Best and Worst of SmackDown Live: 1st August, 2017

Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, saw a very interesting episode of the blue brand this week. While there was really no aspect of the show that was awful, there was something about the entire card that just somehow screamed 'B-Show'.

However, despite its faults, it was an eventful show and we must give credit where it is due.

So, as we head into Summerslam, let's examine how this show delivered and in what aspects it fell short in getting us excited for the big stage. Here is a detailed article featuring the 'Best and Worst of SmackDown Live'.

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#1 Best: Well worth the hype

The main event delivered on every single front

Sometimes, when a match is described as a dream contest, it just fails to deliver when the bell rings. This wasn't the case during the match between John Cena and The Artist, Shinsuke Nakamura. What they created between those ropes was indeed a piece of art.

We mentioned how this show had felt like the B-Show at times, during the evening. There is something about John Cena's presence that gets the crowd invested into a match and makes it feel much more important than is. We would even go to the extent of calling it Shinsuke Nakamura's best match on the main roster.

Cena ensured he did what Dolph Ziggler and Baron Corbin could not: by having Nakamura kick out of the AA, he made Nakamura look absolutely indestructible. By succumbing to the Kinshasa, he made that move look like a really powerful finisher. Nakamura is now a bigger player than when he walked into the arena that very same day, thanks to John Cena!

#1 Worst: Cena seemed legitimately injured

John Cena's landing was tough to watch

Shinsuke Nakamura sets up the Kinshasa with an Exploder Suplex, and he did so this time, as well. Sadly, John Cena landed badly on the back of his neck, and to us, watching on our television sets, it almost appeared as if he had broken his neck.

Chill out RT @nickpiccone: Holyyyyyy shiiiiit Cena’s neck #SDLive #summerslam pic.twitter.com/KoIEmC8cgI

— r?? (@iJerk4Jesus) August 2, 2017

Of course, nothing can hurt Cena and he got up to raise Nakamura's hand immediately after. We caught a glimpse of Nakamura saying he was sorry to Cena, following the landing. Nakamura shrugged off the apology and made a new star, this week.

This was the one blotch on the otherwise amazing match, this week. Shinsuke Nakamura has a terrible track record with injuring opponents (Austin Aries is a previous victim) and we are thankful that this landing wasn't as serious as it initially seemed.

#2 Best: Victory in defeat

Even though Gable lost the match, a new star was born

Some may argue that between Jason Jordan and Chad Gable, the latter is more talented than the former, by far. This week, he took on Rusev in an exhibition match, and through the course of the same, a star was born!

Even though Gable would succumb to 'The Accolade', he showed exceptional skills in the ring, as his amateur wrestling background translated wonderfully into professional wrestling moves. He moves with utmost grace and fluidity.

His matches are a pleasure to sit back and relish, even without the aid of his teammate. We see great things in Chad Gable's future, and this week was the start of his ascent to the mountain top.

#2 Worst: One off appearances?

Two major players were missing this week

While guest appearances are good, they, more often than not, leave huge logic holes in the narrative. Why isn't Randy Orton's Summerslam opponent The Great Khali? Why was Khali brought back only for a night and thereafter, discarded?

The same holds true for Chris Jericho, who inserted himself into the United States Championship picture, and should get a singles match against Owens too, considering he had dropped the belt to Owens before his hiatus.

You know what happens, Chris Jericho, when you show up one week and not the week after? You know what happens? Well, you just made our 'Best and Worst' list.

#3 Best: Summerslam plans are underway

This certainly feels like a very fresh feud

We like the Orton and Rusev pairing and are surprised that they really haven't had a full-blown program before this.

This feud certainly feels fresh and we're certain that it will elevate both men; Rusev, who needs momentum and how, and Orton, whose feuds really haven't clicked, all year long. The Summerslam match should be very good indeed.

We also like the fact that because of the kayfabe eye injury to the referee, Shane McMahon has made himself a part of the AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens Summerslam match. This will give the match an air of authenticity, and can even build to a program between the two men someday.

#3 Worst: The fall of Sami Zayn

Remember Daniel Bryan once suggesting he was better off on SmackDown Live?

Some readers may disagree with us here, but Zayn was far better off on RAW than he is on SmackDown Live. How can you argue with our assessment, when he is defeated by Aiden English, a man who was little more than enhancement talent only a few days prior?

This is not to take anything away from English, who is a great talent with a very entertaining gimmick, but Zayn certainly deserves better than he's getting!

By being booked with English and Mike Kanellis, Zayn is looking more like enhancement talent, every single day. Note how this former NXT Champion hasn't won any gold since he first came into the main roster. How far the mighty have fallen...

#4 Best: Where is Fandango?

Sometimes good television doesn't make sense

Yes, many parts of this segment were puzzling to those who think rationally, but this was still a very entertaining segment. These lighthearted segments are always a delight, and we wish Detective Breeze all the best, in his quest for Fandango.

Looks like we loved more aspects of the show than we hated.

On that note, we finish with The Power of Love.

Sending some to Alexa Bliss!