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I had just about written this episode of SmackDown Live off when suddenly, out of the blue, the show kicked into high gear midway. From the Trish Stratus segment onward, I felt like it became a much better show as compared to the first half.
Overall, I'd have to give this show a thumbs up. I wouldn't necessarily say that it was at the same level as RAW this week, but then again, SmackDown had one less hour to play with.
Here is enough to write about from the show, both good and bad. I shall detail a few interesting things I noticed from the same here, and invite you to leave your thoughts, both good and bad, in the comments section right below...
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#1 Best: A dream match gets confirmed
In many ways, a clash of this magnitude is much like the match between The Rock and Hulk Hogan. Two representatives of their eras clash in what should be a match between two of the all time greats. One is in the WWE Hall of Fame while the other is well on her way to getting there and staking her place among the legends.
The fact that Trish Stratus is a Canadian hero and SummerSlam takes place in Canada may have a lot to do with the fact that this match is happening but that doesn't diminish the fact that this is a match between two women who grabbed the history books and wrote their own chapters in pro wrestling lore. Stratus is still nimble and looks like she can have a good match.
However, I think Charlotte should go over in this match because she's the future. One wonders what the outcome will be!
See WWE Smackdown Results, Highlights of event, & more on WWE Smackdown Results page
#1 Worst: An advertised match gets canceled
Not long ago, a big match was advertised for SmackDown Live. This was a match that would pit The OC against The New Day in what would be a dream clash.
This was the match that everyone was looking forward to, considering that everyone involved holds a Championship at the moment. While it was changed to a Kingston vs. Styles match which was great, the thrill of a bigger match pretty much diminished what would have otherwise made the 'best' column in this list.
I'm sure that the match will happen down the line, hopefully at a bigger stage, but the fact that it was even advertised here and then canceled must be a disappointing turn of events for WWE fans. Personally, I was surprised to see it announced and had it taken place here, it would have set the building on fire!
Oh well, maybe someday!
#2 Best: Mind games with Finn Balor
Everything about The Fiend is just incredible, I think. I loved the return of Ramblin' Rabbit to the Firefly Fun House where he was about to expose the Fun House for what it really was until Bray Wyatt stepped in and put an end to the whole thing. But most importantly, I loved the interference from The Fiend during the course of the Balor vs. Ziggler match.
I know that Balor should be racking up wins on the way to SummerSlam. But the fact of the matter is that Wyatt should get into his head, causing him to snap entirely. This is great character building for both Wyatt and also Balor, someone who doesn't usually get rattled often.
The Fiend has not wrestled yet but is still the most interesting thing in the roster at this point in time. I really hope this run continues.
#2 Worst: Daniel Bryan's announcement is delayed again
Kayla Braxton went up to Daniel Bryan and Rowan in the back to ask the former about his big announcement. Once again, Bryan would refuse to answer and this brings up a very big issue. What if the announcement, when it finally does happen, fails to deliver as it seems like it probably will?
Let's be honest here, Daniel Bryan is one of the best wrestlers not merely in the roster but on the planet. He could be booked in a whole variety of roles right now, but because of this 'announcement' storyline, he's not doing anything significant at the moment.
I wonder how many people are invested in Bryan's announcement storyline to the point where they even care what happens with him. The sad part is that he could be lighting up the ring feuding with the likes of Aleister Black and Cesaro under normal circumstances.
#3 Best: The cliffhanger
Roman Reigns was about to announce who he'd be facing at WWE SummerSlam. This is until he stepped into a trap and a whole barrage of items fell on top of him.
Buddy Murphy was spotted at the scene of the crime and this begs the question of whether it will be Murphy vs. Reigns at SummerSlam, or if it will eventually be revealed that he was attacked by someone else. Whatever the case may be, I'm quite certain that Eric Bischoff has his hands all over this storyline.
The best kind of storylines are the ones that keep you guessing and therefore this segment gets a massive thumbs up from me. There were some issues with the production and the acting was bad, but the intent is good, at least.
It is great to see WWE taking the effort to tell stories, instead of just booking wrestling matches.
#3 Worst: Alexa Bliss pins Ember Moon
Ember Moon is headed to SummerSlam to take on Bayley in a singles contest as far as I am aware, for the top prize in the women's division on SmackDown Live. I have no idea whether plans include Alexa Bliss being added to the situation as well, or not.
I do not want to see Alexa Bliss added to the situation very honestly. I'm her biggest fan but I think Ember Moon and Bayley have a good story going with both attacking the other on SmackDown Live, which could lead to a very interesting conflict at SummerSlam, and more importantly, a good match.
And if such is indeed the plan, I don't see why Bliss had to pin Moon in this case. She's not in any match as far as I know.
This was just confusing booking all around from WWE and from Eric Bischoff.
#4 Best/worst: Ali pins a current Champion
I'm never a fan of seeing your top champion take a pin on TV, but then again Ali and Nakamura had a pretty fantastic match. The two men worked together at Smackville and obviously have great chemistry with one another. They are building to a match at SummerSlam for the Intercontinental Championship, and this is a good thing!
I didn't know whether I really wanted to see another match between the two men. Plus, I think there are better ways to get to a title match than have your Champion be pinned on TV. But I suppose this gives Ali and Nakamura TV time, and that's always a plus, in my books.
Even if Ali goes on to lose the match, it'll be a big step up. He's a great performer and deserves the spotlight he was always meant to get, until he got injured.
Maybe a Goddess is watching over him!
