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Last night's edition of Smackdown was an action-packed program, featuring four qualifying matches for the WWE Championship Scramble at Unforgiven and the return of The Undertaker.
The show opened with General Manager Vickie Guerrero addressing the Smackdown audience. Vickie apologized for her decisions as GM since becoming involved with Edge and placed the blame for her poor judgment squarely on The Rated R Superstar. La Familia later accompanied Guerrero to the ring as she offered a personal apology to the returning Undertaker. The Dead Man refused Vickie’s request for forgiveness and proceeded to obliterate Chavo Guerrero, Bam Neely, Curt Hawkins, and Zack Ryder.
Four qualifying bouts were held to determine WWE Champion Triple H’s challengers in the Smackdown Scramble Match at Unforgiven, beginning with a ten-man battle royal. The Brian Kendrick emerged victorious when The Big Show - disgruntled over being excluded from the Scramble qualifying - left his ringside seat and tossed each remaining participant over the top rope. Kendrick, however, was caught by his bodyguard Ezekiel Jackson on the way out and placed back into the ring. Given the fact that his feet did not touch the floor, Kendrick was declared the victor.
Triple H provided color commentary during the Jeff Hardy-Great Khali Scramble qualifier and assisted Hardy in toppling The Punjabi Giant courtesy of a well-placed chair shot to the head. Post-match, Kenny Dykstra interrupted a Hunter promo and received a Pedigree for his troubles.
This was a very solid show and I enjoyed the WWE Championship Scramble qualifying format. Each match delivered and following this week’s uninspiring Raw broadcast, I only wish the red brand had gone the same route.
While I still disagree with the Scramble concept overall, I must admit that Smackdown has assembled a very promising main event for Unforgiven involving five superb performers. Some fans may disagree with the inclusion of mid-card grappler The Brian Kendrick, but I feel this could be a great opportunity for a promising young star to showcase his talents.
I enjoyed the Vickie Guerrero/Undertaker segment and the storyline - which allows Vickie to remain in the heel role she is much better suited for - was executed sensibly. ‘Taker’s reasons for rejecting Vickie’s apology are believable and the continuing feud between the two does not seem forced. I only hope that this is not foreshadowing for an Edge babyface turn in the near future, as The Rated R Superstar is currently the hottest heel in the business.
Match Results: Maria over Natalya via disqualification following interference by Maryse … The Brian Kendrick won a ten-man WWE Championship Scramble qualifying battle royal … MVP over Festus via countout in a WWE Championship Scramble qualifying match … U.S. Champion Shelton Benjamin over Finlay via pinfall in a non-title WWE Championship Scramble qualifying match … Jeff Hardy over The Great Khali via pinfall in a WWE Championship Scramble qualifying match following interference by Triple H.
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