Smackdown: Batista-Undertaker feud rekindled
I have been one of the people complaining about the same guys on top in WWE wrestling each other all the time, so this may come across as talking out of both sides of my mouth, but I am looking forward to seeing Batista and The Undertaker back in the ring against each other.
As expected, it was made official on Friday night’s episode of Smackdown that The Undertaker will defend the world heavyweight title against Batista at the TLC pay-per-view on Dec. 13.
Unlike the seemingly never-ending programs between John Cena, Randy Orton and Triple H, Undertaker-Batista doesn’t seem stale to me. That’s due in part to the fact that their feud has been dormant for nearly two years, but also because Batista turning heel adds a new twist. In their previous encounters, Undertaker and Batista were both babyfaces.
Batista has been rejuvenated as a heel. When you look back at his career, you’ll see that he never had the opportunity to be a main event-level heel before now. Nearly five years ago, he went from being the No. 4 guy in the four-man Evolution heel faction to becoming a top babyface, a role he remained in until his recent turn.
Bottom line: I’ll take another chapter in the Undertaker-Batista rivalry any day over the “fresh” Cena-Sheamus match-up.
Other thoughts on Friday’s show:
I understand the reasoning behind WWE becoming more kid-friendly, but I wish blood could still be used on occasion. Batista’s chair attack on The Undertaker at the end of the show would have been more dramatic if The Undertaker had been busted open. …
The Undertaker-Chris Jericho match was a little disappointing. The most entertaining aspect of it was Batista’s “commentary.” He sat down at the announce table, put the headset on and then never said a word, even when asked direct questions by the other announcers. I wonder if TNA could get Taz to follow Batista’s lead. …
The Batista-Kane match wasn’t bad for what it was. I wouldn’t be surprised if Batista won the title from The Undertaker and then defended it against Kane before moving on to a WrestleMania program with Rey Mysterio. …
It was weird hearing Jeff Hardy’s name mentioned within the body of the show (as opposed to just on commercials for his new DVD). Until Hardy’s well-publicized legal issues are resolved, I’m not sure it’s a good idea to glorify his “free-spirited lifestyle” as a way to get heat on the straight-edged CM Punk. …
I admit that when Luke Gallows first came out with Punk, I didn’t recognize him as the former Festus. I like that Punk now has a henchman, and I especially like that we now have an explanation for Festus’ comatose state – he was drugged out. I’m guessing that Slam Master J (formerly Jesse) tries to get Gallows away from Punk, and Gallows ends up destroys his former buddy. I can’t wait until Gallows cuts his first promo. …
Eric Escobar, we hardly knew ye. It looks as if he has been written out of the show after Vickie Guerrero dumped him following his loss to John Morrison. He was immediately given a great spot by being associated with a heel magnet like Guerrero, but it seems like WWE lost confidence in him pretty quickly. It definitely wasn’t a good sign when he was among those who were taken out of the Raw vs. Smackdown match at last month’s Bragging Rights pay-per-view. …
Guerrero usually is annoying in an entertaining way, but her screeching while breaking up with Escobar made me want to hit the mute button. By the way, didn’t WWE already do the bit in which her ex-significant other says that he couldn’t stand touching her and was disgusted by her? …
Jericho calling the fans “mucilaginous troglodytes” never gets old. I do have to take issue with one thing he said. Jericho claimed that a TLC match was the most dangerous match in wrestling. Isn’t that what WWE always says about Hell in a Cell? Come to think of it, they also say it about the Elimination Chamber. Well, at least no one has ever claimed that a something-on a pole match is the most dangerous. …
I’ve been a Morrison fan since before it was cool to be one, but I can’t deny that he just isn’t cutting it on the mic. His interaction with Teddy Long made me cringe. …
Mickie James, on the other hand, showed once again that she can cut a promo. WWE should give her more opportunities to speak. …
It was nice to see The Hart Dynasty score a decisive win over Cryme Tyme. It would have been even nicer if it had been a “Last Time Ever” match.
Comments
"It looks as if he has been written out of the show after Vickie Guerrero dumped him following his loss to John Morrison."
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I must have missed something. I caught the breakup, but does that necessarily mean that Escobar is off the show?
RESPONSE FROM KE: Not necessarily. But it seemed like a blowoff to me.
