3 Interesting observations from this week's SmackDown Live (January 29, 2019)

Here are a few interesting observations from this week's episode of SmackDown Live (Jan. 29)
Here are a few interesting observations from this week's episode of SmackDown Live (Jan. 29)

From Daniel Bryan introducing a brand new 'eco-friendly' WWE Championship design to the Becky Lynch wave slowly taking over the entire WWE Universe, this week's edition of WWE SmackDown Live (29 January 2019) featured a lot of contrasting moments indeed.

Perhaps the main reason why this episode worked really well was that there were some clever booking choices and interesting scenarios playing out right in front of our own eyes. Even if I like SmackDown Live better with some comical undertones, the fact that there were almost no throwaway segments this week shows that WrestleMania season has kicked in full gear.

Now that the Royal Rumble is well past us at this point in time, here are a few interesting observations you may have missed during this week's edition of SmackDown Live.


#3 The Becky Lynch hype has officially taken over both RAW and SmackDown Live

Becky Lynch's momentum is unstoppable as of right now
Becky Lynch's momentum is unstoppable as of right now

'The Man' Becky Lynch has solidified herself as one of the most popular acts in WWE's recent history. One year after being on the pre-show of WrestleMania, she just might main-event WrestleMania 35 in 2019.

Not only did Becky's unstoppable momentum result in the fans mercilessly booing Ronda Rousey on RAW this week, but there were even some "Becky" chants during Daniel Bryan's promo towards the end of the show. This was almost ironic and reminiscent, as a few years ago, it would be Daniel Bryan's momentum that would take over other unrelated segments.

There's no looking back now, we are officially on the Road To WrestleMania, and Becky Lynch seems to be the ultimate fan-favourite going into the event itself. The only question is, can The Man live up to her hype in the next few months?

#2 The final segment of the night worked on so many levels

The last segment of this week's SmackDown Live was executed remarkably well
The last segment of this week's SmackDown Live was executed remarkably well

Daniel Bryan introduced a brand new eco-friendly WWE Championship last night, while also bashing the previous design since a cow had to be sacrificed for that to happen. He is the Planet's Champion after all...

Eventually, several SmackDown Live Superstars, namely Samoa Joe, AJ Styles, Randy Orton, Jeff Hardy and Mustafa Ali came out to challenge the current WWE Champion. Props to Samoa Joe for absolutely stealing the show by bashing other Superstars in the ring in rapid-fire fashion.

A brawl broke out, and Daniel Bryan decided to bail outside shortly after. He also proclaimed all Superstars unworthy as potential challengers.

Triple H appeared on the Tron to address this situation by announcing all six competitors as official participants for the upcoming Elimination Chamber match, and if that wasn't it, last night's show ended in a spontaneous and ambiguous fashion as wrestlers kept brawling nevertheless.

Ambiguity can prove to be a double-edged sword in WWE nowadays, but last night's show was one of the better examples when it came to overall execution.

#1 Minor recurring theme of Superstars refusing to slow down

Becky Lynch and R-Truth refused to slow down after their respective segments this week
Becky Lynch and R-Truth refused to slow down after their respective segments this week

In a backstage segment not long after Becky Lynch's confrontation with Charlotte Flair, it was revealed that the former refused to seek any medical attention. Of course, the main reason behind this was that no one wants to be shelved due to an injury heading into WrestleMania, and the fact that WWE chose to address this topic showcases some good writing elements seen this week.

Similarly, after R-Truth was on the end of being dominated by Shinsuke Nakamura and Rusev, Truth took a moment to reflect back on his unexpected United States Championship win and defense in a backstage segment on the same night.

R-Truth indirectly suggested that he didn't need any medical help (same reasons as Becky Lynch) after becoming United States Champion at this stage in his career, having pushed himself in recent months. There is no way he would relinquish the title heading into WrestleMania 35.

These examples highlight the importance of WrestleMania as the 'Grandest Stage Of Them All' and what it means to the Superstars in the first place. It is the Super Bowl or the World Cup for Professional Wrestling fans, and now there is no looking back as we are officially part of this year's Road To WrestleMania.

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