Todd Grisham and Matt Striker introduce the show and Grisham reminds us we are three weeks away from WrestleMania 26.  Tonight, Edge will take on The Big Show in the Main Event, and the 2010 Royal Rumble Winner is on his way down to the ring.  They show us highlights of Edge facing The Miz one week ago and hear the commentators tell us about Edge surviving 29 other Superstars to win the Rumble.  Personally, I feel this is misleading.  Edge was one of the last men in the ring at the Rumble and most of those 29 stars were already eliminated.  Yet, they make this claim year in and year out.  Only a few men can actually claim to have outlasted 29 men to win the Royal Rumble, those who started in the No. 1 and No. 2 spots.  Shawn Michaels, Rey Mysterio, Chris Benoit, and sadly Vince McMahon can claim this distinction.  I understand why the WWE talks about the Royal Rumble Winners this way, but, still, I personally find it misleading.  Anyway, I digress, there’s a show to review.

Edge talks about being concerned for his Mania opponent, Chris Jericho, because Chris has been saying the same things over and over for the last couple of weeks, yet Jericho continues to get Speared by Edge, emphasis on the word Speared.  Edge says the same thing will continue to happen, week after week, until WrestleMania.  Edge and the crowd start chanting “Spear, Spear, Spear” until one half of the Unified Tag Team Champions and Edge’s opponent for the night, The Big Show hits the arena.  Show is coming off another successful title defense on Monday, defeating DX.  He’s greeted by Edge who reminds us that Miz got speared last week and the Big Show is going to get speared. But Show responds that Edge isn’t the only reason he’s here because he finds out who ShoMiz’s opponents will be at WrestleMania.  Big Show talks about what he’s going to do when he gets his hands on Edge and Edge asked if he’s going to get eaten.  Well, Show says he eats pieces of crap like Edge for breakfast and Edge channels Happy Gilmore.  The Rated R Superstar gets in Show’s face and threatens a spear.  Show charges and the crafty Edge pulls the rope down, dumping Big Show out of the ring.

Backstage Teddy Long is in his office when Drew McIntyre comes in.  Vince McMahon has expunged McIntyre’s loss to Kane last week, so the Intercontinental Champion is still undefeated.  Drew is therefore entered into another Qualifying Match against Matt Hardy, which is next.  McIntyre offers Teddy a handshake as a thank you and Long simply walks away.

Money in the Bank Qualifier
Intercontinental Champion Drew McIntyre vs. Matt Hardy

The Intercontinental Champion is officially announced as “The Undefeated Drew McIntyre” so I guess thanks to the power of the Chairman, a loss no longer matters.  If a loss doesn’t matter, then you could further theorize that a match doesn’t matter.  And you could even then go on to say that if there is no need for matches, there is no need for the WWE.  But, World Wrestling Entertainment presses on, and so will I as Matt Hardy comes to the ring with Justin Gabriel, his NXT Rookie.  McIntyre looks to win this early, going on the offensive as soon as the bell rings.  The fans are chanting for some Mattitude, though, and it fires up Version 1.  They take their fight outside the ring where Hardy gets slammed chest first into the barricade.  Drew McIntyre rolls in the ring looking for a possible count out.  We get a commercial and come back to learn that Drew has been focusing on Hardy’s back as the fans continue to chant for the Hardy brother.  McIntyre hits a fantastic Northern Lights Suplex with a bridge, but can’t get the pinfall.  The Intercontinental Champion looks to be in clear control of the match, but Hardy fights him off in the corner and comes off the top with an elbow, following it up with a Twist of Faint attempt, but it’s reversed.  Drew turns it into a Future Shock DDT attempt, but that is countered.  Drew puts Hardy to the mat and bridges over, but Matt kicks out and reverses it into a roll up that nets Matt Hardy the win and a spot in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match.  He also gives Drew McIntyre his second loss in as many….wait…no…officially this is his first official loss.  Thank you Todd Grisham for saying “Drew McIntyre loses again for the first time.”  Drew, in frustration, throws the cover off the announce table while the fans tell him how they feel.  He gets in Strikers face telling him, and those who can hear Drew through Striker’s microphone, that he WILL be at Wrestlemania.

