The Smackdown Lowdown [9/30/11]

Three days before Hell in a Cell, yeah you read right another PPV two weeks after Night of Champions, and Randy Orton is still set to face Mark Henry in a Hell in a Cell match for the world Heavyweight Championship. What kind-of fall out will there be on the way there, what new matches will be added, and will this Smackdown suck? I can answer one of those with a yes, but none the less you wanna read about Smackdown, so here's the lowdown.

As we open Smackdown the ever familiar CAN YOU DIG IT, SUCKA hits and Booker T walks to the ring for an interview. Booker welcomes us to Smackdown, and introduces the Worlds Strongest Man and World Heavyweight Champion, Mark Henry. Cole mentions Henry's Hall of Pain and puts over Henry's massiveness and power going into his Hell in a Cell match. Booker congratulates Henry and tells him the can relate to having to climb the ladder to the title. Henry yells at him for kissing his ass and insutling him in the same sentence.  He said that he would put Booker through the announce table had he been not out there to talk to Orton. A "Randy" chant erupts from the crowd and Henry tells em all that he's not gonna come out. Henry says that Night of Champions was for the World Heavyweight Championship, and Hell in a Cell will induct Randy Orton into his Hall of Pain. He says at home the has the heads of Lawler, Big Show, and Kane, but Orton's head will go right above the mantle. And that Hell in a Cell he's going to end Randy Orton's career. Booker asks why can't he just focus on being a champ and set and example for the back. Henry said he did all that for 15 years and that it got him nowhere. Henry says it's about domination and he'll be the most dominant ever. Booker tries to ask what would happen if Orton hit an RKO, but Henry explodes by saying if he had done it by now, he wouldn't have the title. Henry then says that Orton, Booker, and all of us "nothing" fans know that Orton can't beat him. And that he wants them to send Khali out so he can take out the trash.

Mark Henry (World Heavyweight Champion) beat The Great Khali via pinfall in a singles match: 2/10 or 1/5 Stars
All this is, is Khali hitting Henry with his three moves and I bet he comes back to win in the end. Wow there was a Khali pinfall in this? Good Lord. End match Henry hits two big splashes but Khali kicks out. Henry waits for Khali to get up, kicks him in the leg and hits The Worlds Strongest Slam for the one, two, three.

After the match Henry finds a steel chair at ringside and brings it into the ring. Henry then hits Khali in the face with it and the puts the chair on Khali's ankle. Henry then goes to the second rope and hits a Vader Bomb onto the chair. The crowd is booing the hell out of him as he inducted The Great Khali into the Hall of Pain.

We come back to Teddy walking with the medics carting off Khali and Gender...err Jinder Mahal has to be restrained for yelling at Khali.

Jack Swagger w/Dolph Zigger (United States Champion) and Vickie Guerrero beat Evan Bourne w/Kofi Kingston [Air Boom] (WWE Tag Team Champions) via submission in a singles match: 4/10 or 2/5 Stars
We get footage of Mason Ryan turning on Ziggler and Swagger in a tag team match on Raw. Allowing Zack Ryder to pin the United States Champion, Dolph Ziggler. End match, Vickie distracts the ref and Ziggler hangman's Bourne. Swagger goes for the gut-wrench power bomb but Bourne tumbles through and hits a knee punch. Kofi attacks Ziggler on the outside as Borune climbs to the top rope. Vickie hits Borunes leg as the ref is distracted and Bourne tumbles to the mat. Swagger slaps on the ankle lock and Bourne taps out. I like this, furthers Vickie being a master manager and gets Swagger a win that hasn't happened in ages. Good job I'd say. Give these two a tag team title shot too. If Vickie can manage the United States and Tag Team champions that would make this really interesting.

We get footage of Sin Cara #2 taking Sin Cara #1's win over Daniel Bryan last week and it's announced that Sin Cara vs Sin Cara will happen this Sunday at Hell in a Cell. One of the Sin Cara's is in a match next.

Sin Cara beat Heath Slater via pinfall in a singles match: 1/10 or 0.5/5 Stars
I like Sin Cara, botch prone or not. I hate Heath Slater....cause he sucks. Bad gimmick, sub-par wrestling, blech. Start match and end match, Sin Cara hits a stiff kick to Slater off the apron and then a swanton bomb for the pinfall.

Afterward the now black getup Sin Cara tells us that this blue getup Sin Cara in the ring stole his name (Mystico) once before. But Sunday, it'll be proven who the real Sin Cara is. Oh yeah there was a lot of Spanish spoken here.

Cole thinks everything is out of control on the COO front. We come back and get a video package on the COO Triple H. They pieced together a bunch of promos of the superstars like Christian and CM Punk voicing thier disapproval of him as COO. And in turn Triple H throwing his weight around and firing Miz and R-Truth.

We cut to the back there Johnny Ace (I refuse to spell his ridiculous real last name out) is with "Bow-Tie" Otunga, Christian, Dolph Ziggler, Vickie Guerreo, and Jack Swagger discussing some sort of legal action that is going to be taken on Monday. Which I can only assume happens on Raw.

Kelly Kelly (Divas Champion) beat Natyala via pinfall in a singles match: 1/10 or 0.5/5 Stars
The match was over in fucking two minutes with Beth on commentary. End match Kelly victory rolls Natyala for the 1-2-3.

As soon as the match end Beth blindsides Kelly and gives her the GlamSlam. Then Nattie puts on the modified surfboard submission she used Monday while Beth taunted her and the crowd hear her scream in pain.

