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Extreme Rules is in the past. Everything is rushing towards the second biggest show of the year (after WrestleMania, of course)- SummerSlam. RAW had a pretty lackluster showing following Extreme Rules. SmackDown Live was significantly easier to watch, for sure.
In this article, I shall detail the Best and also list the Worst from all the action that transpired this week. I invite you to leave a comment and share your thoughts on the action that transpired on your television screens. Did you feel that it was a better show than RAW was, following Extreme Rules?
Yes, SmackDown Live was certainly an easier show to watch and enjoy, as compared to RAW. However, all said and done, it was not perfect.
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Here is my personal take on this week's events.
#1 Best: Randy Orton's heelish ways
If you just finished watching the show, I know you're in just as much shock as I am. Not only did Randy Orton cost Jeff Hardy the United States Championship, he also showcased what makes him one of the greatest heels in the storied history of sports entertainment. Orton launched an attack on Jeff Hardy's ear in an act that made me wince.
I'm glad that Orton was allowed to be the heel that he was in the environment of today. Orton's attack was unlike every other ringside interruption these days...it seemed malicious, it genuinely seemed evil and it sent shivers down the spine of the WWE Universe. Just look at the reaction on social media, folks!
I wonder why Randy Orton had even turned face in the first place, because he just excels as a bad guy. I do hope that this run is here to last at least for a while.
#1 Worst: Forgetting about The Viper?
Jeff Hardy cut a promo at the top of the show this week. The fans were absolutely hot for him. He addressed the fact that he lost the United States Championship at Extreme Rules and how he feels incomplete. He did not make a mention of Randy Orton.
Did Jeff Hardy forget how Randy Orton had assaulted him at the conclusion of his match against Shinsuke Nakamura? Was it to throw us off the scent, with Orton interfering in the main event match? It just seemed a bit odd. I know some of our writers felt the same way as well!
#2 Best: Back in the title picture
Becky Lynch was the first ever SmackDown Women's Champion, following the brand split. And then, somehow she just got lost in the shuffle despite the fact that the crowd was hot for her. It seems like she's back in the hunt again!
In line with the same, I loved Paige's interaction with Carmella in the backstage area. Paige has incredible comic timing, and she set up next week's match like a boss. I cannot wait to see if Becky Lynch gets her due.
Could Becky Lynch win big at SummerSlam this year? It certainly does seem like it!
#2 Worst: Shinsuke Nakamura's promo
I don't know if it's the 'Artist' character that's causing a bit of a disconnect. I don't know if it's the language barrier. Somehow, Shinsuke Nakamura's heel character isn't resonating with me anymore. The promo that he cut during the show was rather odd, quite honestly.
Some of his mannerisms have become very strange too. Gone is the charisma machine from NXT, replaced by a real oddball.
#3 Best: Top SummerSlam program gets underway
Daniel Bryan and The Miz should have competed a long time ago. Only at that time, when The Miz cut the most memorable promo of his career, nobody knew if Daniel Bryan would ever wrestle again. Now the time is finally upon us. Daniel Bryan launched a vicious attack on The Miz, during the 'Funeral' segment he was hosting.
This should be one of SmackDown Live's top feuds going into SummerSlam this year and I cannot wait.
#3 Worst: End of Rusev Day?
Aiden English inadvertedly caused Rusev the WWE Championship at Extreme Rules when he removed the turnbuckle pad trying to help Rusev. Not surprisingly, he was looking to make amends this week. He would run into Lana in the backstage area. From the looks of it, Rusev vs. Aiden English will be the next feud.
If Rusev day does split up, it certainly was a fun run while it lasted!
# Best/worst: AJ Styles vs. Andrade 'Cien' Almas
Andrade 'Cien' Almas went toe to toe with the WWE Champion. I thought he looked fantastic. What I did not like was how vulnerable AJ Styles looked during the course of the contest. I did not like the placement of the match tonight either.
For the WWE Champion to compete so early in the night is beneath him. Especially coming at a time when the title has been quite significantly devalued. Moreover, I think he should have picked up an easier victory.
For what it's worth, I thought Andrade 'Cien' Almas looked strong. Good for him!
#1 Best/worst: Samoa Joe's situation
Samoa Joe scored an impressive victory this week. He even returned to TV after weeks of being in the sidelines. I just don't like the fact that he doesn't have a full-fledged program thus far. He's been in SmackDown Live for a while.
What I do like is how dominant he has seemed. WWE seems to realize the value of this monster. He is a future WWE Champion for sure!
Is this woman a future SmackDown Women's Champion? Only time will tell all!
