I agree, that was a very compelling Divas segment--plenty of heat. I can't remember a Divas segment that good. It goes to show that the WWE can have entertaining Divas action even in a PG environment.

CM Punk's segment was also good. He's doing a good job of creating a "cult leader" persona, which I still find a little odd because you'd think the WWE would make a "Say No to Drugs" character a face. (And shouldn't CM Punk shave his head as well if he's going to shave all his followers' heads?)

I have felt - and still feel - that CM Punk is capable of much more than this Save 'N Shave, but he was so charismatic that I couldn't help but mark out for it. As he was about to get busy with the young lady's hair, I was sure that DX would appear on the titantron and ridicule him (not that I was dying to see them), but holy ----! He really shaved her skull!

I disagree about the Divas segment.

While Mickie and Maria did well, Michelle is still forced. You either have natural charisma or you don't, and she doesn't.

Plus, prior to Maria coming out, Michelle and Layla spoke for about 2 minutes and drew no reaction from the crowd the whole time, then the reaction when Mickie was crying was miminal considering how long this angle has been. If Michelle doesn't get big heel heat on a weekly basis after months of this angle that has been completely one-sided in her favor, then there's no hope for her.

Grisham has referred to Jim Ross being a mentor to him in his broadcasting career. You would think that Ross would have passed on that it's his job to put the wrestlers over instead of burying them. And yet, every week, he mentions to do just that.

Next week Phoenix will help James...you can bet on it!

Where are Punk's other followers?

A push for R-Truth...now thats just wishful thinking...can anyone say Kofi...or how about the words glass ceiling.

I've already given up on WWE giving Truth a push. He gets good reactions from the audiences. He has a pretty unique move set. His character has potential.

Just don't know why the company refuses to give him a shot.

After watching Mickie James, I took back all criticism I had of the Piggy James stuff. This is a fantastic storyline (perhaps the best Diva's story since James was a freaky Trish Stratus stalker) with what is actually turning out to be a positive message rather than the completely wrong message it initially appeared to be sending.

I thought the Jericho/McIntyre vs Morrison/R-Truth match was one of the best I'd seen on WWE for quite some time...despite R-Truth's obnoxious Wuzup intro. I agree that the Hart Dynasty are overdue for a push.
I just got back home from checking out a very entertaining Florida Championship Wrestling card in Orlando tonight. Ironically, Serena was involved in a tag team match showing off her new shaven head.
The main reason I went to see this event was to get an up close look at Karval (formerly indy sensation Low Ki), and the guy did not disappoint. He is the real deal. Picture Rey Mysterio with more brawling skills and you have Karval. This guy displayed moves I had never seen before. I hope Vince calls this guy up to the big show in a hurry. He would make a great opponent for the soon-to-be-debuting Brian Danielson. I was also impressed by Heath Slater, who had Byron Saxton in his corner. Saxton was incredibly entertaining at this live show, much much better than what he has shown us thus far on his WWE broadcasts.
Maybe it's because these young wrestlers are hungry to succeed, but this show was just as entertaining as Smackdown, and was much better than what Raw or Impact are bringing us.

One thing to wonder: How long is it gonna take until Matt joins Jeff in TNA? I'm sure this wasn't Matt's plan since the last Wrestlemania to team up with the Great Khali...

For me, CM Punk remains the most compelling character in WWE right now, just like he has done since last summer. Since this time last year, he has grown so much in my expectations that I actually look forward to Smackdown solely for his involvement. As of today, I don't think there is anyone who can carry off a better performance on the mic like he can - he is simply superb. I want to see this "save and shave" venture continue for a while as I'm finding it really intriguing, and I'd also like to see the tag team belts on him and Gallows sooner, rather than later. With JeriShow giving them a bit more credibility in the past few months, it would be good for Punk to get a belt back around his waist and will give us hope that he can return to the World Heavyweight Championship scene, which he thoroughly deserves to after his fantastic programme with Jeff Hardy last year. Just think he deserves a bit of praise, that's all...

Also, I know it's been said before, but I wish Michelle wouldn't call other Divas "underfed", like she did to Maria on this week's Smackdown. I know she's playing the obnoxious heel, but come on! Look in the mirror!

