Exactly twenty-four hours ago, we were alarmed to find out that important SmackDown Live Superstars such as Bray Wyatt, The Miz, Dean Ambrose and Alexa Bliss would be moving to Raw, spelling gloom and doom for the blue brand. One day later, we’re not as alarmed as we were, thanks to a pretty exciting episode of SmackDown.
The crowd at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts was much hotter than the Raw crowd, and this made a huge difference to the eventual outcome. Moreover, with SmackDown’s own draft picks, the scales have evened out. Raw still has bigger players, but with SmackDown’s booking, we can see great things in the brand’s immediate future.
Welcome to yet another edition of ‘Best and Worst’ of SmackDown Live, the ‘Superstar Shake-Up’ edition.
#1 Best: Breathtaking main event match
Baron Corbin is the most improved Superstar over the past year. AJ Styles cannot have a bad match. Sami Zayn is a maestro in the ring, almost in the same league as AJ Styles is. The three men created magic here, coming together in the main event and stealing the show.
Considering AJ Styles won the match, he enters a feud with Kevin Owens now, and what a program that is certain to be. Mark our words. Both these men will have a classic when they do eventually collide.
#1 Worst: Erick Rowan as a solo performer
Bray Wyatt has moved to Raw and we're certain he’ll do just fine for himself on the red brand. Unfortunately, he left his trusted sidekick Erick Rowan behind and Rowan does not have the charisma or the skill to compete as a solo performer, right now.
Repackaging his character could do the trick, but in his current avatar, there’s little/ no hope for the man. How unfortunate was his timing, right? A grand comeback only to separate from his master. Also, his theme music is a disaster. We’ll try and be optimistic. His mask still looks pretty cool.
#2 Best: A brilliant tag team match
When you work with someone for a long duration of time, you develop incredible chemistry. The Usos and American Alpha have been the two top teams on SmackDown Live for a long time now. This was probably the last match between the two teams for some time now, and both units brought their best.
The suicide dives reversed into suplexes were a real treat to see. Both teams will likely move on to new programs now, so they went home in style in a real slobber-knocker.
#2 Worst: American Alpha vs. The Shining Stars program?
American Alpha may just be one of the best tag teams in the world. They have been booked in a tepid manner on SmackDown, and never really received the respect they were due.
Now that their program with The Usos is likely over, it seems like they’ve now entered a program with The Shining Stars. No disrespect to Primo and Epico, who are great workers, but American Alpha really deserves better.
Unless Primo and Epico are treated as serious contenders on the blue brand (unlikely considering how Raw has killed their credibility), they don't deserve to be in a program with Jordan and Gable.
#3 Best: Nakamura and his charisma
He’s not had his first match on SmackDown yet. However, Shinsuke Nakamura’s very presence is magic. His entrance, his music, his mannerisms and his swag, all create an aura that is impossible to explain.
Considering his first program is with a heel like Ziggler, who can sell like crazy, we’re certain we're all in for a treat. The crowd is certainly invested in him and if booked right, he can definitely be WWE’s next breakout star in the long run. His promo skills are not very good, but in his case, actions do certainly speak louder than words.
#3 Worst: Celebrity interference during matches
Rob Gronkowski helped his friend Mojo Rawley win the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal at Wrestlemania. He showed up again, to help his friend defeat is arch -nemesis...Jinder Mahal. While these segments do garner attention from mainstream media, they water down the product.
Thankfully, these segments are kept for Jinder Mahal and not more important SmackDown superstars.
#4 Best: Tye Dillinger's gimmick is over!
Tye Dillinger’s ten chants were echoed by the raucous WWE universe, for the second week in a row. For someone who's spent 15 years getting to the WWE, this must be a dream come true. Can be become the new Daniel Bryan, thanks to these chants? Time will tell.
In conclusion, SmackDown was a great show which will be graced by Lana soon
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