SmackDown!: O's and NO's

If you're either a veteran "O" Show reader or someone who checks out our archives section to read older articles (which you should), then you already know the concept of 'O's and 'NO's. For those who are new, or need a refresher, an "O" represents something amazing...a "NO" quite simply is the opposite. Professional wrestling has always provided us with an array of both 'O's and 'NO's. Here's my take on last night's "SmackDown!":

O:
Angle VS. Mysterio.

Here's something I've been saying that WWE has needed to do for weeks: have wrestling on a wrestling show!! Nice way to start off with Angle's "Farewell Match" as he is moving on to become part of ECW's permanent roster. This match had a little bit of everything a good wrestling match needs. First off, two good wrestlers!! Secondly, a lot of nice spots that included reversals, false finishes and near-falls. I always love when I think a match is about to end and it doesn't. The suspense created by these two superstars was great, especially for a non-PPV match which usually doesn't exceed five minutes.

To add to the greatness of this match was some excellent commentary by Tazz, Michael Cole and Paul Heyman. The entire intent behind this match was to put over the "new vision" for ECW with Kurt Angle as its poster boy. "Pure" wrestling and high intensity are set to be two key ingredients to this resurging brand. And if SmackDown's opening match was any indication, wrestling fans will finally be able to tune in to a REAL wrestling show again soon. Wasn't too down with the countout finish though. I guess WWE was trying to put both superstars AND brands over.

NO:
The "Miz" as the new "SmackDown!" host. Is he really necessary? He basically introduces what is going to happen next. Like we weren't already told that there was a "Piper's Pit" happening tonight...or that Lashley will take on King Booker this evening. Tazz and Cole are unable to do this on their own because...why?

O:
Hardy VS. Nunzio. Now don't get me wrong...there wasn't anything particularly O-worthy about this match...it just happened to be a fairly decent wrestling match with a couple of nice spots. And in keeping with the whole "I want to watch more actual wrestling" angle that I've been working lately, I thought I'd give some credit where credit is due. These two performers are under-utilized and under-appreciated. I don't know where WWE is going with the "Vito in a dress" thing though. The writers have been watching too much "Sopranos" lately, I guess. If so, Vito's about to be whacked!

NO:
The Bobby Lashley promo. Have you ever seen a more "vanilla" interview in your life? And yes, I used the apparently-coined-by-Triple H term to define "plain" and "drab" on a black wrestler! But seriously, this guy has the charisma of a fossil. He could not be any more uninteresting as a character. He's in desperate need of a manager or some kind of mouthpiece until he gets it! You'd think that anyone willing to work out (or take steroids) to the point of being so completely ripped and huge and ready for WWE stardom, would take a moment of his day to perhaps practice speaking! Every wrestling fan in the world has cut a promo or two in front of the mirror after a shower. Bobby, come on!

O:
Jillian VS. Kristal. Okay, I know what you're thinking. Did I actually just give an "O" to a Diva match? Well, for two ladies fairly new to the company, they did put on a far LESS sloppy match than most veteran Divas have over the past several weeks. And besides, Kristal is FINE yo! Damn, I'm feelin' her. Ass comes directly from heaven, no connecting flights!

NO:
Mark Henry. O, how do I hate thee? Let me count the ways:

1) You're a man, and you wear extensions. You're a disgrace to any self-respecting human with a pair of balls. Dude, grow your hair or cut it, make up your mind...but for God's sake, stop trying to look like Shenaynay!

2) You're fat...not big, but fat. And your damn ring attire leaves little to the imagination. We get it, you have both a pair of tits and nuts...not interested in seeing 'em dude.

3) You're slow and sloppy. I haven't seen you do anything impressive yet. Every big guy can appear dominant and ferocious, big deal. You're unbearably boring to watch.

4) Why do you gotta be dripping when you walk to the ring? Not like you're not nasty enough as it is...you gotta leave your opponent soaking the second you touch him too?

O:
Mr.KENNEDYYYYYYY! will be back soon.

NO:
Batista will be back soon.

O:
King Booker's new "humble" demeanour. I loved his ring entrance except for (insert the next "NO" here). And let's not forget WWE's "Ms. New Booty"...Queen Sharmell. These two as King and Queen will provide jokes for weeks, trust me.

NO:
William Regal repeating "All Hail King Booker" no less than 50 times! Yep, I counted...and that doesn't include what we missed during the commercial break!

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