5 Ups & 4 Downs From WWE SmackDown (Oct 7)

3. Good Idea, Flawed Execution!

The referee looked like a bit of a tool for not stopping the main event when Gunther tapped and reached out for the ropes. In truth, the reigning IC Champ tapped twice. Why is that relevant? It's a technique from jiu-jitsu called the "Brazilian tap", and aims to fool opponents into thinking someone is giving up.

It might've been nice if WWE had clued fans in on that.

The spot was actually quite clever, but neither Michael Cole nor Wade Barrett (who have chemistry together generally, by the way) were instructed to point out what the champion was plotting. Also, most refs call for the bell on the first or second definitive tap in pro wrestling anyway, so this 'three and out' failed to hit the way it was supposed to.

That's a shame, 'cause it was rather intricate and vital to the story. If only someone had bellowed in Wade's ear to mention this in passing, or something like that. Instead, both the live crowd and TV audience watching at home were confused as to why the match was still raging on.