Cody Rhodes (Intercontinental Champion) beat Sheamus via DQ in a singles match for the Intercontinental Championship: 5/10 or 2.5/5 Stars
Cody tells us that last week Orton sang the ding ding ding song as he cracked his head with the ring bell giving him a bunch of staples. He says getting the Battle Royal as punishment for Orton's beating was wrong. And that even though he won he still has to face one of the people he beat. The beer guzzling Irishman, and that he's now competing in this match under protest. Sheamus comes out, tell him the story of Cody getting beat in St. Louis and called him "fella" as he gets in the ring and the match starts. Cody hits The Beautiful Disaster and gets a two on Sheamus as we go to commercial break. End match, Shamus hits the flying shoulder block for a long two. Sheamus get's up and misses The Blarney Boot but hits him with a giant clothesline for another two. Sheamus then puts Cody up for the Celtic Cross and Christian comes in and hits him in the gut. Solid match, both are great workers and I've always liked 'em. Cody needs to get a feud with a big name like him or Christian.

Afterward Christian hits The Killswitch on Sheamus and tell him that he's gonna win at Hall in a Cell this Sunday.

Zack Ryder vs JTG in a singles match: 4/10 or 2/5 Stars
Oh radioooooooooooo tell me everything you know! I love Ryder, he's got charisma and he's solid in-ring. Brooklyn Brooklyn! JTG finally on Smackdown, always liked the guy! JTG has some nice offense, the corkscrew neck breaker and the airborne inverted cutter looked nice. End match, Ryder hits the Broski Boot in the corner for a long two. Zack then get's kicked in the gut setting up JTG. JTG runs off the ropes and takes a Rough Ryder outta nowhere for the win. This was actually a good looking match, this lower mid-card and NXT/Superstars wrestler need more Smackdown and Raw exposure. They have talent that a lot of people aren't seeing.

Johnny Ace is in the back when Triple H walks up to him. Trips doesn't like the fact he's having secret meeting with disgruntled superstars. Ace assures him he's talent relations and needs to confide in him. Triple H then says maybe he just needs to start future endeavoring the people he can't trust.

We get the awesome Hell in a Cell recap package, they always outdo them selves with video packages like that. Then they run down the Hell in a Cell card for Sunday. I'll be posting my picks and thoughts for Hell in a Cell tomorrow sometime.

Striker is in the back with Randy Orton. Orton says that Henry thinks he's going to put him on the shelf.  He says that he's done some of the most sadistic things ever in the WWE and even last week he put a plethora of staples in Rhodes head with no remorse whatsoever. He says that Henry has never been in the Cell, but that he's been in three times and that on Sunday it'll be the end of Mark Henry's reign as champion. I don't know how Orton manages to have the same promo, done in the most monotonous way, 300 times in a row.

Randy Orton and Christian were double counted out in a singles match: 6/10 or 3/5 Stars
Even though Christian got the shit end of the stick with his feud with Orton earlier this year, he's put on (and given Orton) some of the best matches of 2011 so far. So with his starting at 40 after the hour, I have high hopes for this match. Orton telegraphs a back body drop, but Christian still hits a spine-buster for a two count on Orton as we go into commercial. End match, Christian misses a flying cross-body then counters and RKO attempt into a back suplex. Christian then calls for the spear, hits it and Orton kicks out at two. Christian then calls for The Killswitch, Orton elbows out, and the hits the second rope DDT on Christian. Orton then begins to beat the mat a Christian high tails it. Orton gives chase and throws Christian, knee first into the steel steps. At this point the ref reaches a 10-count and we get a double count-out.

Orton continues the onslaught on Christian and Cody comes in to save him form an RKO on the announce table. He hits The Beautiful Disaster off the apron. Christian and Rhodes stomp on Orton in the ring and Sheamus runs out to make the save. He gives a Blarney Boot to Rhodes and chases Christian out through the crowd. By this point Henry is heading to the ring. Orton and Christian brawl, and Orton can't hit a RKO and gets Worlds Strongest Slammed. Henry then goes to grab a chair and as he's getting back in the ring Orton RKOs him OUTTA NOWHERE. The show ends with Orton celebrating while the hometown crowd went nuts.

Smackdown Rating: 6/10 or 3/6 Stars
Last week: 4/10 or 2/5 Stars
As expected Orton/Chritian got almost 15 minutes before the double count out and it was another helluva match. If you watch one match so far this week, make it that one. Also the show as a whole was solid. It never felt too boring. Sure you had you blech Diva match, and the meh Khali/Henry and Sin Cara/Slater, but you had a nice showing from JTG/Ryder and then the great Christian/Orton match. Both promos by Orton and Henry were good enough, and all the other promos weren't terrible. The announcing was also pretty tame and did a good job of putting over what was going on. Cole and Booker's back and forths can be pretty good. All in all it was a solid show with a great end leading into Hell in a Cell this Friday.


That's it for The Smackdown Lowdown. As always suggest to me stuff you'd like me to write on. Also if you wanna add me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter, please do so. Really I don't mind.

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This Week In Song #2

No need for an intro this time, if you read my last one, it's all about good songs and what I've been listening to all week. The two of you reading this wants songs, so here we go.

Throwback of the Week

Jay-Z- "Heart of the City"

Now every week I'm going to starting picking a song that is at least 10 years old, that I've been jamming to. This week it's "Heart of the City" and I chose it cause I decided to listen to Jay-Z's The Blueprint...about 4 times. Now arguably there are better songs on what I've always called Jay's best album (such as "Renegade", "Girls, Girls, Girls", "Izzo (H.O.V.A)", "Hola Hovito" and "U Don't Know"). But this one has always been a dark horse for me. The lyrics are on point, as always, the beat and sample are just beautiful.

Killswitch Engage- The End of Heartache

Now I know Killswitch Engage because I'm a wrestling fan and more importantly been a CM Punk fan since he first entered the WWE. So since 2006 I've had "This Fire Burns" on my play lists, but I never listened to a full album. Thanks to me taking requests from friends (shout out to Eddie_Ruckus) on albums I've finally listened to one, The End of Heartache. All I can say is that I like them a lot, I'm not an expert or very knowledgeable about metalcore, but if they all sound like this it's a genre I need to listen more of. The hard riffs, lyrics, and even slow down parts (and couple of interlude-like tracks) made this a very fun album to listen to. I'll admit the songs sort-of ran together for me, but once I get a few more listens in, that should fade. KSE, I like 'em more now.

