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This week’s episode of WWE SmackDown witnessed crucial developments in several WrestleMania title feuds.
A few superstars confronted their opponents ahead of the upcoming event, while others fell prey to unexpected attacks. Logan Paul also appeared on the blue brand and acted as a catalyst in the ongoing rivalry between Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens.
This article will look at stars who were impressive on WWE SmackDown this week and those who were not. So, without further ado, let’s begin.
IMPRESSED on WWE SmackDown - Daniel Bryan
This week on WWE SmackDown, Daniel Bryan brought out a more aggressive side of himself. He locked horns with Jey Uso in the main event of the show and delivered a brilliant performance.
The two superstars locked horns in a brutal street fight that ended with Bryan picking up a big win. It certainly helped in shifting a lot of momentum onto his side ahead of WrestleMania 37.
The match was confirmed for WWE SmackDown soon after Daniel Bryan joined the Universal title bout between Roman Reigns and Edge at the upcoming event.
Reigns wanted Jey Uso to inflict a lot of punishment on his opponent, hoping to "take out" Bryan before the Triple Threat match. Fortunately for Bryan, he prevailed against Jey Uso and made a huge statement at the end of the show.
Bryan and Jey Uso’s match on WWE SmackDown was well-balanced right from the start, as they took turns to gain dominance over each other.
Both Bryan and Jey Uso have locked horns multiple times in the last few months. Thus, they ensured that their experience with each other was reflected in their match, especially when it came to sneaky attacks.
At one point, Bryan wrapped a chain around his fist before brutally punching Jey Uso. The latter also managed to lay out a gruesome attack on his opponent. However, after a tiring battle in the main event of WWE SmackDown, Bryan forced Jey Uso to tap out.
He wanted everyone to know that he is laser-focused on his upcoming title match at WrestleMania, and he wasn’t done yet.
Both Edge and Roman Reigns were present during this match. The Rated-R Superstar was on the commentary team while the Tribal Chief watched from the ramp.
After winning his match, Bryan attacked both Edge and Roman Reigns to be the last man standing as WWE SmackDown came to an end.
FLOPPED on WWE SmackDown - Shayna Baszler
This week’s episode of WWE SmackDown witnessed the return of Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler.
The latter was scheduled for a match against Natalya while Jax and Reginald sat at the commentary desk. The bout looked promising in the first few seconds, but it soon ended with Baszler sustaining an embarrassing loss.
After exchanging a couple of blows, Baszler tried to attack Natalya. However, the Queen of Harts quickly rolled her opponent backward and pinned one-half of the Women’s Tag Team Champions in a matter of few seconds. It was shocking to see Baszler lose in such a fashion, especially considering how dominant she is on the roster.
Soon after the match, a brawl broke out between several tag teams on WWE SmackDown. Natalya and Tamina attacked Jax and Baszler. Soon after, the Riott Squad, Naomi and Lana, and Mandy Rose and Dana Brooke joined.
It appears WWE creative will probably have Jax and Baszler defending their titles against multiple teams at WrestleMania. Regardless of what awaits them, one should point out that Baszler is in desperate need of a stronger booking on the main roster.
IMPRESSED on WWE SmackDown - Jey Uso
Jey Uso is gradually establishing himself as a top superstar on WWE SmackDown. His recent run as Roman Reigns' right-hand man has allowed him to explore his complete potential as a singles star. Uso was once again featured in the show's main event and was excellent in his portrayal as a heel.
He was brutal inside the ring and looked determined to stop Daniel Bryan at all costs. Jey Uso referred to his previous matches with Bryan to better navigate the offense.
He was vicious in his attacks, with and without weapons during the street fight. Bryan also gave Jey Uso enough room to get creative during their match on WWE SmackDown.
Despite sustaining a loss against Bryan, Jey looked impressive inside the squared circle. That said, he now has to answer Roman Reigns, who expected him to get the job done against Bryan. It will be interesting to see how the Tribal Chief will respond to the loss.
The fact that Bryan had enough left in him to attack Reigns after the match is enough to irk the Universal Champion. Jey Uso also failed to stop Edge ahead of Fastlane. Thus, Uso will look for every opportunity to redeem himself in the coming weeks.
IMPRESSED on WWE SmackDown - Bianca Belair
This week on WWE SmackDown, Bianca Belair locked horns with Carmella in an engaging match. The two superstars pushed each other to their limit during their short encounter.
Belair looked strong inside the squared circle, and Carmella came across as a significant threat. The match ended with Belair eventually picking up a victory.
Belair and Carmella went for hard-hitting blows right from the beginning of the match. The latter managed to navigate her way around most of Belair’s attacks, which prompted the E.S.T. of WWE to become more ruthless and intense as the match progressed. Eventually, she delivered a perfect K.O.D. and pinned Carmella on WWE SmackDown.
There was a brief confrontation between Belair and Sasha Banks after the bell, with both stars narrowly escaping engaging in another brawl.
WWE creative has done well in booking Belair strongly ahead of WrestleMania 37, where she will challenge Sasha Banks for the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
Bianca Belair is currently a top babyface of the blue brand. Ever since her victory at the Royal Rumble, WWE creative has paid particular attention to protecting her on SmackDown. She will be one of the top favorites to walk out of WrestleMania 37 with a title.
IMPRESSED on WWE SmackDown - Otis
Otis is finally comfortable with his current run on WWE SmackDown, and its impact on his performances over the last few weeks has been evident.
Otis looks more convincing in his attacks inside the ring. He also works well alongside Chad Gable, and the two have been impressive on the blue brand ever since they turned heel.
Otis competed in an eight-man tag team match this week. The Alpha Academy teamed up with WWE SmackDown Tag Team Champions Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode to take on the Street Profits and the Mysterios. Otis did well against each of his opponents and ruthlessly assaulted them during the match.
The match's closing moments saw Otis deliver an impactful splash from the middle rope that helped him pin Montez Ford. At the moment, he is looking like the best version of himself.
Due to Otis' current form, the Alpha Academy are quickly emerging as a massive threat in the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship picture. He is expected to deliver a dominating performance during the title match next week.
