes Twice at The Bash!

McCool, since the draft, has held all the momentum and has finally done what she has set out to do, to become the first Diva to have won the Women's and the Diva's Championships.

The Women's title has always been exclusive to RAW, leaving Smackdown, for the longest, without a title.

But last summer, McCool won Smackdown's exclusive Diva's title at The Great American Bash.
Thanks to the Draft, the titles have switched brands - giving certain Divas the opportunity to become a Double Women's Champion.

McCool became victorious with a distraction from her ring-side partner, Alicia Fox, along with a devestating Faithbreaker.

With Melina down, will Gal Kim and Maria step up and challenge the new Women's Champion, Michelle McCool?

Michelle McCool to Strike Twice at The Bash?

This sunday, Michelle McCool has the opportunity to become the first ever Diva to hold both the Diva's and the Women's Titles.

Does McCool deserve the recognition?

Last year's Great American Bash marked McCool as the inaugural Diva's Champion by submitting Natalya in a not-so-impressively named MAD'T (Make a Diva Tap).

Yet, near the end of her title reign, McCool claimed to be the best that the Women's Division had to offer.

But after a champion vs. champion match against -then Women's Champion- Beth Phoenix, Michelle proved to be more talk than brawn.

Now with Melina, the current Women's Champion, on Friday Nights, McCool believes she can capitalize and rewrite history again.

McCool's credentials include: former Florida School Teacher, Inaugural Diva's Champion, and an impressive new Finisher-to-Pinning combination known as the Faithbreaker (Belly to belly inverted mat slam). However, the move was copied from TNA's A.J. Styles' Styles Clash, who sometimes can do it from the second rope.

Is the Women's Title in Jeopardy?

McCool may have a mean streak, but Melina is a three time Women's Champion who has defeated the likes of Mickie James and Beth Phoenix - possibly the two greatest women's competitors in the division today - for the title on separate occasions. In addition, she has the most impressive finisher from the two, The Last Call (Legtrap sunset flip powerbomb), which no Diva has been able to kick out.

If McCool believes she can become Women's Champion, she will have to rely on brute force to outsmart and evade Melina's Last Call.

And if Melina expects to retain the Women's Title, she will have to avoid body and head scissors that can easily be converted into the Faithbreaker.