Posted by: Christopher | November 29, 2009 4:05 PM
It will be interesting to see Luke Gallows wrestle now that he is no longer Festus. He isn't that bad of a wrestler, just watch his matches with Undertaker and Kozlov (I believe that was Kozlov's best match of his career so far).
Posted by: paul meade | November 29, 2009 4:32 PM
Kev, I thought that I was the ONLY one sick of "Crynge Tyme" and the Hart Dynasty. (Last Time Ever match) that was funny.
Also, I agree with you on the Undertaker and the Batista upcoming fued, except that I hope that Batista does not win the title.
With all of the promoting of the Jeff hardy dvd...I'm hoping that means he's coming back ,but probably not.
I guessed that Luke Gallows was the former Festus, but I wasn't really sure until Punk mentioned it.
Posted by: Michael | November 29, 2009 5:29 PM
Why do you say Escobar is being written out? Was he future endevored already?
In regards to THD vs Cryme Time....i also hope its their last match for awhile. But at the same time something needs to be done to revamp the tag team division. I don't see why they dont use ECW/Superstars to have tag matches across brands ie Legacy vs THD or Cryme Time vs Regal Roundtable, MVP/Henry vs Ziggler/Knox... I know ther really not the most exciting matchups, but there gonna have to have something ready the DX/Jerishow feud is over.
Posted by: eee | November 29, 2009 6:19 PM
I think it would be cool if every few weeks CM Punk came out with a "new recruit" in his straight edge crusade. the WWE can then repackage superstars that have been long forgotten, just like festus.
Posted by: Richard | November 29, 2009 7:10 PM
Finally, my wish has come true! I always hoped that C.M. Punk would get his own faction (ala Right-to-Censor...remeber them? ). The self righteous heel ALWAYS and mean ALWAYS needs a few followers. It does not really work well otherwise, (oh, unless you are Chris Jericho). Only problem is that the self righteous heel factions almost always gets buried in the end. Nevertheless, GO PUNK!!! I can't wait to see your next convert...maybe some jobber to the stars who needs a push.
Posted by: rob the barber | November 29, 2009 7:42 PM
Was Jericho really in two TLC matches? I thought he was only in one when he teamed up with Benoit to defend the Tag Titles.
Posted by: Cliff | November 29, 2009 8:03 PM
"I do have to take issue with one thing he said. Jericho claimed that a TLC match was the most dangerous match in wrestling."
Remember that this is also the guy who said "Every time I get into the ring, I win," while on a losing streak which might have made the 0-16 New Jersey Nets look at it and think "At least we're not THAT guy!"
Point being: Jericho the heel is not above exaggerating.
Posted by: Rob Brown | November 29, 2009 10:00 PM
While Undertaker-Batista may be relatively fresh, it should be saved for the next major pay-per-view, in this case: The Royal Rumble. Unless, of course, they have gone away from the concept of having 4 big PPVs a year. Maybe now its Wrestlemania and a bunch of minor PPVs.
Posted by: Bob Buscaglia | November 29, 2009 11:49 PM
'It was nice to see The Hart Dynasty score a decisive win over Cryme Tyme. It would have been even nicer if it had been a “Last Time Ever” match'
Like no other, THD need to move quick to gain any momentum. Found it funny that striker kept on saying how THD might find it difficult and awkward facing the different 'street' style of CrymeTyme when they had been going back and forth for so long.
Kev, could you imagine THD making a face turn soon. They don't really have much genuine heel heat, though they haven't really been given a chance to generate any
Posted by: Chris | November 29, 2009 11:54 PM
Jeff Hardy's name being mentioned was odd. But if he does get convicted of anything, advertising the DVD afterwards would probably be even worse. It's all about business(the money), and after all, Christmas is coming!
Ya think Morrison's character needs some adjustment, he seems very awkward.