Rating:  **

Winner:  Matt Hardy (w/Justin Gabriel)

The Money in the Bank Ladder Mach now has Christian, Shelton Benjamin, Jack Swagger, Kane, Matt Hardy, Dolph Ziggler, and MVP.  One spot remains open for the chance to climb the ladder and get that contract for a guaranteed chance at a World Title.  Morrison is backstage with…someone…talking about his parkour a little bit.  That only makes me respect the man more, because parkour is tough.  I don’t know personally, but I’ve seen how tough it can be.  R-Truth comes in and they talk about losing their chances to be on WrestleMania and tonight is their last shot.  They look focused.  Truth has some ideas for tag team names and the two brainstorm with ideas like “Dis ‘n’ Dat,” “Black Magic and The White Shadow,” and “Rock ‘n’ Rap.”  They agree on “The Unified Tag Team Champions.”

We get a quick preview of Rey Mysterio vs. Luke Gallows before The Gold Standard Shelton Benjamin comes to the ring.  He’ll face off against fellow Money in the Bank Qualifyer, Dolph Ziggler.

Dolph Ziggler vs. Shelton Benjamin

The two men meet in the center of the ring with a headlock from Shelton.  The veteran will be competing in his 5^th Money in the Bank Ladder Match.  In the ring, Ziggler locks on a sleeper, but Shelton counters out with a jawbreaker, but the damage was enough for Dolph to get control of the match.  He works to keep Benjamin grounded and reduce his air supply.  The almost white-haired warrior is all over The Gold Standard, but Shelton twists to his feet following a monkey flip and connects with a kick to the back of Ziggler’s head.  The match then becomes much more even as both men go back and forth with an advantage.  Shelton avoids a Zig Zag and hits Paydirt leaving Dolph out on the mat.

Rating:  ** ½

Winner:  Shelton Benjamin

This was a good match between two of the better wrestlers in the WWE.  I hope that Benjamin gets pushed higher up on the card.  He deserves it.  He’s been around for a while and has the credentials and skills to be a contender.

We get a promo about Shawn Michaels “My Journey” the newest DVD focusing on Michaels, and backstage Rey is giving his daughter a Mattel action figure as Tiffany comes in to keep an eye on her while Rey Rey heads ringside for his match.  The Straight-Edge Society come out first, and our Savior, the Pastor of Purity CM Punk has a microphone.  He’s criticizing parents for letting their kids support Rey Mysterio.  Subconsciously, Punk says, the kids are just trying to fill the neglectful void their parents left.  He compares Rey to all the neglectful parents.  Punk calls everyone in attendance cowards, just like Mysterio.  Rey is not a superhero and he refuses to face Punk Man-to-Man.  Rey takes cheap shots and has stripped Punk of his chance to become a 3 time Money in the Bank winner.  Mysterio put his hands on Luke Gallows for no reason, and our Straight-Edge Savior tells Luke it wasn’t his fault and the Pastor wants his Detoxified Disciple to make Rey Mysterio pay and suffer.  Luke’s not just fighting for himself or CM Punk, but for an entire Society.