Simple Plan- Get Your Heart On!

Now I'm pretty sure this is the first full, pure, pop punk album, I've ever listened to. It started off quite strong. Relate-able lyrics, some nice riffs and a couple of good guests. But once I hit "Anywhere But Here" it started to decline in musical value to me. All the songs either experimented with things or became hugely generic and boring. And not to be nit-picky but "Summer Paradise" doesn't belong on the main album cause it's just BAM, too different, outta nowhere. Otherwise it's not something I completely disliked and I'd be open to other albums like this. Now I'm not saying I'm turning into a pop punk fan, or I'm going to bump this driving around. But I will say it is a shame "Jet Lag" (which I linked to above) won't be a top 10 pop hit. Great start, bad finish, ok overall. Thanks for the album recommendation _maggikins_.

Say Anything- In Defense of the Genre

Did not know this was a double-disc album when I was recommended, by the awesome Michael_Ryne, and downloaded it, nor that it would be different from other pop punk albums. But there's that point where being overly different ant doing it over and over AND over hurts the album as a whole. Now there is twinges of folkish piano and even hip-hop, as well as other genres mixed in. Sometimes it works, like in the song I linked above, "That Is Why". But most times it just failed to impress me. Not saying that the pop-punk lyrics and music fails, actually those are the better parts in all this. Cause at the core,they're pop punk. Again the problem is, as with most double-disc albms, it that THERE ARE A TON of songs and with most of them sounding somewhat the same it takes a toll to find good songs/lyrics/spots. That being said, I wanna go back and listen to ...Is A Real Boy, cause right now this is too much Say Anything for a non-Say Anything fan.


Lupe Fiasco ft. Jill Scott- "Daydreamin'"

All that needs to be said is that I think Lupe Fiasco is in his lyrical prime here, Jill Scott's voice is so vibrant and beautiful, and the sample of I Monster's "Daydream" is apparent and so very powerful. Just listen, this great music.

Kendrick Lamar- Section.80

Finally a hip-hop album on this week haha. It's classified as a mixtape, but it feels like a studio album to me. And as Kendrick Lamar's first big release, Section.80, couldn't have sounded better to me. From the start the beats engage you. From head boppin' beats, to experimental stuff ("Ab-Souls-Outro" which I linked above, is fucking amazing), to melodic beats that make you feel relaxed, it's all here. Also I'm not a huge fan of rappers who over use rapping about women and drugs, but this works for Kendrick as the most beat accompany the drug/sex themes.  But along those lines he also delves into real life, with conscious hip-hop twinges. Religion, politics, and anything aren't off limits, yet the lyrics don't distract you from the music you're listening to. Also his timing and flow are good. He can slow it down for melodic beats or go absolutely nuts (like in "Rigamortus" which I linked above). All in all I can say I'm a fan now, and I can't wait for Good Kid in a Mad City to drop next year.

The Smackdown Lowdown [9/23/11]

Another Friday means another weekend. It's also mean another episode of Friday Night Smackdown! God all of us people lucky enough to not have lives sure have a nice alternative to crappy Friday night TV. At least that what I hope every week with Smackdown. Its been either really good or really bad all year, but we're coming off a PPV. Mark Henry is the new World Heavyweight Champion and, announced on Raw, will defend the title against Randy Orton at Hell in a Cell in a Hell in a Cell match. This PPV is only two weeks away so let's see what WWE has cooked up for us in the mean time. Let's get you fine reader the lowdown on Smackdown.

We start out the show with John L aka Johnny Ace in the ring with all the Smackdown superstars standing at ringside. Triple H isn't around yet, and Johnny told us that people believe that Triple H has lost control. R-Truth and The Miz were fired at the end of Raw and Johnny Ace tells us that  he believes Triple H is in total control despite the critics. He then introduces the new World Heavyweight Champion, the Kool-Aid Man himself, Mark Henry. Henry tells us it took him 15 years to earn the title, and it'll take another 15 for someone to take it from him. As he was telling the black superstars they didn't believe in him, Triple H's music hits. Oh look in the span of 3 minutes Triple H got here. As COO he needs to be more punctual. Triple H awkwardly asks for a handshake that doesn't happen for about a minute before Trips takes the mic. As he's about to speak, Christian interrupts and tells him that everyone is proud of the way he's been running things. Christian says that "lead by example" is both their credo's and that he's kind-of a big deal around here. Christian goes on to ask Triple H if he can see Mark's face on billboards or reading to school kids, and that he deserves one more match to become the face of Smackdown. He then tell Triple H that after a certain someone chokes, he'll be there to pick-up the pieces. Triple H starts by telling the superstars that he is in control, and in control of both Raw and Smackdown.  He tells Christian he appreciates his thoughts, and him stepping up as a leader. Triple H then sets up a lumberjack match, it's for the World Heavyweight Championship, and it's Christian against "you know who" Mark Henry. Christian and Henry have a little stare down before Christian exits ringside through all the superstars. We then cut to the back as we go to commercial where Sheamus si getting ready, he's got a match next.

Sheamus beat Heath Slater via pinfall in a Ginger-Only singles match: 3/10 or 1.5/5 Stars
Oh look it's Heath Slater and he gets a jobber entrance, as he should. I don't like him, never like him, and I'm probably never going to like him. Also Sheamus is coming out to a nice pop by the crowd now, that's gotta be a good sign. Give him a real opponent/feud. Sheamus' knee lift on the apron is now deemed "Vintage" by Cole. Good job Sheamus, you now have a vintage move, you're top-tier in the WWE. End match, Sheamus hits a powerslam, a shot to the back, and another knee lift. Sheamus then climbs to the top rope and hits his flying shoulder block, waits for Slater to get up and careens him with The Blarney Boot for the pinfall.

