For those who feel it isn't, this contains details of the 3/13 SD show...I can't add much commentary regarding the 3/6 airing, having pulled a Columbus prior to the show, which caused myself and companion to arrive late.  Yeah, I know, I know.  Then again, McCopycat was on the mic in the first part of the show, so maybe the cosmos did us a favor (waggle of eyebrows).  Our entree was during the Shelton-Jeff match, just in time to catch Jeff's Whisper in the Wind.  I've said it before, and I know I'll say it again: that move is ABSOLUTELY WICKED live.  I never fail to be awed by it; its such a d**n hard move and he nails it again and again. ToS Jeff! The Triple H-Umaga match was nice, with momentum shifting back and forth.  Triple H hit a sweet pedigree, but eventually began to lose the advantage, much to the disappointment of the crowd, which was solidly behind him...along with Randy Orton & Co, who attacked at the conclusion of the match.  There was nice bit part for the Legacy during what became the "Beat On HHH" show.  HHH sold the beating for about a year and half as RKO, LLC left, concluding the taping.

3/13 opened w/ Edge vs Kofi.  Again, a nice match, with an interesting contrast in styles.  Its always nice to see Edge actually wrestle and he hasn't broken out that sharpshooter in awhile, so that was cool to see as well.  As always, Kofi's athleticism is impressive.  Miz/Morrison vs. Carlito/Primo was one of the best matches of the night, with Morrison pulling a nice selection of his trademark moves..holy hallelujah can that guy flip around!  And as of Tues, he takes over from Edge the title of Best Hair in the WWE.  One of the highlights of the night occurred as Carlito and Primo leaped off the ropes in concert at Miz, who threw his arms up and yelled "Whhoooooooaaaaaa"!! I don't know if the camera angle will show his face, but his wide-eyed "Oh sh**" look was hilarious live and got a big laugh from the floor section on that side.  The Bellas added some nice passamenterie to the match.  Next up were Shelton Benjamin & Chavo Guerrero vs. MVP and R-Truth.  This was a fun match to watch, which made up for the incredible aggravation of R-Truth's entrance ("Whaz Up" ought to be buried.  Buried, exhumed, broken irreparably and re-buried...in an unmarked grave. Clear enough?).  A second show highlight came here.  MVP's corner was closest to my section which, while Shelton was wrestling, began a chant of Shel-ton, Shel-ton", at which MVP turned around and shot out an indignant "That is just not right!".  His humor was rewarded with a big laugh and an "MVP" chant, which he encouraged.  I keep liking MVP more and more.  In addition to being an excellent wrestler, he has real flair for comedy, which there is a current dearth of on Smackdown.  Letter to the Cosmos: could ya let him do more of that? It works!

Matt's speech on the Tao of Jeff seemed heartfelt, but dragged on a bit.  I was surprised at how much heel heat he was drawing though! For a guy who has been beloved as a face for so long, he's really figured out how to get everyone to hate him fast. Nice job, Matt.  Jeff handlled his rebuttle eloquently and sold the somewhat sordid dog collar angle well. This was followed by a diva tag match: McCopycat and Maryse vs. Maria and Melina in a battle of the Letter M's.  I found this one interesting because it is the first opportunity I have had of seeing any of these girls live.   All of them did a good job in this, with any of Maria's shortcomings glossed over by lack of ring time.  McCopycat's athletic ability is very clear in person; she definitely stands out in that respect, not by leaps and bounds, but enough to be noticeable.  Melina did her usual memorable entrance and a solid job wrestling. as did Maryse.  And while I'm on the subject, for any of you who are curious, are Maryse fans or are both, although I don't swing from that side of the plate, I must say Maryse is prettier in person than in pictures.  Melina got the win when Mc refused to be tagged in.

Next on the card: Brian Kendrick vs Finlay for a MITB match spot. (Aside: who's kidding who here...as if Kendrick had any chance!). As always, a solid match from Finlay, who from what I have seen, seems to be universally liked, and with good reason! He's a fantastic wrestler, with a style which is both entertaining and effective and his chemistry with Hornswoggle ranges from comedic to endearing. Kendrick does a good job with what there is, but he just seems lost in this gimmick. It comes off as so not him.   I miss his high-flying style.

The last match of the tapings was Taker vs. Koz and TG Taker pinned the Russian cleanly, because only He knows what would have happened otherwise.  The crowd was 110% behind Taker, with chants ranging from "Undertaker" to "USA".  This was a good match for Koz.  There was some nice back and forthing - enough to keep the crowd alive.  Taker hit a leg drop on the apron which was flat broke awesome. I don't know how it will come out on tv, but if it doesn't look special, then fire the cameraman. Taker got the pin & win with a Tombstone.  Nice to see him doing that. (Uh..the Tombstone..or winnng, TL? Both.)

The show closed with a dark triple threat match between Edge and the Hardys. This was a solid effort from all involved.  There was a classic WWE  "What the Falkland Islands" moment when Edge and Matt shook hands and teamed up to attack Jeff. Edge & Matt ..f..r..i..e..n..d..s? Talk about coming full circle! And then speeding right on past as Edge turned and promptly attacked and tried to pin Matt.  (Whew..back to normal.)  Jeff got the eventual win with a sweet swanton.  While Edge retreated, Jeff and Matt had a brotherly moment in-ring, in which Jeff tried to get Matt to shake hands.  When Matt tentatively did so, Jeff Twist-of-Fated him to much applause, thereby concluding the show and the night.   

(c) BE 2009