We dreaded bringing you the ‘Best and Worst’ of this episode, even before we watched it, because most 4th of July shows are, qualitatively, not very good.
Sure, there’s the usual American babyface vs. foreign heel faceoff and contest during these special episodes, and there are many feel good moments through the show, but one can help but feel WWE has traditionally been lazy while booking these shows, considering they know that it’s a major holiday for all of their American viewers and that they probably won't be tuning in to watch the show.
We are glad to report that WWE pulled up their socks and delivered an amazing episode. Presenting the ‘Best and Worst from SmackDown Live, on the 4th of July.
#1 Best: A near flawless match
They say that AJ Styles can have a good match with anyone in the world of professional wrestling. With Chad Gable, he did not have to try. The two men worked seamlessly, as they traded holds, worked the audience, built anticipation and eventually had most of the crowd chanting ‘this is awesome’, not very long into the match.
As Gable proved with Kevin Owens not very long ago, and AJ Styles this week, he is a very good worker. We’re glad WWE offered this match to the internet wrestling community, much like they were given the Finn Balor vs. Cesaro match on Raw, that was maybe even better.
#1 Worst: Massive production botch
Renee Young was speaking to Mike and Maria Kanellis backstage, and as they spoke about the power of love, the screen blanked out and while their voices could still be heard, but their faces could no longer be seen. This is a major production error and one that reflected badly on a company like World Wrestling Entertainment.
Hopefully, this was a one-off issue and not one that will happen again because it looked quite embarrassing. Unfortunately, this happened during an important segment that was setting up a feud between Mike and Sami Zayn and distracted us from the story at hand!
#2 Best: Very exciting rap battle
The Usos and The New Day faced each other off in a rap battle, and we were left wondering if some of the stuff they said was even PG. The Usos made light of the intimate video of Paige and Xavier Woods, while The New Day, in turn, made fun of The Usos only appearing in dark matches, before they became champions.
There was much back and forth, between The Usos asking Kofi if he was even Jamaican, and The New Day associating The Usos with carrying Roman Reigns’ bags. This was an exciting segment that broke the fourth wall on several occasions, and it was the highlight of the show.
#2 Worst: Three Anti-American storylines
We understand that it’s the 4th of July and people are in a patriotic mood. However, to have Jinder Mahal, Rusev and even Kevin Owens run down Americans and sing praise of their own country was far too much. Not only is this a storyline that feels very dated and ‘from the past’, it reflects poorly on the WWE writers and their lack of fresh ideas.
In Rusev’s case especially, we’d imagined he’d be back rebooted and in a fresh new gimmick, instead of playing the foreign heel once again. Very, sad, WWE.
#3 Best: Two massive returns
We knew that John Cena was returning, from the vignettes that we’ve been seeing recently, but we were glad to see Rusev come back to SmackDown as well. He will add much-needed depth to the roster, and can actually have a fairly interesting match against Cena before both men move on to new programs in the future.
While we were disappointed to see him carry out the classic foreign heel shtick even after moving to SmackDown Live, we’re certainly relieved to know that Rusev is back at full health again.
#3 Worst: Splitting up the Hype Bros?
Mojo Rawley and Zack Ryder have been teasing dissension in the ranks in recent times. The two men were moping in the locker room, and the fact that Mojo Rawley eliminated Zack Ryder at the Battle Royal this week further widened the gulf between the two men.
We wonder if either has the skills to break out and become a singles competitor right now. SmackDown Live is clearly trying to create an Enzo vs. Cass type of situation at this moment, and once again, we shake our heads at the lack of fresh ideas.
#4 Best: Tenee Young
It is amazing how well Breezango have claimed the ‘comedy’ position on the blue brand, after being little more than enhancement talent in the past few months. We wish them all the luck and hope they bring us much laughter with their skills, their skits and their incredible talent, for many years to come.
What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.
