In Ring Segment:
Booker T starts by thanking the fans for the past year, including the ovation at Royal Rumble. He knows he beat Cody fair and square on Raw. Cody interrupts Booker, makes fun of the Indianapolis Colts, and begins to talk about giving Booker the win. Booker wants him to man up and show gratitude. Cody shakes Booker's hand and says the fairytail is over, and it is time for Booker to go home. Dustin Rhodes comes out and defends Booker T, saying he helped him and inspired him in his career. Cody says that he went and restored the Rhodes name after his brother threw it up. Booker and Cody set up round three next week, but Cody low blows Dustin and runs away as Booker chases him.
What I Liked:
Definitely a nice twist to things here with Dustin getting involved. I think hardcore wrestling fans love the aspect of brother's feuding, whether it is the Hardy's or Rhodes', the battle for carrying the family name is as realistic as you can get. I liked how Dustin came out, sounded sincere, and was able to impliment himself in this feud. I would not mind seeing Rhodes vs. Rhodes at Mania, even though it will not be a big name for Cody to face.
What I Disliked:
I do not understand why the third match was booked for next week instead of the Rumble. You figure that there will be two world title matches, a divas match, and the Rumble match. It would be nice to have an opening bout like this to start off the show rather than be thrown in a random Smackdown.
Grade: B
Jinder Mahal def. Ted DiBiase
What I Liked:
Another week, another match between these two lower card talents. Mahal gets the victory here, which sparks it just a little bit. Mahal is solid, but lacks all of the tools to be a watchable character in and out of the ring. He just does not have "it". DiBiase and Mahal, for the most part, did a decent job at transitioning into their move sets. The match was not too long, but did enough.
What I Disliked:
What is their end game to this feud? Who comes out for the better? I have been wanting to know why these guys were paired up for. I assume it is just to give them exposure and let them work on potentially being relevant at some point in their life.
Grade: C-
