This weeks SmackDown was live as opposed to the typical Tuesday tapings. This meant no leaks of twists or anything of that nature. As far as matches went Chris Benoit, the U.S. Champion, retained his title against Finlay. Deuce and Domino defeated Paul London and Brian Kendrick, the current Tag Champs, in a non-title match. The victory throws them into a possible title match at No Way Out.

Other matches had Mr. Kennedy topping Vito and Miz beating Matt Hardy. Not sure where the Miz fits in right now on the show but I hope they give him some direction so he doesn’t seem so thrown in on every episode. The big news of the night wasn’t the matches however but what transpired between them.

Batista took to the ring calling out Undertaker to provide him and the world and answer to who he will be challenging at Wrestlemania 23. Instead of the Dead Man showing up John Cena made a special appearance on SmackDown seeking an answer to the same question. Undertaker then came to ringside only to be interupted by Shawn Michaels who wanted Undertaker to face him at Wrestlemania.

With all four men asking questions and getting no answers Mr. McMahon, who has appeared on every WWE show since the Rumble, showed up to provide a response to everyones questions. The answer: A tag team match at No Way Out with John Cena and tag team partner Shawn Michaels facing Batista and Undertaker. Wow! I have to give WWE props on setting up storylines so this match could happen.

This match will set up the Wrestlemania 23 matches with Undertaker most likely facing Batista and Shawn Michaels taking on Cena but we will just have to wait a few weeks for the PPV when these can become announced matches (hopefully that is).

Also after Kennedy’s win over Vito GM Theodore Long announced he would get a rematch for the World Heavyweight Title against Batista next week on SmackDown. Also the Kane/Booker rivalry from the Royal Rumble heated up when Kane cleared the ring during one of Bookers ceremonies. I wouldn’t be surprised to see these two face of at No Way Out as well.

On the bad side of thing Vickie Guerrero announced should be returning to SmackDown soon. What a shame too, I thought she was done with the show.

Post from: EveryJoe

SmackDown Recap

First match of the night was Chavo Guerrero against Kane. Being the first match of the night both competitors had the opportunity to set the mark that everyone else had to beat. Kane seized the opportunity beating Chavo in 7 minutes 52 seconds.

The next match was one of the more interesting ones as normal tag team partners Paul London and Brian Kendrick had to go head to head in singles action. The tag team champions fought hard but neither were able to score a decision as Kane’s time came and went.

Former Champion King Booker was next on the mat to take on Cruiserweight Champion Gregory Helms. Booker won in 6 minutes 24 seconds to set a new time for the rest of the competition to beat. After the match Boogeyman continued his recent series of assaults of Helms as he attacked the champion with his trademark worms.

Jimmy Wang Yang, who I personally consider the funniest gimmick on the entire show based on his name alone, faced Tatanka in the next match. He came close to beating the King’s time but as the referee was counting Wang’s pin the buzzer signifying Booker’s time sounded. Tatanka took advantage of the stunned cowboy and assaulted him before leaving the ring.

Although no ‘main event’ was hyped for the evening the last match could really be considered one as Mr. Kennedy took on Chris Benoit in what appeared to be the last chance the Superstars had to beat Booker’s time and earn their shot at Batista.

Kennedy used an exposed turnbuckle to turn the tide on Helms and get the victory in just 5 minutes 7 seconds effectively securing his chances for the title. But not so fast? The sprint has been extended and will likely dominate next weeks action as well. On the docket for next week: Matt Hardy, Finlay, Undertaker and MVP.

As promised MVP took to the mic during the episode showing the remaining damage he had left from Armageddon’s inferno match with Kane. In the speech MVP vowed to ‘beat the clock’ to garner his chance at the title.

In other happenings Ashley defeated Jillian, Vickie Guerrero discussed being betrayed, and former Diva Search contestant Maryse made an appearance in a video likely hyping her eventual addition to the SmackDown roster.

Post from: EveryJoe

Mr. Kennedy Earns Title Shot…For Now