San Diego is known as “The City of Motion,” but last night, the Superstars of WWE’s Smackdown roster were the one’s in motion, as WWE Live rolled into the Aztec City!
As we head deeper into Wrestlemania Season, WWE Superstars are busy making towns, and showing fans why now is a better time than ever to be excited about what's going on in the WWE. While the Raw roster was in Los Angeles this for this week’s Monday night programming, the guys and gals of The Blue Brand took over San Diego’s Valley Valley View Casino Arena for another live event.
As you will see, there were some unlikely partnerships made, while the WWE Intercontinental Champion stood his ground in a gruelling Fatal-4-Way Match. Let’s dive right into the results!
#1 American Alpha(c) vs. The Uso’s vs. Breezango
The night kicked off with a WWE Smackdown Tag Team Championship Match. The odds were stacked against the defending champs, as this wouldn't be any ordinary tag-title match. Instead, American Alpha would be defending their titles against two challenging teams in The Usos, as well as Tyler Breeze and Fandango.
This was a fun, face-paced contest, but the champions put all the pieces together, with another flawless performance.
Winners: American Alpha(retained titles)
#2 Kalisto vs. Curt Hawkins
Judging by the response I am getting from fans who were in attendance, this was a rather uneventful bout.
Kalisto is someone who is on the verge of having a dynamite WWE career. As far as Hawkins, I question the reasoning for bringing him back, if there was no direction in place for him. Nonetheless, these two battled last night in singles competition, with very little to cheer about.
Winner: Kalisto
#3 Heath Slater, Rhyno and Mojo Rawley vs. The Ascension and Aiden English
No matter how much I loathe Mojo Rawley, he has an infectious way of getting over with the fans at these live events, and last night was no different. Apparently, Mojo was a big hit with the crowd in San Diego, summoning the WWE Universe to “Get Hype!”
This match was said to actually be quite entertaining, with The Ascension drawing a tonne of heat from the first few rows of fans. I can tell from experience, Konnor is notorious for antagonising the fans in the first couple of rows. I guess everyone is good at something, he’s good at making people despise him, maybe?
Winners: Heath Slater, Rhyno and Mojo Rawley
#4 Apollo Crews vs. Dolph Ziggler
This feud has the potential to really pick up some much-needed steam if the chemistry continues to strengthen. Ziggler has always been regarded by his colleagues as one of the best in-ring storytellers. He has been known as a phenomenal salesman in the ring, which is a priceless asset in this business.
This was a highly competitive contest, with a number of near-finishes. However, in true house show fashion, the edge always goes to the babyface.
Winner: Apollo Crews
#5 Becky Lynch vs. Alexa Bliss
Fans at the Valley View Casino Arena are reporting that this was an outstanding performance by both of these ladies. There’s no denying the progress that the women’s division has enjoyed as of late.
Becky Lynch and Alexa Bliss have been strong in and out of the ring, with Bliss really surprising a lot of people with her amazing improvements since being drafted to the main roster. Many, including this writer, had their doubts about Alexa Bliss...but I was sadly mistaken
Winner: Becky Lynch
#6 Fatal-4-Way: Dean Ambrose(c) vs. Baron Corbin vs. The Miz vs. AJ Styles
Some are tweeting that this was the match of the night, or that this one stole the show. I have no doubts whatsoever, that this was an incredible contest for the Intercontinental Title.
All four of these competitors are top-tier WWE Superstars, riding a tremendous high at the moment. One of the biggest surprises has been the improvement that Baron Corbin has seen since coming to the main roster. He has evolved from a hit-and-miss performer to a consistent title contender. This guy has multiple title reigns in his future.
All four of these performers are capable of being WWE Championship contenders. This is a tribute to just how far the Intercontinental Title has been elevated.
Winner: Dean Ambrose(retains Intercontinental Title)
#7 Nikki Bella and Tamina Snuka vs. Natalya and Carmella
Talk about two teams of polar opposite partners! It’s good to see Tamina back in action full-time. She appears to have dusted off the ring-rust over the past week, since returning to action.
All-in-all, this match was said to be decent, but not necessarily a home run. As usual, fans say the match felt like it was rushed. While it is interesting to see Tamina working as a babyface, the jury is still out on how Nattie is doing as a heel.
Winners: Nikki Bella and Tamina Snuka
#8 Main Event: John Cena and Luke Harper vs. Randy Orton and WWE Champion Bray Wyatt
One interesting note about this match was the fact that both teams, all four participants, received huge pops upon their entrance. For the longest time now, Bray Wyatt has had a large fan following of what he calls his “fireflies.” It would seem like the logical move to just have Bray revert to all-out babyface.
This main event contest did not disappoint the fans who remained throughout the entire event. While there was a good amount of back-and-forth near finishes, this was a night for the babyfaces, as typically the norm for house shows.
Winners: John Cena and Luke Harper
Send us news tips at [email protected]
