Smackdown emanates this week from Fresno, CA

The Ring Announcer Justin Roberts welcomes everyone to the show and introduces the World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk, who has a chorus of boos waiting for him. Punk says he came out to discuss the so-called controversy that everyone's been talking about since The Bash, and quite frankly, he's sick and tired of it. He says that people have been saying that he kicked the referee on purpose and purposely got himself disqualified. Punk then leads us through a step-by-step explanation of what really happened. He says the first allegation was that Jeff Hardy allegedly won the title, but was somehow robbed. They then show the footage of Hardy pinning Punk, with Punk's foot under the rope and the match was then restarted. Punk says the footage clearly proves that his foot was under the rope and he can see how the referee made the mistake, because he's only human and it happens. Punk says unlike some other people, the rules still mean something to him. Punk says if anything, he was almost robbed (genius!). Punk says he then suffered a severe eye injury and they play the footage, showing when Hardy elbowed him in the face, allegedly causing the injury. Punk says it's clear as day that the eye was hurt and he couldn't see, and therefore he thought he swung at Hardy, but hit the ref by accident. Punk says he's a competitor and never takes the cheap way out or takes any shortcuts. He says Hardy had every right to be frustrated, but there is no excuse for what Hardy did to Punk next. They then show after the match, when Hardy accused Punk of feigning the injury and then assaulting him. Punk then shakes his head in disappointment and says Jeff Hardy has no idea who Punk is as a person. Punk says he's a man of integrity and doesn't take any shortcuts through life. He says what he did was clearly an accident, but what Hardy did was obviously deliberate (classic heel move to spin it around the other way and make Hardy the bad guy. I love it!). Punk continues that there are a lot of rumours going around that Hardy is telling anyone who will listen that he wants a rematch and Punk says that's fine with him, but there's something he wants from Hardy first. Punk says he wants Hardy to come out here and publicly apologize for his actions. Smackdown GM Teddy Long comes out instead and JR just throws it out there that Long is still on probation. Long says he doesn't know if Punk took the cheap way out or not, but until then, Punk and Hardy were having a classic match and Punk will face Hardy again at Night of Champions. Punk says that's fine with him, but he wants Hardy to apologize. Long says Mr. McMahon was very pleased with the way he shook things up at The Bash on Sunday and he's going to keep it going, because tonight, the new unified Tag Team Champions will face the team of Jeff Hardy and CM Punk. This brings out the man in question, Jeff Hardy, who looks a bit like The Ultimate Warrior this week. Hardy gets in Punk's face and says he doesn't want to hear any more excuses. He says Punk knew exactly what he was doing at The Bash and he's a liar. Hardy says he can see right through Punk. Punk says unless the next words out of Jeff's mouth are "I'm sorry," he wants him to shut up, because Punk couldn't care less what Jeff has to say. Hardy says the only thing he's going to apologize for is for beating the hell out CM Punk at Night of Champions. Then a shoving match begins, which has to be broken up by Long. Punk then cools his jets and lets Hardy know that they need to concentrate on tonight and work together, because otherwise, Jericho and Edge will tear them apart. Punk then adds that their team is already at a disadvantage because of his eye injury (hilarious!). Punk says he can already see Hardy's temper starting to boil over and leaves him with the advice to "just say no." Punk then leaves the ring with a smirk on his face (he really does look a bit like Christian Bale).

Match #1: Ricky Ortiz vs. Finlay

Shelton Benjamin gets traded to ECW but Ortiz remains on the A show? Ortiz should be traded off the face of the planet. They can replace him with a chair or something. At least the chair serves a purpose. Anyway, Maven Jr. grabs the microphone and asks Finlay why he's so sad. He then suggests it's because he lost his little buddy (I believe that happened quite a while ago). He then tells Finlay to lighten up because he's on Smackdown now and he should just drop the sheleighle, lose the frown and rally up (please fire this guy!). Finlay responds with a slap to begin things and takes the early advantage, but lowers his head and gets kicked by Ortiz, who is unable to capitalize and ends up being clotheslined over the top rope to the floor. Finlay then comes out to deliver some kicks off the ring apron, but Ortiz is able to sweep him as Finlay attempts to get back in the ring. Ortiz then delivers a powerslam on the outside and sends Finlay back in for a belly-to-back suplex for two. He then delivers a big splash, but misses Finlay in the corner and goes shoulder-first into the post. Finlay tries a schoolboy, but only gets two. Finlay then connects with stiff clotheslines and loads Ortiz with a fireman's carry for a steamroller, followed by a big splash for two. Finlay tries another fireman's carry, but is unable to lift Ortiz. Ortiz then tries a powerbomb, but can't get Finlay up either and finally Finlay is able to hoist Ortiz up and deliver the Celtic cross for the win. Way too long.