P.S. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Edge returns in the rumble next week as a surprise late entrant. Any whispers of this down the grapevine, Kevin?

Kevin
I have to disagree with you on the line of the night. That honor should go to Mickie James. While she was describing real woman she said "We are real women with the body that god created us with...."
Come on now pure gold to hear a Diva with silicon say that
Couldnt help but chuckle
Keep up the good work
Mark Nelson

To be honest, I was blown away by Maria's work on the mic. She had me on the edge of my seat; unfortunately, she still leaves much to be desired as a worker. While I agree the segment was strong, I had a few problems with it. First, this is at least the second time where McCool has accused another woman of being too thin (or "not eating"). This is so ridiculous I won't bother explaining why. Second, I have to disagree about Beth - she came off looking like a puppet of McCool in the segment. What I was expecting to happen during the long, drawn-out scene where Beth and Layla were holding down Mickie was that McCool would slam the cake in Beth's face and McCool and Layla would proceed to attack Phoenix.

I actually don't think doing the job this week hurts Jericho at all, and it gives a big rub to Truth, who has been over like crazy for about a year now, but still can't seem to get any kind of push.

Eck, have to completely disagree with you and everyone who thinks this was a good show.

CM Punk = Jesus Cult act, very old, and so, so, so over the top it isn't funny. Luke Gallows was 100% better as Festus.

The first 30 minutes of the show was one DQ match (Batista and Finlay), and then CM Jesus.

The Divas nonsense was just that. Maybe they figured the in ring talent is lacking overall and this was the best they could do. Gee, who would have thought the food would end up in somebody's face?

Jericho is jobbing too much. He plays the heel role like nobody else, but in the Jericho-holic era also proved he can be a very good face. Too talented to be jobbing. Leave that to the Finlays of the world still trying to hang on.

Matt Hardy and Khali...yeah, there's a great team. No way in the world the Harts should be jobbing out to that horrid combo. Like Matt pretty well, been a good worker for years, but whatever is up with his knees and Khali's lack of movement really screw up any fast paced action you generally see in a tag team match.

Rey Mysterio for once didn't need subtitles when cutting a promo. But this hole "little guy, not scared of big tough guys" act is wearing thin on me and he better not even show against Undertaker. Taker should blow right through him. Bring the Cruiser Weight title back and let Rey have that. Got no problem with him being the king of his element. He's got no business winning repeatedly over Kane and Batista or other larger heavyweights.

I like R-Truth the wrestler, the gimmick is what is holding him back. The dance routine is stuck in the 80's, the rap is okay but he needs something new, and some of us remember K-Kwik even if the WWE doesn't want us to.

I sense that a feud between Morrison and Jericho is looming. This would perphaps start @ Royal rumble and culminate @ WM. If Morrison cleanly beats Jericho or the like @ the grandest stage of them of all, that will most probably help his career really soar and that's what the WWE universe has been waiting for some time and in the meantime R-Truth can engage in a feud for the IC with McIntyre which could be a good match in the WM lineup as well.

The Divas angle was disturbing and I hope the punch bowl was plastic because if you noticed, McCool's one hand was covered in cake and the bowl slipped and cracked Mickie in the head.

CM Punk is still the best thing on SmackDown and having Serena Deeb be his "Squeaky Fromme" will be interesting.............................

For the first time in almost 5 years, i watched a WWE program. I hate to think i was missing stuff like CM Punk's segment. It was so beautifully done i was absolutely blown away. I hope Smackdown continues to deliver as i watch Monday Night Raw for the first time in a long time this monday.

Also id like to comment on LarryB. Your spot on with Lo Ki/Karval. I personally think he could be a huge success in WWE. And i would certainly love to see him and Brian Danielson square off

Yeah the Divas segment did indeed rock this time, but then again, for me it's always the divas segment that matters the most.
I just hope this was not a prelude the Mickie James actually leaving smackdown

Kevin, please. This is the programming you find more compelling than Impact? You talk about the Nasty Boys and Hall not having a right to be in the ring, but what about Khali? He's terrible, and always has been. Yet, he's out there every week doing something stupid that draws no reaction from the crowd, or at least a real reaction that isn't altered after the fact. And don't get me started on Finlay. What business does this guy have being on tv every week? Another terrible wrestler past his prime.

