SmackDown Live’s ratings rose last week, although not significantly enough to warrant any attention. While Raw pulled off a solid episode last night, to counter the constantly decreasing viewership, SmackDown Live offered us much of the same in terms of content that they’ve been delivering as of late.
Thankfully, there was enough to ensure that we were hooked through the duration of the episode. Let’s revisit the show and examine the ups and downs from this episode of SmackDown Live. Let us know if you agree or disagree with our assessment in the comments below.
#1 Best: That beautiful Styles Clash!
Only AJ Styles can make 50-50 booking feel worthwhile. He was booked in a rematch against Dolph Ziggler from last week, and both men impressed with a really dazzling flurry of moves and some impressive selling.
They told a fantastic story, even teasing the finish from last week and putting their own spin on the same. The finish was incredible, with a beautiful transition into a Styles Clash, and the audience deafening us as they chanted ‘AJ Styles’!
We know that Nakamura is known as ‘The Artist’, but if there’s anyone who embodies artistry in wrestling today, it is AJ Styles. Each match that he's in, feels like a real masterpiece.
#1 Worst: Land of way too much opportunity?
Finn Balor was pushed to the moon and back, upon his arrival on Raw, becoming the number 1 contender for the Universal Champion on his very first day on the job. The difference between him, and Lana though, is that Finn Balor scored two victories on the same night to earn the spot.
All Lana had to do is interfere in a six-woman tag team match, and cost Naomi the win. Also, Finn Balor was known as one of the best wrestlers in the world from his days in Japan and NXT. For all intents and purposes, few have seen Lana wrestle in any match, much less a good one.
We shudder to think how bad the match between Lana and Naomi at Money in the Bank will be. Will it eclipse the debacle that was the Kendo Stick on a Pole match too?
#2 Best: Finally booking Nakamura right
Nakamura has oodles of charisma, but where he falters is his knowledge of the English language and therefore, his delivery of promos in English. We made note of how he has not been booked right since his arrival on the main roster, taking forever to beat Dolph Ziggler and subsequently, taking most of the damage in his big tag match on SmackDown Live.
This week, he was booked to go over clean against Kevin Owens, appearing absolutely dominant indeed. He appeared like the main-event Superstar that he is, and if booked in the same manner, can truly be the next breakaway star for the company in the long run.
#2 Worst: Winner of a meaningless trophy
With the aid of his good friend, Rob Gronkowski, Mojo Rawley won the coveted Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal trophy at Wrestlemania in Orlando. Unfortunately, his victory was in vain, as all the momentum he had gained with the victory was squashed due to bad booking.
This week, he was pitted in a match against WWE Champion Jinder Mahal, and quite rightly, lost to the Modern Day Maharaja. Every week, he loses momentum as he is treated as little more than enhancement talent, really.
Wouldn’t it have been better served to award the trophy to someone like Sami Zayn or Braun Strowman who could have actually benefited from it?
#3 Best: The entire tag team landscape
Because they pass through the NXT System, almost every active Superstar on the roster can work alright in the ring. However, character development is something that has been severely lacking in the current day WWE product.
The SmackDown Tag Team Division, which was stagnant until Wrestlemania, is slowly turning things around and how!
We look forward to the Fashion Files segments with Breezango every week. The Usos are cutting great promos, in addition to putting on great matches. The New Day...well, they are The New Day and that's all they need to really be. The SmackDown Tag Team Division is must-see television right now, and significantly better than Raw’s.
#3 Worst: Botch fiesta
This wasn’t a good week for Shane McMahon. Not only did he call Tamina a ‘two-time Superstar’, whatever that means...he also fumbled during his backstage promo with Mojo Rawley. However, the most hilarious botch this week came from the Maharaja, who, while celebrating his win over Mojo Rawley, almost fell off the turnbuckle. Silly Maharaja!
In conclusion, we earnestly look forward to Money in the Bank while we sip our cups of tea, like these two lovely ladies.
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