Yes, I am very serious. Let me explain a few things first:
1. Rey Mysterio was the current World Champion back on this Smackdown episode in 2006.
2. The Great Khali had just debuted a few weeks before.
3. Khali was leading up to a match with Undertaker, while Rey was in a feud with JBL.
4. This match was in Rey's hometown, with his family watching in the front row.
That said, this match is one that I still go back and watch with a smile on my face. Of course, that begs the question of, "Why?"
It is very simple. This match defines "pro wrestling" better than ninety percent of what we see on WWE each and every week (TNA and ROH are discounted for now).
Mysterio vs. Khali was about as "real" as you will ever see a match in WWE, while adding the perfect amount of "storytelling" as well.
You add the underdog in Rey fighting an absolute giant of a man in Khali. On commentary, JBL was constantly running his mouth about his future PPV opponent, Rey Mysterio.
All the while, Cole and Tazz made Khali look like a million bucks, as Rey's family at ringside were terrified for his well being. It was the perfect setting for the Blue Brand, and it added up to a great ten minute segment.
As for the match quality? It was perfect. When people talk about WWE being "too staged" or laughing at Santino hitting the "Cobra" for a win, watch this match from five years ago!
Every single move they executed was about as "real" as you will get. Mysterio did everything he could to take down the big man, but nothing worked.
Khali weighed more than Rey. He stood over him, as if he were a small child. Khali just debuted, so Rey couldn't even outsmart him because he was an "unknown" at this time. Again, just perfect.
I understand not many enjoyed this particular match because it made Rey look weak as the reigning World Champion. My answer to that? You are right. He did look weak. He did look like the lesser man.
That is the entire definition of being an underdog. You are the weak link. You are smaller. You are "supposed" to lose. Yet, Rey would pull out wins at all costs. Not on this night.
Khali looked like a million bucks (he also squashed Undertaker on PPV weeks later). Mysterio was made to look vulnerable, yet somehow squeaked out a win over JBL to retain his title weeks later.
All in all, it was a very great segment that sadly has been forgotten about over the year.
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