[2000-08-03-WWF-Smackdown] Matt Hardy vs Edge

[soup23]

Something about this match coming off the heels of Thunder really projected the difference between WWF and WCW at the moment. We have seen these kind of goal post moments in the deterioration of WCW. The Lance Storm stuff is universally praised from this dreadful period and it was fine and enjoyable but then on SmackDown you have kind of a throwaway match between two characters like Edge and Matt Hardy and it just feels like it has so much more juice just from a presentation standpoint. This match was also short but I liked the angle that played into it with Jeff Hardy being pleaded with to stay in the back due to his concussion. Matt is in trouble in the latter stages of the match and here comes Jeff to help his brother with a ladder. He climbs to the top and loses his equilibrium falling to the ropes below. Edge then completely demolishes Matt with a chair shot right to the head continuing the build to TLC. *1/2

[GSR]

The Hardyz are backstage with Lita and a concussed looking Jeff is still showing the effects of that ‘conchairto’ he received on Raw.  Despite this, he’s adamant about accompanying Matt to ringside for his upcoming match against Edge, especially as Christian will be in Edge’s corner.  Matt is more concerned with his brother’s wellbeing, telling him that there is life after wrestling and that he can handle them both before imploring Lita to keep him away from the ring. 

Matt sprints into the ring and immediately spears Edge, taking him down and unloading with punches.  Christian is up on the apron complaining about something so Matt decks him, confirming that, at least for the time being, he can handle them both.  A backdrop sends Edge over the top rope to the floor and Matt takes out both E&C with a plancha from the top turnbuckle to the floor.  Leg drop off the middle for a two.  Edge reverses the Irish whip and Christian hooks Matt’s ankle, pulling him to the outside.  Matt again gets the better of him but is caught by a baseball slide dropkick.  As Edge distracts the referee, Christian takes advantage of the situation hammering away on Matt.  Edge runs Hardy backwards into the barricade before throwing him back inside.  He sits Matt on the top turnbuckle, however gets stunned by a back elbow and Matt with a moonsault bodyblock.  Christian slides his partner a chair although before he gets the chance to use it, Matt school boys him for a near fall.  Christian continues to interfere as Michael Cole refers to this as a “glorified handicap match”.  Flapjack by Edge who then heads upstairs but is too slow and met by Matt who lands a suicideplex.  Jeff’s had enough and runs out with a ladder with which he nails Christian.  He sets it up on the floor and climbs to the very top but, clearly still dazed, loses his balance and takes a tumble off it and into the ring.  As the official calls for some medical help from the back, Edge blasts Matt hard over the head with a chair for the DQ. 

Short spirited match with Matt out for revenge after what E&C did to Jeff on Monday.