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We don't know if Raw is just more star studded or if the Superstars on the flagship WWE show are being booked stronger, but SmackDown Live came across as the B-show this week, in more ways than one.
After what was a pretty interesting episode, last week, this week's episode disappointed us with a lack of storylines and any visible direction. We hope it is just the lull before the storm, and that SmackDown Live picks up the pace in the weeks that follow.
For now, we bring you our 'Best and Worst' countdown.
#1 Worst: The Singh Brothers on the microphone
The whole world has been buzzing about the John Cena and Roman Reigns promo battle from Raw, where the two participants broke the fourth wall, and stole the show, in the process. This week's opening segment featuring the Singh Brothers and Jinder Mahal failed to capture our imagination in the same way, really.
It showed the vast gulf of inexperience that exists between the top tier stars on Raw and SmackDown Live. The Singh Brothers came off as hokey, artificial and certainly, very green.
We were glad when Shinsuke Nakamura interrupted this segment and saved the show, somewhat.
Let's be honest, guys. The anti-America diatribe that Mahal spews on a weekly basis is getting very old and dated, very fast. Mahal has come a long way and he deserves a good storyline, so that he can evolve as a performer. This current plotline is as disappointing for fans as it is for a promising performer like him.
#1 Best: The final few moments
Just when it seemed like SmackDown Live would go off the air with a forgettable main event match, Randy Orton turned on his opponent, Shinsuke Nakamura, setting up the stage for next week's No. 1 contender match, between the two men.
It builds up the tension nicely and ensures that we will not look at the match as just another babyface battle at all. It is clear that in that particular match, Orton will be the heel, while Nakamura is the good guy, at least for the time being.
As cool as this moment was, it was a replica of Raw going off the air with Nia Jax turning on Alexa Bliss, honestly. We still call it a 'Best', but only just.
#2 Worst: Rematch for yet another rematch
The New Day and The Usos have seemingly been feuding forever and we haven't seen the end of it. This week, they took on one another to determine the stipulation for their tag team championship rematch, in the future.
We do not question the natural chemistry that these two teams have when wrestling one another, but it may make sense to freshen up their act, by having them feud with other teams for a change.
This is the age of short attention spans, and it would be criminal for WWE to make these two teams feud forever and lose the equity they have.
#2: Best: Zero ring rust
One of the biggest questions that any wrestling fan has in 2017, is if veterans can hang with the faster-paced style of modern day WWE or not.
We are happy to report that Shelton Benjamin certainly can, even though he has slowed down his pace as compared to his heyday.
He looks to be in phenomenal shape, and did not miss a beat inside the ring, teaming up with one of the best workers in the roster, former Olympian Chad Gable.
This is a team we are keen to see, and we hope they can enter the title mix, in the coming days. For what it's worth, it was also great to see The Ascension get some time on TV.
#3 Worst: Tamina
WWE is trying to turn Tamina into SmackDown Live's version of Nia Jax, and we laud them for that.
However, there is something missing in Tamina, the X-Factor that allows a performer to emerge from the role of a sidekick to a legitimate, promising singles performer.
We understand what WWE is attempting, with Lana in a managerial role, but it'll take a lot of work to have Tamina go the distance. For the sake of everyone involved, we just hope that the experiment is positive.
#3 Best: Season 2 of the hit show
It's criminal how Breezango and Tyler Breeze are still not getting any ring time, despite the success of the Fashion Files series. However, they continue to impress, in this season like in the last, involving the undercard in their skits, most recently arriving at the conclusion that Aiden English is somehow involved in the case they are currently investigating.
As we have said several times in the past, these skits make us wonder why WWE does not use the same level of creativity in their other segments.
Let's hope this translates into a championship run for this talented team, in the near future.
In conclusion
Remember how we couldn't wait to watch SmackDown Live, immediately following the brand split? We do not know how, but over time, the show has lost its charm. Maybe it is the fact that Talking Smack is no more, or that Cena has been moved to Raw, but it just seems like a watered-down show.
Let's remain optimistic about the future, and hope that SmackDown Live can overcome the odds, and fill our homes and lives with the power of love. Until next week, hopefully with a better show.
