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WWE SmackDown was a good show, a solid show, an interesting show, an engrossing show, but we've definitely seen far better episodes of the blue brand over the past few weeks.
There was definitely a sense of effort during the show, where each character's strengths shone in every single storyline. There are interesting plot points afoot on WWE SmackDown at the moment, and it should all come together in a big way at the Royal Rumble.
So, with that prelude, let's dive straight into WWE SmackDown to examine what worked and what did not, from this week's show. Did you think that it was better than RAW this week, despite Triple H's appearance, like we did?
Be sure to share your thoughts and views in the comments section below, reader.
#1 Best: Is Apollo Crews now a Roman Reigns guy on WWE SmackDown?
One of the issues that's constantly brought up by the announcers on WWE SmackDown is how Apollo Crews lacks a killer instinct. A parallel can be drawn between his on-screen character and his actual persona because Crews is a personable and likeable guy who's always smiling.
Apollo Crews showed us the first hint that he's turning heel last week on WWE SmackDown when he got into Big E's face and slapped him. This week, he was seen in the backstage area getting advice from Roman Reigns, which is an alliance that can really benefit his career.
But the biggest indicator that Apollo Crews has gone heel comes from the fact that he cheated to win his match, pulling on Sami Zayn's tights. This could be exactly what the young man needed.
Is he all set to be WWE SmackDown's next breakout star in the days and weeks to follow?
#1 Worst: Big loopholes in certain WWE SmackDown storyline plots
Everyone that was watching WWE SmackDown clearly heard Roman Reigns say that he wants a 'Last Man Standing' match against Adam Pearce at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view. Everyone except Adam Pearce, it seems, had no idea what the stipulation was, even after Paul Heyman confronted him in the backstage area, despite the fact that he is supposedly an authority figure.
Can we also address the fact that not one, but two matches ended back-to-back with distraction finishes on WWE SmackDown? We are often told that shows get put together at the very last minute, but the whole point of scripted entertainment is to have control over the narrative to make one match distinct from another, isn't it?
Why does Rey Mysterio need to talk to new people to take down Baron Corbin, when Murphy should have been there by his side all along, following the angle where he was welcomed into the Mysterio family?
A lot of pro wrestling plotlines just feel like nothing has been thought through, does it not?
#2 Best: Billie Kay is the funniest thing, not just on WWE SmackDown, but in all of wrestling
As great as the Roman Reigns stuff is on WWE SmackDown, this reviewer tunes in to the show every week especially for Billie Kay segments. She is the funniest thing in all of wrestling and one has to admit that right now, she may even be funnier than R-Truth. She was absolute gold behind the commentary desk and this could definitely be a role for her, going forward.
As blasphemous as this may sound, the current WWE SmackDown version of The Riott Squad, with Billie Kay as the misfit member may be the best incarnation of the squad that we have seen.
Sarah Logan has commented that she could return to the company in some capacity at some point, and honestly, once she's ready to do so, there's a readymade storyline on WWE SmackDown waiting for her, thanks to Billie Kay. Even Liv Morgan and Ruby Riott seem more exciting than ever thanks to this oddball alliance.
#2 Worst: Doesn't Bayley's WWE SmackDown segment remind you of Dr. Britt Baker's latest concept on All Elite Wrestling?
So, Bayley launched her brand new talk show on WWE SmackDown this week, and the special guest was Bianca Belair. It was a fine show but it comes close on the heels of Dr. Britt Baker launching her own talk show, with Cody Rhodes, earlier this week. The timing is a bit suspect and honestly, the WWE version comes off as a cheaper knockoff between the two.
The obstacle course challenge next week on WWE SmackDown should be interesting but at the same time it brings back worrying flashbacks from the Sami Zayn vs. Bobby Lashley 'sisters' angle, doesn't it?
We've seen WWE parody concepts that worked for WCW in the past (Gillberg) and WCW do the same with Oklahoma, but neither of those gimmicks exactly got over in the manner that they would have liked. Let's hope that Bayley has better luck with her talk show on WWE SmackDown, and it's not seen as a device to parody AEW segments.
#3 Best/Worst: Do we want to see another WWE SmackDown program between Roman Reigns and Kevin Owens?
The rumor that WWE SmackDown star Kevin Owens would replace Adam Pearce at the Royal Rumble has been doing the rounds for a while, and hats off to Dave Meltzer for reporting it. There is no doubt at all, honestly, that Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns will be an absolutely fantastic match especially if it happens in a 'Last Man Standing' environment.
But this is the third time we'll be seeing these warriors joust it out in the middle of the ring, and sometimes, you just long for something fresh. The thrill of watching Adam Pearce defying the odds to defeat Roman Reigns was a much stronger peg than just another 'wrestling match'.
But what do Rick and Denise from SK Wrestling have to say about WWE SmackDown? Be sure to click on Smack Talk, our exclusive WWE SmackDown review show to find out their thoughts and views on the program that just transpired. Please leave a comment as well below.
