After an action packed TLC pay-per-view, we were all geared up to watch a brand new phase of Smackdown! Yes, a new phase with fresh feuds and matches. We must admit that this show did not disappoint, unlike the weeks prior.
With good pacing, great storytelling and power packed action, the two hours flew by like a (Tyler) breeze. Of course, because this is a best and worst countdown we shall nitpick and tell you about the components of the show that did not agree with us. But rest assured we shall also give credit where it’s due.
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Presenting our best and worst countdown for this week!
#1 Worst: One botch after another
The good news first. The Wyatt family have a new vignette, featuring Randy Orton, and it looks like it can scare the living daylights out of anyone.
But when this supernatural family was about to make their entrance, some dark force of nature (or more likely, some inept television producer) botched their entrance. The vignette was played during the in-ring announcement, followed by an awkward pause, and then the music hit. We’re certain every viewer was cringing as much as we were.
This was followed up by a slip of tongue during the Kalisto vs Baron Corbin rematch by the usually reliable Mauro Ranallo.
He mentioned a ‘tables match’ from TLC between the two, when it had been a chairs match! And that was not all. During the Chad Gable vs Tyler Breeze match, Fandango would attempt to interfere on the outside, but get tangled in wires in a comical sequence of events.
#1 Best: Sister RKO
Many tag teams go years without finding the sweet spot in terms of chemistry. When two singles competitors are asked to team up, it usually spells disaster.
But Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt work off one another so well, that they look far more cohesive now than when they were wrestling one another. The ‘Sister Abigail turned into an RKO’ was a delight to watch and gives the Smackdown tag team division exactly the momentum it needs and deserves right now.
#2 Worst: Troll crowd
Crowds these days are savage. Just ask Roman Reigns. Sometimes they get so involved in getting themselves over, that they can ruin the story that’s being told.
Today, when The Miz was awarding Dean Ambrose with a participation certificate, the ‘you deserve it’ chants completely killed the vibe of the story that was playing out at that very moment. It’s bad enough as it is that heels get cheered while babyfaces get booed these days.
Fans need to chill!
#2 Good: No more 50-50 booking
One of the main problems with WWE in recent times has been how, after picking up a big win on pay-per-view, the same star loses on television the very next night. We’re glad it didn’t happen with either Baron Corbin or The Wyatt Family.
One of the central issues with Smackdown Live is how thinly stacked the division looks as compared to Raw. The need of the hour is to create new stars, and we’re glad Smackdown realises this and is acting upon it. The mid card needs to rise to the top for the subsequent feuds.
#3 Worst: Overstaying his welcome
We admit we were all intrigued and amused with James Ellsworth initially. A novelty act, he was a great sidekick for Dean Ambrose in his feud with AJ Styles. But with him interfering in main event after main event, James Ellsworth has become a nuisance in no time!
At a time when wrestlers such as Neville and Apollo Crews are not getting TV time, his interference is getting tiresome, and he needs to clear the stage for others by getting off of it. This was a fun run, but now it’s time to bid farewell.
Are you listening, Vince?
#3 Best: Enter. Dirty Deeds. Leave.
In the opening segment, when AJ Styles announced that he was too banged up to compete against James Ellsworth; and Ellsworth took the opportunity to act cocky... Dean Ambrose decided to do exactly what needed to be done.
Walk in, deliver a Dirty Deeds, and leave the ring almost immediately. The crowd roared in unison, because in a time of scripted promos, this was one of the coolest things that any superstar has done.
In conclusion, this was one of the better Smackdown Live episodes, with stories moving forward and enough action to keep us entertained. We end, as always, with one of the most gifted women’s champions of our era. The beautiful wicked witch called Alexa Bliss.
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Meet Randy Orton's lovely wife HERE