If R-Truth and Drew McIntyre are the hot young talents in the Wwe, then they are in trouble. Vince needs to get over the idea that you can force feed these chumps down the throats of fans and expect to get a reaction. It doesn't work.

Oh, and I'm glad you noted the date of the ppv. I assume you'll be watching that one and not writing a review based on what you read, ala Genesis?

RESPONSE FROM KE: Finlay may not be in his prime, but he's still a good worker. To compare him to Hall and the Nasty Boys is ridiculous.

Took your advice and quit reading the spoilers..watch both TNA and Smackdown.First a above average show for SmackDown whose writing and show is just better than Raw..loved the CM Punk segment,even Stryker's commentary is awesome...but by far the Mickie James segment stole the show..Maria was on point and Layla is enteraining on the stick.Glad to see WWE is finally putting some effort in the Diva's segment..I'm a big mark for Mickie...Just wondering if all this is due to TNA..seems that thier highest ratings come with the Knock-outs.

Ah now I finally see why Brett Hart came back. To push the Hart Dynasty in to a mind numbingly boring program with Khali.

This is a totally random and misplaced comment, but anyways... I was just wondering if you had ever considered ranking the Wrestlemania events? You know, 1-25 on which you thought were the most entertaining, successful, etc...

Mickie James is a step above the rest of the divas. She is a real pro in the ring on the mic and in dealing with a storyline that is a sensitive issue for all women. By "taking one for the team" with the personal attacks she has successfully made two great heels in this program. She should be rewarded with another title run for her efforts.

To answer Matthew's question the reason I believe CM Punk keeps his hair is twofold.

First, it is a parallel of The Manson Family. Charles Manson kept his hair while his followers shaved theirs.

Second, it also symbolizes CM Punk's hypocrisy. By keeping his hair he won't do unto himself what he demands of others.

RESPONSE FROM KE: Actually, Manson's followers shaved their heads after Manson shaved his first. The real reason Punk has the long hair and scraggly beard is because he is most likely putting his hair on the line at WrestleMania against Rey Mysterio's mask.

I totally agree about the Divas segment. And I am somebody who typically fast-forwards through the women's matches. But that particular segment was impeccably executed, and it worked.

But. Overall, comparing your Smackdown review to Impact's, it seems you were more entertained overall by Smackdown. I disagree with that. This week, TNA put on the best show.

(Despite the Nasty Boys.)

"Shouldn't CM Punk shave his head as well if he's going to shave all his followers' heads?"

No. He is the leader. He is already pure. As the "savior" he is the one with all the hair, representing that he is better than everyone. Cult leaders do not want people like them, they want sheep who do as they say. Overall, it has the potential to be the best angle of the year.

My question is this: Who is going to be the first to challenge his new "cult"?

MitZi, WWE made a huge blunder by turning Matt face again after Jeff's departure. It's not like Matt was replacing Jeff in the main events...he would have been much better of remaining the greasy, cowardly heel he was during his feud with Jeff. He is less over now as a face than during his run as ECW champ because it's tough to cheer a guy who burned his brother's home, killed his dog on purpose (in storyline) and tried to even kill his own brother in a hit and run and then turn back face and say "it's all good". That is what has killed Matt's career, otherwise he really can still be a quality upper card heel.

Must disagree with you regarding Friday night's show here in Greenville. My wife and I decided not to go since the programs currently underway just aren't all that interesting to us & we've seen all the guys on the card wrestle multiple times. We almost changed our minds last minute, but after watching the broadcast, we were very glad we didn't waste our money.

Punk plays his character well, but the shaving segments are dragging on forever. I might pay $16 to get a haircut, but that doesn't mean I wanna pay $16 to watch a haircut!

