1st Smackdown Of The New Year!
Happy New Year everyone! 2009 is done, and now 2010 comes in with a bang and some controversy! Here’s what happened on Smackdown last night:
Video Package: 2 weeks ago, Rey Mysterio upsets Batista. Last week, Mysterio vs. The Undertaker is ruined by Batista running in.
ANNOUNCEMENT: Tonight is a Beat the Clock Challenge to figure out the #1 contender for the World Title! Matches occur and they have to beat the previously set time. Fastest time gets the title shot.
CM Punk & Luke Gallows come out to the ring. Punk asks the crowd about their New Year’s resolutions, “Have you broke them already?” Punk then tries to get everyone to say a pledge.
- “I, (name), am tired of wasting my life as a loser. I’m sick of treating my body like a sewer… in 2010 I will adhere to the straightedge lifestyle.”
- Punk also says that next week, he’ll “save someone from the audience.”
Beat the Clock Challenge
Matt Hardy vs. CM Punk with Luke Gallows
WINNER: CM Punk via pin fall after hitting the GTS. Match finished in a time of 7:20.
- After the match, Punk and Gallows beat down Matt Hardy.
Beat the Clock Challenge
Kane vs. Dolph Ziggler
WINNER: No contest. Time limit draw. No one beat the clock.
- After the match, Dolph hit a Zig-Zag on Kane out of frustration.
The Carolina Panther vs. The Great Khali
WINNER: Khali via pin fall after hitting a Khali Bomb about 3 seconds into the match.
Intercontinental Title Match
Drew McIntyre (Champion) vs. John Morrison
WINNER: McIntyre via DQ. Morrison showed frustration arguing with the referee and McIntyre progressed to shoving Morrison into the ref who thought Morrison did it on purpose for an instant DQ.
- After the match, the two men brawl up the aisle and have to be restrained by referees and security.
Beth Phoenix vs. Mickie James
WINNER: Mickie James via roll up pin fall.
- Layla & Michelle McCool were sitting ring side. Layla distracted the ref and McCool tried to kick Mickie, but accidentally kicked Beth.
- After the match, melee ensues with Beth and Mickie pairing off, until Mickie turned her back and got hit by a Glam Slam.
Chris Jericho comes to the ring to rant about how on Monday he and Big Show will become the new Tag Team Champions, and tonight he’ll be winning this match to become the #1 contender for the World Title and face the Undertaker at the Royal Rumble.
Beat the Clock Challenge
Chris Jericho vs. Rey Mysterio
WINNER: Rey Mysterio via small package pin fall. Match finished in a time of 7:19 beating CM Punk’s time by 1 second.
Beat the Clock Challenge
R-Truth vs. Batista
WINNER: No contest. Time limit draw. Batista had R-Truth pinned with under 5 seconds, but Rey Mysterio pulled the referee out of the ring causing the match to end due to time limit.
- After the match, Rey walked up the ramp and was greeted by Vickie Guerrero. She tells Rey, “Next week there will be a match, Rey vs. Batista 1 on 1 to determine the true #1 contender!”
QUICK THOUGHTS:
Can someone tell my why the Great Khali is still on TV? This guys faces someone every week, mostly some jobber or lower card guy, and squashes them. What makes WWE think this is good for ratings? It’s boring and wastes time! Oh, and the Carolina Panther… WTF?!?
I normally don’t like beat the clock challenges. Usually they’re only for about 3 names and then those guys face mid to low card guys. This time, at least it seemed like they had some better match ups and made it more for anyone to get a chance to win the #1 contender slot. I figured it would be Rey or Batista, and it’s not surprising that they added some more controversy to lead up to the Royal Rumble since it’s the last day of the month and they have 4 more weeks till then.
I’m starting to enjoy the McIntyre/Morrison feud. These two guys are great athletes and can put on a great match. Morrison’s foot getting caught in the ropes was a scary moment. He was getting thrown out of the ring and his ankle/foot got caught between the middle and bottom ropes while his head was dangling near the floor. I don’t know how much damage that did or could’ve done, but it looked scary.