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SmackDown Live came to us from the DCU Center in Worcester and it was not a bad show, really. Especially after the ho-hum affair that was RAW, SmackDown Live was a huge improvement. How funny is it that despite the fact that RAW has all the bigger stars, SmackDown Live impresses on a weekly basis. I give this show a thumbs up overall.
Again, that's not to say that this was a perfect show. I found several aspects of the show lacking, and for the same purpose, here's 'Best and Worst of SmackDown Live'. Welcome once again to your post show WWE recap.
As always, I invite you to leave a comment and let me know your thoughts. Bear in mind that SmackDown Live has signed a new deal with FOX and I'm certain a lot more eyes were on the product this week.
Here's what I thought of the show.
#1 Best: Paige as General Manager
Paige was only involved in a backstage segment this week. However, she was gold for the limited duration that she was on screen, with The Miz playing his part to perfection as well. Paige urged The Miz to compete when he tried to retreat from the match. A babyface authority figure just adds a positive vibe to the show.
Compare the presence she brings to how Stephanie McMahon just brings down the energy of the show overall. I do hope Paige gets more screen time in the following weeks and we get to see the actress she is, in all her splendour.
#1 Worst: The kickoff
One would expect two superstars like Naomi and Sonya Deville to put on a better match than they did. The end of the match, in particular, was very sloppy. There was a spot where they traded kicks and the kicks missed by many a mile. Yet, the women sold the kicks like they connected and it was awkward to watch for fans.
Lana's finisher left much to be desired as well. One wonders if she will actually be at home in a high-intensity environment like a ladder match.
#2 Best: Dream main event
Who would have thought Daniel Bryan would wrestle again? Who would have thought we'd see Daniel Bryan vs. Jeff Hardy in 2018? The two men put on a great match at the end of SmackDown Live this week. It was great to see Bryan win with a brand new finisher too.
Next match should be even bigger with Bryan facing Samoa Joe. How lucky are we to see such a match on free TV in 2018? The two men have met in the past but never in WWE or on such a grand stage.
Moreover, it was Daniel Bryan's birthday! Happy birthday to arguably the best wrestler of this generation!
#2 Worst: Bad omen for singles push?
Rumours are rife that Big E will win the Money in the Bank contest soon. If so, he needed a big win to kickstart his run. The Miz did tell the truth during the promo he cut at the top of the show. Big E has been booked as a comedy character for far too long to be taken seriously.
You may counter my argument by saying that The Miz won only because of a distraction. While that is a valid point, I thought the loss just diminished Big E. To be seen as a future WWE Champion, he needed more momentum.
Also, how can you drink Maple Syrup right out of the bottle? That's some gutsy stuff, Big E!
#3 Best: Last man standing
Heel Nakamura is a far more exciting performer than babyface Nakamura was, I think. I would love to see Styles and Nakamura lock up in a Last Man Standing match at Money in the Bank. I would have loved to see them engage in a pillow fight as well. But one can't always have what he wants, right?
Will the match end in another draw so that the feud extends until SummerSlam? As good as the two men are, I hope not!
#3 Worst: Still no SAnitY
SAnitY still hasn't shown up on SmackDown Live. And every week that they don't, they lose more momentum. The audience is still excited about seeing them after the announcement was made at the Superstar Shake-Up. I do hope that they don't show up too late when nobody cares!
How long will it be until SAnitY shows up on SmackDown Live? Are they the new Emmalina?
#4 Best/worst: The Club vs. The Bludgeon Brothers
Gallows and Anderson engaged in a war of words with The Usos this week and still came off looking quite strong. Then, they took the fight to The Usos and won the contest to qualify for a title shot at Money in the Bank 2018.
The problem with them is how they've been booked. They do not seem like credible challengers for the Bludgeon Brothers. After all, Harper and Rowan seem absolutely unstoppable.
Moreover, one wonders if they're over enough as babyfaces to make their match against The Bludgeon Brothers a compelling contest. We don't have to wait long to find out.
In conclusion...Lana is the best, Lana number 1.
