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X-Blog #0091: The KJR (Smackdown 8/20/10)

By Derek X


According to a unnamed online wrestling news source that I read before Smackdown tonight, there are two "huge in-ring debuts" tonight. I'm excited because I already know about Alberto Del Rio's debut, but now I'm thinking who the person is. Del Rio is huge enough, but who else could possibly be that huge? So, I click the link and the other "huge in-ring debut" is... Serena?

I guess in someways her debut could be huge, given she can actually wrestle. I've seen her wrestle before as Mia Mancini in some indy federations, but as we all know Indy wrestling and WWE wrestling is two different things. Smackdown is in dire need of more wrestling divas to give McCool some decent competition. Of course, they could just bring over Gail Kim to Smackdown and that would take care of it, but they're too busy burying her on RAW. And I just realized that I've spent more time talking about the Divas than WWE Creative does in a month.

WHAT I LIKED:
The Aforementioned Alberto Del Rio: I am so glad that he has debuted. Not because I have extensive knowledge of him or anything. No, it's just so his promos can end. However, his debut night on Smackdown left me with a lasting impression and a pretty solid definition of the guy: The Mexican Chris Jericho. That's a pretty high compliment for the guy. Both he and Jericho are cocky confident in themselves. They're both solid performers in the ring despite not having the best physical stature. And they're both submission experts. After Del Rio pinned Mysterio and stood up with that smile on his face, I said aloud "I like this guy." I like the effort they are putting into him and his character. The tailored suits, the Rolls Royce, the pyro, even his own freaking ring announcer (who attributed to a HATE category later). WWE has a bright outlook on this guy and they could not have started off on a better foot than tonight.

KANE: After weeks of landing on my HATE lists, I finally have to give Kane some credit. His promo tonight was actually pretty decent. I attribute this to the fact that this whole 'vegetable' storyline has finally hit it's stride. Kane can stop being the detective and go back to being what he's best at... the criminal. The bad guy. The heel. I hate babyface Kane. In fact, I hate Kane's face. I noticed he mentioned the removal of his mask during his promo and I can only hope that in his quest to become 'Hell's #1 Demon" or whatever it is, he finds and replaces his mask. I don't care how horrible this rivalry is (and I expect to be really, really horrible), as long as it ends with Kane remasked and as a solid monster heel once again, I'm happy.

Hardy/Christian: Last week, I gave props to Rhodes & McIntyre for stepping up as young heels and taking out Matt Hardy & Christian. This week I'm looking on the other side of the equation. Matt and Christian are really putting Cody and Drew over right now. And this comes at a time when neither one of them has anything going. There is no championship title currently in the picture or even in the distance. In fact, the next PPV is Night of Champions, so this feud can't even extend to PPV. No, this rivalry is purely for entertainment and to push Cody and Drew. I can respect what Matt and Christian are doing right now, especially after watching RAW where Jericho was the only person who actually put over any member of Nexus with a clean win. I also have to give some praise to Cody Rhodes, who was decent at the announce table. He does have a voice for radio, but don't tell him that...


WHAT I HATED:
Dolph/Kofi: Can somebody please allow them to have a decent match with no interference from Vicki or Nexus or anyone else? I know I sound redundant, but these are two very talented young superstars who could give a lot of needed credence to the Intercontinental Championship if and when they are allowed to put on the type of contest I know they are capable of. Then again, Night of Champions is upcoming - so one could only hope that is the future plan for these two. I hope so, or I am gonna be pissed.

Undertaker: I sort of liked that Undertaker's big return at Summerslam didn't lead to him dominating Kane. At Summerslam he looked old and tired and weak and Kane took him out. It's a different kind of Undertaker, I guess, because there was no sit up and glare down after the tombstone. There wasn't even any creepy special effects during tonight's broadcast to let us & Kane know he's watching. All we got was Teddy Long announcing that Taker would be back next week. Well, next week broadcast was taped THAT NIGHT. You mean to tell me that Taker can't show up for the both halves of the taping? Maybe it's not just kayfabe that Taker isn't what he used to be. I've long said that once he got to this mode, he should just hang up the boots for good. There's no shame in walking away. Just ask HBK.

English as a 2nd Language: I understand Smackdown was taped from Southern Califonia, where there is a high percentage of Mexican/Hispanic citizens (and non-citizens). Hell, I live in Texas, where the same could be said. The United States, in general, is becoming increasingly more hispanic dominated. I respect this fact as an American citizen who understands that this country wasn't created as a 'White America', but as a melting pot full of beautiful cultural differences. That being said, I believe the majority of viewers watching WWE television speaks english. So, please speak in a language I can understand. I don't mind every now and again if Rey speaks Spanish or Maryse speaks French, just at least let us know what was being said. I feel like I'm being left out of the exclusive club just because I don't speak a foreign language.

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