Posted by: Ben | November 30, 2009 2:43 AM
Hey Kev, how about Punk-Morrison @ TLC??? I think that would be an awesome encounter. They could do it for the InterContinental title. These 2 do not have true rivals @ the moment and both gained moment during the year which is actually in jeopardy heading into 2010 looking @ the fact they are not involved in a real exciting storyline at the moment. With Punk being heel and Morrison face, the program could start over who has had the biggest impact on smackdown in 2009 and culminate in a match involving the IC. These two emerging superstars need this kind of matches to get even more elevated in the eyes of the WWE universe and this will be a good setup for a future feud over a world title.Remember great rivalries such as Hart/HBK or HHH/Rock all started with the Intercontinental title. I don't think Punk, a former World champion, would look weak fighting a great athlete such as Morrison once-off over the Intercontinental title which has regained some of its prestige as of late. Having said once-off, I'd like to see Morrison keeping the title and starting a push towards being one of the top guys. I wish someone from Creative can read my post.
Posted by: Thom | November 30, 2009 3:56 AM
Morrison was better when he was talking like a self-important California jerk who talked about the "Palace of Wisdom". I would suggest that he study some Shawn Michaels promos when Michaels was starting out as a singles wrestler. Michaels is the guy that Morrison reminds me of the most.
Posted by: Cliff | November 30, 2009 12:07 PM
WWE rarely does anything right when it comes to tag team wrestling. Every match is the same thing: face gets a beatdown, hot tag to his partner, followed either by a face team win or a sneaky pin by the heels. It seems like the only reason they even have a tag team division is to generate storylines about teams arguing and breaking up.
I'd think the tag division would have a lot of potential for new and different kinds of matches and storylines. But WWE doesn't seem to be interested.
Posted by: jvwalt | November 30, 2009 1:15 PM
will someone realize that morrison can't speak without sounding cringeworthy. Stop letting him talk.
Posted by: Rob Watkins | November 30, 2009 2:13 PM
Hey Kevin do you think they're trying to subtlety trying to make Striker into a heel announcer? It seems that lately he's always making comments about liking or respecting the heels.
Posted by: james | November 30, 2009 2:45 PM
"Was Jericho really in two TLC matches? I thought he was only in one when he teamed up with Benoit to defend the Tag Titles."
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He was in the TLC match on Raw back in 2002 that put Kane vs. Spike/Bubba Ray Dudley vs. Rob Van Dam/Jeff Hardy vs. Jericho/Christian.
Posted by: paul meade | November 30, 2009 3:45 PM
Well, at least no one has ever claimed that a something-on a pole match is the most dangerous.
Except when it comes to ratings and/or entertainment value.
Posted by: Mr. Sarcasm | November 30, 2009 3:56 PM
we all know that a "last time ever" stipulation would last for only a few weeks... that's how the wrestling business works.
Posted by: Richard | November 30, 2009 6:20 PM
Kev, your column never gets boring. Smackdowns idea of opening with Jericho, and closing with him is actually brilliant. The best on the mike by far. Punk is my #2, and just because, Matt Hardy is getting better as my 3rd. My guess for Escobar is, he continues on smackdown for a still probable push, and Vicki always shows up with his opponent. Unfortunatly, they don't have too much to work with there. I'm liking Kane a bit more. His entrance is sort of like Charlie Taylor scoring a touchdown, to the point. And really, Sheamus??? I say he whips Cena but still loses somehow with an Orton interference. Lot of roads there. He just isn't ready for a belt. Give it to him for WM26 and let Edge win it there!
Posted by: Lon | November 30, 2009 7:06 PM
So Luke Gallows acted like he did as Festus because he was taking too many pills, But isnt that a Wellness Policy violation?? Tell me they didnt just set a storyline that the man was on the roster and was high on pills the whole time??
Tell me they didnt just say that????
Posted by: Henry | November 30, 2009 7:42 PM
About Morrison: I hate to write it because I love his in-ring work but he´s terrible on the mic, you´re right. But I think that´s partly because of his gimmick, it´s so stupid especially when portrayed by a face. So either give him a manager or a valet (why not reunite him with Melina?) or let him turn heel. Or just flush this gimmick down the toilet and let him be himself.
Posted by: XDreamItchy | December 2, 2009 4:43 AM
So Luke Gallows acted like he did as Festus because he was taking too many pills, But isnt that a Wellness Policy violation?? Tell me they didnt just set a storyline that the man was on the roster and was high on pills the whole time??
Tell me they didnt just say that????
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It is only a wellness policy violation if you don't have a script, I think the story is he has been on anti-psychotics and anti-depressants for which he had a script and would also account for the mood change.
Posted by: Angelique | December 3, 2009 5:18 AM