3 mistakes WWE should have avoided in the final Smackdown Live before WrestleMania (2 April 2019)

Following some blockbuster episodes in the last couple of weeks, Smackdown Live was expected to produce another action-packed episode, and the blue brand did not disappoint the fans. The show had some impressive bouts, and it was a great way to close the final chapter before WrestleMania.

The WWE Championship match had an official contract signing as Kofi Kingston and Daniel Bryan closed the show, while AJ Styles and Randy Orton had a scuffle on the Kevin Owens Show. The IIconics delivered a good segment, and they announced they would win the Women's Tag Team Titles at the Grandest Stage of Them All.

Furthermore, the Miz won a Falls Count Anywhere 1-on-3 Handicap match, and Samoa Joe defeated Ali. The recently crowned Smackdown Women's Champion did not show up after winning the belt last week, but her WrestleMania opponent Becky Lynch appeared and declared she would become a double champion in New Jersey. Surprisingly, WrestleMania host Alexa Bliss appeared on Smackdown Live, and she announced that the Usos will put the twin belts on the line against three other teams at Metlife Stadium.

Although the show was remarkable, Vince McMahon's billion dollar company could have made it better. Here we discuss three mistakes WWE should have avoided on Smackdown Live this week.

#3 No appearance of Charlotte Flair

The Smackdown Women's Champion

Charlotte Flair shocked everyone when she pinned Asuka last week. The Queen will walk into the Metlife Stadium as the Smackdown Women's Champion, and she could be a double champion at the Show of Shows.

Despite winning the prestigious Women's title last week, she was absent from the blue brand this week. As a matter of fact, the Smackdown Women's Champion appeared on RAW this week, but she skipped Smackdown Live.

Charlotte had an intense brawl on RAW this week as she got arrested alongside her WrestleMania competitors. Since Becky Lynch was present on the Smackdown Live, Charlotte's presence could have made things more interesting.

#2 Kevin Owens doesn't have a match at WrestleMania

KO

There is no denying that Kevin Owens is one of the biggest names in recent years, but he is not scheduled to have a match at the Grandest Stage of Them All. The former Universal Champion has had top-notch matches at the Show of Shows, but he is without any opponent this year.

Owens defended the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania 32, he won the United States Championship at WrestleMania 33, and he fought Daniel Bryan in a tag team match at WrestleMania 34. Considering his track record at WrestleMania, it is certainly unusual to see him without any opponent.

Even though Owens fought for the most coveted prize of the blue brand at Fastlane, it is hard to believe he is without a feud a few weeks later. He has been hosting on Smackdown Live, but it will be interesting to see if he participates at the Showcase of Immortals.

#1 US Championship match is directionless

Who will face Samoa Joe?

It was the final episode before WrestleMania 35, but Samoa Joe is without an opponent. Earlier, Rey Mysterio was scheduled to face the current US Champion but he got injured on RAW where he fought Baron Corbin. In fact, Andrade was set to face Mysterio on Smackdown Live this, but the match got cancelled as the latter suffered an injury.

Joe won the US title before Fastlane when he defeated R-Truth, Rey Mysterio and Andrade in a fatal-4 way match. Subsequently, Mysterio did earn the right to challenge the US Champion at the Show of Shows as he announced his inclusion in the match a few weeks ago. Though Mysterio and Joe are capable in the squared circle, the bout did not have good build-up.

With Rey Mysterio sidelined due to injury, it will be interesting to see who faces the current US Champion. Andrade is definitely a great candidate to face Joe as he was chasing the US title. However, there is no time for the build-up of the US Championship match, and WWE could announce Joe's new opponent on social media or at Metlife Stadium.