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The Oracle Center in Oakland, CA bore witness to the latest episode of SmackDown Live. The primary focus of this episode was the aftermath of the vicious attack on Shane McMahon by Kevin Owens from last week.
The show revolved around that essential premise and it had both ups and downs, across the two hours. As as been documented by several individuals on the internet, the live attendance was dismal. However, all said and done, this was a far more enjoyable show than the go-home show of RAW before No Mercy.
It's time to revisit the episode and look at what we liked and what we did not, in our 'Best and Worst' list, as always. Share your thoughts in the comments section and let us know what you think of our list, readers!
#1- Best: Long overdue push for The Queen
With all due respect to Natalya and Naomi, the SmackDown Women's Championship picture seemed a little underwhelming with those two women contesting for the coveted prize. With Charlotte Flair as the Number 1 contender, the championship suddenly means a lot more, and so does the entire division.
It seemed almost criminal to keep Charlotte Flair on the sidelines, when she carried the division on RAW. We're glad to see her in the thick of things, and as she has proved before, she can have great matches with Natalya, as the two women have supreme natural chemistry.
It was also classy on Charlotte Flair's part to provide a health update of her father, a man who's been struggling with health issues recently. We don't necessarily know about her turning face, after doing so well as a heel on RAW, but for now, everything is fair in the world of the Flairs.
#1 Worst: Same promo, different week
Jinder Mahal's promos have all said the same thing since he first became champion. There was nothing new said this week, and nobody even came down to stop his diatribe.
Instead, in all likelihood, it seemed like Nakamura was at the back, listening to Mahal, and letting him speak his mind. Not only did this seem like a wasted segment, as we learned nothing new. Instead, it portayed Nakamura as a cowardly performer who would rather stay at the back, than come out to confront the WWE Champion.
Jinder Mahal seems far more confident these days, and his delivery has improved. He just needs new lines, and maybe a fresh coat of paint, to make his programs far more interesting.
#2 Best: The Shane-Owens saga
Underneath all the action that transpired this week, there was that feeling of unease in the air with regard to Kevin Owens' attack on Vince McMahon from last week. He loved the fact that Shane McMahon did not come out dancing like he usually does, but instead emerged with a serious demeanor to address the situation.
We even loved the fact that AJ Styles alluded to Kevin Owens and his attack, even though he is in a different program, at this moment. Styles has history with both Shane McMahon and Kevin Owens, and this kind of continuity across the show's entire length was heartening to behold.
#2 Worst: An absolutely unbelievable claim
Dolph Ziggler has made a career out of imitating Shawn Michaels and his in-ring style. This week, he mocked his own idol, as part of his brand new gimmick.
How can Ziggler expect the WWE Universe to buy into this story, when everyone knows how much he respects Michaels, and imitates him at every conceivable opportunity?
More shocking still is the fact that WWE wants us to believe that Michaels wasn't really a good in-ring performer, causing a huge disconnect within the gimmick Ziggler is now portraying.
It makes sense with performers such as The Ultimate Warrior or even, John Cena (though some may disagree). However, Michaels is, perhaps the greatest ever to lace up a pair of boots and compete.
Better writing next week please, WWE!
#3 Best: Long term storytelling
Yes, the Hype Bros were essentially enhancement talent this week, but there was a point to their loss, and we loved the fact that WWE is teasing a big turn. One of the men is bound to turn on the other, and we wonder who (cue in the New Day 'who') it could be.
The element of uncertainty makes for compelling viewing and we hope WWE goes the distance with this storyline, and does not abandon it midway like they did with The Fashion Files.
#3 Worst: Interference in the US Title match
Any time AJ Styles is in the ring, it is a treat to watch him perform. Unfortunately, a match that we were hyped for all week was ruined by the interference of Tye Dillinger. We understand that this extends the feud, but it ruined what could have been a really good match.
On the bright side, we get this match on some other week. Let's hope we get a contest in the future featuring AJ Styles without any interference. This was the second bit of interference in two weeks.
#4 Best: Push for Aiden English
With the departure of Simon Gotch, we had assumed that he would be little more than merely enhancement talent. Turns out that WWE is invested in Aiden English, who got a lot of offence in, against Randy Orton.
WWE gives up on people quite easily, don't they? Just ask Breezango, Mike and Maria, Luke Harper, Erick Rowan and others. It's great to see them do something positive with their talent for a change. It was also great to see Becky Lynch back this week, in the thick of things.
