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SmackDown was entertaining this week although it was a slight downgrade from last week. But the good news is the quality on the road to Hell in a Cell 2021 hasn't been compromised.
In a two-hour window, WWE made sure not to overexpose any superstars, and there was the right amount of storyline progression, with multiple title challengers emerging.
That's exactly what's needed on a weekly show, and we'll jump right into the best and worst aspects of SmackDown this week:
#3. Best: The Usos storyline with Roman Reigns on SmackDown
The Usos were back on SmackDown after over a year apart and faced The Street Profits. There was a lot of hesitation surrounding the match, particularly between Jey Uso and Roman Reigns.
Roman Reigns didn't seem to approve of the tag team reuniting, perhaps because Jimmy Uso still hasn't fallen in line with the Universal Champion. Either way, Jey Uso let Roman Reigns know before the match that no matter what happens, he's still with him.
The Usos looked like they didn't skip a beat and they defeated the former Tag Team Champions in a hard-fought battle.
Soon after the match, Jimmy Uso went to Adam Pearce to ask for a title shot against the winner of the main event between The Mysterios and the Dirty Dawgs.
Adam Pearce accepted, but Roman Reigns seemed less than thrilled. He wanted undivided allegiance from Jey Uso and tried to manipulate him into not wanting a full-fledged reunion with his brother.
It's going to be interesting to see how it plays out. Next week, there will be a SmackDown Tag Team Title match between The Usos and The Mysterios. This storyline has been entertaining to watch in the build to Hell in a Cell 2021.
#3. Worst: Repeating the same storyline on SmackDown in less than two weeks
At WrestleMania Backlash, Rey and Dominik Mysterio had to struggle to win the SmackDown Tag Team Championship. Dominik Mysterio was attacked pre-match and Rey Mysterio had to do all the heavy lifting before his son joined in and helped score the big win.
It was a simple formula that would have worked even with a live crowd. So it's hard to fault WWE for opting to create a lot of heat before the SmackDown Tag Team Title victory.
The main event on SmackDown this week was a rematch from WrestleMania Backlash, and WWE repeated the storyline. Only this time, Rey Mysterio was injured.
Dominik Mysterio found himself on the receiving end of a constant beatdown, but all it took was one moment where Rey Mysterio returned briefly for the 24-year-old to pick up the victory.
The Usos came out to set up the SmackDown Tag Team Title match next week, and it looks like it's going to be thrilling. Despite there being another title match on SmackDown next week, this deserves the main event spot.
#2. Best: The SmackDown Women's Championship feud
Bayley remains in the SmackDown Women's Championship picture and we couldn't be happier. Although Bianca Belair is an exciting new Champion, the interest is usually cut in half if there isn't an exciting challenger.
With Sasha Banks out until July, there needs to be a hot feud to keep the SmackDown Women's division going. Bayley is the right answer as she's the perfect heel to Bianca Belair babyface.
Bianca Belair defeated Carmella in a potential title eliminator this week on SmackDown, but the best part of the match was Bayley at ringside. She has a habit of stealing the show even when she's not directly involved, and her interaction with Michael Cole was hilariously entertaining.
Bayley is here to stay, and she's the best challenger that Bianca Belair can have right now.
#2. Worst: The Seth Rollins promo on SmackDown
Cesaro is supposed to be in the Universal title feud on SmackDown, but no progress was made on that front this week.
Seth Rollins had attacked Cesaro again last week, indicating their rivalry still isn't over. It means one of two things. Either Cesaro has to defeat Seth Rollins once again before earning a Universal Championship match at Hell in a Cell. Or the Universal Championship match will be a Triple Threat match.
It's hard to say since WWE has been doing a lot of multi-person matches on both RAW and SmackDown. This week on SmackDown, Seth Rollins came out to cut an entire forgettable promo where he mocked Cesaro.
It would have been better to feature him in a backstage segment rather than wasting screentime with a promo that did nothing.
#1. Best: The handling of Shinsuke Nakamura on SmackDown
Shinsuke Nakamura has quietly been one of the best-booked stars on SmackDown in recent weeks. Despite a couple of losses to King Corbin on SmackDown, he has begun to make a comeback.
Rick Boogs is a good addition, even if the introduction was slightly off tonight. Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Chad Gable on SmackDown, after which he was searching for his crown.
King Corbin was at ringside with the crown in hand, stating it belonged to him. Rick Boogs didn't agree and attacked Corbin from behind, allowing Nakamura to reclaim the crown.
Although it's a fairly straightforward rivalry, it's been the most enjoyable one that either man has had in years.
Shinsuke Nakamura hasn't had a bad 2021 by any means. While his incredible gauntlet match has been forgotten recently, it's good to see him getting a slight push.
#1. Worst: Setting Kevin Owens up for an Intercontinental title shot on SmackDown
Kevin Owens faced Apollo Crews on SmackDown, but the match too quickly. Owens appeared to have the upper hand, but Commander Azeez put an abrupt stop to the contest after hitting him with the Nigerian Nail.
It blocked Owen's breath and the match ended in favor of Kevin Owens. A DQ victory wasn't satisfying enough, however.
Adam Pearce met Owens, and the latter told the authority figure that he wants a match against Crews next week without Azeez at ringside. The match was immediately granted.
The match seems to hold little importance next week. While we don't expect a title change, it will be interesting to see if Sami Zayn gets involved. Apollo Crews is enjoying the best run of his career, but this episode felt like a hiccup in booking the Intercontinental Champion.
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