Winner: Finlay by pinfall

Backstage, Dolph Ziggler is doing these girly push-ups, when he's approached by Maria, who introduces herself and may be charged with gimmick infringement for that. Ziggler introduces himself as well and it just got awkward. He says he's just staying focused on his match, because he usually always wins (I'm starting to come around on this guy). Maria said she had fun last night and Ziggler says you're welcome, to which Maria awkwardly responds "thank you." Ziggler says they should definitely do it again some time (is Maria like the village bicycle or something? Does this mean that they went out last night without knowing each other's names?). Anyway, Maria wishes Ziggler luck and Ziggler says he just may get lucky again tonight.

Match #2: Dolph Ziggler vs. R Truth

Ziggler gets the early advantage in the match, but as he whips Truth to the corner, Truth leaps over him, followed with a backflip and the splits and then springs up with a jumping calf kick to complete the sequence. He then takes Ziggler down with a hiptoss for two. Ziggler starts cowering in the corner and with Truth being held back by the ref, Ziggler lands a cheap shot and follows with an inverted t-bone suplex and then applies a rear chinlock, followed by elbowdrops and then into a full nelson. Truth fights out and delivers a clothesline, but lowers his head and catches a boot from Ziggler, who shouts "that's what's up!" (pretty funny). Ziggler is then victimized by a powerslam for two. Truth then delivers a bicycle kick, but Ziggler rolls to the apron and hangs Truth's neck off the top rope and then jumps up with a reverse neckbreaker for the win.

Winner: Dolph Ziggler by pinfall

It's now time for Word Up (I can't wait). Cryme Tyme made some comparison between themselves and the Flintstones, because they can make the bed rock (this would have been funny, but I believe I heard it already on Fresh Prince of Bel-Air). Eve (the one reason I look forward to these segments) then comes to reveal the word of the day, which was "Wangsta." She says a wangsta is basically a fake gangster or poser, if you will. Cryme Tyme then gets out the binoculars and some bushes (where the hell did they find bushes?) for a street safari to point out what a wangsta is. They then do their best Elmer Fudd impression, saying "be vewy vewy quiet, we're going wangsta hunting." So the three of them sit there behind the bushes with the binoculars, which I'm pretty sure is illegal and first person they see is Layla, which makes them forget what they're doing and just focusing on her. Eve then grabs the binoculars and spot Jimmy Wang Yang (only way he can get on TV these days) and says he's posing as an Asian redneck. Cryme Tyme couldn't care less and then they spot Jesse, dressed like 50 Cent and he comes in and starts talking the talk. He says he's otherwise known as Jeezy, J-easy or Slam Master J (my personal favourite). Cryme Tyme then cuts him off and says that's what a wangsta is and then tell him not to follow them as they will return for another edition of Word Up next week (I'm holding my breath).

Match #3: Kane vs. Rey Mysterio

Grisham starts with a stupid comment that Rey is always the smaller guy in the match, but has probably never felt as small as right now (that has to be the dumbest thing he's ever said and that's saying a lot). JR then adds that these two have had an amazing rivalry that should not go undocumented (yes it should). Rey starts on the offence, but is unable to maintain it as Kane fires back with a clothesline and then another one for two. Kane then applies a reverse chinlock, but Rey is able to fight out. Rey is able to leap over Kane in the corner and deliver a low dropkick, landing Kane on the ropes. Rey tries the 6-1-9, but Kane avoids it and tries the chokeslam, which Rey escapes, but runs into a big boot for two. Kane then slams Mysterio into the post on the outside and throws him back in for another slam, but catches a mule kick in the corner. Rey then runs into a back elbow, giving Kane two. Kane delivers a belly-to-back suplex for two, followed by a backbreaker and holds Mysterio in an arched position across Kane's knee. Rey fights out with knees and then hits a low dropkick, followed by a springboard seated senton and a tilt-a-whirl reverse DDT for two. Rey then eats an uppercut, coming off the top turnbuckle for two. Kane tries the chokeslam, but Rey ducks it and hits an enzugiri, shades of the late, great Owen Hart. Rey then delivers a dropkick, positioning Kane on the middle rope and then finally the 6-1-9. Rey goes for the west coast pop (stupid move), but Kane says access denied and delivers a thunderous chokeslam for the win.

