Opening Segment:
We are still in Mexico, so out comes Alberto Del Rio. He makes an excuse to not compete against the Big Show, but Teddy Long comes out and says he is cleared to fight. Del Rio says he is not scared and will make Show tap out.
What I Liked:
Having Del Rio out to a huge pop to start the show in Mexico shows how much stock they have invested in him for this week. Del Rio shows his cowardly actions, but switches his mentality and hypes his match against The Big Show tonight.
What I Disliked:
I understand they do not want Cena booed anytime, but why won't they let him and Del Rio talk, go face to face in the ring? I do not get what they are trying to do to not have Cena out here right now. The feud is very weak, and I feel like they don't want Cena to be invested with Del Rio at all.
Grade: C
John Morrison vs. Mark Henry:
Morrison gains a lot of offense in this match. He hits a few knees and kicks to knock Henry on the ground. He hits Starship Pain, but Henry kicks out. Henry reverses a move, and Henry hits his finisher for the victory.
What I Liked:
Morrison actually did not get buried tonight, as he put on a great athletic match with a much larger Henry. Henry quickly snapping out of it and hitting his power slam was a nice finish, as they are trying to show that Mark Henry is getting "weaker." They want u to buy in the face that Show could win Sunday.
What I Disliked:
Not extending the time of this match. I want the first match of Smackdown to last close to ten minutes to set the pace and table for the rest of the night. Also, Henry this early as World Champion shows they are giving more time to Rhodes and Orton, the much more anticipated match at Vengeance.
Grade: B
Teddy Long books Ryder and Ziggler for the US Championship.
Wade Barrett vs Daniel Bryan:
A SummerSlam rematch on Smackdown. A good match that went back and forth in the beginning. Barrett sends Bryan to the outside, and uses a huge kick to the face. Bryan hits a flying drop kick onto Barrett, but Wade gains the offensive. Both men get reversals and counters one another. Barrett hits a nice pump handle slam, kicks Bryan in the corner. Bryan goes up top but is caught by Barrett for Wasteland. Barrett gets the pin fall.
What I Liked:
Yes, Bryan continues to pile up losses. This one was okay with me for the sole purpose that Barrett is much more suited at this point to be in the main event. I loved the old school backstage promo as Barrett was coming out. I really feel that now he is going to get pushed, and whenever we get a face champion, Barrett will be next. I really would love to see Barrett vs. Sheamus for the World Title. Two big men who came up together and who have similar styles that won't clash in the ring. The pace of the match fitted Barrett over Bryan, but both men put on a great match with sound spots. Consistency and chemistry was key to make this match work.
What I Disliked:
Not much really. The ending fit, the beginning carried the action, and I feel like Bryan will use this to get frustrated and become a tweener, maybe a full fledged heel to tweak his character.
Grade: A
