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  • Best and worst of WWE SmackDown- Massive return & attack on Roman Reigns, Superstar misused?

Best and worst of WWE SmackDown- Massive return & attack on Roman Reigns, Superstar misused?

By Riju Dasgupta
Modified Jan 11, 2020 09:38 IST
This week's episode of WWE SmackDown certainly had its moments
This week's episode of WWE SmackDown certainly had its moments

I wouldn't necessarily say that SmackDown this week was the most eventful show since the brand has moved to Friday nights, but it wasn't boring by any means. There was more good than bad, and a whole lot of 'average', in my opinion.

So, before I begin my review, I want to remind everyone to leave a comment in the section right below. I love hearing from you guys and even if your thoughts differ from mine, I'm always curious to hear what you guys have to say about the storylines and in-ring action.

WWE SmackDown is certainly a much easier watch than WWE RAW is, in my books. The extra hour on RAW sometimes can be a little too much.

With that said, I present the best and worst of WWE SmackDown.

#1 Best: Robert Roode returns to action in a big way

WWE Superstars are human beings much like you and I and they're prone to make mistakes like you and me. I'm glad to see that Robert Roode is back at the same spot that he was in when he got suspended for violating the WWE Wellness Policy despite all the rumors to the contrary.

Robert Roode is one of the most rock-solid performers in the entire WWE roster and with his return, the heel faction of Ziggler, Corbin, and Roode can pose a real threat to The Bloodline, in my opinion, at least. Until now, The Revival were being thrust into this picture so that the heels outnumbered the babyfaces and it was an odd pairing indeed.

But most importantly, it was the only real surprise of the night and had it not come to pass, this show would have been easily forgotten by the WWE Universe.

#1 Worst: Is Elias being misused?

I do think that Elias is an entertaining sideshow character, but I honestly think that if he goes too long without a match, it will kill his appeal at once. I love what he did this week, with the shots that he took at Brock Lesnar and Bobby Lashley and even Lana, but comedy characters in WWE can only go to a certain level, I fear.

A clear case in point is Drake Maverick, who had been pushed to the moon back when he was contesting for the 24/7 Championship. Unfortunately, now that he's been removed from the picture, he doesn't even have a role on television.

I really do wish that Elias gets a feud and fast, with someone who's higher up the pecking order than Drake Maverick is. He is a competent wrestler as well and needs to remind us exactly how good he is, by feuding with the likes of heels of Shinsuke Nakamura or Sami Zayn or even Cesaro in a few hard-fought and competitive matches.

#2 Best: Ramblin' Rabbit spills the beans

I know that a lot of times, WWE is criticized for the paucity of creative ideas that come from the think tank but I have to say that the Firefly Fun House is one of the most out-of-the-box ideas in the entertainment world, in my opinion, at least. I loved the first Firefly Hun House vignette where Daniel Bryan was reminded why The Fiend has been targeting him, based on their history. But it was the following vignette that was the creepiest of them all.

Ramblin' Rabbit was going to expose The Fiend's weakness to Daniel Bryan when Bray Wyatt stopped him in the nick of time. And then Daniel Bryan discovered Ramblin' Rabbit's carcass inside a gift box inside the dressing room. Things are getting weirder with regard to Bray Wyatt and I'm very entertained.

A lot of times, when you're a long-time wrestling fan, you tend to think that you've seen it all, but thanks to Bray Wyatt and his creative genius, the Firefly Fun House vignettes are always unpredictable.

#2 Worst: Alexa Bliss is distracted by Otis and cake

As my colleague, Rohit Nath said in the Sportskeeda Chat during the course of the show- 'Any WWE Superstar who goes babyface is automatically portrayed as dumb and extremely gullible.' Alexa Bliss had an edge when she was a heel that was great to see, that got her over to a point where she could turn babyface. And now that she's a babyface again, the sight of Otis and cake is enough to distract her.

I mean I know Mandy Rose had to pick up the win in this match in such a manner that Alexa Bliss was protected during the business, but honestly speaking, I don't think that showcasing The Goddess or indeed anyone at all as being so gullible is a good idea. Such moments disrupt the show in a bad way and can make it extremely silly.

Anyone who's been a wrestling fan has probably been often asked how we can enjoy something so silly, and segments like these just continue to take away everything that made a character cool in the first place.

#3 Best/Worst: John Morrison's return

One of the issues that I've always had with Miz TV is that practically every single guest that shows up on the segment is eventually overshadowed by The Miz who is always just sizzling with charisma. John Morrison is great in the ring but when he cut a promo in the middle of the ring after The Miz spoke, it did seem like he was nowhere in the same league as the A-Lister.

And I'm also not sure that this was the best way to bring him back considering the fact that he could have always been a surprise entrant in the Royal Rumble. It would have absolutely blown the roof of the building if that had been the case, in my personal opinion.

I just fear that WWE blew a big opportunity with John Morrison, but of course, not all is lost by any means, ladies and gentlemen. I mean John Morrison is back in WWE and that's cause for celebration.

And I certainly love the idea of a feud between The New Day vs. Miz & Morrison.

#3 Best/Worst: Match canceled, segment delivers

A lot of people were excited to see Lacey Evans take on Sasha Banks this week, but the match was advertised and canceled when Bayley revealed that her best friend was away recording a rap album. And so, while the match did not happen, we were rewarded with a very entertaining backstage segment.

I like how the two women beat each other up in the backstage area to build much anticipation and excitement for their upcoming match. I know that no match has been advertised yet, but it's only a matter of time before the match is announced, I believe.

Do you guys think that it is Bayley's time to reign as the Champion all the way to WrestleMania or would you rather see Lacey Evans with the SmackDown Women's Championship? Personally, I think that Bayley still has enough momentum to carry the title all the way to WrestleMania where she could potentially drop the title to a babyface Sasha Banks if that's the route that's planned.

Or maybe, she drops it to The Goddess!

What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.