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When you're putting on a show for the fourth consecutive night in an arena, it better be very good! Thankfully, this week, SmackDown Live didn't disappoint in any regard. From the very start to the finish line, every moment was truly 'glorious'. We do have a few reservations from the show from a long-term perspective, but we have to admit, that this show was a winner.
Let's hope that WWE maintains this level of quality on both brands, in the months that follow. Let's look at what aspects of the show ruled, and the components of the show that could have been better had more safeguards been taken. We present the 'best and worst' of SmackDown Live.
#1 Best: A 'glorious' call up
We see many NXT talents not able to carry their momentum to the main roster, much to the bewilderment of those in the NXT Universe. We have a feeling that Bobby Roode is not one such person and that he is destined to go far. He's got a lot of personality; he's got a great look, and he is solid inside the ring. The TNA veteran is meant for great things, and we were glad to hear his music hit on SmackDown Live.
While it was puzzling to see him debut as a babyface, after playing a heel so well on WWE's developmental brand, we'll still take it. Roode is a potential world champion in the future, and his path to glory began this week.
Yes, SmackDown Live did benefit from his arrival, but it exposes a far larger problem with its potentially bloated roster.
1 Worst: Is the roster far too packed?
Tye Dillinger made his debut on the SmackDown Live after Wrestlemania, and there already isn't a spot for him on a weekly basis. After all, SmackDown Live only has two hours of weekly television time. The same could be said about Mike and Maria Kanellis, who came in with a reasonable amount of fanfare. Let's not even mention Luke Harper and Erick Rowan who haven't been seen on TV for a while. While Roode's arrival certainly could help bolster the ranks, doesn't SmackDown Live need to elevate its own ranks before bringing new talent in?
Even Zayn was only booked in a backstage segment this week. We certainly hope that Roode does not get lost in the shuffle like so many of the others have over the past months. The problem of 'plenty' is a very real issue and one that needs to be addressed very soon. For all their equity with the comedic skits, Breezango still aren't booked in a program yet. WWE needs to write storylines for its talent before bringing new stars into the fold.
#2 Best: The return of Shelton Benjamin
We'd heard about the return of 'The Gold Standard', but it was still pretty cool to see it finally happen, after an injury thwarted his return following the very first Superstar Shake-Up, following Battleground last year.
Gable can really benefit from the association with Benjamin, and it is a treat for the fans to see an athlete of Shelton Benjamin's calibre return to the ring once more. It'll also be cool to have another babyface tag team in the division, and considering the level of talent, this team can have great matches against the SmackDown Live tag team champions, The Usos.
#2 Worst: Natalya as SmackDown Women's Champion
Natalya is a great hand in the ring, perhaps the best in the SmackDown Live Women's Division by a country mile. However, when she calls herself 'the best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be', we all know that it's not the case. It was a feel good moment at SummerSlam to see Natalya with the coveted championship, but as champion, Natalya somehow just seems out of place, really.
Her character seems confused, and while her matches are good, fans seem far more interested in the other women in the division. We hope that she is rebranded in some way, if her championship reign is not coming to an end, very soon.
#3 Best: The main event
Let's be honest. As good as AJ Styles and Kevin Owens are, we've seen them far too often, in the ring. There was literally no excitement for a clash between the two men when the match was first announced. The addition of a special guest referee brightened things up, and Owens' hunt for a referee backstage just added to the drama. As great as the match was, the shenanigans between McMahon, Corbin and the two title contenders just made the match feel more entertaining.
It looks increasingly like Kevin Owens will feud with Shane McMahon in the future.
We hope that both AJ Styles and Kevin Owens move on to new programs in the coming weeks. We've just seen too many matches between these two performers.
#3 Worst: The loss of John Cena
With Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose all on Raw, Cena was the only major crossover star on SmackDown Live who could attract casual fans to the blue brand on a weekly basis. There is hardly a dearth of talent on SmackDown Live, but we wonder if a segment of the fans will still be as invested in the show. Let's hope someone in the roster goes for the brass ring and achieves greatness. If Styles or Owens could rise to the challenge, it would be highly beneficial in the long run.
Maybe it is a woman who could rise to the challenge and become the face of the brand. Maybe it is Carmella and her evil cohort!
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