The PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA witnessed a much more interesting and invigorating Smackdown Live show this week as compared to the events on Raw, the night prior. This felt like a show that was actually building to Wrestlemania, instead of just killing time.
While the storyline around AJ Styles, Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan took centre stage this week, it was all in all, a show with only a few weak moments. Without further ado, we present the best and worst of Smackdown Live, WWE’s underdog blue brand.
#1 Best: AJ Styles finally acts like a true heel
The ‘Phenomenal One’ turned heel many months ago when he attacked John Cena. Even though he’s been a heel ever since AJ has been cheered by fans everywhere he's gone because of his exceptional in-ring work and the respect that fans have for his TNA/NJPW years.
AJ never did get his one-on-one rematch against the WWE Champion Bray Wyatt and while he did come close to scoring an opportunity, he never did. Last week on Smackdown Live, we finally saw AJ snap!
AJ Styles unleashed his mean streak this week as he attacked Smackdown Live Commissioner Shane McMahon in the parking lot, sending him through a car window. While Shane McMahon has made a career out of going through glass, this was considered to be a dastardly act and Smackdown Live General Manager Daniel Bryan eventually fired Styles for the same.
Shane McMahon would reverse the decision as he told the WWE Universe that he would face AJ Styles at Wrestlemania. May not be the best match, but we have to admit that the build has been quite spectacular.
#1 Worst: Burying the entire tag team division
The two best teams in the tag team division squared off in the main event, but it was soon clear that the main event was just a device to showcase an injured Shane McMahon heading to the ring to make an announcement.
It did not help that American Alpha hasn't been seen on Smackdown for many weeks now, thereby making the crowd completely disinterested in what was in essence, a pretty good match. Considering that the other tag teams on the roster are even lower in the hierarchy, this wasn't the right thing to do, even with the compelling Styles-McMahon storyline that is now going on.
#2 Best: Things heat up for the women
Last week, it was announced that Alexa Bliss would be defending her Women's Championship against every single woman in the current SmackDown Roster. Soon after, Mickie James turned on her, after what was quite a long and ‘blissful’ alliance.
This week, James bested Bliss in a one-on-one contest, making the dynamics of the women's division quite interesting indeed. Moreover, while Becky Lynch did manage to pin Natalya in her match, Carmella would attack Becky from behind, making it just about anyone's game in the division.
#2 Worst: No Mauro Ranallo at the commentary desk
Well, some may heave a sigh of relief when they hear that Smackdown Live only had two men at the commentary table this week, instead of the usual four. However, while it was a relief not to see David Otunga present, Mauro Ranallo was definitely missed during the show.
Ranallo’s over the top delivery makes every match seem important, which was a feature severely lacking this week. Tom Phillips tried his best, but he definitely does not have the same chemistry with JBL that he did with Corey Graves back in NXT.
We assume Ranallo will be back next week, and David Otunga may/ may not as he's off filming a movie. The best case scenario then is, Ranallo, Phillips and JBL! That wouldn't be all that bad, would it? Mamma mia!
#3 Best: The mind games continue endlessly
Champion and challenger were once the best of friends, but it was a ruse all along. We must admit that both Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton are twisted in their own way, and are masters of mind games. While Randy Orton burned down Bray Wyatt’s house, Wyatt covered himself with the ashes of Sister Abigail and said she lives through him right now.
We have no idea what that means, but it sure does sound spooky. Can you believe how invested we are in the same feud right now that we did not care about just a few months ago?
#3 Worst: Special edition of Miz TV
What was so special about it, really? We learned nothing new, except for the fact that Maryse needs better mic skills if she has to cut promos.
In essence, this was a solid show that whets our appetite for Wrestlemania in Orlando. Here’s Alexa Bliss bidding farewell to you as is customary with all our Best and Worst pieces.
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