WWE SmackDown, January 14, 2011: Genesis of the New Nexus

Rey Mysterio and R-Truth Defeated "Dashing" Cody Rhodes and Alberto Del Rio

There was some debate on this one, but I'm going with this match as Match of the Night over the Kingston vs. Swagger match. It gave a reason for us to watch it with the decent promo at the top of the show at the same time building hype for the Royal Rumble.

Rey Mysterio carried Truth through this match, but it was still very well done. It got great time and had a logical yet anticipated finish. Can anyone explain why the brand barrier continues to be broken?


Trent Barreta def. Drew McIntyre

A decent match while it lasted, but I would of liked to see a little more aerial maneuvers by Baretta again as I always look forward to watching his matches.

I'm glad Baretta got the win here, and it helps the feud continue. It's not the greatest rivalry, but at least Baretta is getting used on television.

I still don't like this McIntyre and Kelly angle though. It came off last night as a cheap chick flick, and the last time I check this was pro wrestling. I know, not that much of a difference, but this love angle is pointless for both of them.


Big Show defeated Wade Barrett by Disqualification

The match was pretty good while it lasted, so I'd like to see more from these two. They have chemistry, and is pretty much the only feud I'd like to see Show in with anyone else on the roster.

The finish was well done as it leaves the match to continue for another day. The birth of this new Nexus with Barrett, Gabriel, Slater and Jackson dosen't interest me, but the debut of Ezekiel Jackson does, and I am ecstatic he is finally being used right.

On a side note here for those who don't know, I am very big fan of Ezekiel Jackson. I have spent months arguing as to that he is face, but now that is all down the drain now with this heel turn. Sorry for the confusion.


Beth Phoenix def. Michelle McCool with Layla

Once again, another quality Divas bout. It wasn't excellent, but it is certainly better than the contests we usually seen done on SmackDown.

The only thing that was missing is a story-line. Now that sometimes may be a good thing, but they should explain these matches as revenge of some sort or to get in line for contention at the Divas Title.

One could only hope they are stalling for the debut of Awesome Kong...


Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston Defeated Jack Swagger

Although we have seen this match done numerous times in the past, these two can really work. Only if there was more time, it would have won Match of the Night.

This should be the ending to their feud, as I see many possible opponents for Kingston's title on the horizon. Nonetheless, awesome match with many exciting spots.


The Cutting Edge with Dolph Ziggler and Vickie Guerrero

A great segment that helps build some more hype to the Royal Rumble in two weeks. These two have excellent in-ring and promo chemistry ,so building for the match will make the match worth watching, enjoyable and logical.

Why would no one remember the wedding these two had three years ago? Oh yeah, the kids would. Anyways, it was nice revisiting history.

I liked the "spear" tease for Vickie and the attack by Ziggler was well done. Ziggler has all the tools of becoming a break-out star in the WWE.

​
Final Review

A very enjoyable episode. The promos that occurred were either limited or meant something, and the matches were around average.

Building hype for the Royal Rumble pay-per-view is a key factor in watching SmackDown, so that was also accomplished last night. Especially with this new Nexus faction, I for one am looking forward to the next edition of Friday Night SmackDown.