Title vs. Career
The Miz came out on Smackdown to celebrate his homecoming, as we are live in Cleveland. He starts talking about the cheers and the joys of being a champion, like the Cleveland Cavaliers. He talks LeBron James and how there were a million fans in attendance for their parade. He then turns on the crowd, saying he never left Cleveland like LeBron and should have a bigger celebration due to his accomplishments. He points out his parents and then points out Dolph Ziggler’s parents. This prompts Ziggler to come out, but The Miz begins to bash Dolph’s career, saying he was always so close at being great and never got there. He continues to talk about his career and says that his parents should be ashamed of him. Lastly, as he is leaving, Dolph Ziggler says that the ring is all he knows and that is why he never left. He talks about it being an addiction, a sickness. He puts his career on the line for a shot at the championship one more time. The match is made for No Mercy.
Wow, this might have been my favorite promo of the year. Dolph and Miz turned it up 1,000 percent and it felt so personal and so real. The Miz brings out plenty of emotion from the fans and Dolph Ziggler almost got to the point of tears in the ring. Career vs. Title is unique and special because it rarely happens. We will begin to wonder Dolph’s contract situation in real life, but I am going to sit back and enjoy the next two weeks of action. Nothing between these guys could top how real it felt tonight and how intense the crowd was also. Happy accident being in Cleveland? Maybe, but WWE brought the best out of both men and they delivered an excellent promo. When you know their passion for the sport, you begin to connect a little more than just being a fan.
Wait, The Ascension Won?
The Ascension teamed up with The Uso’s to take on WWE Smackdown Tag Team Champions Heath Slater and Rhyno, as well as American Alpha. While not a bad match, with plenty of action and more edgy and heel tactics from Jimmy and Jey, I wonder how in the world WWE thinks that The Ascension and The Uso’s should have picked up this victory. The champions are new, while American Alpha is also new to the WWE Universe. Yes, Jimmy and Jey were the workhorses tonight on Smackdown Live, but I cannot see why The Ascension could not just pick up the loss and make American Alpha or Slater/Rhyno look impressive. Instead, they care too much about The Uso’s who are getting over just by being heels and cocky. Either way, I feel like this was an easy and logical way to get a win under the belts of two teams who need it and who should be pushed more than others.
