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WWE SmackDown's go-home show before Survivor Series 2020 left the fans with mixed feelings. While there were a few promising segments, a couple of decisions from the creative didn't sit well with the WWE Universe. From the result of a much-anticipated grudge match to Roman Reigns and Drew McIntyre coming face to face, there were certainly moments that contributed towards making it a good show.
In addition to that, we finally got the names of all those who will represent SmackDown at Survivor Series. Otis and Bayley were handpicked to join the men's and women's teams, respectively. And lastly, there was one qualifier booked to determine the final member of SmackDown's women's team.
In this article, we will take a look at Superstars who managed to impress on WWE SmackDown this week and those who didn't. So, without further ado, let's begin.
#1 Impressed on WWE SmackDown: Murphy
On this week’s episode of WWE SmackDown, Murphy managed to pick up the biggest victory of his career after he pinned Seth Rollins inside the squared circle. He was engaged in a brutal encounter against Rollins in their grudge match that was long overdue. Finally, it was the disciple who managed to overcome The Messiah and prove his worth once and for all.
It’s not like Rollins didn’t attempt at employing his devious methods to gain an upper hand during this SmackDown match. A few minutes into this battle and Rollins immediately wanted to use a kendo stick. However, it was Rey and Dominik Mysterio who stopped Rollins from involving any weapons. Even though the latter took out the father-son duo, the entire Mysterio family stood by the ringside to show their support to Murphy.
Throughout this match on SmackDown, Murphy took immense punishment. However, staying with Rollins ultimately helped him understand his opponent’s moves quite well. Finally, Murphy successfully spotted the best ways to fight back and regained control over the match. Once that happened, it was easy for Murphy to get comfortable with the momentum.
After Rollins delivered a Falcon Arrow, Murphy kicked out of a pinfall and hit back with two consecutive knees to the face of his opponent. Finally, he delivered a well-executed Murphy’s Law to silence Rollins and pin his former mentor. Needless to say, Aalyah Mysterio and her entire family were ecstatic with Murphy’s victory on SmackDown and wasted no time in celebrating the same. It will be interesting to see what will be in store for Murphy following this feud. Also, Aalyah Mysterio deserves special mention for her acting skills as well.
#1 Flopped on WWE SmackDown: Tamina
In the first hour of the show, WWE SmackDown confirmed the final two members of the women’s team. In a backstage segment, Adam Pearce confirmed that he had picked Bayley to be a part of the women’s team because she has proven her leadership. On the other hand, he handed another opportunity to Natalya to book the final spot for herself.
She then went on to face Tamina in an extremely underwhelming encounter on SmackDown. Even the most poetic description of this match can’t make it seem interesting for a passing second. In fact, the best part of this match was Bayley and Bianca Belair who joined the commentary team. At best, Tamina landed a couple of blows before tapping out to Natalya’s Sharpshooter.
While the result of this match seemed predictable, the fans expected a slightly promising match between Natalya and Tamina on SmackDown. The latter came out of this in-ring bout looking the weakest contender in the entire women’s division, and that includes a Superstars that has gone through the table for nine consecutive weeks.
#2 Impressed on WWE SmackDown: Daniel Bryan
Earlier this month, Daniel Bryan was brutally attacked by Jey Uso when the two Superstars battled it out in the main event of SmackDown. In fact, Jey Uso went on to manhandle Bryan even after their match because he was told to do so by Roman Reigns. This act also cemented Uso’s heel turn while Bryan was carried out of the Thunderdome on a stretcher.
This week on SmackDown, the four-time WWE Champion returned for his payback. He went on to face Jey Uso in a great match that headlined the show. Both Superstars looked strong inside the ring and took turns in dominating the match. There were several good pots throughout this in-ring encounter, and finally, Bryan picked a convincing victory over his opponent.
This win for Bryan was necessary as the talented Superstar needs more momentum to back him up when he eventually goes after the gold on the Blue brand. Tonight, on SmackDown, he was also involved in a brief altercation with Sami Zayn that hinted towards a possible rivalry between the two for the Intercontinental Championship after Survivor Series.
#2 Flopped on WWE SmackDown: Natalya
Did Natalya win her match and get a spot for herself in the women’s team of SmackDown? Yes. Was she still unimpressive tonight? Also yes. Natalya’s victory over Tamina didn’t seem credible at all. Tamina could barely connect her kicks while Natalya hardly looked interested in competing in this qualifier.
It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Natalya looked much better in her brief backstage segment with Adam Pearce. Given that she has lost her last few attempts at qualifying for the SmackDown Women’s team, it was expected that she would look at least slightly more passionate or determined to earn a spot for herself.
Much to our disappointment, that was not the case. Natalya may not be the best performer in WWE women’s division today, but she can certainly deliver better matches, and we have seen her do that in the past. The only positive outcome from this match was the fact that while representing SmackDown, Natalya will come face to face with Lana during the traditional five-on-five match at Survivor Series.
#3 Impressed on WWE SmackDown: Roman Reigns
On this week’s episode of WWE SmackDown, Roman Reigns and Drew McIntyre met for a contract signing. The latter wanted to warn the Universal Champion and even went as far as giving him advice. Unfortunately for him, the advice didn’t sot well with The Tribal Chief who then went on to cut a promo so good that it automatically earned him a spot in the list of the most impressive Superstars this week.
Reigns went on to say that McIntyre is in no place to give him advice. Instead, he took it upon himself to let McIntyre know that the latter is a ‘second-choice’ Superstar in WWE. He said that the only reason why McIntyre was given the WWE Championship is that Reigns himself didn’t want to take up the job.
Even though Roman Reigns and Drew McIntyre were not involved in a brawl during this SmackDown segment, the war of words between them made Reigns look stronger. While McIntyre chose to remain quiet for the majority of the segment – trying his best to not get triggered, Reigns did everything he could to belittle his RAW counterpart and reduce him to a mere prop.
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