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Welcome to this week's edition of Best and Worst of SmackDown. Since Riju Dasgupta, who usually brings the series to you isn't present, I'll be taking over for this episode's edition. It was an interesting episode of SmackDown, to say the least.
While we can agree that it was an upgrade from the week before, there was still something missing. If you read our articles, you'll know that there's a more positive feeling about Monday Night RAW and the overall programming and creative direction, which is a bit surprising considering that it's much harder to keep a 3-hour show more consistent and entertaining than a 2-hour one.
This is perhaps one of the reasons why people preferred SmackDown Live for a good part of the WWE brand split between 2016-2018. Either way, you're probably wondering what the big hits and misses were from this episode. Let's get right into it.
By the way, you can also check out what Kurt Angle has to say regarding NXT's competition with RAW and SmackDown!
#3. Best: A new feud for Bayley
Naomi has gained some serious momentum since her return at the Royal Rumble. Given how long she was out for, fans were ecstatic to see her return to the fray at the Royal Rumble match - where she received a huge ovation and got over big.
Even afterward, Naomi was recognized by non-fans and casual fans on Twitter and seemingly got a bigger fan-following. While we thought that Carmella would be the next in line to challenge Bayley for the Championship, it's perhaps best to keep that aside for another day.
Since the two have a history together, it doesn't make sense for them to have a rivalry for one month. Since Sasha Banks is the expected direction for Bayley at WrestleMania 36, she needed a "filler feud" and Naomi is perfect for that.
She may not win the title but she's a great babyface challenger who can take the loss.
#3. Worst: The way the rivalry between Roman Reigns and King Corbin ended
We thought that the feud between Roman Reigns and King Corbin would have ended at the Royal Rumble 2020. It made sense since they had a big stipulation and it was in one of the biggest PPVs of the year.
However, we were surprised when a repeat six-man tag team match was announced for this week. Just like last week, it was The Bloodline (Roman Reigns and The Usos) who defeated King Corbin, Dolph Ziggler, and Robert Roode.
The stipulation of the match was that the loser had to eat dog food. This is where we have to draw the line. We're aware that they tested this at a live event but feel that it was needless to do so on television. There were plenty of other stipulations they could have used.
While we understand the sentiment that the feud should have ended with Reigns getting revenge, the entire idea of soaking someone in dog food got old the first time they tried it a couple of months ago.
Do you think Kurt Angle will once again get to main event WrestleMania this year? Here's Kurt Angle's take on the scenario!
#2. Best: Not opening the show with the same half-an-hour format
We mentioned that we didn't like the stipulation. However, the match in itself wasn't bad and that was for a very simple reason - it was short and to the point. Last week, the same six-man tag team match between The Bloodline and King Corbin, Dolph Ziggler, and Robert Roode took place but the contest went on for half-an-hour - a quarter of the show.
It was clear that the match was dragged on far too long and it not only led to a boring contest, but it resulted in an overall boring show. Roman Reigns opened the show but WWE chose to have the first match as the #1 contender's Fatal-4-Way bout.
This turned out to be the right choice as it was more fast-paced, happening and had a reason to be invested in it. John Morrison and the Miz winning that match was the obvious pick - but the right one.
As a result, we'll be seeing The New Day defend the SmackDown Tag Team titles against Morrison and The Miz at Super ShowDown.
#2. Worst: Recycling the same matches between four superstars
It appears as though the Women's Tag Team division on SmackDown consists of just four female superstars. Lately, Mandy Rose has been in a notable storyline with Otis of Heavy Machinery - where the two have teased a romantic angle.
The idea is that Otis helps Mandy Rose when required, as he did in the Royal Rumble as well as in a couple of matches that Mandy Rose was involved in. This week, Fire and Desire took on Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross, where there was no interference from anyone.
As a result, Bliss and Cross won after Rose took the pin. However, we're getting a bit tired of WWE constantly mixing these four superstars. Even though Rose is in another storyline alongside this, it doesn't seem as though there's much going for all four women.
How long can they have a mix-and-match between the four women in singles and tag team contests? It's going to wear out eventually. However, there could be something new on the cards as it was indicated that Bliss & Cross could be the next Tag Team title contenders.
#1. Best: Braun Strowman as Intercontinental Champion
This certainly feels long-overdue, doesn't it? It's crazy to think that Braun Strowman won his first singles title in WWE after over four and a half years on the main roster. Many pegged him as a Future World Champion and 2017 and even 2018 would have been the perfect time to do it - but as you probably know, WWE squandered their opportunity to capitalize on his momentum in favor of putting over Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar.
He's never had that kind of momentum since then but things could pick up differently. He finally got his title shot against Shinsuke Nakamura and wasted no time in defeating him and capturing the Intercontinental Championship.
This was far and away the highlight of the show and we're glad that he was the man to dethrone Shinsuke Nakamura. As good as Nakamura is, his 200-day reign as Intercontinental Champion didn't do much good for the title.
However, we fear that Strowman will just have a transitional reign and drop the title at WrestleMania 36.
Also read: 5 reasons why Braun Strowman won the Intercontinental Championship on SmackDown
#1. Worst: WWE not doing enough to make the show feel bigger
This has been a recurring problem with SmackDown in the last few months. When you look at Monday Night RAW, you can see that there has been a change in the approach, the direction, and overall focus.
With Paul Heyman in charge, things started taking a turn for the better in July. Not only has he been insistent on pushing the younger superstars that he has on the roster, but he's been doing well to help get them over as well.
As a result, there's been nearly-instant progress with many stars, while the trajectory of previously-neglected stars has changed radically. On SmackDown, despite the title changes and more, there doesn't seem to be an effort made to make the show feel like it's a big deal.
WWE had the opportunity to do so after the Royal Rumble but it didn't work out and we were left with a somewhat average show. WWE needs to put the foot on the gas when it comes to SmackDown.
Also read: 6 things WWE subtly told us on SmackDown - Huge betrayal teased from popular star, Rivalry ends with weird stipulation match