Luke Gallows (w/CM Punk & Serena) vs. Rey Mysterio

The fans pop wildly as the Ultimate Underdog makes his way down to the ring to face the Straight-Edge Soldier that is Luke Gallows.  He gives his shirt to one of the fans Punk had taunted and interacts with several others on his way to the ring.  Gallows comes out swinging, clearly overpowering Rey from the starting bell.  Rey puts on some speed and brings Gallows down with a head scissors, but Luke overpowers him again as we see CM Punk’s NXT Rookie, Darren Young watching on from backstage.  The fans want a 619, but Rey is in no position to do that or any more as Luke Gallows stomps him in the corner.  Gallows puts his head down and Rey kicks him in the face.  Luke charges in and Rey pulls the top rope down, sending his bigger opponent to the floor where Punk comes over and whispers instructions.  During a commercial break, Rey tried to mount some offence, but when the cameras return, Gallows is quickly back in control of the match.  Gallows sends Rey to the floor but does not want to win by count out, he wants to send a message to the Ultimate Underdog.  Rey, again, fights to come back but is met with a fall away slam by the big man before Luke locks in a bear hug.  Mysterio punches out of the hold, but is sent into the corner.  Gallows charges in and Rey leaps over, sending Gallows shoulder into the ring post and the masked wrestler quickens the pace, hitting a handful of springboards before Gallows overpowers him once more.  Rey manages to climb the ropes, but is met with a punch and Gallows follows it with a big splash, but Rey kicks out and locks in a submission that looks like Jimmy Jacobs End Time.  Gallows gets to the ropes and is left prone for a 619, but Serena comes onto the apron to prevent it.  Punk comes in the other side to distract Rey and Luke comes in for a powerbomb, but Rey shifts his weight and Gallows falls backwards with Mysterio on top of him for the win.

Rating:  ** ¾

Winner:  Rey Mysterio

Punk comes in the ring, but Rey slips out of the Straight-Edge Savior’s grasp, avoiding a GTS and escaping before more damage can be done.  Punk looks furious and this rivalry is only heading up.

Backstage Big Show is backstage with Chris Jericho.  Jericho is congratulating Show, but Show doesn’t think it’s sincere.  Jericho wants Show to chokeslam Edge for him and Show says he’s not doing anything for “One Way Jericho” any more.  It was always about Jericho, never about the team and Big Show is doing this for himself.

No. 1 Contenders Match for the Unified Tag Team Titles
John Morrison & R-Truth vs. Cryme Tyme (JTG & Shad Gaspard) vs. The Hart Dynasty (Tyson Kidd & David Hart Smith w/Natalia)

As Truth comes to the ring, we’re shown the confrontation between R-Truth and his NXT Rookie David Otunga from this last Tuesday.  A lot is on the line in this match as three dynamically different tag teams hope to go on to WrestleMania to face The Big Show and The Miz.  Morrison starts the match with Shad Gaspard and the big man takes control.  As they toss to another commercial, Shad tags out to JTG.  Cryme Tyme team up on John Morrison before DH Smith tags himself in and hits a series of suplexes to John Morrison.  The Friday Night Delight desperately needs a tag, but finds himself in Cryme Tyme’s corner and would rather bring his partner in.  As Tyson Kidd gets the tag, Morrison does roll over to R-Truth and The Truth comes in the ring.  Morrison gets up and sends Shad and Smith to the floor, leaving the two legal men, Tyson Kidd and R-Truth, to fight in the ring.  Truth hits the Lie Detector for the win and “Truth & Wisdom,” as Matt Striker deemed them, will go on to WrestleMania.

Rating:  ** ¾

Winners:  John Morrison & R-Truth

Both men celebrate in the ring and John Morrison seems to channel Booker T with a Spinnerooni of sorts, break dancing in celebration.  After a commercial, LayCool is backstage kissing Vickie Guerrero’s ass and thanking her for helping Michelle win the Women’s Championship last week.  They present Vickie with a “Simply Flawless” tank top and I hope to GOD Vickie doesn’t wear it in public.  Beth Phoenix walks into the scene and asks when she’ll get her shot at the Women’s Championship.  Guerrero scoffs at her and claims herself as the most dominant Diva on Smackdown (gross) and Phoenix isn’t going to get her shot any time soon.  Vickie warns the Glamazon not to cross her and tells her to ask Mickie James if she needs any proof.  The Main Event is up next.

