Bad Blood Thoughts

This was just a tremendous show, especially that I had only so-so expectations going into it. Come to think of it (in my mind anyways), WWE has delivered big-time in five of its six PPV's this year, which is really saying something.

Edge and Chris Benoit Vs. La Resistance was a decent opener, which was booked more meant to sell the main event, but whatever. There were a few subtle teases of dissention between Edge and Benoit, but nothing that would have rushed this whole angle too much. Wasn't thrilled with the finish, but it was decent enough knowing that the French Canadians weren't going to part with the gold tonight.

Chris Jericho Vs. Tyson Tomko was, mercifully, kept short. I think WWE even realized this was too much, too soon for the so-called Problem Solver. Nice of Jericho to bust out the running enziguiri as a finisher, in any event.

Shelton Benjamin Vs. Randy Orton started uniquely enough, I'll give them that. And hey – another 'Orton Fears Jeb' sign! Do we know whom the culprit is this time round? Brilliant! The match itself was fast-paced and these only helped each other reputations by staying strong. The figure-four/small package spot was nicely done, and even the finish didn't seem out of place. I can TOTALLY see these guys being the next Rock and Triple H, in the sense that they'll be feuding again and again as their legends grow. Orton Fears Jeb – HA!

The women's match was bleah at best. At least it was short, too. No idea what the point of having Trish go over was, apart from making her the first-ever five-time, five-time, five-time, five-time, five-time Women's champion (Suckaaaaa!).

Eugene Vs. Coach was exactly what it should have been. Fun mid-card comedy filler that wasn't a minute too long (or short, for that matter). Not sure what was with the cookie lady, though. I thought for sure this was going to be when William Regal turned. Guess not.

I know a lot of people were down on the idea of a Chris Benoit Vs. Kane PPV match, but I'm glad I wasn't one of them. When Kane's motivated, the guy can certainly hold his own, which he did here. Benoit was equal parts selling and working his submission holds – it's almost the classic big guy/small guy struggle that wrestling tries to sell to us on almost a weekly basis. Surprising finish there, too.

Triple H Vs. Shawn Michaels wasn't the best HIAC match I've ever seen, though it has to rank up there behind Foley/Undertaker and maybe HBK/Taker in terms of drama. This was probably the best Michaels has ever sold his injured back since… well, since his back was legitimately injured at WMXIV. Triple H even took a bit more punishing spots than normal. Although I've grown to hate the pedigree as a finisher, this was one situation where it made sense. HHH needs to stay strong going into his next little feud with Benoit, and it's not like the guy hasn't had his share of jobs over the last little while. So I wasn't disappointed in the least. The "courageous" HBK can now spend some time with his family, and return equally as strong as when he left. Everyone wins.

Hey look – I actually went 5 for 7 on my predictions. Not too shabby…