Talkin' Smack!

When I initially switched from writing "Chair Shots and Table Spots" to "Talkin' Smack!", I thought it would be much easier. It seemed that I simply traded in "another pointless hour of WWE programming" for "another two hours of solid wrestling".

That being said, there were some things that pissed me off this week on "SmackDown!". I think I've finally figured it out.

Not only do you get over by talking trash, but it's much easier to write articles about things you hate. Now I know why there's so many articles burying John Cena on this site.

The first axe I have to grind is the appearance of not one, but both of the Hardys on "SmackDown!". Of course I enjoy watching the Hardys compete, but I do not enjoy constant inconsistency. The point of the brand extension was to keep wrestlers separate in terms of storylines.

Why then do both of the Hardys continue to appear on "SmackDown!" days after becoming the World Tag Team Champions on "Raw"? Certainly the "SmackDown!" locker room is robust enough to have somebody job to Mr. Kennedy and pin a dishevelled King Booker with an inside cradle.

I know these matches are supposedly due to the "Money in the Bank" match, but nobody cares after WrestleMania. 'Mania is supposed to be the culmination of all storylines, not the launching pad. I know I didn't even remember why King Booker was hot at Matt Hardy.

The point is this: if the E is going to maintain the brand extension, then they need to keep the brands' talent pools separate. I assumed the previous blurring of lines was because WrestleMania was approaching and all bets were off, but it seems it will continue after. We saw it on "Raw" with all the half-assed tag teams they threw together and now we are seeing it on "SmackDown!".

Another thing that upset me was The Miz pinning Chris Benoit. I know this loss is only designed to further a storyline, but there were other ways around it. MVP could have done the classic disqualification causing run in or simply waited for Benoit to make Miz tap before attacking.

Again, I'm not sure why it seems that 'Mania was the starting point of feuds this year, but it would appear that MVP will be taking the gold off of Benoit after all. Bottom line is Chris Benoit truly is one of the top ten wrestlers of all time and does not deserve having his legacy tarnished by being pinned by a jackass like The Miz.

As a side note, I have a theory about Benoit's flying headbutt being used as a finisher as of late. Could it be that the E wants the STFU to be the premier tap out move? Think about it, not only has Benoit been finishing matches with the swan dive lately, but Cena made Benoit tap to that very move about three weeks ago on "Raw". There's more fuel for the Cena hate fire for all you O Show conspiracy theorists.

Yet another event I took exception to on "SmackDown!" this week was the hinted split between Queen Sharmell and King Booker. Actually, there was no "hinting" about it. It's going to happen. While I give Sharmell props for one hell of a convincing performance, I fear we may see the end of the King Booker character.

Not only would I dislike a babyface King Booker, but I would hate to see a babyface Booker T return so much more. I was never a Booker T fan until the King Booker character emerged. I fear the days of royalty may be ending for all us loyal subjects of the "SmackDown!" kingdom.

Now that that's out of the way, my favorite moment on "SmackDown!" came after the Kennedy/Jeff Hardy match. I totally didn't expect the Hornswoggle squash at WrestleMania would lead to a future program, but am I glad it did. Finlay is one of my personal favorite E performers, and deserves a high profile program with "Mr. Money in the Bank".

While it's unlcear if this is the angle that will turn Finlay and/or Hornswoggle babyface, they have both successfully played the "tweener" role perfectly for months.

What makes this program so exciting for me is that all three of the guys involved are not only on the cusp of breaking glass ceilings, but both are on the cusp of becoming babyfaces if the E decided to do so.

How many storylines can you recall in the recent past that had so many question marks surrounding it? This is exactly what the E needs right now; unpredictability. Not to mention, Hornswoggle has stolen the show on more than one occasion. Screw glass ceilings, this guy is shattering glass buildings!

Speaking of my personal favorites, this week's "SmackDown!" also saw the return of William Regal and Dave Taylor. Though the match against Kane was a shmoz, it saw Regal and Taylor more than hold their own against the "Big Red Machine". Regal and Taylor are two of the most legit tough guys in any locker room on the planet, and it's about time they get their dues.

William Regal, if used correctly, could easily be a main eventer and future World Heavyweight Champion. I only pray the E realizes it sooner than later, because the man has to be nearing the end of his career.

As much as I resent the E for not realizing the potential of wrestling greats over the years like Dean Malenko, Jerry Lynn, Raven, Brent Albright, and literally countless others, they deserve praise for finally respecting guys like Finlay, Regal, and even Ric Flair (minus the 'Mania exclusion), as opposed to the way they were treated in WCW.

Contrary to what the internet community will tell you, talent is talent. If you can connect with the crowd as well as perfect your in-ring craft, the sky's the limit for WWE performers. I personally don't believe the "glass ceiling policy" is nearly as strong as it was in WCW or even currently in TNA. However, it's still a long way away from the original ECW and the current Ring of Honor.

Speaking of glass ceilings, the match of the night definitely has to go to London and Kendrick VS. Chavo Guerrero and Gregory Helms. These four athletes are among the very best in the business, and I have been enjoying the Helms/Guerrero team over the past few weeks. How about that finish? It was also great to see they haven't completely scrapped the Deuce and Domino storyline, as it looks as though they are poised to take the tag straps off London and Kendrick next week.

However, I've predicted their losses many times in the past, and they have successfully defied all odds time and time again.

Hats off to the E for recognizing true talent in these two former Ring of Honor regulars. Hopefully CM Punk will continue to shine as well as the freshly signed Colt Cabana and Ace Steel. How long will it before the E signs ROH mainstays, the Briscoe Brothers? If I was head of talent acquisitions for the E, these guys would literally be my top priority.

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