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The superstars of SmackDown Live performed before a bunch of 'hicks' in Richmond, Virginia, according to former US Champion Kevin Owens. Thankfully, the crowd that Owens ran down was an enthusiastic bunch and they made this week's episode of SmackDown feel very special indeed, cheering the babyfaces and booing the heels with equal gusto.
In return, WWE treated them to an episode of SmackDown Live that was far more exciting and entertaining than what had been served to us at Battleground, this weekend on the WWE Network. Let's examine what worked and what did not, from this explosive episode.
#`1- Best: Welcome back, man
He may not be as agile as he was in his prime. He may not be able to hang with some of the younger talents as seamlessly as he used to when he ruled the roost on WWE. However, Chris Jericho is one of WWE's most beloved characters and we're glad to announce that he's back from touring with Fozzy.
Well, it seems like he'll be an integral part of SmackDown Live going forward. Not only did the audience react with glee when he put AJ Styles in the 'List of Jericho', and when he referred to Kevin Owens as a 'stupid idiot',
On the most recent episode of SmackDown Live, Jericho was part of one of the best main event matches that we remember watching in a long time. The blue brand has seemed like it has been lacking star power for a while now, and the addition of Jericho to the roster should solve this problem.
#1 Worst: 'You can't wrestle'
Women's wrestling has reached new heights under the leadership of the Four Horsewomen and others, who've set new benchmarks in in-ring work. Unfortunately, Lana lacks the experience and the finesse that some of these women have in the ring, and when put in a match with talents such as Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch, her inexperience does show. This is not to say that she cannot improve in the due course of time, but right now she's a step behind everyone in the current roster. We thought we'd never hear the 'you can't wrestle' chants on WWE television anymore, but Lana brought them back yet again. Maybe an NXT run would have solved some of the issues that she faces within the squared circle.
#2 Best: A moment for the fans!
When AJ Styles dropped the US Championship at Battleground, we were certain that he would become United States Champion on the following night, and even said so, right here. This is because while Styles was US Champion heading into Battleground, fans had not seen the most popular babyface in the company actually win the coveted title.
This is because Styles became champion at a Live Event in Madison Square Garden and not on television. SmackDown Live went off the air with a feel-good moment, and we are glad for one, after the disappointment WWE serves up on very regularly.
The storytelling in the main event was off the charts too. Owens did not get pinned to lose the championship and therefore invoked his rematch clause for next week. But more on that in a bit.
#2 Worst: A plastic promo
Naomi is an incredible women's champion with a unique gimmick and phenomenal in-ring skills too. However, her promos leave much to be desired and when she was interviewed by Dasha Fuentes backstage, Naomi revealed just how green she is on the microphone.
Moreover, when Natalya entered the fray we wondered if Nattie vs. Naomi is a program we want to see on a show as big as Summerslam. The crowd only reacted when Money in the Bank winner Carmella entered the fray and confronted her adversaries. Naomi needs to step up her game on the microphone, to be regarded as a great babyface champion.
#3 Best: Shinsuke Nakamura finally booked right
This seems to be a regular feature! Nakamura's booking at pay-per-views leaves much to be desired, as he does not look like a dominant performer, and on the following night, he is booked right once again. We saw it first with Dolph Ziggler and now with Baron Corbin.
In any case, Nakamura had an awesome match against Corbin and we hope for his sake, that he is booked in the same manner going forward too. Thankfully, next week seems like a big step in the right direction.
#3 Worst: A missing giant
The biggest news coming out of WWE Battleground was the return of The Great Khali, after three years. We expected to see him on TV this week, maybe kickstarting a new program with the man whose championship dreams he dashed at Battleground- Orton! However, Khali was conspicuous by his absence on TV
Similarly, we were shocked to see WWE not carry out the compelling Breezango abduction angle that we were so invested in when Battleground went off the air. These missing links made SmackDown a not-so-perfect-affair, despite doing several things right.
#4 Best: A packed show next week
Next week, not only do we see the big Kevin Owens vs. AJ Styles rematch, but also a dream match pitting Shinsuke Nakamura against John Cena, with the winner going on to Summerslam to face WWE Champion, Jinder Mahal. We cannot wait to tune in, and how often do we say something like that for an episodic show of SmackDown?
Before we bid farewell, here is a picture of Lana looking absolutely gorgeous from this week's episode. As former SmackDown announcer, Mauro Ranallo would say- 'Mamma Mia!'
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