Coming off of an above average Raw, the go-home episode of SmackDown Live for the Elimination Chamber had some big shoes to fill. Thanks to a strong opening 4-Way Match, as well as a main event that had an exciting ending, they seemingly accomplished this task.
Standout moments from this night also included a good double contract signing for two of the women’s matches this Sunday, as well as a chance for the crowd to heap love on Daniel Bryan.
Some of the not-so-standout moments included a discrepancy on whether Diva’s Championship reigns count, a fan that struck a pose behind Mauro Ranallo, and Kalisto’s struggle to stay on the top rope. It can’t all run smoothly and I’m here to point out those bumps in the road.
So without further delay, here are the 5 biggest botches, slip ups, and outrageous moments from this episode of SmackDown Live...
#5 How many championships?
Mickie James has held many Women’s Championships in the WWE, but the number strangely changed between the time she walked to the ring, to when she was giving a promo moments later. The graphic that displayed while she walked to the ring stated that she was a five-time Women’s Champion but James proclaimed to her peers that the real number was six. Which one is correct?
Using the power of Google, Mickie James is a five-time Women’s Champion and also a 1-time Diva’s Champion. Mickie included the Diva’s reign but for some reason, the WWE graphics guys don’t think that the Diva’s one should count.
#4 Kalisto helps Dolph
Dolph Ziggler became irate after losing yet another match, this time to Apollo Crews. He flipped out and continued an assault, which prompted Crews’ buddy Kalisto to come out and make the save. Kalisto wasn’t all that helpful, getting countered when attempting his Salida Del Sol. He was thrown onto the top rope and then smacked in the back with a steel chair.
The botch in all of this was when Kalisto was dropped onto the ropes, he didn’t land centred. He almost fell off but struggled to get himself back up into chair shot-ready position for Ziggler.
#3 Camera-happy fan
This fan in the red “Certified G” shirt absolutely loved when he was on camera, being all-around goofy whenever he realised he was being broadcasted to millions. It was kind of distracting whenever they focused on the commentary table but if he wants the spotlight so badly, here’s a little more for him.
The fan even went heel after realising that a youngster seated ahead of him was obstructing his visibility to this adoring audience. He motioned for the little girl to move out of his way, venturing into similar heel territory as when The Million Dollar Man kicked a dribbling basketball away from a kid. What a jerk.
#2 Orton returns a hat
Even a bad guy can be nice every once in a while. Randy Orton gave John Cena a back body drop on top of the announce table and while the WWE Champion lay there lifeless, The Viper slowly returned JBL’s hat. JBL was cautiously thankful right after this, and understandably so.
Perhaps this odd moment of pleasant behaviour is a seed planted for a babyface turn?
That would be a fitting character change because if the currently, heel Bray Wyatt wins the WWE Title at Elimination Chamber then it will be a currently heel Randy Orton challenging him at WrestleMania. One of them will need to flip sides and using the premonitions of cowboy hats, The Viper will be the one to turn.
#1 Throwing the tiny towel
After John Cena scored a win over his rival-for-life Randy Orton, he celebrated his win in front of the packed arena. One fan, however, didn’t seem too impressed. They were so disgusted with the WWE Champion’s victory that they chucked the very miniature towel that sported a patented Cena catchphrase.
...Or they love John Cena and were so caught up in the moment that they hurled the first thing they could get their hands on without thinking about what they were doing. I have no clue why they would’ve tossed it, to be honest. Regardless of the reasoning, they spent money on that thing just to throw it away.
As can be seen in the above highlight, Cena actually notices the towel right before SmackDown goes off the air and holds it up to the camera.
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