Tha SmackDown! ThrowDown!

Jeff Hardy is the champion. Wow. Earlier this year, following his suspension I really wondered if wrestling fans would ever be able to say that. Critics can say what they'd like about his title win, but the near ten-minute pop he got at the opening of "SmackDown!" last night tells the story. Memo to WWE: this guy is your top babyface, he gets the kinds of pops that you wish Cena and Batista got. Sorry, Donnie, you can say this win doesn't mean much, or doesn't make sense, but listening to the fans both Sunday night and last night, they don't seem to agree.

Hardy kicked off the show, and after a huge pop, got on the stick. I still think that less is more with Jeff Hardy promos, because as over as he is, I wouldn't rate him as one of the better talkers in the company.

However, last night's promo was fairly shoot, so I'll give him a bligh. Edge, on the other hand, is the man when it comes to promos.

Edge knows how to play the crowd, and moreover, knows how to play off the Hardys. There's a ton of history between Edge and Jeff, and it's nice to see that WWE is doing the smart, and fairly obvious thing, in mentioning that. These two guys have been fighting since 1999, and they've only gotten better since then. And while I can't stand Vickie's mic work, and am two flubs away from calling her Vickie Adamle, Edge is the best in the company right now at being the psycho heel.

The midcard on "SmackDown!" deserves a huge nod. I remember this time, one year ago, stating week after week that this show would have been so much better if they had a stronger midcard, and it's becoming more obvious as the weeks go by. As disappointed as I am that MVP is now being held back, he's still a decent midcarder, as are R-Truth, Shelton Benjamin, and Hurricane Helms. Props to the writers as well, because even when the midcard consisted of two guys, they still managed to make the United States Championship mean something, and with a likely title switch next week, that hasn't changed a bit. Take note, "Raw". That's how you make something important, even if it's not something that constantly yells "You can't see me!"

I'm a little perplexed as to why John Morrison and The Miz are the holders of Raw's Tag Team Championship, yet are seemingly feuding with Jesse and Festus (this was the dark match last Sunday at Armageddon, for what it's worth). As much as I enjoy both tag teams, it doesn't make sense, because logic would tell you that Miz and Morrison will ultimately win this feud. It would be stupid to have both sets of tag titles on one show.

Edge beat Matt Hardy. I never thought I would be mentioning that with such a dull demeanor, but fuck, man. Matt Hardy won the ECW Championship, and has done fuck all with the belt since then. He didn't defend it at either of the last two pay-per-views. Babyface champions usually are involved in stories that deal with them having to overcome the big nasty heel to retain the title, but Hardy never defends the damn thing. I hate to say it, but he's growing stale in his role as champion. I'm sort of wishing his chase with Mark Henry had lasted longer.

While Miz and Morrison are off doing their thing, the Colon brothers seem primed for a feud with Ezekiel Jackson and The Brian Kendrick. I'm actually looking forward to this. Both Colon brother can work, as can Kendrick, and an extended feud will give me a chance to see more of Ezekiel Jackson. He may be a good worker also, only time will tell. The best part, though, is that if Carlito's busy in a feud, we won't have to deal with the weekly "Is Carlito staying?" gimmick. Yeah, that's right, Donnie, I talked about it, what of it?

Let me make one thing crystal clear. I really, really, REALLY hate the divas division. Most of the girls can't work, the belt is ugly, and now, in the midst of a heel turn, Michelle McCool suddenly seems to have turned face again. What the hell? Maryse, who is a heel, won a championship match, and afterwards, goes up to Michelle McCool and talks smack, only to have her hand slapped away when she tried to touch the belt. What the hell is going on with this division? Come on, man.

I love that WWE is protecting Vladimir Kozlov. I realize that ultimately, his undefeated streak will have to come to an end sooner or later, but considering how many times in the past they've given a guy an undefeated streak, only to have him disappear in three to four months, it's great that this guy is being used properly. I've said it before, but I'll say it again-he's got the look, he can work, and the extra time that Vince took to prepare him was time well spent, because he's going to be a top heel for years to come.

The main event picture on Friday nights is awfully strong right about now, which is great news considering how much less "Raw" has done with far more talent.

Tha Results:
*R-Truth & Hurricane Helms def. Shelton Benjamin & Montel Vontavious Porter
*John Morrison def. Festus
*Edge def. Matt Hardy
*Ezekiel Jackson def. Carlito
*Maryse def. Maria (Maryse earns Divas Championship Match)
*Jeff Hardy def. Vladimir Kozlov by DQ

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