Following Extreme Rules, WWE presented the King of the Ring tournament, spreading it out over Monday Night Raw and a Network special. Would it not have added more prestige and importance to SmackDown to allow the tournament to play out in the Thursday night show, then hold a special that recapped the first two rounds and delivered the final on the WWE Network? For two weeks, SmackDown would have been must-see television, with meaningful matches. Instead, it has become home to the tournament's winner and his considerable losing streak in the wake of capturing the crowd and scepter. Giving fans something like the King of the Ring or a rare Championship Scramble match would put more emphasis on the show and make it must-see television. Even if only for a week. It would be ridiculous to expect the company to churn out special events, concepts or match gimmicks on a weekly basis. After all, it would devalue those bouts more than they already have been. But it would present an air of importance surrounding SmackDown that is simply has not had in years.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.