Among the reasons that Friday's episode of Smackdown was so good were the performances of Edge, Chris Jericho and Jeff Hardy. But we've all come to expect that from them.
The real story is that CM Punk – and to a lesser degree, John Morrison – were given an opportunity to be impact players. The prospect of Punk and Morrison getting involved in the top-of-the-card mix is exciting – and overdue.
Punk proved Friday that he can hold his own with superstars such as Edge and Jericho on the microphone as well as in the ring. His victory over world heavyweight champion Edge in a non-title match was as clean as could be, unlike his string of fluke wins over top guys last year.
All of that makes Punk's loss to Kane at the Backlash pay-per-view last Sunday even more puzzling. Let's just hope that WWE really means it this time in regard to pushing him.
As for Morrison, it appears that he is going to be a babyface, a role that should be a good fit because of his acrobatic, risk-taking style. He defeated Shelton Benjamin (who has been holding his own against The Undertaker as of late) and then had a backstage altercation with Jericho.
The key to Morrison getting over as a babyface is for him to maintain his cocky persona and still be someone the fans want to cheer. It shouldn't be that hard. Fans already like watching him because of what he can do in the ring, and if he just directs his smart-aleck remarks at the heels instead of the babyfaces, it will work.
Other thoughts on Friday's show:
Umaga's involvement at the end of the Edge-Punk match was a surprise. Hopefully there will be some explanation given as to why Umaga attacked Punk. …
The four-way elimination match to determine the No. 1 contender for Edge's title was fun to watch, especially when it came down to Hardy and Rey Mysterio. …
If Jericho is such a thinking-man's wrestler, why did he hit Mysterio with a chair right in front of the referee? And why did he break up the pin when Hardy was covering Kane so that he could make the pin instead? That would make sense in a Scramble or fatal four-way, but not in an elimination match. It would have been more logical for Jericho to allow Hardy to eliminate Kane and then attack Hardy from behind and try to get a quick pin on him. …
Jericho does get points, however, for calling the fans "recalcitrant frauds." …
I had never heard the name "Sherri Shepherd" before she was mentioned on WWE programs recently. After seeing The View co-host on Smackdown Friday, I hope I never hear it again. She was so annoying that I was starting to think less of MVP's character for associating with her. I think she should have been paired with The Miz instead. …
Just what the WWE Universe was waiting for: a feud between Layla and Eve. By the way, how do you have a dance contest and not invite Alicia Fox?
