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WWE SmackDown wasn't a bad show by any stretch of the imagination. The company tried its best before SummerSlam 2021 to put on an entertaining episode.
The stars came out to play, and there was even a big return that made many WWE Smackdown fans very happy indeed. Of course, the throwback segment with Edge must have pleased every Attitude Era fan!
We all know that WWE SmackDown is the lesser-anticipated wrestling show on this Friday night. That said, there was no way that anything was going to eclipse the return of CM Punk.
As always, you're welcome to share your thoughts about WWE SmackDown and even compare the show with AEW Rampage in the comments below. Are you more hyped for SummerSlam 2021 following this show?
#3 Best/Worst: Everything with the WWE SmackDown Women's Champion Bianca Belair
Yes, it was the right call to showcase WWE SmackDown Women's Champion Bianca Belair in as dominant a manner as she has been. That said, can WWE SmackDown showcase a few more women? Where is Toni Storm? Where is Liv Morgan?
It was a very weird call to have Zelina Vega and Carmella portrayed as Sasha Banks' allies last week during the contract signing. But why have other women been taken off television entirely, so that you see the same permutation and combination of women in similar matches every single week?
None of this is Bianca Belair's fault, by the way. She is an exemplary athlete who dazzled in the ring as only she can on WWE SmackDown showcasing her immense strength and skill through both her matches.
The issue of 'sameness' is a problem that was felt throughout the show this week.
It is an inherent problem with the current WWE product.
#2 Best: The WWE SmackDown Tag Team championship picture is suddenly more interesting
Kudos to the WWE SmackDown creative team for sowing the seeds of dissent between Rey Mysterio and Dominik. They've been portraying Dominik as someone who's becoming too big for his own boots. Did they offer us a glimpse into the future at SummerSlam, where the Mysterios lose the titles when Dominik turns on Rey Mysterio?
#2 Worst: A very embarrassing botch
Everything about the main event segment on WWE SmackDown was perfect and then a call from Michael Cole ruined it all in an instant. The stakes were raised between Roman Reigns and John Cena, and the promo battle, while not as explosive as last week, was fun. But then the roll-up happened, Roman Reigns kicked out in time, and Michael Cole still counted to three.
Does the stipulation also give away the fact that Roman Reigns is winning the match at SummerSlam?
Last week's segment between John Cena and Roman Reigns was magic, and this week's wasn't nearly as special. The match is bound to be great though.
#1 Best: Throwback time
Now that you've read our WWE SmackDown review, please take a moment to check out what Dutch Mantell and Kenny Bolin have to say about it on Smack Talk.
One of the highlights from the show has to be Edge returning to his Attitude Era persona. Even though the PG version of the Brood is a little underwhelming without the blood, it was still a great moment. Who else thought that Seth Rollins was covered in Hershey's chocolate syrup?
Do you think Edge should bring back the Brood persona for SummerSlam 2021?
#1 Worst: An underwhelming WWE SmackDown return
There was absolutely no fanfare for the WWE SmackDown return of the Women's Tag Team Champion, Natalya Neidhart. One of the all-time greats, she just returned from an injury like nothing had happened.
And then she just lost her match. Can we have a way where contenders can earn shots at Champions on WWE Smackdown or RAW without having to pin the titleholder? Why would you present your Champions in such a weak manner?
