Edge regains his edge on Smackdown
Edge took Mick Foley’s advice last night on Smackdown and became a more violent Edge. In doing so, Edge’s association with La Familia appears to have come to an end.
Throughout the show, one by one the members of La Familia were laid out. A single black rose – which was assumed to be The Undertaker’s calling card – was left behind. In the end, however, it appeared that Edge was the one behind the attacks. In the final segment, Edge smashed Chavo Guerrero with a chair and dumped Vickie Guerrero out of her wheelchair (the latter would have had much more impact if we hadn’t seen Vickie get up from the wheelchair numerous times whenever she needed to).
The angle was effective in getting Edge over as a threat heading into his Hell in a Cell match with The Undertaker at SummerSlam. However, not to sound like a second-rate Roger Ebert, but I thought Edge’s acting and facial expressions were a little too over the top this time. It went from being a realistic portrayal of someone who had lost control to almost being campy. As for Vickie, she delivers an awesome heel promo, but when she goes into hysterics, well, let’s just say that no one will confuse her with Meryl Streep.
It will be interesting to see if this results in a babyface turn for the remaining members of La Familia. I don’t see Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder going that route, but Vickie and Chavo might. Chavo has been a babyface before and he could pull it off, but it’s going to be difficult getting people to cheer for Vickie – as we have already seen. I didn’t sense a lot of sympathy from the crowd when Edge was terrorizing her last night. In fact, you could see and hear some fans cheering Edge on.
Other thoughts on last night’s show:
Jeff Hardy and Shelton Benjamin had a very good match. I have a feeling I’m going to be writing about Benjamin having good matches on Smackdown quite often. Some might not have liked the finish (MVP ran in to cause a disqualification), but it was the correct call. Less than a week after losing to Edge, Hardy really shouldn’t lose again, and MVP interfering furthers their program. As for Benjamin, he can’t be losing too frequently (he was beaten cleanly by Mr. Kennedy last week), as fans already have been conditioned not to view him as a real threat. To change that perception, WWE needs to really limit the numbers of jobs that he does. …
I’m still not all that interested in the Triple H-Great Khali match at SummerSlam, but the arm wrestling angle was well done. We’ve all seen arm wrestling contests numerous times and they almost always end the same way, but adding shards of glass was an effective device in raising the stakes (and it was a relief to see that the glass did not actually come into play). Fake arm wrestling matches usually look fake, but Triple H and Khali did a nice job making theirs look real. I also liked that WWE put a different spin on it by having the babyface be the one to keep stalling before finally locking up. It was exactly what you would expect from Triple H’s character. He’s not the typical babyface, and that’s why I like him so much in the role. …
I thought it was funny that Triple H referred to Khali as a genie who came out of a lamp, because I was on a radio show earlier this week and I used the cliché “you can’t put the genie back in the bottle” in reference to Khali being pushed as an unbeatable monster heel after suffering so many high-profile losses. …
The Olympic theme for the women’s tag match was a little silly, but it was timely and something different. It’s certainly preferable to referring to a women’s match as a Bimbo Brawl. …
I’m starting to sound like a broken record, but The Brian Kendrick is awesome. I don’t really agree with the comparisons to the late Brian Pillman, though. Their hair might be similar, but their characters are totally different. I think Kendrick and Ezekiel more closely resemble the old Shawn Michaels/Diesel act.
Comments
Hey Kevin,
How long do you think before Mr. Kennedy is a regular main event type of guy? I think he's talented enough both in the ring and on the mic to be so. It is impressive to me that he has pulled off the babyface turn without losing any of the edge and cockyness that made him so entertaining as a heel.
Also, where do you rate Edge as a worker all time? I know you made a list a while back but I don't recall seeing his name on there. He has been involved in some of best matches I have ever seen.
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: Kennedy has suffered a dislocated shoulder and could be out either a few weeks or a few months (if he needs surgery). I think he will get his shot eventually.
Edge, in my opinion, is the top guy right now, but as far as being on any all-time lists, I think he's probably in the top 20 or so of guys I have seen on a consistent basis.
Posted by: Ryan errol | August 9, 2008 10:17 PM
I thought the idea of Edge being behind the black roses was something you could see froma mile away, as was the fact he was going to hit Chavo with the chair. I like the idea of the edgier Edge ( pun sort of intended), but didn't love the whole execution last night. It was fairly easy to see the twist coming, and as you stated the acting was below recent installments.
I also found it amusing that after making an issue of wanting better competition, Kozlov's next opponent was Jessie...is that really much of an upgrade? Festus, maybe, but not Jessie.
And am I the only one who feels Jeff Hardy seems to have had a string of matches where he gets in very little offense compared to his opponent? Edge, Khali and now Benjamin seemed to dominate Hardy for long stretches in their matches with him before Hardy gets in a couple of quick moves. Is this supposed to be in line with MVP's suggestion that Hardy's too reckless, so now Hardy is minimizing his high-flying style? Whatever it is, I don't like the trend.
Posted by: Glen | August 9, 2008 11:35 PM
Eck, I don't know if you watch MMA, but Brock Lesnar was a complete animal against Heath Herring tonight.
He threw a punch so hard, that it caused Herring to do a back flip.
Posted by: Elevation | August 10, 2008 1:36 AM
Smackdown for the most part has been kicking every other show's butt for a little while now. But the Triple H segment was boring and lame, H's selling was as bad as Shawn Michaels selling his eye injury. Just an old dude shaking and making faces.
On another note, They should keep ECW as Striker and Grisham, move Tazz to Raw back with Cole and Lawler to Smackdown with JR. Perfect.
To conclude, good call on the Kendrick/Zeke - Michaels/Diesel comparison. I was thinking the same thing. It's looking up for him, surprise London wasn't cut with the other 7 stars.
