Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California was packed as they watched another exciting two hours of the blue brand- Smackdown. Much happened this week, falling both in the good and bad categories.
There was heartbreak, there was triumph, there were feuds that ended and others that began.
Ultimately, it was a ‘thumbs up’ episode considering how well the show built to Wrestlemania. In any case, let’s go down to the arena where controversy brewed with regard to who the current Number One contender is – Luke Harper or the Phenomenal One!
#1 Worst: Botched finish?
To us watching on our TV screens, it seemed quite obvious that Luke Harper had won the Battle Royal. When he pulled AJ down, Luke Harper's feet clearly had not yet touched the floor.
It was extremely silly how WWE shows us replays for everything but did not show one for what is such a critical decision. Also, how many times have we seen the same finish. It was cool when it happened in 1994, with Bret Hart and Lex Luger but you can't do the same finish 23 years later! Be creative, WWE.
#1 Best: Subplots for Wrestlemania 33
The Battle Royal served a pretty cool purpose, though. Luke Harper was showcased as a megastar who could hang out with the best in the business.
The Miz and John Cena extended the feud that began with Nikki Bella and Maryse, which will presumably lead to a big mix tag match at Wrestlemania. Dean Ambrose and Baron Corbin renewed hostilities and it is clear that their feud won't be ending anytime soon.
Moreover, the vignette by The Wyatts at the end said a lot without really saying anything at all.
The dirt sheets indicate that AJ Styles and Shane McMahon will have a one-on-one match at Wrestlemania as well, so we’re sure that the unclear finish is eventually leading to that.
Remember that AJ never got his one on one rematch after losing the title. The Battle Royal was actually quite carefully thought out.
#2 Worst: Naomi’s legitimate injury angle
It would be heartless to call this segment the ‘best’ thing about the show, so we are going to call it the ‘worst’ instead. Any Daniel Bryan fan knows about how he has had to relinquish his dreams because of his injuries in the past.
He was out there this week, to ask Naomi to relinquish her belt because of a legitimate injury. This is because she could not meet the 30-day championship title defence stipulation (we hope Goldberg and Lesnar know about this rule).
While it is absolutely awful that Naomi has to give up her dreams because of this injury, this segment felt unscripted and heartfelt. Having someone like Bryan out there gave it some legitimacy.
We’re sure that when Naomi does come back, the pop will be off the charts in every sense.
#2 Best: Alexa Bliss in perfect heel mode
Nobody with a semblance of a heart would have made light of Naomi's legitimate injury and title relinquishment. Alexa Bliss presumably does not have a heart. What she does have instead is the Smackdown Live Women’s Championship.
Alexa was savage on the microphone, interacting with the crowd and generally pooh-poohing Naomi’s injuries with some of the most dastardly expressions we’ve ever seen. There are some great things in store for Alexa. We wonder who her next opponent will be though. Carmella?
#3 Worst: How weak is Mickie James?
Alexa Bliss attacked Lynch's throat and scored an underwhelming victory against her in their match.
Bliss’ long time buddy Mickie James arrived soon after and proceeded towards the ring to attack Becky Lynch. To absolutely no avail. Becky Lynch got up and fought off Mickey James with the utmost of ease.
James has been losing time after time after time again during their encounters. At this point, she looks like little more than a jobber really. Mickie has to be built up strong again or she will not look like a credible competitor for Becky Lynch (or anyone) at all.
#3 Best: Natalya finally wins a feud!
Their match was far from perfect. The outcome was a surprise. Natalya won a big-ticket feud against Nikki Bella in presumably what was the last match in their program. There were some cool spots during the match, but it lacked the all-out madness that we had expected from a match of this nature (Falls Count Anywhere).
Maryse’s shots at the end too seemed underwhelming really.
This was our countdown. Get well soon, Naomi.
Send us news tips at [email protected]
What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.
