WWE SmackDown, January 21, 2011: Being Shaken To The Corre

Opening Segment

Great promo. My interest in this new group "The Corre" was in question last week, but seeing this promo take place has gotten me behind them.

I think having no leader will really create more unity than with the Nexus, and having fewer members will create less chaos and create more controversy that SmackDownneeds. This segment really made their goal and reason clear, which is something I wanted to hear last week.

In my opinion, Ezekiel Jackson did decent on the mic and I say that because I take interest him. I see a bright future for Corre on SmackDown.


Alberto Del Rio defeated R-Truth / Teddy Long Gets Attacked

As for the match, it was boring to watch. We've seen these two wrestle each other numerous times before in the last three weeks, and R-Truth's involvement only hurt the contest even more with a sloppy finish.

This match was clearly not the focus, as Long's attack was the focal point through the majority of the bout. This is a Nexus rewind from June, and it was predictable seeing that Long would not let them continue their attacks.

It is assumed that the attack was performed by the Corre, but more than likely it was Dolph Ziggler. Whatever the case, I don't want a RAW repeat. On a side note, why the hell was Michael Tarver in the room?


Beth Phoenix defeated Layla with Michelle McCool

Another good match, but there was once again no story-line. Not many people care for the Divas division as it is, so it would have made this match more meaningful if at least a promo was down to set it up and continue the rivalry.

I'm glad that Phoenix picked up the victory as it logically sets up the debut of Kong. But I'm also worried that with a real rivalry looming right now between these three women, Kong's debut will not be as impactful as it should be.


Rey Mysterio defeated "Dashing" Cody Rhodes

A mediocre match, only because it wasn't given enough time. It had the potential to be something special as it has done twice before, but Rhodes jobs again.

So, with Rhodes breaking his nose, does this mean we have seen the end of "Dashing"? Doesn't matter to me as long as Rhodes gets in line for an Intercontinental Championship match, then I'm satisfied.


Jack Swagger defeated Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston in an Amateur Wrestling Challenge (Non-title)

This was an exact repeat with what happened with MVP and Tommy Dreamer: boring as hell. I participate in mixed martial arts and understand the concept of this match, but I still found myself counting the seconds until it was over. 

This match received no hype and no interest among the fans. Kingston and Swagger have put on good matches in the past, but I would like to see Kingston move on to better feuds that aren't stale, an example being Tyler Reks or Cody Rhodes.

For those who don't know, Jim Ross was involved in a segment backstage with Swagger being taped in Oklahoma. I was devastated to learn that the segment wouldn't air on television, since seeing J.R. was my only reason being excited for SmackDown.


Drew McIntyre defeated Trent Baretta

The match itself was the worst of the three matches these two have competed in, merely because it was over so quickly. However, the match wasn't the main focus here which is acceptable.

Surprisingly, I'm starting to like this feud, and it gives a very talented Trent Baretta a lot of exposure on television. The love angle is now at its climax, so I hope it leads to a big turnout with Kelly Kelly possibly turning heel.


WWE Champion The Miz and World Heavyweight Champion Edge Promo

Awesome segment, no pun intended. Nowadays, Champion vs. Champion matches mean merely nothing, but this promo helped build to a match with great potential on RAW.

The Miz and Edge have great promo and in-ring chemistry, so I look forward to their upcoming confrontation on Monday.

My only minor issue with this was that Miz was not hyped to be on Smackdown, because if it was, it could really help the ratings and build exposure for Smackdown.


Justin Gabriel with Corre defeated World Heavyweight Champion Edge (Non-title)

No matches stood out tonight besides this bout, this making it Match of the Night.

I liked the suspense leading up to the match how any member Corre could have been selected as the opponent.

Edge can put on a quality match with almost every man he steps in the ring with, and this was no different.

Gabriel's style meshed very well with Edge, and I'm glad Gabriel was able to stand on his own with very limited interference from Corre.

The finish was very well done and unexpected, and displays Justin Gabriel's potential when he becomes a singles star.

The beat down following the contest was dull, after seeing it no fewer than 50 times on RAW.


Final Review

Not as strong of a show as the past few weeks, but it did deliver a very strong main event. The main focal point of this broadcast was to establish the arrival of The Corre, and that was successfully done.

However, aside from Ziggler standing tall over Edge at the end of the show, hype for the Royal Rumble next Sunday was not focused on.

With only three matches announced for the pay-per-view, I'm afraid we will see matches announced at the last minute, which doesn't build good hype.

On a brighter note, I'm interested to see The Corre on Smackdown, as it brings some excitement and suspense that wasn't there before.

Hopefully, it doesn't burn out like the Nexus did, but it will definitely add more star power toSmackdown on the Road to Wrestlemania.