SMACKDOWN 1000 REVIEW: WAS IT A SUCCESS?

The 1000th episode of Smackdown aired last night from the Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. and featured some familiar faces, among of whom were Rey Mysterio, Batista, and even Ric Flair.  The hype around this show was undeniable and without a doubt the most anticipated WWE weekly episodic show since Raw 1000 back in July 2012.  With so much build surrounding the show and the roster which would be utilized, did WWE hit the jackpot when it came to it's second ever millennium celebration?  Let's take a look.

As most of the show was built around qualifying matches for the WWE World Cup it was only right that two of the most celebrated individuals on the planet fought it out to participant in the upcoming tournament.  Mexico's, well California's, Rey Mysterio took on Japan's Shinsuke Nakamura in a typically athletic, but by no means boring, encounter.  In a result well worth waiting for, Rey Mysterio pinned Nakamura after a 619 and Springboard Frog Splash after earlier hitting the King of Strong Style with an impressive top rope Huracarrana.  This match was fast-paced and a solid return to the company for the Ultimate Underdog.

In the biggest segment of the evening, the Ruthless Aggression's most successful stable Evolution reunited once again, with all members dressed in classic regalia for old times sakes.  Ric Flair, Triple H, Batista, and Randy Orton were soaking up all the glory and fun of being in the ring together for the first time in over 4 years, however, when all was going good, Batista took a verbal shot at The Game claiming that the only thing HHH has never accomplished is defeating The Animal, in a swerve much appreciated by all in attendance.  This segment was entertaining and also shocking, especially knowing that that the dig could set up a match for Wrestlemania XXXV between Batista and Triple H, a match that hasn't taken place for over 13 years. 

In a match for the Smackdown Tag Team Titles The Bar got the better for The New Day in a dethroning aided by no other than The Big Show, a man who, for the 20th time in his career, made a heel turn.  Show came down to the ring and looked as though he was going after the Europeans, only to Chokeslam Kofi Kingston through the announcers table in an entertaining, yet not so shocking manner.  I love the Big Show but do not want to see him turn heel only to turn face once again in a few weeks time.  Sheamus Brogue Kicked Big E for the pinfall allowing himself and Cesaro to capture the Blue Brand belts for the first time.

Overall I though Smackdown 1000 was a good show, but would have been made better by a few of the brand's legends actually competing in matches and not just talking in the ring, however, we got what we got and it was entertaining.  What are your thoughts on the show and also Smackdown in general?  Please comment and come back soon as we look at WCW!