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Even though both RAW and SmackDown Live were taped last week and telecast this week, I thought that they were both extremely solid shows. RAW was a better show overall than SmackDown Live was. I thought SmackDown Live had a little more filler than RAW did. That said, I did not feel my attention waver at any point through the night.
2019 can potentially be a great year for WWE. It is clear that there will be a shift in programming from what WWE traditionally does, to a more evolved, fresh perspective in line with the changing tastes of fans. With new promotions like AEW on the horizon, such a move guarantees that WWE can be abreast with the latest happenings in the sports entertainment world.
What did you guys think of this week's episode? Also, how did you guys bring in the New Year?
Be sure to let me know in the comments.
#1 Best: The Man meets Cena
I daresay that the show kicked off into high gear after this segment took place. John Cena called out any man from the back to come out and challenge him to a match. His request would not be answered by a man, but 'The Man'. Zelina Vega and Andrade 'Cien' Almas also interrupted proceedings.
And this would lead to a Mixed Tag Team match. Becky Lynch and John Cena teamed up for the first time ever. John Cena may be a legend, but the audience was chanting for Lynch throughout.
The most amusing thing happened when it seemed that Cena had the match won. Lynch tossed him out of the ring and submitted Vega.
Now, you can't see that coming!
#1 Worst: The ref botch
Jeff Hardy and Samoa Joe took each other on at the top of the show. This was a puzzling decision. How did the other four men automatically qualify for the main event, but not these two? Especially someone like Mustafa Ali, who's only been on the roster for a while.
However, what happened during this match was a pretty silly botch. Samoa Joe choked Jeff Hardy out on the floor, leaving him unable to continue. I suppose the planned finish was for Hardy to pass out, on the outside.
Jeff Hardy had to scurry back into the ring and get locked in the Coquina Clutch again It was clear as day to all assembled in the arena that there had been a botch.
This was a pretty black spot on an otherwise solid match.
#2 Best: The main event
I think we can all agree that the main event was quite excellent. I mean if you put the likes of AJ Styles, Mustafa Ali, Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio and Samoa Joe in the same ring, the outcome is certain to be good. I think the match lived up to our expectations and then some.
I spoke to Mustafa Ali last year and he told me that his dream is to take on Rey Mysterio someday. I'm glad that his dream has come true and that he got to share ring space with the legend. There's nobody nicer than he is and I"m glad he got a chance to mix it up with his wrestling idol.
We also saw a little glimpse of AJ Styles vs. Rey Mysterio during the main event. I hope they get to tango someday.
#2 Worst: Styles vs. Bryan again
Do I think that Daniel Bryan and AJ Styles could have a good match? No, I think they'll have an absolute show stealer when they face off again. The issue is that we've seen this match way too many times.
It would have been cool to see a new challenger emerge to take on Daniel Bryan at the Royal Rumble. Even someone like Rey Mysterio would have freshened things up in the SmackDown Live roster. AJ Styles and Daniel Bryan have put on some great contests, but too much of a good thing is sometimes not a good thing.
Let's hope that the ongoing storyline between AJ Styles and Vince McMahon somehow plays out into the WWE Championship match at the Royal Rumble. That's the only way this could potentially be a fresh and exciting feud.
#3 Best: Continuing the US title program
Shinsuke Nakamura hardly had any challengers when he was the US Champion on SmackDown Live. I know that automatic rematches are not happening anymore, but it is clear that Nakamura and Rusev are not done yet. This is because Nakamura attacked Rusev when he came out to celebrate. Lana got caught up in the crossfire as well.
Rusev's reign as United States Champion should be a device that also cements Shinsuke Nakamura's spot as a top superstar. This is because a Championship is only a tool that helps superstars get over. We all know how tremendously gifted Nakamura is as a superstar, from his stint in NXT.
Nakamura has definitely been misused in the main roster. This is a program where he could go all out as a heel.
By hurting Lana things have become personal with Rusev.
#3 Worst: Same pool of contenders
Triple H told Asuka that she must decide who will get a shot at her title next. The usual suspects showed up to claim the prize. There was Charlotte Flair, there was Becky Lynch and there was Carmella. All three women have been Champions this year.
When WWE promises us new faces and new opportunities, a fresh feud is what one expects. It would have been cool to see someone like Nikki Cross come up and get into a title feud right away. The same holds true for someone like say, Lacey Evans, who's been exemplary in NXT.
Once again, I absolutely love Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch. But we just saw them compete at TLC.
Even the IIconics, or Sonya Deville, or Mandy Rose would have been an improvement.
#4 Best/worst: The New Day
There were points during the opening promo when I chuckled. There were other points when I cringed. The New Day were funny when they started out, but it just feels like we've heard everything they've had to say. Having them break up may be the way to go, in 2019.
I know that they sell a lot of merchandise and that's why they're still together. But there comes a point where you have to take a creative call. Is it just me who's not entertained by their shtick anymore?
I will say one thing though. When the bell rings, the three men have incredible chemistry and can put on the best matches in all of WWE, barring perhaps The Usos and the guys in 205 Live.
Also, what did you guys think of this angle?
