Friday Night Smackdown – 2/26/10

After the Elimination Chamber, what drama would the new World Heavyweight Champion bring to Friday night?  Here’s what happened:

Video Package: What went down during the World Heavyweight Title Elimination Chamber.

Chris Jericho comes out to the ring.  “I am the World Heavyweight Champion, and after months of scratching and clawing, I’ve returned to my rightful place… Last monday was supposed to be my party, but that didn’t happen because it was take away by Edge…”

• Interrupted by Edge, “I have to congratulate you, you did it… you beat The Undertaker (SPEAR), you beat Stone Cold & The Rock (SPEAR, SPEAR)…  I have a feeling those spears aren’t just getting to you physically… I see the doubt in your eyes, you can’t beat me… I want you at your best at WrestleMania.  If you have that doubt in your eyes, one more spear and it’s all over!”
• Jericho vows, “You will NEVER spear me again!”  Jericho punches Edge then tries to go for the Code Breaker, but it’s blocked.  Edge hits a spear!

Money In The Bank Qualifier – Triple Threat
John Morrison vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. R-Truth (with David Otunga)
WINNER: Dolph Ziggler via pin after stealing the match  from Morrison after he hit Star Ship Pain on R-Truth

Video Package: History of Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker from WrestleMania 25 to the present.

Women’s Title Match – Special Referee, Vickie Guerrero
Michelle McCool with Layla vs. Mickie James (Champion)
WINNER: McCool via pin fall off a quick count to become the new Women’s Champion

• Vickie slapped Mickie and McCool took advantage.

Money In The Bank Qualifier
Drew McIntyre vs. Kane
WINNER: Kane via pin fall after a big boot to McIntyre’s face

• Before the match, McIntyre gloated about being undefeated.
• After the match, McIntyre throws a hissy fit.

The Miz comes to the ring, “Big Show and I still don’t have a match for WrestleMania.  Teddy Long find Show Miz some competition…”

• Teddy Long comes out to the ramp, “If Big Show was here, we’d have a Tag Team Title match.  Since you’re here how about some singles competition..?  Against Royal Rumble winner, EDGE!”

Money In The Bank Qualifier
CM Punk with Luke Gallows & Serena vs. Shelton Benjamin
WINNER: Benjamin via pin fall after hitting Pay Dirt

• Rey Mysterio came out and pulled Gallows off the apron and it distracted CM Punk enough to allow Benjamin to get the advantage.

Matt Striker & Todd Grisham run down the WrestleMania card.

Non-Title Match
Edge vs. The Miz
WINNER: Edge via pin fall after hitting a Spear

QUICK THOUGHTS:

See!!!  WWE, this is why I don’t get you!  You put out a product over on RAW that’s so story line heavy and it’s gets so damn boring that it feels like pulling teeth to watch.  On Smackdown, you streamline the product and have minimal story line via promos and it’s sooooooooooo much better!  Last night, there were NO backstage segments.  There were only three promos in the arena and they were relatively short.  They focused on the matches and how they could drive story through them, and I think they did that successfully.  I NEVER thought that Dolph Ziggler was going to steal that match.  I was upset when I saw the match up between Benjamin and Punk, knowing that one of them was not going to be in MITB.  When Mysterio came out, I understood what was happening.  I remembered that they had a subtle feud going on, and that would be continuing.  I don’t know if there are two different creative teams or not, but whoever is in charge of RAW take a good look in the mirror because Smackdown is the true “A-show!”