Christian comes up to The Great Khali in the back. He asks Khali if he'd rather face a big man like Mark Henry or someone smaller (but smarter and craftier) like Christian. Christian then asks if he can even understand him, and tells him he wants to form an alliance for later tonight. The Great Khali replies with "You're small." Christian calls him a card as he walks away and we go to commercial. Partial comedy. Well they tried and didn't use Hornswoggle, so it wasn't awful.

Did you know? A legless cheetah can run faster, and in a straighter line, than Matt Hardy!

Wade Barrett beat Justin Gabriel via pinfall in a singles match: 2/10 or 1/5 Stars
Wade Barrett's music hits and he's set for a match with his former Nexus and Corre member Justin Grabel. I mean Gabriel, sorry Booker commentary poisons you. I've always like both of these NXT season 1 contestants. always been glad Barrett won and aside from Daniel Bryan, Gabriel were my top 3. Still I want Barrett to get in a real feud again and for Gabriel to be inserted into the Intercontinental title picture. End match, Barrett's down and Gabriel is sauntering over to set up for the 450. Outta nowhere Barrett blindside's Gabriel with a big boot to the face and hits The Wasteland for the 1-2-3.

Randy Orton vs the Intercontinental Champion, Cody Rhodes later tonight. Could be another good match if given time. Rhodes won the first one live on Raw the other week, but this is Smackdown and there's no PPV Sunday. I'll call an Orton win...don't quote me on it.

Randy Orton is in the back with Striker. He says that whether it be the man who beat him for the title Sunday or the man he's beaten over and over again. That after he comes out of hell, it will be with the World Heavyweight Championship.

I love WWE video packages. The Hell in a Cell one is no different, great job by all the editors. Also doesn't hurt it's one of my favorite gimmick matches of all time.

Christian is in the back trying to recruit more people to his cause. This time he's with Ezekiel Jackson. He tells Big Zeke he knows he's the personification of domination and that he can spot a future world champ, cause he's a two-time champion, and that he has it. Christian leaves confident, here too, that things are going his way.

Beth Phoenix/Natayla (The Divas of Doom) beat AJ/Kaitlyn in a tag team divas match: 2/10 or 1/5 Stars
I love everyone in this match but Kaitlyn. She sucks in-ring and always has, and I hate that WWE is so high on her. Regardless, they need to work on the divas division as a whole. But The Divas of Doom need a win after Beth lost at the PPV and the duo losing on Monday. These are squash matches (on Smackdown) for these ladies and I don't see how it helps when Kelly Kelly always gets the win. End match Beth Phoenix hits the GlamSlam on AJ for the pinfall.

Can I still be giddy like a 14 year old at a Justin Bieber concert over the WWE Network that's coming next year? Cause I totally squeal and flap my arms around every time the promo runs.

Cody Rhodes (Intercontinental Champion) beat Randy Orton via DQ in a singles match: 3/10 or 1.5/5 Stars
Orton out first. I like it when champions come out after non-champions. The little things. The WHOA-OOH hits and Cody and the Baggers walk down to ringside. Cody using his mask twice behind the refs back in this match is a nice way to keep Cody heel. End match Cody hits Orton with the mask and gets a two count. The Orton comes back, catches a kick by Cody takes his mask and hit's Cody in the face with it.

Afterward Orton goes to town on Cody's face with the mask and the gives him the second rope DDT. Orton then throws Cody out to the floor and clocks him with the ring bell and Cody's bleeding like a motherfucker. Orton ends the onslaught by RKOing Rhodes on the announce table. They edited it to hell but you can see the blood coating Cody/Randy's bodies and the announce table.

Christian is in the back once again and this time he's with Sheamus. Christian gives Sheamus a potato cause the Irish love potatoes. Christian then asks if Sheamus would be out there and on his side. Sheamus says he nothing to worry about. As Christian leaves he says he has a whole bag of those. Sheamus takes a bite out of the potato and spits it out cause it wasn't form Ireland, it was from Idaho. Ha, I actually like that, it worked for me.

The Great Khali beat Jinder Mahal via pinfall in a Indian-Only singles match: 1/10 or 0.5/5 Stars
Oh God, why the fuck do they keep putting this terrible, horrible, shitty ass wrestler. I know Vince loves big guys, but Khali is absolutely horrible. Look it's his brother in law or whatever Gender...err Jinder Mahal. I'm not going to judge Mahal off his few squash matches, but this is gonna suck. Why does the crowd like Khali, it just boggles my mind. End match Khali hits the Khali Bomb for the pinfall. Every single match has been less than like 5 minutes, all this is terrible.

Did you know? Aside from Christian and Sheamus' segment this show is donkey balls so far!

Sin Cara #1 beat Daniel Bryan (Mr. Money in the Bank) via pinfall in singles match: 3/10 or 1.5/5 Stars
The announcers still sound like this Sin Cara situation is a mystery on the scale as "Is there a God", tone it down a bit. Daniel Bryan, yes. Please more of him. And I've liked their matches so far. If it doesn't end in three minutes and/or a DQ this could be grand. NICE wheelbarrow suplex by Bryan! Sorry I get excited over good looking moves. End match, TWIN MAGIC occurs, Sin Cara #2 comes out and pushes Sin Cara #1 off the top rope. Sin Cara #2 then hits a rolling senton splash on Bryan for the one, two, three. So Sin Cara #2 wins, but Sin Cara #1 get's the recognition. This is weird as fuck. Not bad, I just don't know what to think yet.

Zack Ryder sighting outside of Randy Orton's locker room! And Christian wants to be Broski of the week. Ryder says he wants to help but can't cause it would be a conflict of interest. "Oh radio, tell me everything you know" hits and Zack Ryder picks up his phone, it's Hugh Jackman, and he walks away. Christian thinks about going in Orton's locker room, but walks away instead.

Kofi Kingstom/Evan Bourne [Air Boom] (WWE Tag Team Champions) beat The Usos via pinfall in a tag team match: 4/10 or 2/5 Stars
I'm liking air Boom more and more each week for some reason. And I still don't know what the hell The Usos are doing before they run to the ring but it seems.... Samoan. This could be good, despite the choreography, The Usos are quite good in-ring. End match, Uso hit a super-kick on Kofi for a long two.  Kofi then countered out of an Uso double team and hits Trouble in Paradise and the Bourne hits Air Bourne on the Uso for the 1-2-3.