Winner: Kane by pinfall

After the match, Kane grabs Rey by the throat again, but The Great Khali's music trumpets throughout the arena and Khali comes out with a steel chair. Kane then retreats through the crowd.

Josh Matthews interviews Chris Jericho backstage, because Jericho apparently requested this time. Jericho says it has brought a smile to his face to finally see the hypocrite Rey Mysterio get what he deserves. He says next week, Rey's in store for the same thing, when Jericho will invoke his rematch clause and become the Intercontinental champion for the unprecedented 10th time. Edge cuts in and says tonight isn't about Rey Mysterio. He says it's about proving that he and Jericho are the most dominant force in the WWE Universe. Edge says unlike their opponents tonight, he and Jericho can work as a cohesive unit and are unified, which they will prove later on. Jericho says they are the very best at what they do (can't argue that). He says Punk is as much of a hypocrite as all the pathetic drones in the arena and Hardy as well with his pathetic, painted face. He says he and Edge are the most dominant force in the company. Edge says those are his thoughts exactly.

Match #4: The Hart Dynasty vs. Cryme Tyme

It looks like the Canadians are taking over Smackdown. In fact, JR and even Grisham do a good job of putting the Dynasty over here. Grisham then makes mention of the Word Up segment earlier and asks JR if he's a wangsta (JR's a hwangsta). Tyson Kidd starts things off with JTG. Kidd negotiates a go-behind, but JTG escapes and takes Kidd down with a drop toe hold, floating over into front facelock. JTG reverses an Irish whip to the far corner and delivers a jumping faceplant. Kidd then rolls outside and outsmarts JTG, making him chase him around the ring. Kidd then gets a blind tag to DH Smith, who attacks JTG from behind. Smith delivers an overhead belly-to-belly suplex, shades of Kurt Angle for two. Smith then applies a reverse chinlock. Kidd tags in and delivers a snapmare, followed by a soccer kick to the spine (we don't play soccer here in Canada) for two. Kid then applies a modified bow and arrow/surfboard. JTG fights out and Kidd misses a splash in the corner. JTG tries a schoolboy for two and Kidd takes him down with a snapmare and goes back to the bow and arrow. JTG delivers an uppercut and then a tilt-a-whirl neckbreaker. Tags are made on both sides and the two big men step in, with Shad gaining early advantage with clotheslines and then an avalanche in the corner, followed by a belly-to-back faceplant and then an elbowdrop, but Kidd breaks the pin. With the ref distracted, JTG delivers a reverse hotshot to Smith, who is then victimized by thugnificent (an STO) and Shad picks up the win. You've got to be kidding me!

Winners: Cryme Tyme by pinfall

Match #5: Michelle McCool and Layla vs. Melina and Maria

Michelle's lucky she's dating The Undertaker is all I have to say. Apparently she has a new lackey now in Layla, since Alicia Fox is on Raw. Michelle starts taunting Melina from the apron by holding the belt up. Layla capitalizes on the distraction, but Melina avoids eating some turnbuckle with a high kick and JR says this match resembles a tennis match from Wimbledon with all the screaming. Maria tags in and delivers a knee and then a snapmare and a low clothesline for two. She tries a kick, but Layla catches her foot and forces her into splitsville. Quick tags are made between Michelle and Layla as they've pinpointed Maria's knee as a weak spot. Michelle applies a toe hold and JR mentions that Layla has an NBA Championship ring from her days with the Miama Heat (someone should alert Dwayne Wade that his ring has been located. I didn't know they gave championship rings to cheerleaders). Maria fights back and tags in Melina, as Michelle tags Layla. Layla tries for an attack, but Melina utilizes an arching matrix move, shades of Trish Stratus and then delivers a Pele kick and a standing split legdrop for the win.

