9 Things You Learn Binge Watching Every WWE SmackDown From 2007 - Batista RULED! The Forgotten Diva! Drew McIntyre's Debut! A Sliding Doors Moment?!

This episode of WhatCulture Wrestling dives into a binge-watch of every WWE SmackDown episode from 2007, revealing a year defined by chaos, missed opportunities, and emotional weight. The host, Simon Miller, reflects on how the tragic events surrounding Chris Benoit cast a long shadow over the year, making it difficult to watch his matches today. He highlights several pivotal moments: the brief and forgotten run of wrestler Chrissy Vane, Ric Flair’s underutilized stint on SmackDown, the botched wedding angle involving Teddy Long and Crystal, and the controversial decision to elevate The Great Khali to champion after Edge’s injury. A major turning point came when Edge cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase—originally meant for Mr. Kennedy—after Kennedy’s injury was downplayed, setting off a chain of narrative missteps. Despite these misfires, Batista emerges as the standout figure, transforming SmackDown with his dominance and charisma. The episode culminates in the debut of Drew McIntyre, a young Scottish powerhouse whose early career was derailed by WWE’s inconsistent booking, yet whose later success proves the resilience of talent. The year, while flawed, laid hidden groundwork for future stars and storytelling shifts. Key takeaways include: 1) Batista’s reign was the only consistent force that elevated SmackDown in 2007; 2) WWE’s handling of the Chris Benoit legacy and post-tragedy storytelling was deeply flawed; 3) The Great Khali’s championship run was a narrative misfire that undermined fan engagement; 4) Drew McIntyre’s early career was a cautionary tale of underutilization, yet his eventual success proves long-term potential matters more than early hype; 5) The Teddy Long wedding angle was a prime example of WWE abandoning storylines with no closure; 6) Edge’s cash-in, while impactful, was a reactive decision born from injury mismanagement; 7) The lack of continuity in 2007 reflects WWE’s struggle to adapt in real time; 8) Chrissy Vane’s short tenure underscores how easily talent can be erased from history without proper development or recognition.