Posted by: Mr. Bronson | August 10, 2008 4:19 AM
I've been thinking the same things about The Kendrick, he does remind me of an early Shawn. We need to see him in a good feud now, preferably with some good upper mid-carder to get him over. The only problem is that if you look over the Smackdown roster the only one I see available (after he recovers from his injuries) is Mr. Kennedy but I don't know if a feud between those two would do much for Kennedys career.
Posted by: Jon G.S. | August 10, 2008 6:58 AM
Kevin-Thanks for the info on Bruno Sammartino being in the area. I went to see him and get his autograph and it was great. Bruno was very nice and he talked to everybody and took pictures with anybody that wanted too.
For being in his 70's he is in fantastic shape.
The other 2 wrestlers didn't seem to get as much attention from fans as Bruno but they were also very nice guy's.
Please let us know when other wrestlers are in the area for autograph sessions.
Thanks again.
Posted by: TomC from Frederick | August 10, 2008 7:25 AM
I actually think this whole angle puts Edge on the path to turning face, or at least a middle ground. I think people want to see him take out Vickie and Chavo. In addition, he isn't using excuses anymore, he isn't relying on la familia, and he looks stronger. I think people are ready to back Edge as a face.
Chavo only was a good face during the Eddie mourning period, which is understandable, but otherwise, he is weak as a face.
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: I would hate to see Edge go babyface at this point. Maybe sometime down the line, but not yet.
Posted by: Scott | August 10, 2008 1:31 PM
I had to miss the final segment. That's a shame, for I had taken the black roses at face value.
Posted by: Christopher | August 10, 2008 2:12 PM
not to be a bother, but i really think you should have posted it earlier
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: In the immortal words of The Rock, "It doesn't matter what you think!"
Posted by: tito | August 10, 2008 4:30 PM
What is your opinion/view after seeing what the draft has done to Raw and Smackdown/ECW? Since the draft, I find myself usually fast forwarding through Raw on my DVR to get to the HBK/Jericho part, then fast forwarding again. I've never been a big fan of CM Punk's to begin with, so him being champ doesn't help with my enthusiasm for the show. It's not just him, though. The best commentator left Raw, along with some of their top talent, combined with Adamle joining Raw. Maybe when Orton returns it will help Raw, but watching Smackdown! over the last couple of weeks, it really does seem like it's become the premier wrestling show for the WWE now. There really isn't a weak section of the show to me. Whether it's Edge/Vickie/Undertaker, Triple H, Hardy/MVP, the transformation of THE Brian Kendrick, the show seems to have a lot more going for it than Raw does right now.
I used to mainly watch Raw, and just watch Smackdown for Edge, but that's all changed since the draft. I'm starting to think the WWE dropped the ball with the draft, unless they actually wanted to make Smackdown the stronger show, finally.
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: I agree that Smackdown has greatly improved, but I don't think Raw has slipped as much as you do. Raw still has Cena, Batista, HBK and Jericho (plus Orton and Mysterio when they get back), as well as some younger talent that is getting a push in Punk, Kingston, DiBiase, Rhodes and Cryme Tyme.
Posted by: Paul | August 10, 2008 5:00 PM
Guys, It's one thing to disagree with Kevin's opinion but stop criticizing what he's doing. For example, Tito complaining this blog wasn't posted earlier. In case you forgot, we aren't paying for this. Just be happy someone with Kevin's experience with the industry (and the Baltimore Sun) are providing this FREE service and enjoy it.
Posted by: Bob | August 11, 2008 2:08 AM
Kev, What do you think of Randy Orton bringing back Evolution with him in the HHH role and DiBiase and Rhodes in the roles that Orton and Batista played? I think the only thing missing would be the "past super star" that Ric played so well. Any ideas on who could play that role?
Last question, why can't Vickie still be a heel GM? Just because the Edge/Vickie alignment is almost over, she is a great heel and can still do it without Edge.
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: I think Orton would be great as a leader of a heel group, but I wouldn't copy Evolution directly. I'd make it all second and third-generation stars.
I suppose Vickie and Edge could co-exist as heels on the same show but it would be weird.
Posted by: Birdland Todd | August 11, 2008 4:17 AM
i havent commented in a long time becaause there wasnt much good going on. smackdown is getting better every week and raw isnt doing to bad itself. with the push kendrick is getting, im surprisped london isnt either, because as a team, he looked like the stronger of the two.cm punk as champion is disapointing me, as i am a HUGE punk fan. when orton cmes back, id love to see punk in a fued against him. maybe then hed get a push as a real champ with the crowd behind them.
Posted by: Dre | August 11, 2008 7:02 AM
ok, everyone who is critizing me , i am a big fan of Kev's blog and i really enjoy reading it and i almost always agree with Kevin so i am truly sorry for any bad remarks i made
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: All is forgiven. Trust me, I wish this blog was my only responsibility, but, unfortunately, it is not.
Posted by: tito | August 11, 2008 10:41 AM
Howdy Kevin, long time admirer of your posts. Look forward to hearing your opinions each week.
Quick question for you, slighly off topic admittedley, however do you know when Randy Orton is due to return?
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: Today it was reported that Orton re-injured his collarbone in a motorcycle accident and will be out an additional three months.
Posted by: Lewis | August 11, 2008 12:31 PM
While him being with Big Zeek is more Shawn/Diesel, Kendrick's look is more patterned after Adrian Adonis with the whole leather jacket semi-gay thing, flambouyant thing.
Posted by: Johnny | August 11, 2008 2:00 PM
What do u think Y2J changed so suddenly? I liked him the way before. Now he is just a jerk
Posted by: Maria | August 11, 2008 10:44 PM