Same problem with the Divas segment; too much talk, too little action. It feels like the 'piggy' program has been going on for months with no real in-ring confrontation between the main players. And if Mickie is so irate and fed up (sorry, couldn't resist), why is she sobbing a few minutes later? Not the image of the strong, independent woman she was championing before the assault. It's not a bad proogram, but when the best element is the tweener (Phoenix), well. something's not quite clicking with the main protagonists.

Considering the Rumble was still 9 days away, the night felt low on action on long on PPV hype. WWE's gotta put together something more exciting or interesting to get me to buy ticket

I agree that divas segment was great but I also hope this leads to an end to the "piggy James" angle by her winning the title at the Royal Rumble. They needed to get some heat on McCool and they've managed to do that but it's time for the heel to get her comeuppance.

I wasn't very impressed when they started this whole straight edge society thing but they've turned me into a believer. Punk gets better and better each week and Gallows is just sraight creepy with all the constant touching he does.

Kev, your opinions are fun to read. However, some haters take it too seriously. As for FINLAY, he does his job, and is still good at it. No mike, just wrestle. What business does he have???? TNA is pure garbage, but i watch every week, cause I'm a fan!!!

I detested the Divas segment. Too long, too formulaic, 0 creativity. I would have been more entertained to see the 4 of them sit there and eat the cake quietly. CM Punk is still money. Ugh...McCool needs to go away.

Comparing the Nasty Boys to Finlay is like comparing the Bellas to Curt Hennig.

I'm always suprised by how into R-Truth most people are. His awful entrance and ring attire aside (just a matter taste I guess, so not gonna knock the guy for that) I just don't like his in-ring style. He is all speed and flare with no substance. And that damn little dance, hipthrust thing he does infuriates me. It just makes him look silly. I guess i just find it hard to take him serious. I don't understand why they didn't go with the original 'from the mean streets, clawed his way out of poverty' angle which his promos displayed. I think that would make him a lot more compelling and set him apart from the pack. He also seems to be pretty good on the mike (talking, not rapping) when they give him the chance.

Another one that confuses me is Hornswoggle. When he was the ridiculous leprachaun taking down Miz n Moz with tadpole splashes ppl seemed to love him...despite how utterly insane and unbelievable it was. Now that he is with DX as a mischievous, comedy mascot and actually playing a realistic character (except for his garbled language which i could do without) i can really see the value in the little guy...but most people (not so much live crowds, internet fans) hate it. Each to their own i guess but it just confuses the hell out of me.

My thoughts run along the lines of Andy's --- Edge being a surprise entrant and winning the Royal Rumble --- While I don't like his character - I'm finding myself missing Edge and awaiting his return... Hopefully, he'll come back and move CMPunk down a notch or two - something about CMPunk being "a savior" does absolutely nothing for me and I've found myself taping Smackdown and fast forwarding over anything with this storyline.

The Mickie James storyline was utterly repulsive to me in the beginning, but I think they are going with a positive message and a buildup to Royal Rumble match --- but I'm also wondering if this is leading the way to Mickie taking some time off from WWE - to focus on her music career - with her upcoming album coming out?

I like the fact the first time Punk "convert" someone to straight edge, the guy was somewhat scared until the very end of the segment.
The following week, there it was a volunteer, who wasn't that scared and was actually willing to be converted since minute one.
Last week, someone breaks in and madly asks to be saved.

I don't know what can happen next week, but i'm loving it.

And despite he is actually using somesort of good message (being straightedge), I think what Punk really wants to explode is beyond from the "i'm better than you" motto. He is showing us how wrong is to hold an extremist position. An extremist thought is destructive no matter what It's content is. I think from that point of view, punk is delivering.

An yone else confused that you have heels making fun of a womans weight and we should boo them when for the past year faces have been making fun of a womans weight and we are supposed to cheer? I guess the message is its funny if she does not have a models face.

I love the way Striker helps put over the Straight Edge Society.

To Vegas > I totally agree. Everybody and their dog would make these fat jokes about Vickie Guerrero, but when it comes to Mickie, we are supposed to give the heels heat for that and wildly applause the "we're real women" speech? Especially given that Mickie's body has had some, hmm, alterations, since God gave it to her, which is not Vickie's case...

MARIA #1