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There was much to like about this week's episode of SmackDown Live, I felt. I thought that the crowd was amazing and kept me invested. The Creative Team actually tried to tell stories and hooked me throughout. The two hours flew by fast.
While I may not necessarily have any major problem with the show overall, I have some 'worsts' this week too. I shall discuss them in detail in this particular article. Let me know your thoughts and opinions in the comments.
With RAW garnering the lowest ratings in the show's history, did you think SmackDown Live was any better this week? What would you have done differently?
Here is my personal assessment of this week's show!
#1 Best: Aiden English's mind games
Last week, we saw Aiden English turn on Rusev and go heel. This week, he justified his actions and said that the reason for the split was not him, but Lana. He also teased a romantic involvement with Lana in the city of Milwaukee. While Rusev doesn't seem to buy it yet, English has sown the seeds of dissent already.
Next week, English says that he will make a big revelation about the same. I am intrigued by this story and I am curious to know how it will play out, as I'm sure a lot of the WWE Universe is, right now. What do you guys will be in the video footage that English spoke about?
This is perhaps the first time that Aiden English has the spotlight on him and a chance to potentially shine. It is also probably the first time that Rusev is a clear-cut babyface.
Both men have the potential and opportunity to make this work!
#1 Worst: Babyface Carmella
Remember the last time that Carmella was a babyface? She was either Bayley's best friend in NXT or Enzo and Cass' manager in the main roster, always lost in the mix somehow. I thought she had grown into quite the heel character during her run as champion. While I'm enjoying her run with R-Truth, I genuinely think this is a massive step back for her.
I wonder why WWE spent so much time and energy to build up a compelling character, only to give up on it. Even changing up Carmella's look doesn't save the day.
#2 Best: Becky Lynch's newfound attitude
No, the crowd may never accept her as a heel. But I think Becky Lynch is doing a commendable job as a heel right now. From the surprise attack on Charlotte Flair to the backstage interaction with Lana, she was pure gold.
I loved her little match with Lana too. Lynch showed a fire that had been missing these past few months. It's almost like she knows that this is her opportunity and she must make the most of it, right now.
Is this why Carmella is no longer the devious heel? Has Becky Lynch taken up her spot?
#2 Worst: Limited spots, stacked roster
While 2 hours of content may be easier to watch, it generally means that some stars do not make it to TV. After the 'phenomenal' performance last week, Andrade 'Cien' Almas got no TV time on this week's show. SAnitY hasn't been on TV for a while now. The same can be said about The Usos too.
Not every performer on RAW makes it to TV every week either. But the percentage is far higher than it is on SmackDown Live, truth be told.
#3 Best: Samoa Joe visits the Styles residence
Honestly, I was glad that AJ Styles and Samoa Joe did not meet in the ring and slug it out, as we had predicted. The 'usual' contract signing segments are way too tried and tested, and hardly offer an element of novelty anymore, I believe. I loved the fact that Joe visited the Styles residence. Despite Styles' unconvincing acting skills, it made for some interesting TV.
This is a great setup for a No DQ match. It gives AJ Styles, someone who's known as the essential babyface an excuse to be quite violent.
#3 Worst: No real plans for the US title
WWE decided to put the US Championship around Nakamura's waist. But since then, they haven't booked him in a feud. He's been having random matches every week. And a performer of his calibre certainly deserves better.
Also, this spot looked pretty nasty. I do hope Dillinger is okay!
#4 Best/worst: Orton's interference
Randy Orton attacked Tye Dillinger this week. After inflicting week upon week of hellish punishment on Jeff Hardy, Orton attacked 'The Perfect Ten'. He made it clear that Dillinger is not his victim. And this honestly confused me.
What was the point of this attack? What are Orton's long term plans? I guess it's always great when WWE makes you ask questions.
That said, I found myself underwhelmed by Orton during this episode. This was far less vicious than the stuff he did with the screwdriver.
#4 Best/worst: Big E takes a pin against Sheamus
Usually Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods do jobs for the New Day. Big E is kept protected, more often than not. This week, he took a pin at Sheamus' hands. This was an unexpected development, and not necessarily a good one.
I like the idea of Big E being the invincible member of The New Day. I thought a lot of his mystique was lost by losing clean. At the same time, this was a big step in the right direction for Sheamus, really.
Could Cesaro and Sheamus embark on singles runs soon? I would like to see that!
I leave you with an interesting Tweet from Goldust!
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