Raw Rebound time. They showcase Hugh Jackman, Dolph Ziggler, Vickie Guerrero, and Zack Ryder. I loved Dolph Ziggler and Hugh's interactions in the ring. Dolph was fire. I love Ryder, he has good matches, great charisma, and hilarious to boot. Woo Woo Woo, you know it bro.

Mark Henry (World Heavyweight Champion) beat Christian via pinfall in a Lumberjack match for the World Heavyweight Championship: 3/10 or 1.5/5 Stars
Christian out first and if looks could kill, he would've died about 20 times by now. Mark Henry, the champs is out second. Henry looks focused...or hungry....or thirsty....probably all three. Chimel introduces the two competitors as we go to commercial break before the main event. And Mike Chioda's back, looks well rested, wonder how much weed he smoked during his month off. Too soon? Naw, I love him, think he's WWE's best ref. Bear hug applied, it's the 90s again folks! End match Christian hits two missile drop kicks for a two. He the goes for The Killswitch and gets taken down. Henry gets a two. Henry then gets thrown out of the ring and drags Christian out with him. The whole locker room try to throw Henry back in to no avail. As Henry gets back into the ring, Christian tries to walk away. Sheamus charges out and throws Christian back in the ring. Henry immediately hits him with The Worlds Strongest Slam for the pinfall.

Afterward Randy Orton runs to the ring, and starts brawling with Henry. He goes for the RKO but is blocked. He then hits a standing dropkick that knocks Henry out of the ring. We end Smackdown with Orton staring down Henry from the ring.


Smackdown Rating: 4/10 or 2/5 Stars
Last Week: 5/10 or 2.5/5 Stars
They tried to fit too much in this show, and that's why having PPVs two weeks apart isn't a good idea. none of the matches went over 6 minutes and most only went 2-3. There was nothing but promos and bad, short matches. Albeit I think all the matches could've been good if given time, they weren't and everything about this show just came of bad. I have nothing much else to say is the promos/announcing were for the most part awful and the matches did nothing to help it.

That's it for The Smackdown Lowdown. As always suggest to me stuff you'd like me to write on. Also if you wanna add me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter, please do so. Really I don't mind.

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This Week In Song #1

Now most of you know me as an avid rap/hip-hop head, and while that's true I listen to all types of music besides it. Maybe this is to get a little more traffic to my blog, or maybe it's just me wanting to recommend some new music to those of you who actually read this. Whatever the case is, every Friday that I feel like it, along with The Smackdown Lowdown of the night, I'll be doing this. Call it a twist on a week in review, but with just some music. Now I've decided to start this this week, cause of the new music I've listened two, the two new albums I'm digging, and the one I've been playing for the last month in a half have been blasted a lot. There is no ranking or numbers, but when I do this I'll try to keep it a bit more contemporary. Without further adieu here some music for you guys.

Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

Now I admittedly don't listen to too much folk music, modern or otherwise, but ever since 2008 and their self titled release Fleet Foxes, they've been on my playlist. Voices are crisp, the msuic is serene, and the guitar strumming is borderline heavenly at times. I describe them something you can't not be happy listening to. I'm loving Helplessness Blues.

Jay-Z & Kanye West- "That's My Bitch"

I heard the leak of the this song way before the summer even started and didn't think of it. But now that I've listened to Watch The Throne at least 40 times, it's quite amazing. It's put right after a inward looking song and the next level of the album beginning. Watch The Throne is chalk full of good singles, I've just been bumping this all week.

J. Cole- Cole World: The Sideline Story

Now I've been listening to J. Cole for years now. His first two mixtapes The Come Up and The Warm Up are as good as you can get for a younger person in rap/hip-hop. And I've been eagerly awaiting this album ever since he, was the first, signed with Jay-Z Roc Nation label. With an album like Cole World: The Sideline Story, I think he could be one of the bigger artists ala Kid Cudi, Pusha T, etc.

Bon Iver- Bon Iver

Now Bon Iver is a folk band, yeah I'm hitting up indie folk bands this week haha, who've been together since 2006. Of course I discovered them when Kanye West sampled them twice of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy ("Monster"/"Lost in the World"). This is just beautiful music, that makes you feel good as you listen to it. "Holocene", which I've inserted above, is just plain amazing music. I can't wait to go back and check out their first album, but for now I'm enjoying the peaceful stylings of their self titled album.

Childish Gambino- "Bonfire"

I, as most people, discovered Donald Glover aka Childish Gambino in 2009 when he started starring as "Troy" on Community. When I investigated further I found out he rapped on the side. He had just released his Poindexter album earlier in the year and aside from the accent dude could spit. When his I Am Just A Rapper EPs hit I fell in love with him and then The CULDESAC dropped and it was my #2 album of the year last year (Behind My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy). Now, he just released this track "Bonfire", which is the first single off his upcoming album Camp. Indie rap is where it's at everyone is saying, they're right if they're talking about Gambino.

WWE Night of Champions 2011 Picks

Two posts in 24 hours? I guess if I'm going to come back on a PPV weekend then I'd need to post my picks for the PPV aka Night of Champions. I think it'll be a solid enough PPV and oddly enough in my eyes the main event isn't even a title match haha. So lets get this started and I'll post my picks and a few thoughts about each match.