The Big Show vs. Edge

Both times Edge has come to the ring tonight, announcer Tony Chimel has sounded like he’s either got a serious man crush or is going through a 2^nd puberty.  His voice has cracked both times he’s announced the arrival of the Rated R Superstar.  That’s not relevant to the match, of course, but I thought it was kind of funny, so I wanted to share.  The No. 1 Contender to Jericho’s World Heavyweight Championship starts off using speed to avoid The Big Show at first, but Show catches him and sends a couple of head butts to Edge, taking him to the match.  Edge rolls out of the ring and uses the ropes on Show, but the big man is barely fazed and comes back on the offensive.  He taunts the Rated R Superstar, asking if Edge has any more jokes as he steps down to the floor and picks Edge up off the apron.  Edge sends him into the ring post and starts to mount some offense, but Show overpowers him again.  The World’s Largest Athlete seems to enjoy torturing Edge and Striker points out that Jericho has to be backstage enjoying it as well.  Show puts Edge in a sleeper on the mat, but Edge breaks out of it with a jawbreaker, but again Show is on the attack, grounding Edge in the corner.  Show climbs to the second rope, but the Rated R Superstar avoids the splash and starts to build some momentum.  He hits a bull dog on Show, but only gets a 2 count as the big man pushes Edge off him with authority.  Show looks for a chokeslam, but Edge turns it into a DDT and looks for a spear as Show gets to his feet.  He hits the 500lb Big Show with the spear to win the match.

Rating:  ** ½

Winner:  Edge

The fans pop loudly for the spear and the win before Jericho tries to sneak in behind Edge and hit him with the title.  Edge ducks and turns around to connect with a “spear, spear, spear, spear, spear!!”  Edge stands victorious in the ring as Jericho’s weekly spear prescription is filled.  There are two more Smackdowns until WrestleMania, and Edge looks to spear Jericho on each of them as well as The Granddaddy of them All.  The show ends with a nice show of Jericho under the Tron holding up his title with Edge on the screen raising his hands high.

This wasn’t a terrible Smackdown, but nothing monumental either.  Things look to be heating up, though, as we “Edge” closer to professional wrestling’s Super Bowl, WrestleMania.

But starting off the show tonight is someone with a bone to pick with the returning Edge, the man who claims to be the best in the world at what he does, as well as the face of Smackdown, Chris Jericho.  Edge’s return to the WWE as the #29 entrant in the Rumble prompted Jericho’s departure from the match itself and he has something to say to begin this week’s show.  Jericho talks about meticulously constructing his return to the World Heavyweight Championship, but in ten seconds, Edge (whose return was “unannounced”) ruined those plans.  He rants about how everyone is talking about Edge, but he’s a con artist.  Chris talks of how Edge walked out on him last year, leaving Jericho to defend the Unified Tag Team Championships by himself (um, hello, did he not bring in the Big Show?).  Teddy Long informed Jericho (sometime before the show presumably) that he has to qualify for the Elimination Chamber, and Chris is prompt to call Long out to the ring.  When Teddy doesn’t show, Jericho storms back to his office only to be met by (brace yourself, here comes a shocker) Edge!  Edge informs Jericho that he’s the reason Edge worked so hard to get back to the WWE.  Chris tells Edge he’ll regret ever coming back, but Edge says it’s Jericho who will regret it.  In celebration of his return, Edge will bring back The Cutting Edge with his guest the World Heavyweight Champion Undertaker.

Smackdown emanated from Memphis, TN and we see Elvis’s home briefly.  Then the Smackdown announcers do a very brief preview of the Raw Elimination Chamber match before Intercontinental Champion Drew McIntyre comes down to the ring to qualify for the Smackdown Elimination Chamber match against his rival John Morrison and The Big Red Machine Kane.

Elimination Chamber Qualifier
Drew McIntire vs. John Morrison vs. Kane

Facing a veteran of the Elimination Chamber match like Kane has to be intimidating to these two men, and the rivals go after each other to start the match.  Kane quickly breaks it up, but Morrison and McIntyre double team the big Monster before going after each other once more.  Following a break, Morrison is out on the floor with Kane and McIntyre fighting inside the ring.  Kane has McIntyre on the mat, but Morrison comes in to save the match.  This one fall to a finish match is your typical triple threat match where during most occasions; one of the competitors is briefly out of the action as the other two do battle.  The odd man out comes in to save the match and continue.  I personally am not the biggest fan of one fall to a finish triple threat (and fatal four way) matches in general, but I won’t go into that here.  Back to the match at hand, McIntyre brings in the Intercontinental Championship belt and hits Kane in the stomach before connecting with a DDT on the monster.  Morrison breaks up the pin fall, climbs the ropes and connects with Starship Pain on Kane (I guess it’s Rhyme Time) for the victory and earns the first spot in the Elimination Chamber match.

