WWE: Night of Champions 2008 (2008)

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NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS 2008, while successful in some areas, is the PPV marker of when things have gone sour.

1) WWE Tag Team Championships

John Morrison & The Miz (champions) v. Finlay & Hornswoggle

---If you're expecting a tag classic when one of the competitors is a dwarf, you're missing the point. From the opening bell, the match maintained a good pace, with some midget spots, smart teamwork, and crowd-pleasing maneuvers. Is it a great match? Certainly not. But I was entertained from start to finish.

"6.5 / 10"

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2) United States Championship

Chavo Guerrero v. Matt Hardy (champion)

---This was a tough one to call. I love both of these guys, and I admired this particular match because both men look like they were always trying to win. There were no unnecessary high-risk spots or flashy counters. The two engaged in a smart contest with quick pinfall attempts and submission holds. What held it back for me was a ton of little things. The occasional weak clothesline, or those few punches that didn't connect, or that predictable counter...you know, just small stuff that added up after a while. Worth a watch, but kinda sloppy considering the talent involved.

"6.5 / 10"

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3) ECW Championship

Mark Henry v. Big Show v. Kane (champion)

---Boy, this turned out way worse that I thought it would. While I don't usually like "big man" matches, I understand they appeal to some. But frankly, judging by the Dallas crowd, it's gotta be a small demographic. The whole affair was a slow, plodding affair that had very little excitement. Kane's not even in most of the match! Maybe he was legitimately hurt, but you wouldn't know it after he got involved in those pseudo-exciting last few minutes. If you're still pining for the old ECW, you better move on quick.

"3.5 / 10"

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4) World Tag Team Championships

Hardcore Holly & Cody Rhodes (champions) v. Ted Dibiase & ???

---Even if I paid the $40 fee to watch this, I'd still think it was worth my time. The whole scenario was so well-executed. Dibiase's music, entrance, and delay tactics were perfect. The "match" was quick, as wrestling double-crosses should be. Yes, I'm disappointed that there was no actual match. But Dibiase needed this moment to get on the map. The new World Tag Team champs are better off because of this PPV moment.

"No Score"

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***Right about here, JBL cut a promo from his luxury skybox in the arena. Interestingly enough, I found this to be one of the PPV's highlights. I'm not a fan of JBL's in-ring skills, but on the microphone, few are his equal. He berated Todd Grisham and the fans for not being considered a champion. Throw in a spectacular camera angle where JBL towered over the background arena, and I think WWE deserves a few bonus points.***

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5) Intercontinental Championship

Chris Jericho (champion) v. Kofi Kingston

---After our cocky IC champ cuts a promo to further his Shawn Michaels feud, "The Jamaican Sensation" reveals himself to be the mystery opponent. Sadly, I can't believe this match wasn't better than it turned out to be. Jericho is one of the all-time greats in professional wrestling, and Kingston is so unorthodox in the ring - I was really looking forward to this one. Like the U.S. Title bout, there are so many moments where things were just off. Again, little things missed strikes or unimpressive high-risk moves. There was even a "BORING" chant in the middle somewhere. The last couple minutes were exciting with nice counters and close pinfalls. Plus, the aftermath involving HBK was intriguing if a bit weird. All in all, this one looked better on paper.

"6.5 / 10"

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6) Women's Championship

Mickie James (champion) v. Katie Lea Burchill

---At this point, NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS has reached it's hour-and-a-half mark. Thankfully, for the next 70 minutes, the event will be worth your time. I've been really into the resurging women's division for months now, and if this one doesn't impress you, nothing will. I don't know much about Katie Lea, but after this impressive showing, I'm gonna do some research. Mickie James is one of the most reliable Divas, both in character and in-ring performance. The match includes some nice counter-wrestling, and very good submission-storytelling. Good wrestling, good length, good pace, good match.

"7.0 / 10"

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7) World Heavyweight Championship

Edge (champion) v. Batista

---Yes, these two had an almost identical scenario at last year's NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS. However, that also means Edge and Batista had one of the evening's best matches. Edge is so gifted that I will never get tired of him being involved with the championship. Batista has come a long way over the past year or so, and Edge complements him as well as anyone (even Undertaker). The best part about this contest is that it never slowed down too much, meaning both men got a good amount of time to control the pace. The match did feel a little short, and I'm not 100% satisfied with the screwy finish. But rest of the match featured a nice slow build-up, and some new tricks that these hadn't shown me before. Overall, a very good showing. I'd love to these two go at it again.

"7.5 / 10"

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8) WWE Championship

John Cena v. Triple H (champion)

---As most have probably said, this main event was similar to the WRESTLEMANIA 22 showdown. The contest was very slow-paced and methodical. The focus was on the reversals and psychology, and not so much on the physical action. If that's not your cup of tea, then pass the DVD up. As for myself, I sat back and went for the ride. There are a couple of reasons why this match works, where other similar angles fall flat. Triple H, like him or not, is one of the most prolific WWE superstars; this 12th run as champion is arguably his most successful. John Cena has been criticized for his "lack of talent." I disagree there, because Cena is an amateur wrestling champion, which he demonstrated during his first few months on WWE TV. Instead, Cena loses me when he overplays his underdog character. But on this NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS showdown, the fight is more evenly-matched. Both men made each other look good, and even though Cena still didn't use a lot of moves, he kept the match going. What's most remarkable is that this rematch makes the WM 22 encounter better. I don't think I understood the Chicago storytelling at the time (partly because it wasn't the "true" main event). But now, like a good sequel, I can appreciate the original. To my astonishment, my favorite match of the PPV.

"7.5 / 10"

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OVERALL

---NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS 2008 might be worth a peek for some fans. It's full of surprises that still work, and has a good overall feel to it. The Dallas crowd was reacting to the matches, the production crew used some good camera angles, and the last three matches delivered. But fans who are into physical wrestling more than the "E" in WWE better look elsewhere.