Cody Rhodes (Intercontinental Champion) vs Ted DiBiase in a singles match for the Intercontinental Championship
This match is obviously for Cody Rhodes' Intercontenintal Championship. It as just added after Smackdown aired and Ted DiBiase attacked Cody Rhodes and gave him a beatdown after the opening segment. Now the past couple months Cody has been "mentoring" DiBiase, and captured the ICC title from Ezekiel Jackson during this time. DiBiase hasn't been doing so hot in singles matches and after he lost to Orton a few weeks back he got a beatdown by Rhodes and a paper bag put on his head. On Smackdown Friday Rhodes was running around ringside point out all the people who needed paper bags, DiBiase has a paper bag on and ambushed Rhodes and gave him a beatdown leading to this match. I think it'll be a good match, I've been on Cody Rhodes bandwagon since the "Dashing" gimmick and even though Ted has been buried as of late I know he can put on a good match. There's no way in hell he's going to take the off Rhodes but this could be a nice match and feud.
Winner: Cody Rhodes

Kelly Kelly (Divas Champion) vs Beth Phoenix in a singles match for the Divas Championship
Long story short. The Divas of Doom, Beth Phoenix and Natalya, hate the Barbie-like Divas that have taken over the WWE. Too bad for Kelly Kelly she's one of those divas. Now when Kelly Kelly got the win over Beth at Summerslam I think it was a big upset. And if you know me you know I'm not a fan of Kelly Kelly, The Bellas, Rosa Mendes, etc. AT ALL. But I still do think the past couple of years we've started to move back into good women wrestlers holding the belt and being around. McCool, Layla, Natalya, and Beth are all good in my eyes (aside from backstage politics). Long story short for the Divas of Doom to keep their tear going then Beth needs to win. Oh yeah I want her to win as well.
Winner: Beth Phoenix

Dolph Ziggler (United States Champion) vs Jack Swagger vs John Morrison vs Alex Riley in a Fatal Four Way match for the United States Championship
Ok ok, Dolph Ziggler obviously needs to bee in this match, as he's the United States Champion. And Jack Swagger as well since him and Ziggler are feuding over Vickie Guerrero's managerial services. AND I can even understand Alex Riley being in the match since he's been "beating" Swagger and you can't really have two bad guys in a title match. What I can't figure out is why Morrison  was thrown in here. Now I've always liked Morrison and thought he was going to go far, but with injuries and Melina he's been kicked to the wayside and thrown in matches like these for high flying spots. All that said Morrison's not winning. I've never liked Riley and his stupid theme, and they won't give him a roll-up win to get a title. Now I've always like Ziggler and Swagger and think they're two of the best going right now in the mid-card. Zigglers had the title for awhile and Swagger wants to prove he's better than Ziggler. I don't really mind either of these guys holding the title, but this Vickie manager thing needs to stop. It's bad.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler

Air Boom (WWE Tag Team Champions) vs The Awesome Truth in a Tag Team match for the WWE Tag Team Championship
Now I like both of these tag teams. It's not a far stretch cause I've liked most of the tag teams WWE put together the past couple years. Legacy, Edge/Jericho, JeriShow, Miz-Show, The Usos, and now Air Boom (Kofi Kingston and Evan Bourne) and The Awesome Truth (The Miz and R-Truth). Kofi and Bourne won the Penny titles..err I mean the WWE Tag Team Championship from Otunga and Miglicuttyruddybuddy. The Miz and R-Truth have agreeing ideas that there is a C-O-N...spiracy going on in the WWE. Miz and Truth demanded this tag team match and got their wish. Also this week Miz and Truth went over Kofi and Bourne in singles matches. Again I don't mind either team with the titles, but Miz and Truth's promos have been fire and unless there's spiders or ladders this should be a nice little match.
Winners: Air Boom (Kofi Kingston and Evan Bourne)

Randy Orton (World Heavyweight Champion) vs Mark Henry in a singles match for the World Heavyweight Championship
Aside from Mark Henry looking goofy as hell in this picture, he's been tearing through the WWE as of late. Not literally, he's been slamming people through the mat and breaking legs. Now Mark's been around for a looooooooooooooong time and never one the big one (pointed out on The Cutting Edge in Smackdown). Orton is..well Orton do we really need any background on what he's all about? He just decimated Christian in some of his best matches in years and the crowd (and Vince) still adore him. The thing is, as much as I haven't liked Orton in years, and as much as Mark Henry is on fire right now, I can't see Mark Henry winning this. Now Going from Orton/Christian (great matches) to Orton/Henry, I think the quality will diminish a bit. But sadly the results will be the same.
Winner: Randy Orton

Alberto Del Rio (WWE Champion) vs John Cena in a singles match for the WWE Championship
Due to visa issues Alberto Del Rio was out for a week, but they've kept Cena and Del Rio from being one-on-one in ring so we'll get them for the first time Sunday. Always a plus. Really the only build-up has been that John Cena doesn't think of the champ as a champ but as a target cause he Cashed in Money in the Bank to win the title. Don't have much to say about this is, that I don't think Del Rio can have one of those special matches with Cena, but it'll be good enough. Also factor in Cena hasn't had the belt since Money in the Bank and Vince is probably frothing at the mouth at that. It'll be a solid enough match, but unless Del Rio walks away with the title then I won't be happy. Haha I'm so biased.
Winner Alberto Del Rio

CM Punk vs Triple H in No DQ Match, If Triple H Loses He Resigns as COO
Man oh man do I like this CM Punk kid. also just know, I'm not a bandwagon fan of him. I followed his first WWECW run religiously and have loved him ever since. I still think SES could've been bigger than it was but that's beside the point. CM Punk has been "the man" since that Raw night when he basically did shoot on the WWE, McMahon, Cena, etc. He won the undisputed title to a THUNDEROUS ovation and match of the year in his home town of Chicago. He kept until after his Summerslam match with Cena where he got Jack Knife'd by Nash and lost to Alberto Del Rio cashing in Money in the Bank. There's some stupid back story of Nash getting a text from HHH to take out Punk that Nash himself sent from HHH's phone and blah blah blah. Nash got "fired" for it, CM Punk and Triple H have had epic promos. Bottom line Triple H wants to take CM Punk out cause he made it personal and CM Punk want change in the WWE and it starts by beating Triple H. This'll be a great match I think, I've always liked both men in-ring. But Nash isn't really fired, he's gonna come in and interfere and somehow cost CM Punk the match.
Winner: Triple H

Quick recap. Winners are Cody Rhodes, Beth Phoenix, Dolph Ziggler, Air Boom, Randy Orton, Alberto Del Rio and Triple H.