Rating:  ***

Winner:  John Morrison

As I said, I’m not the biggest fan of triple threats, but as they go, this was a pretty solid match up. Morrison and McIntyre have both torn it up of late and this is no different.  Kane has been in some solid matches with Dolph Ziggler over the last month and this match was a great effort for him as well.  A couple interesting side notes:  since Morrison pinned Kane and not Drew McIntyre, this leaves his undefeated streak intact; and (this more my personal opinion) putting Morrison into the Elimination Chamber match basically promotes him up to the World Heavyweight Championship competition, which is where he deserves to be, as he’s grown quite a bit since both his days as part of MNM and his partnership with The Miz.  Whether John stays in main event competition following Elimination Chamber remains to be seen, but I personally believe he’s ready for the opportunity.

Following the next match we see the exclusive footage from after Raw went off the air, but first, it’s time for another qualifying match.

Elimination Chamber Qualifier
R-Truth vs. Mike Knox

What’s up?  R-Truth is taking on the behemoth Mike Knox.  The fans are clearly behind Truth here, but it’s Knox who is dominant off the bat. As Truth pulls the ropes down on Knox and leaps over onto the Bearded Behemoth (that one’s my own, but Matt Striker can feel free to use it), Todd Grisham and Striker speculate as to the damage Mike Knox could do in the ring.  But R-Truth comes to life as both men quickly come back in the ring.  Truth hits a big missile drop kick and follows it up by bounding off the ropes to hit a spinning elbow that catches Knox on the nose according to Matt Striker and it’s enough to keep the big man down for the three count.

Rating:  ½

Winner:  R-Truth

Ok, I’m a bit bewildered here.  R-Truth earned a spot in the Smackdown Elimination Chamber at the same named PPV, but this match was very short and really rubbed me the wrong way.  Nothing against R-Truth.  While I’m not his biggest fan, he does have some in ring skills.  What leaves me scratching my head is the fact that a spinning elbow to the face from someone the size of Truth on someone the size of Mike Knox just doesn’t seem realistic enough to be a match winner.  Knox is a monster of a man and it seems to me like it would (and has in the past) take a lot more to bring the big man down.  I’m just sayin’.

After a look at what’s been happening between Bret Hart and Vince McMahon, we get a look at the brutal footage of John Cena and Batista after Raw went off the air Monday night.  Cena came out to help Bret, Batista returned to the ring and assaulted Cena, throwing him into a ring post, the steel steps, over the announce table, and hitting him in the face with the steps before bringing them and Cena into the ring to drop the Dr. of Thuganomics onto the steps with a Batista Bomb (payback for John Cena eliminating the Animal at the Royal Rumble).  Looks like Cena vs. Batista will be the big brand war match at Mania this year.  Backstage, Punk is discussing Batista with Serena and Luke.  Punk wants to make sure he’s protected from The Animal because without the Pastor of Purity, the Straight-Edge Society wouldn’t exist.  When we return from commercial, it’s time for the next qualifier match.

Elimination Chamber Qualifier
Batista vs. CM Punk

It’s Heel vs. Heel in this match and it’s hard to tell who has more heat between Punk and Batista.  Neither man is a stranger to the World Heavyweight Championship.  Batista stands in the corner eyeing Punk before stepping out of the ring.  Batista looks like he wants nothing to do with Punk or his Straight-Edge Society.  Punk insists the ref issues the mandatory 10 count while The Animal walks halfway up the ramp.  Batista turns around and looks on as the count reaches 10 and he is counted out, sacrificing his opportunity at the World Heavyweight Championship in the Elimination Chamber.

