Chicago Sun-Times: 'SmackDown' needs shot in arm

Maybe it's because the show is taped, maybe it's because Raw" is the more established brand or maybe it's because the wrestlers and matches just aren't as good. Whatever the reason, SmackDown" is not as popular with fans as it could and should be.

The WWE does its best to make Raw" must-see TV, but SmackDown" has not had that kind of juice since the roster split. The trouble now is that the WWE needs to put on some SmackDown"-brand pay-per-view events. But if the fans have been disappointed so many times in the past, will they pay to see them?

The SmackDown" crew will put on its No Mercy show today in East Rutherford, N.J., and I am not sure the card has enough to get the PPV buys.

In the main event, JBL will defend his title against the Undertaker in a last-ride match. That means the winner is the man who can stuff his opponent into the back of a hearse for his last ride. Without some kind of outside interference, I can't see JBL escaping the ride. That being said, I think he will get that outside help and will find a way to keep the belt.

Also on the No Mercy card, Booker T and John Cena will meet in the rubber match of their best-of-five series for the U.S. title, the Big Show will face Kurt Angle, Luther Reigns will square off against Eddie Guerrero, Paul London will tangle with Billy Kidman and tag- team champs Suzuki and Dupree will defend their titles against Rob Van Dam and Rey Mysterio.

AROUND THE RING: The WWE is moving Velocity" from 7 p.m. Saturday to 11 pm. Saturday. ... As rumored, Marc Mero made his TNA debut last week and will continue with the company.