That's it for my Night of Champions pick. As always suggest to me stuff you'd like me to write on. Also if you wanna add me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter, please do so. Really I don't mind.
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The Smackdown Lowdown 9/16/2011

Oh baby it's been awhile. For the three of you that read this, welcome back to The Smackdown Lowdown. Last time I wrote I'm pretty sure Tiffany was still around so things have changed a bit. Well save for the fact that Randy Orton is world champion. Edge has retired and he's back on Smackdown tonight hosting the Cutting Edge with said Orton and Mark Henry. So let's get this Smackdown going so I can give ya'll the lowdown.

We start with the ever familiar "You think you know me", the crowd erupting, and Edge coming out to the pyro show. Too bad Chimel's voice isn't there to crack during his introduction. He says it feels damn good to come out like that and be in a WWE ring again. But it feels better to be in his home town of Toronto. Edge tell's us he's done stuff like film a TV show, but it doesn't compare to being here. He makes a joke that he misses walking into a room and having theme music and pyro going off. A "Thank you Edge" chant bursts out from the crowd. He plugs The Cutting Edge later tonight with Orton and Henry and the familiar "WHOA OHHH" hits. Cody walks out and tells us that Edge is sucking up to us cause his appearance in Haven airs right after Smackdown. Cody starts complaining about our ugliness, but Edge tells him to stop bitching and moaning and to start looking in the mirror. Cody goes on to remind us Edge went out world champ, that after Wrestlemania he's gone on to expose all of us and as far as to even beat the world champ on Raw last week. After a "Spear" chant erupts, Cody hands Edge a paper bag. He says he knows Edge won't put it on, but tells him to go home and put it on his mantle to remind him that Cody is the new face of Smackdown. Edge stops Cody and tells him that the show is going to need a paper bag if Cody's the new face, and he's going to leave before he falls asleep in the ring. Cody is scream for them to cut Edge's music as he leaves. Cody then begins to circle ring side pointing out fans that need paper bag. But he get's popped in the face by someone in a paper bag. Turns out to be Ted DiBiase and he lays a beat down on Cody ending with Dream Street. Ted/Cody should be a good feud, and possibly make the Intercontinental title kind-of relevant again. We get the split screen of Sin Cara and Mr. Money in the Bank, Daniel Bryan walking out to the ring for their match which is next. Also Booker said "Awwwwwwwwwwwwwww" during the Rhodes/DiBiase brawl and that's always a highlight in my book.

Did you know? That Jeff Hardy is actually the most normal Hardy brother? Who'dve thunk it?

Daniel Bryan (Mr. Money in the Bank) beat Sin Cara via DQ in a singles match: 5/10 or 2.5/5 Stars
This should be a good match. As is almost any match with Daniel Bryan in it. But if you've been watching any Daniel Bryan matches ever you know this. Sin Cara and his trampoline out first. Booker starts off by telling us that both of these guys are in his Fave Five. It really doesn't matter, but it's a list that never changes so I find it a bit amusing. Also these lights for Sin Cara have always been annoying to me, guess I've just gotten used to them. We have an out to the floor commercial spot as Sin Cara throws Bryan over the top rope. End match Bryan sets Cara up on the top rope. Sin Cara drops through and hangs Bryan in the tree of woe. Sin Cara goes to town on Bryan through Armstrong's 5 count and Bryan wins by DQ. Nice little match, even got a commercial break. Thought it seems like Bryan has been getting far to many losses since he won Money in the Bank. Not a fan of it.

Afterward another Sin Cara comes out. We get a stare down and the crowd cheered for who they thought was the "real" Sin Cara, and the announcers act dumbfounded. The fake Sin Cara was less botchy than the real Sin Cara but I still like this a a little feud and they could have a nice match or two before Huncio or whoever gets unmasked.

Backstage Zack Ryder and Teddy Long are talking about Orton and Henry being civil during The Cutting Edge. Teddy tells us that there's going to be another week where there's a no physicality clause. Zack is told to go tell Orton and Henry. As he leaves Aksana (WHOREEEEEE) comes in a does something awkard and whorey to Teddy. Then the always lovely Trish Stratus comes in and Teddy nervously explains that nothing was going on before she leaves....Hey least we got to see Trish, eh? Woo woo woo, you know it!

Beth Phoenix w/Natalia beat AJ w/Kaitlin via pinfall in a singles match: 2/10 or 1/5 Stars
AJ and her super catchy theme! I love AJ if you didn't know. She's great in the ring and ok on the mic. Look up her FCW matches with Naomi and Serena. You'll be hooked like me. But then Beth comes out and the mood changes. The match starts and quickly it becomes a warm up for Beth before her match Sunday with Kelly Kelly for the Divas championship. End match, GlamSlam, 1-2-3. Beth then tells us, us being all the whores in the back, that after Sunday things are going to change around these parts.

We get a video package showcasing The Pale White Yonder, aka Sheamus. I like how they've been doing this with superstars lately. Get's people who may be new a quick intro to a superstar and keeps him relevant.

Trish and Edge and Christian are backstage. Jizztastic. Christian thanks Trish for coming around when she has something to sell. Christian then says that he's sorry for missing calls after what happened at Summerslam. Christian asks Edge to do him a favor about the world title, but Edge calls him a bitch and Christian runs off pissed that Edge doesn't think he deserves it. Zack Ryder runs in and tells Edge to tell Orton and Henry about the "No touching" clause. Woo woo woo, you know it! Trish asks if that was the internet champion and tells Edge to just do some more yoga.

