Column: SmackDown Critique and Thoughts 2/21/11

WWE SmackDown originated live from Rockford, Illinois   As always, visit Elio Cannella's recap for the run down.  

After Elimination Chamber, Daniel Bryan retained his belt in the pay-per-view's name sake match. Things would not get easier for him however as he had a date with Sheamus as WrestleMania 28.  Tonight, he would wrestle WWE Champion CM Punk in a non-title match.  

Let's go!

The Good

Opening Segment.  Bryan brought his usual exuberance from the start. One thing I've liked with Bryan is he adds little new facets to his promos, comparing himself to Balboa from the famous movie "Rocky" while riffing on Santino. Miz coming out was appropriate given their history, which the announcers touched upon.

He was a bit flat before Sheamus came out. He attempted to put in a bit of tension into the build before the segment broke down into the usual brawl. Did what it needed to do in selling the match World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania. It's a start anyway.

Sheamus vs. Miz.  There was no build for the match, which apparently was made by Long during the break. The action broke in with Miz using a rest hold before Sheamus took over on action. Meh. Both men got enough action to make the match fun despite the, in my opinion, production botch. Miz coming close to finishing Sheamus gave him some credibility while Sheamus finishing off Miz with his third/new finisher was appropriate. It could have been more had they had a legitimate beginning. *

Kofi and Truth vs. Swagger and Ziggler.  Michael Cole is really annoying tonight. It's nice to see the Tag Team division get some sort of star power. The action started off ok with the match switching gears when Kofi got into the ring.  Interesting booking giving Zig Swag the victory, given that Truth and Kofi defeated the Tag Team Champions yesterday. A bit shorter then I would have liked, but worth the time. *1/4

Video Recaps. The WWE's Video Team are some of the best you will find anywhere at what they do. The Undertaker and Triple H recap was extremely well done, and the Eve segment was good in it's own right.

Bryan vs. Punk. The crowd was applauding the reverses a nice portend. Both men hits a few moves you don't usually see them do in the opening moments. The match seemed to switch gears after Punk missed the flying crossbody before Bryan slowed it down with the surfboard. Punk sold his arm well as Bryan worked it over. Nice false finish which fed into Laurinaitis' interruption.  The second interruption was appropriate as well.

Good action for a TV main event. Bryan nailed a stiff looking kick to Punk while he was a corner. Good reversals by both men with the pinfall into the Lebell Lock into the sling shot. The crowd continued to eat up action as well, which always helps.  Punk did a nice job with his facial expressions. Clever finish that protected both men and gave Bryan a much need rub. Match of the night. **1/4

Laurinaitis vs. Long. The WWE worked to sell the hell out of the angle. Honestly, I kind of like how they've done it thus far. Using Bryan vs. Punk as a springboard to heat it up was nicely done.

The Meh

Henry vs. Big Show with Rhodes promo. I didn't really see anything good coming of this match when Show came out. Big Show needs to work on his body punches as they look a bit soft on TV.  The match was a big differnet from their previous encounters and Henry taunting Show was a nice spot on TV. Rhodes coming out was unexpected, but humorous.  Didn't dig Henry eating a W.M.D. before Show left the ring. 1/2*

Backstage Segments. The Long and Laurinaitis segment didn't really do much for me. Same for the Santino segment with Slater. Punk's promo kept this from falling completely flat.

The Bad

Henry's booking. Henry was booked as an absolute monster in the second half of last year. It made for a breath of fresh air to see a heel who could win without cheating. Henry needed a victory tonight to remain in that top echelon of stars in the eyes of the fans. They had the perfect opportunity with the Rhodes distraction, but it was a blown chance.

Otunga vs. Jackson. Didn't we see this one already? 1/4*

Random Thoughts

Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!

Maybe Long needs to be canned after all. Making such a match during the break and cutting into the action during the break? The WWE needs to watch this in the future.

"I guess I should of have knocked." What door?  

Everytime Otunga cuts a joke, God kicks a kitten. Won't he think of the kittens?

Is Ziggler's shirt hanging out of his trunks mean he's compensating for something?

Slater spoke? Hmm.

That sound you heard was Henry's credibility leaving the station.

The WWE either doesn't trust Zeke or Otunga. Or both. It hardly matters though.

Twitter! Drink!  Yes, it's weird to say this on a SmackDown review.

'I'm going to sue him for copyright infringement." Zing!

Does anyone remember when announcer's actually called the action?  

I hope Cena and Rock were taking notes. There will be a quiz on his main event in Miami.

Final Grade: B+

This was a good outing for the Blue Brand with some nice ring work. Punk and Bryan had a magnificent match for the WWE's usual fair on TV. There was nary a wasted segment and the show, for the most part, flowed beautifully.

The backstage segments were lame for the most part and I really dislike how Henry's being booked as of late. This is partially by the WWE's renewed interest in the Tag division and no bad Divas matches. The gals can work, but they need time that the WWE just won't give them.

Whatever potential the WWE sees in a feud with Otunga and Jackson is compeltely lost on me.