Winner:  CM Punk

I can’t really give this match a rating.  I don’t think it Failed, but it really doesn’t deserve a rating since there was really not a match.  Obviously The Animal Batista has something beyond the World Heavyweight Championship on his mine and I reiterate that we will more than likely see John Cena vs. Batista at WrestleMania XXIV.

As we come back, Matt Hardy is backstage congratulation Maria for her appearance in Celebrity Apprentice and Maria, in turn, wishes him luck in his qualifying match.

Elimination Chamber Qualifier
Matt Hardy vs. Chris Jericho

Hardy’s entrance to the ring is followed by another commercial and when we come back, Jericho is already in the ring awaiting the bell.  Earlier Jericho was upset about having to qualify for the match.  Chris is familiar with the Chamber, having been in five before, but will he make it 6?  He’s got a tough competition with Matt Hardy.  Hardy, the man who will never die, is always a question mark in the ring as he has an adaptive style and he comes full bore on Jericho.  They battle outside the ring and Hardy gets thrown into the steps.  Could we have another count out victory in a qualifier match?  Not quite.  Matt just barely beats the 10 count and the match continues.  Smart wrestling from Jericho, who uses Hardy’s time out of the ring to conserve as much energy as possible.  Matt Striker compares the Elimination Chamber to a Steel Cage, Hell in a Cell and a War Games match all rolled into one, an interesting and accurate comparison, in my opinion.  In the ring, Hardy and Jericho are pretty evenly matched, but the Lionsault can’t put Matt away and in turn, the Side Effect can’t finish off Chris.  Jericho attempts to lock in the Walls of Jericho, but Hardy counters it into a roll up.  Jericho blocks a Twist of Fate using the ropes, hits the Codebreaker and covers Hardy for the win.

Rating:  **

Winner:  Chris Jericho

A pretty good match between these two superstars.  With Jericho in the Elimination Chamber, I will make this prediction:  Look for Jericho to win the Elimination Chamber match to set up Edge vs. Jericho for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XXIV.

Up next, the new Woman’s Champion, Mickie James is out to talk about her victory over Michelle McCool at the Royal Rumble.  James talks about “what goes around comes around” and starts to say that she’ll take on any comers when she’s interrupted by Beth Phoenix’s music.  We photos from Beth’s participation in the Royal Rumble Match and Phoenix is happy James got her moment in the sun, but Beth plans on taking the championship.  EXCUSE ME!!!!  Ugh, just when you thought it was safe to watch Smackdown, Vickie Guerrero comes out and says that a match between Beth Phoenix and Mickie James isn’t happening.  As the official consultant for Smackdown, Vickie is making a tag match right now between Mickie and Beth and McCool and Layla.

Beth Phoenix & Mickie James vs. Layla and Michelle McCool

Guerrero called McCool the real No. 1 Contender to Mickie James’s Woman’s Championship and McCool starts the match with Beth Phoenix.  And the former Woman’s Champion is all over Phoenix, working on her leg to keep the big woman down.  Layla is cheering to come into the match, but Beth sends her off the apron with an elbow.  Phoenix comes back against McCool and makes a tag to Mickie.  Beth knocks both Mickie and Michelle down before leaving the ring.  McCool gets a tag to Layla, who goes to pin the downed James and the Woman’s Champion counters into a roll up for the victory.

Rating:  Fail

Winners:  Beth Phoenix and Mickie James

Ok, WWE, you’ve had a couple of weeks now to try and impress me with your so-called Woman’s Division and you’ve fallen flat.  The match at the Royal Rumble Failed as did this one in my opinion.  I know these women can wrestle, I’ve seen it.  So, why not let them showcase their skills?  After seeing a Shimmer DVD, the WWE just falls flat.  For that sake, I hope Serena Deebs never gets into the hunt for the Woman’s Championship, especially if they won’t let her showcase her in-ring skills.