Winners: Melina and Maria by pinfall

John Morrison is standing in Teddy Long's office, saying that he should get to face the winner of the Punk vs. Hardy match at Night of Champions, since he beat Punk last week. In the meantime, Long is doing this weird dance in the background, which was kind of funny and he says Morrison will have to excuse him, because he was just thinking of the BET awards. Morrison asks about the tribute for Michael Jackson and says he's a huge MJ fan. Long and Morrison then start singing duets of Michael Jackson's songs. Long sings Thriller and Morrison says it was a thrill to beat Punk last week, only to have Punk give him the GTS like a "Smooth Criminal" (haha excellent!). Long says Morrison don't "gotta be starting something" with him. Long then says he'll think about it, but for now, Morrison needs to "Beat It." Humourous segment!

Match #6: CM Punk and Jeff Hardy vs. Chris Jericho and Edge

Edge and Punk start things off with Edge taking early advantage with a top wristlock, into an armbar. Punk fights out and delivers a dropkick and locks in his own top wristlock and tags Hardy, who comes in with an axehandle off the top. Hardy then whips Edge sternum first into the far corner, but Edge reaches the rope and the referee Scott Armstrong paid close attention to it this time. Punk tags in and comes off the top with a double axehandle and goes into an armbar. Jericho tags in and gets an armdrag from Punk into another armbar. Punk slams Jericho and tags Hardy, who comes off the ropes with a guillotine legdrop, shades of Psychosis for two. Hardy then delivers an inverted atomic drop, followed by a double leg takedown and a double legdrop to the sternum. Punk tags in and locks in an armbar. Jericho fights out and tags Edge, who delivers a headbutt, but Punk reverses an Irish whip and delivers a jumping calf kick. Hardy tags in and he and Punk do some double-teaming with a poetry in motion. Punk then clotheslines Edge over the ropes to the floor and has an awkward staredown with Hardy as we head to commercial. Back from break, Hardy leaps over Edge in the corner and delivers an armdrag into an armbar and then a top wristlock. He goes to tag Punk who is holding his eye and won't tag in. Hardy delivers a vertical suplex to Edge and then tries a jackknife cover for two. He misses a splash in the corner and Jericho tags in, delivering some elbowdrops and then tosses Jeff outside and with the ref distracted, Edge takes a cheap shot. Hardy fights back but Punk refuses a tag again, because of his eye. Jericho locks in a chicken wing, shades of Bob Backlund. Hardy fights out and attempts a headscissor out of the corner, but Jericho tosses him to the floor. Hardy tries tagging for a third time, but once again, Punk is holding his eye and can't tag. Hardy hits the whisper in the wind on Jericho and Jericho tags Edge, who tries the edgecution, but Hardy counters with the twist of fate and finally tags Punk in. Punk hits a running high knee in the corner and a bulldog on Edge for two. He tries the GTS, but Edge counters into the Edge-o-matic for two. Jericho tags in and delivers a punt to Punk's ribs and immediately goes after the eye. Jericho starts screaming "you're a punk!" (brilliant!). A double clothesline takes both men down and Punk goes to tag Hardy, but this time Hardy screams in pain and drops off the apron, holding his eye. Jericho tries a schoolboy on Punk for two and then tries the Walls of Jericho, but Punk kicks him to the corner and tries the GTS, but doesn't see that Edge has made a blind tag. Jericho goes to sleep, but Edge nails Punk with the spear for the win.

Winners: Edge and Chris Jericho by pinfall

After the match, Hardy delivers the twist of fate to Edge and goes upstairs, but both Edge and Jericho retreat. Hardy then tries to console Punk and both guys are holding their allegedly injured eyes, which looked pretty awkward but funny. Hardy then goes up the ramp and reveals that he was faking it, just to prove a point. Punk does not look amused as Smackdown goes off the air.

Final thoughts:

This was definitely not as good a show as previous weeks. Most of the matches were pretty boring actually. Dolph Ziggler was actually pretty funny tonight and I liked the segment between John Morrison and Teddy Long. The main event was good as well and I think the standout tonight was CM Punk. They are really doing a good job with the heel turn tease. 6 out of 10 this week.