Smackdown definitely won this week. Even though Raw had Goldberg, and was entertaining in parts; Smackdown Live did something that Raw failed to do, ie. keep us hooked from beginning to end. It wasn't the perfect show as we’ll get into very soon, but there were several cool moments across the show.
Smackdown Live had a hot crowd, hailing from Newark, NJ (not Atlantic City as Mr. Hawkins would have us believe); who were packed into the Prudential Center. Even JBL was fine tonight and actually made us laugh at one point.
Let’s revisit the show, and examine the highlights.
#1 Best: The main event rocked!
The build for this story, all evening, was very well done! Not only did A.J. Styles and Dean Ambrose have a brilliant match, they told a great story. One where two competitors had faced each other so many times and studied each others’ move set so well; they knew the counter to one another’s moves.
In JBL’s words- ‘It was a thing of beauty’. Ellsworth’s interference was something that was expected, but also something we were wary of. Thankfully it was very well executed, and meshed brilliantly into the storyline.
#1 Worst: James Ellis?
You had one job, Dasha Fuentes. While Sasha makes history, Dasha makes epic botches on Smackdown. Not only is she not in the same league as the other announcers, she called James Ellsworth ‘James Ellis’.
This was such an incredible botch, that Ambrose had to correct her on air, in a live setting. We do hope she rectifies this mistake and goes on to become better at what she does!
#2 Best: Inter-brand challenge
Raw vs Smackdown is always an exciting prospect. One of the main highlights of a brand split is that there’s a chance to see competitors from rival brands in action against each other. And that is why Dolph Ziggler’s open challenge to anyone from Raw for the Intercontinental Championship is such a big deal as of right now.
While we’re not sure if this is a genuine challenge or a storyline for The Miz and Ziggler to continue their feud, we’d like to see the open challenge materialise and for someone from Raw to step up to the plate.
#2 Worst: Inter-brand promotion
Yes, we know that Lesnar vs Goldberg is a huge deal. And we do know that Raw and Smackdown aren’t actually competing with one another. But that said, we find it baffling that while Raw and Smackdown are supposed to be in a battle for ratings supremacy, Mauro Ranallo is out there promoting the Goldberg vs Lesnar match at Survivor Series.
Does kayfabe not matter anymore? How are we supposed to take this inter-brand war seriously, when WWE themselves don’t anymore?
#3 Best: Alexa Bliss
Not only does she look like a million bucks, Alexa Bliss is incredible in the ring. And that’s not where her skills end. Alexa is brilliant with a microphone, and her facial expressions are to die for. Of all the women who’ve come up from NXT this year, she’s impressed us the most, honestly.
While she never got an opportunity to shine in NXT and hold the NXT Women’s Championship, we hope and pray that she gets to do so on Smackdown Live, some time this year. Heck, she even made Carmella look superb in today’s segment.
#3 Worst: Blink and miss matches
Almost every other match on the card, be it Randy Orton vs Kane in the No DQ contest, or American Alpha vs The Spirit Squad or even The Usos vs The Headbangers; was a squash match. Compare this to Raw, where Cesaro and Sheamus actually had a decent contest against The Shining Stars and even a lopsided contest like Nia Jax vs Bayley had actual wrestling.
Just a little more in-ring action would have done the trick for us.
#4 Best: The only real heel
A.J. Styles gets louder pops from the crowd than the babyfaces. Kevin Owens is beloved by one and all. While they try their best to make the crowd dislike them, the only person who does so effectively is The Miz.
He is by far the best heel in the business as of today, and his segments are a delight to watch and relish. What a time to be a wrestling fan.
#4 Worst: Supernatural Randy Orton
What was happening with his eyes? We want to gouge our own. Can we please drop this angle for good?
IN CONCLUSION, it was a 7.5/10 show. Hi, girls.
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