Sheamus/Justin Gabriel beat Christian/Wade Barrett via pinfall in a tag team match: 5/10 or 2.5/5 Stars
I've always liked the NXT season 1 winner Wade Barrett and Christan is always a top guy in my eyes so this tag team really appeals to me. Sheamus cuts a promo about Christian's face looking like a "horses arse" and how Barrett is like a bag of manure but half a useful. Them something about picking Gabriel cause he searched far and wide and blah blah. Sorry I tuned out a bit. Typical tag team match where the bigger heels work over Gabriel and Sheamus will get the hot tag and clean house I'd bet. End match, Christian gets hit over the top rope by Sheamus. Sheamus then hits the Blarney Boot and Gabriel gets tagged in to hit the 450 Splash for the three count.

Afterward Christian tries to sneak back in the ring, but Sheamus chases him out and Christian reconsiders the attack. And Gabriel and Sheamus celebrate as we go to a recap of last Friday. Christian and Sheamus could be a nice feud, as well as possibly getting Barrett and Gabriel going.

Did you know? That Zack Gowen runs faster than Matt Hardy.

The Great Khali beat Heath Slater via DQ in a singles match: BOO/10 or CRAP/5 Stars
As Khali's music hits I said to my self "This is gonna suck." I don't hate the guy, he's just fucking terrible in the ring. I said "Are you kidding me." as Slater's music hits. I dislike this guy and he's terrible in the ring. About 30 seconds after this match Gender, Jinder, whatever the hell his name is, comes out and starts yelling at Khali in Indian. Khali ignores him and is about to Khali bomb Slater when  Jinder interferes. Afterwards there a two on one beat down of Khali. Eventually Jinder and Slater get killed. Terrible match, terrible angle, terrible post match...just pure terribleness.

Video package of the WWE Channel which is set to premiere sometime next year. Score. The may be the greatest thing WWE has done in years. Especially if they show full PPVs, RAWS, Smackdowns, etc. I'm very excited about this.

Another video package of this CM Punk, he is God to me right now BTW, and Triple H feud. If Trips loses he's not the COO of the WWE anymore. I've loved all the promos so far and I've always like Triple H in ring. Oh yeah Nash is somehow terribly involved, and then "fired", and now I think is going to interfere and help Triple H win. Keeping Punk a good guy and turned Triple H into a big meanie.

R-Truth w/The Miz beat Evan Bourne w/Kofi Kingston (WWE Tag Team Champions) via pinfall in a singles match: NR
Jeremy Piven's two favorite superstars are finally a tag team, in Kobe Johnson and Evan Brawn are the tag champs and going into this Sunday at Night of Champions will be facing The Miz and R-Truth. I'm loving the pairing of both teams. Air Boom for for the in-ring, and The Awesome Truth for the epic promos. The "Canada You Suck" remix of R-Truth's entrance was pretty good. Oh look at 5 people being on commentary, this isn't going to be a clusterfuck at all is it? But thank God it wasn't and this was a squash. End match Bourne goes for Air Bourne, R-Truth moves, Evan lands on his feet, Truth trips him up and the hits Paydirt (Thanks for posting Shelton Benjamin) for the pinfall. I think Air Boom keeps the title on the main fact that The Awesome Truth is going in with complete advantage. But WWE I think is high on Miz and they noticed how well him a Truth work together, so I won't be shocked if the titles change hands.

They showed Mark Henry taking out Orton on Raw after his match with Rhodes as we go into the commercial break before the main event, The Cutting Edge.

The Cutting Edge featuring Randy Orton (World Heavyweight Champion) and Mark Henry (Number One Contender)
We come back to Smackdown with The Cutting Edge set up in the ring, Edge's music playing and Edge in the ring. Edge tells us that Cody said that he was pandering to Toronto. Edge goes on to tell us about him sitting in the 11th row at Wrestlemania 6 and how he won his first Intercontinental title in Toronto as well. He then tells us how important championships are and introduces the number one contender, Mark Henry. Edge then introduces the World Heavyweight Champion, Randy Orton. Edge reminds them that Teddy Long enacted the no physicality clause. Edge tells us how Henry has killed everything around the WWE and asks Orton if he honestly thinks he can beat him this Sunday. Orton doesn't deny the fact that he's been on a tear lately, but he tells him that he's only got the upper hand (on himself) by sneak attacks and after matches. To answer Edge's question Orton tells Henry that he knows he can beat him. Edge agrees with Orton and tells Henry that by the time Edge came into the WWE Henry was a veteran and that by now he should be a decorated champion by now. But that he thinks lack of desire has kept him in his current position. Henry says that Edge is absolutely right, and he says that he watched people smaller than him become champion over and over and over again. Henry then tells Orton that he's done smiling and he's here to take what Orton's got. Henry says after 15 years, the 15 it took him to get here, he's going to be world champion. Orton says the match Sunday is going to be like Henry's career. 15 years, as the worlds strongest failure. Edge backs the stools up and says this is where he reminds them about Teddy Longs orders, but this is also when Edge tells us The Cutting Edge is over.

Randy Orton and Mark Henry as brawling as soon as Edge leaves the ring and Teddy Long sends out the superstars in the back to try and break them up. To no avail though as Mark Henry gives the World Strongest Slam to Orton and then big splash. Henry then clears the ring of all the superstars and gives Orton a second World Strongest Slam.

Smackdown Rating: 5/10 or 2.5/5 Stars
Last Week NR
The Smackdown Lowdown returns to a meh show at best. Sure I'm going to love the segments with Trish, Christan, Edge, and Ryder. But I'm used to the old Smackdown with good meaningful matches and a fun show to watch. Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase look like they could have a good feud. And only Edge kept me interested in The Cutting Edge, cause let's face it neither of Orton/Henry are good on the mic. At least in my eyes. That being said I liked The Cutting Edge and most all of the segments. But the matches were all mehish as well. And when four of the matches end in either DQ or a squash I'm not going to be interested in them. All in all mediocre show leading into what could be a very nice PPV in Night of Champions.

That's it for The Smackdown Lowdown. As always suggest to me stuff you'd like me to write on. Also if you wanna add me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter, please do so. Really I don't mind.

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