SMACKDOWN Preview & RAW Notes

With The Undertaker and Mr. Kennedy sidelined, it looks as though there will be very little development of new storylines tomorrow night on SMACKDOWN. Barring any earth-shattering event, I would expect to see a continuation of the Edge/Batista and Benoit/MVP feuds. Of course, we know that Finlay, Kane, and Mark Henry will be competing in a fatal four way with Batista to determine the #1 contender to Edge's title, but I wouldn't bank on anyone other than The Animal leaving as the victor. Batista is the Cena-like investment for SMACKDOWN, and the writers wouldn't have him step aside so someone like Mark Henry can get a title shot. And who'd want to see a Mark Henry/Edge feud anyway? Barring a good promo or two from the Rated-R Superstar, it would be a waste. And so, expect to see more of the same tomorrow night from the WWE. Even with Edge switching brands, it isn't enough to keep this show afloat. And with The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, HHH, and Mr. Kennedy all suffering from injuries and accounting for exactly 68% of the talent in the WWE, Vince is in trouble.

There's little news on the RAW front, and so I'd expect more "continuation" (McMahon/Lashley, Cena/Khali) along with additional role changes (Carlito becomes stronger heel, Cade & Murdoch become stronger faces). It shouldn't be an non-entertaining RAW, with more One Night Stand matches being made and stipulations being revealed. Also, the recent development of the tag division should provide for an interesting match/interference or two. I always did love that palindrome-style RAW logo.

Actually, I brought up RAW just so I could mention that the episode on June 11th will be THREE HOURS LONG. That's right; three hours. I'm not even going to touch this one.