|
SmackDown! was a really good show this week. The opening match between Rey Mysterio and Kane was well constructed, and the clean win helps to build Mysterio's momentum heading into WrestleMania. If there is a Money in the Bank Ladder Match, then I fully expect Kane to be a part of that match, but Mysterio has the singles program, which people need to care about.
I'd just like to say that the angle with Dusty Rhodes, Cody Rhodes and Rey Mysterio was AMAZING. Sincerely, I think it's one of the best done things I've seen on WWE programming in a long time. Dusty Rhodes coming out all smiles, played his role perfectly. On the mic, Dusty proved what good he still has to offer the WWE. His promo telling Cody Rhodes that while he was being "Dashing," The Miz and Edge were becoming World Champions was awesome. And the allusions to championships, WrestleMania and the Hall of Fame is pretty much the core direction any character in the WWE should have. Dusty nailed everything here.
Cody Rhodes played his part splendidly, too. Never before has Cody looked more intense, and the look with the suit and the protective mask is awesome. Despite not being the most buff guy on the roster, Cody seemed legitimately dangerous here. He seems focused on really grabbing the brass ring with this feud, and I sincerely marked out for him here. The WWE is obviously behind Rhodes, too. The power the production added to this segment was fantastic. When Cody rammed Rey Mysterio's head into the screen and caused a distorted and blurred visual reflection -- it pretty much sums up Cody Rhodes' current persona. I hope they keep it, truthfully. Go with some sort of "damaged beauty" direction with Rhodes.
The symbolism of Cody Rhodes demasking Rey Mysterio was intense, too. And seeing Cody and Dusty hug in the back with the camera zooming in on the mask of Mysterio...chilling. Kudos, WWE, for really getting me pumped for this angle. It really feels like it belongs at WrestleMania. Dusty should also stick around, since he seems to have perfect command of his character, to this day. He could end up being a heat machine.
The only thing I did not like about this whole thing was actually Michael Cole's commentary. In my opinion, he missed the very important shift in the storyline. This is no longer about being "Dashing" or keeping good looks intact. This is about WrestleMania, championships and the Hall of Fame. In that order. I hope that is the direction the WWE takes with this feud, and Cody Rhodes evolves the "Dashing" persona into something more focused on the top.
|