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The first night of the Superstar Shake-Up kept us hooked from beginning to end. The same can be said for the second night too, although there were some questionable decisions that were made. Welcome to the Best and Worst of SmackDown Live. This is a write-up where we provide our two cents about weekly WWE programming.
So, what did you folks think of the show? Let us know in the comments. We would love to hear from you folks.
Which brand do you think looked stronger when all was said and done? Do you think RAW got the better end of the deal this time?
The beautiful thing about sports entertainment is how every single fan has a different opinion, and for what it's worth, here's what we thought of this week's action...
#1 Best: A big return
Big Cass seems far better in his first week on SmackDown Live than he did during his entire singles run on RAW. It is heartening to see how WWE has paired him up against the hottest act in the company, Daniel Bryan.
It is clear that the company has big plans for the 7-footer. Big Cass played the part of the bully to perfection this week.
If booked right, this could be the perfect David and Goliath story. Cass would have been lost in the shuffle on RAW, and seems right at home on SmackDown Live.
We're certain that there is gold in his future. Let's hope that Cass can up his game to compete with the proficient in-ring performers on SmackDown Live.
#1 Worst: No Nikki Cross?
The internet is up in arms already. Nikki Cross was the most unique component of SAnitY during their time in NXT. While the three men in the group have been called up, it seems like Cross will stay behind. Somehow this seems like a short-sighted decision.
Cross could have bolstered the SmackDown Live Women's Division significantly. Moreover, even as a valet for the men, her presence is undeniable and invaluable.
#2 Best: Heel Nakamura
Shinsuke Nakamura disrupts matches just when they are about to get interesting. And that is great booking from WWE. How else can one get the audience to boo someone so charismatic and so very gifted in the ring? The low blow is also a great touch.
As is the 'no speak English' line. Nakamura has a passable knowledge of English and the audience knows this. By saying the line like he does, Nakamura is insulting their intelligence and how!
We're far more interested in seeing an AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura rematch now that there's actual heat between the two. It's far more interesting than a babyface vs. babyface contest.
#2 Worst: No actual plan for Naomi
We all saw Naomi eliminate Bayley in the first ever WrestleMania Women's Battle Royal. While it should have earned her a title shot, it may have taken her one step down the ranks instead.
Naomi inserted herself into The Usos/Bludgeon Brothers feud. She made herself a human shield this week.
It was strange to see the hammer-wielding Bludgeon Brothers back off after they saw Naomi. It was strange booking all around, in our opinion.
#3 Best: Separating Matt & Jeff Hardy
Jeff Hardy brought back the US Championship to SmackDown Live. This begs the question as to why Paige would trade away her US Champion when she couldn't have known that Hardy would defeat Mahal to win the Championship.
That being said, we're glad that Jeff Hardy has nothing to do with Bray Wyatt and Matt Hardy. He's charting his own singles path now.
We also loved the moment between Orton and Hardy on the ramp. We're certain that because Orton has a US Title opportunity, the men are in for a dream showdown very soon indeed.
#3 Worst: Showing their hand already?
This week, we found out that The Bar will be headed to SmackDown Live. Therefore, it's a foregone conclusion that they will be losing at the Greatest Royal Rumble. After all, you can't be the RAW Tag Team Champions on SmackDown Live. That doesn't make any sense.
Unless WWE has planned a swerve, this is an easy outcome to guess. Which is a shame really, because until then, The Bar vs. Hardy & Wyatt was a tough match to call.
#4 Best: Separating Reigns & Joe
Nobody can deliver an intense promo like Samoa Joe. However, it was getting tiring to see Joe cut promo after promo on Roman Reigns without actually coming to blows. We know that the two men will clash at Backlash very soon. That should be the end of their feud for a while.
At the same time, we wonder if there will be any heat for the match if the two men are kept apart. We've seen how the audience can grow apathetic towards Reigns' matches. Would they be invested in a match without a possible build?
We're excited to see Joe mix it up with Bryan and Styles. Maybe even team up with Shinsuke Nakamura, his once arch nemesis.
And that concludes our article...but the 'Mellabration never stops!
What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.