In hopes of bringing things back up, it’s time for World Up with Cryme Tyme.  The world of the day is King.  King:  Supreme, above the rest, without equal, loved and respected by all peeps and peers.  Shad is glad the word is King in Memphis Tennessee and the two talk about BB King, the King of Blues, and of course, The King, Elvis Presley.  And you can’t talk about Kings in Memphis without talking about Jerry “The King” Lawler.  And Word Up ends with Cryme Tyme saying Lawler is taking them to see Puppies.  With the PG Initiative at the WWE, does this mean they’re going to the pet store?

Elimination Chamber Qualifier
Rey Mysterio vs. Dolph Ziggler

Well, Rey Mysterio lost his title opportunity at the Royal Rumble, but he gets another chance against Dolph Ziggler.  This is the final Qualification Match to set the state for Smackdown’s Elimination Chamber.  Ziggler is all over the masked man as he tries to hold Rey to the mat.  The Ultimate Underdog uses his speed and luchadore background to fight out of the possible pinning predicament.  Rey does not look like he’s in peak condition following his match against Taker and Ziggler has the masked wrestler scouted from their match last year for the Intercontinental Championship.  Overall, though, the match is pretty even, both taking their turns with the advantage.  Rey tries several times to quicken the pace and Ziggler shows excellent prowess with several counters to springboards and fast paced moves by the Ultimate Underdog.  Ziggler looks for a belly to back suplex or some variant, but Mysterio counters into a roll up for the win.  Dolph looks for some revenge, but gets a 619 for his troubles.

Rating:  **

Winner:  Rey Mysterio

Well, the Road to WrestleMania stops in the Elimination Chamber.  And now both Raw and Smackdown’s Main Events for the PPV are set.  For Smackdown, the World Heavyweight Champion Undertaker will be inside the monstrous structure with Chris Jericho, CM Punk, John Morrison, R-Truth, and Rey Mysterio.  As I predicted earlier, I see Chris Jericho walking out of the Elimination Chamber with another World Championship around is waist to add more heat to his budding rivalry with the returning Edge.

After seven months on the shelf with a ruptured Achilles tendon, Edge comes back to the Smackdown ring for The Cutting Edge to close out this edition of the Friday night program.  He starts off the program telling us he’s glad to be back home and how he defied the odds by coming back months earlier than doctors predicted.  Now he’s headed to WrestleMania where he’ll either get to face The Undertaker (for the time being) or Sheamus depending on which title he decides to go after.  Last Monday, Sheamus got in the face of Edge who got speared out of his boots for his troubles.  Before the Rated R Superstar can continue, however, Chris Jericho comes down to the ring to make trouble.  Chris gets in Edge’s face once more, saying that he didn’t deserve to win the Royal Rumble.  Edge threw Jericho over the top rope, however, which proved that Jericho didn’t deserve to win.  Chris claims to be the Face of Smackdown once more, but Edge countered that with his return, he is now the Face of Smackdown.  Edge is sick of hearing Jericho claiming to be the best in the world at what he does.  He intends to make Jericho eat his words.  The Straight-Edge Society is next to come out and interrupt the party.  Punk gets a chorus of ‘You Suck” but he reminds us that he does not, because he’s better than everybody.  But the big picture is not about Chris Jericho and Edge, it’s not about the Elimination Chamber, it’s about The Undertaker.  Out of the three of them, Punk claims to have a bigger, more glamorous spotlight against the Undertaker, being the first superstar in WWE history to make Taker tap out.  He’s also the first to challenge the WWE Universe to live “One Nation, Under Punk, Indivisible with Integrity and Sobriety for all.”  This is further proof that he’s better than everyone because he’s Straight-Edge.  He proclaims that he will become for first four time Straight-Edge Champion.  Then, the bell tolls, the lights go out and when the return, Taker is in the ring.  He fights off Punk and Edge fights off Jericho.  Taker and Edge stare each other down with the Rated R Superstar motioning to his waist to signify where the World Heavyweight Championship will go following WrestleMania XXIV.  That’s it for Smackdown this week.  The table is set for Elimination Chamber and the next couple of weeks should be exciting as the tension flares up between Chris Jericho and Edge.