9 Things You Learn Binge Watching Every WWE SmackDown From 2007
4. It’s Incredible To Think How Different This Could’ve Been
The screenshot above wasn't WWE's master plan.
Edge cashed in Money In The Bank following a steel cage bout between Batista and The Undertaker on the 11 May SmackDown. Originally, that was supposed to be Mr. Kennedy, but his biceps injury altered WWE booking and proved disastrous for the loudmouth who did his own intros. Worse, they really didn't need to panic and take MITB off Kennedy at all.
Later, everyone found out that his injury wasn’t as bad as first feared. Basically, he’d lost the briefcase for nothing. Oops. Kennedy's loss was Edge’s gain. In 2006, the 'Rated-R Superstar' had directly benefitted from Rob Van Dam's own misfortune - Edge's rivalry with John Cena dominated the red brand for much of the year, and it proved very successful in that featured spot atop cards.
The cage match pitting Batista vs. 'Taker had drama for days itself. It was typical of the time (drama, drama and more drama was king for WWE, and fans lapped it up), but that isn't meant as criticism. People were right on the edge (ahem) of their seats when...Edge cashed in on a wounded champion and seized control of SmackDown's top belt.
Somewhere, Kennedy must've been watching and shaking his head. He'd watch another golden opportunity pass him by later in the year when Hornswoggle replaced him as Vince McMahon's kayfabe son. Not a banner year for the guy then, eh?
Ironically, an injury would curtail Edge’s own title reign over on SmackDown come July. His personal misery would bleed over onto the fanbase this time though.