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As fans of sports entertainment, you want to be able to recommend the product to your friends and family. Would anyone watching SmackDown Live this week be able to do so, after the miserable two hours we had to witness?
I actually thought that RAW was a pretty decent show and I believed, quite wrongly indeed, that WWE was going to put in every effort to ensure that the blue brand was as strong. Unfortunately, it was your typical United Kingdom show, which seemed like no effort had been put into booking the event.
There were no stakes across all the segments and really no actual stakes in any of the matches. At least on RAW, you had matches that mattered.
I suppose I cannot slot the 'Firefly Fun House' as the best thing about both shows, can I?
#1 Best: Ricochet's surprise invasion
A lot of times, Ricochet has been described as a human highlight reel. That is precisely what he seemed like this week, invading the proceedings shortly after the conclusion of the fatal four-way match this week.
Ricochet leaped up from the ropes onto the ladder like a cat and then, ascended the ladder to grab the contract with the utmost ease. This is a clear indication of the fact that he is not going to win the contract, which is a disappointment in itself, but from a storyline point of view, makes the audience think that he is guaranteed to do something crazy.
It may be far too soon for Ricochet to win the contract and the WWE Championship, in any case. But this was the only time that I thought that something good came from the Wild Card rule.
For anyone who's followed Ricochet since Lucha Underground, it must be heartening to see him positioned so well in the roster.
#1 Worst: Roman Reigns starts both shows
I am not one of those individuals that hates on Roman Reigns for no reason at all like so many others in the WWE Universe. Reigns is a very good hand in the ring and a fantastic representative for WWE.
But can you seriously have him open both RAW and SmackDown Live for a feud with Shane McMahon, that does not even feel like too big a deal? Can you seriously expect to not have him booed over the long haul, something WWE has miraculously achieved following his return after battling cancer if they continue to book him like this?
WWE has a big chance to actually book Roman Reigns in such a way that he remains fresh on only one of the two brands. Over-exposing him will just reduce the sheen surrounding him.
Let's just hope that he opened both shows as a special United Kingdom deal only.
#2 Best: A little reunion
One of the things I actually liked about this week's show was Roman Reigns reuniting with his real-life family, The Usos. While the match that transpired wasn't the most memorable contest in WWE history, it gave the fans a chance to see a feel-good moment. And the three did work well with each other, truth be told.
I wonder if the trio will be reunited again, thanks to the Wild Card rule. I would love to potentially see them take on the likes of The New Day, in due course of time. This is, of course, when Big E returns to the company from injury.
Because Roman Reigns is appearing on RAW regularly as well, I'm certain that we will see a match with The Club and AJ Styles down the line. Now, that's a contest that makes sense and will actually excite the WWE Universe too.
#2 Worst: No feud with Heavy Machinery?
Shortly after, Daniel Bryan and Erick Rowan became SmackDown Tag Team Champions, a feud with Heavy Machinery was teased. I'd called it a good thing because it elevates a team like Heavy Machinery. And at this time, if there's anything WWE needs, it's new stars.
But now they are back to feuding with The Usos, a team from RAW, and this will, not surprisingly, lead to a match on the Money in the Bank Kickoff Show. I personally think that this is a step back because it completely undermines the brand split and the Superstar Shake-Up.
I really do hope that Daniel Bryan and Erick Rowan pick up the win because otherwise, it would mean that The Usos will be a part of both brands. As much as we love them, I'm guessing that everyone's going to sour on The Usos pretty quick if that happens.
#3 Best: The Kabuki Warriors
A rose by any other name would smell just as sweet. However, Mandy Rose was not too amused by the newly named Kabuki Warriors who made short work of her and Sonya Deville.
I love the rift that is being teased between Rose and Deville and the story that WWE is telling us through the weeks. Deville had the match well in control until Mandy Rose came in and was pinned instantly by the Kabuki Warriors.
Bear in mind that Sonya Deville gave up her spot for Mandy Rose to be a part of Money in the Bank. It is clear that there is a heel turn in the works, and a potential feud between the two women planned for the future.
I wonder if this will happen after they win the Tag Team Championships, or if the plan is for both to get singles pushes before that happens.
#3 Worst: The Aleister Black vignettes
There is a marked distinction between the Bray Wyatt vignettes and the incoherent ramblings of Aleister Black. While one makes you lean in and pay attention, the other just makes you scratch your head in sheer puzzlement.
And there is no sense of motion in these vignettes at all. Black just shows up and says dark and mysterious things, which would have been okay for a week or two, but this is just way too much.
I like the idea of vignettes to showcase a character's persona to the WWE Universe before he is repackaged but the fact is that Aleister Black is a known commodity from his NXT run and also his main roster tag team run with Ricochet. And unless something exciting happens during these vignettes, this is channel changing material.
I really do hope that they don't ruin anyone as gifted as Aleister Black.
#4 Best/worst: Kayla Braxton and Lars Sullivan
Let me first commend Kayla Braxton on her acting chops. She appeared absolutely terrified of Lars Sullivan while interviewing him, with her voice quivering and shaking as she asked him a question. I'm guessing those in the backstage area must have been thrilled with her performance, and this will make her a valued player.
On the other hand, I don't know if stoic, intimidating Lars Sullivan is the right character for him to portray at this time. He should be running through opponents like Matt Hardy and R-Truth. I am obviously not going to get into the backstage aspects and the comments that Sullivan made, because that's unrelated to everything else.
All in all, this was one of those weeks where I wished I could just change the channel. RAW proved that WWE can still put on good shows, so there's no reason they shouldn't be able to do so consistently.
Right, Goddess?
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