9/5/08 Smackdown

Star rating key:
(negative stars) = Huh?! (BS finish; most squash matches)
DUD = Boring match (or could not enjoy the match)
1/4* to 3/4* = It had watchable moments.
* to *3/4 = Average match.
** to **3/4 = Above average match.
*** to ***3/4 = Great match; usually saved for PPVs
**** to ****3/4 = Match of the year candidate
***** = The rarest of all matches. A classic.
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9/5/08 Smackdown:
R-Truth vs. Bam Neely: R-Truth has a ton of rap skills. Nice balanced attack from R-Truth: a little basic wrestling, some flashy moves, and some aerial moves. Neely got in a little offense, but it was obvious who would win here. Fans are behind R-Truth for sure. 1/4*

Shelton Benjamin vs. MVP: Nice mat wrestling from Shelton. A couple of great impact moves from MVP, but Shelton hit Paydirt for the win. Actually, this match was quite a letdown; these two are capable of having ***+ star matches. *1/4

Maryse vs. Maria: Nice fast start to the match. Great crossbody from Maria. Unique version of a camel clutch from Maryse. Overall a simple, watchable match. 3/4*

The Brian Kendrick vs. Jeff Hardy: Definitely an interesting matchup...two great wrestlers capable of big matches. Great kicks from Kendrick. I don't know if I saw anyone else counter Hardy's mule kick. Unique offense from Hardy with the modified facebuster and some overhead suplex from the powerbomb position. Hardy with the usual plancha over the top onto Kendrick. Of course, this is where Ezekiel Jackson got involved. Interference sucks as a fan, but still a very good match. **

Super Crazy vs. Ryan Braddock: I still have no clue why they have retained people like Ryan Braddock. I mean, do they really need jobbers for jobbers now? After all, I cannot see Super Crazy becoming even U.S. champ at any point soon. Super Crazy got a kick in and a moonsault for the win. Yeah...whatever. I was more interested in Kozlov's segment right after. -**

Brie Bella vs. Victoria: A rematch from last week as Brie pulled the ol' switcheroo with her identical twin sister in order to get the win (JR and Tazz treat Brie/Nicole as one person, as the twins have never been on camera together, but I looked it up and Brie does indeed have a twin). I don't think I ever heard Victoria scream like that before. Nice power moves from Victoria. Brie did the switch again under the ring, although I think just from looking at the match again, Nicole (the identical twin not named) came out the other side a little too soon. Just a little nitpick on the match though. At least the crowd was into the match more this week. DUD

Triple H vs. The Great Khali (Lumberjack Match): It was hard for me to get into the match at first. Khali does not have a good reputation as a good worker, and his knees are just completely shot. HHH tried to make Khali look good, though. HHH kicked out of that Tree Chokeslam which had put away so many superstars in the past. I think I finally started to get into the match at that point. All the heel lumberjacks ganged up on HHH and Jeff Hardy - the lone face lumberjack - did the big spot with the dive over the top taking everyone out. Decent counters and HHH gets the win finally with the Pedigree. Definitely one of Khali's better efforts. **1/4
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Unforgiven ratings predictions:

I am expecting big things from HBK/Y2J, and the World Heavyweight championship scramble match looks real good. If Kendrick wins the title, I'm sure I'll be marking out big time with a couple friends. Again, these are only predictions.

Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase vs. Cryme Tyme (World Tag Team Titles): **1/4
Michelle McCool vs. Maryse (Divas Title): 1/4*
Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho (Unsanctioned Match): ****3/4
Mark Henry vs. Matt Hardy vs. The Miz vs. Finlay vs. Chavo Guerrero (ECW Championship Scramble): ***1/4
Triple H vs. The Brian Kendrick vs. Jeff Hardy vs. MVP vs. Shelton Benjamin (World Heavyweight Championship Scramble): ****
CM Punk vs. JBL vs. Kane vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Batista (WWE Championship Scramble): ***3/4