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I personally thought that this week's episode of WWE SmackDown did not start off with a bang but certainly ended with one, especially with the segment featuring Alexa Bliss and The Fiend. WWE SmackDown has been such a by-the-numbers show in the past few weeks that I genuinely think that this is one of the more exciting developments to have emerged from the show in a good while now.
But how did the rest of the show compare to the final few moments of this week's episode of WWE SmackDown? Let's run through the highlights in this week's edition of 'Best and Worst of WWE SmackDown'.
As always, my thoughts are my own and you can rant, rave, complaint, moan, or even agree with my assessment in the comments section below if you're so inclined. I love you all.
#1 Best: Will Alexa Bliss be cast as Sister Abigail on next week's WWE SmackDown?
Everyone expected a change in character for Alexa Bliss or even Nikki Cross after the completion of the WWE SmackDown main event when both women were in the center of the ring. What nobody expected after Nikki Cross shoved Alexa Bliss down is the appearance of The Fiend who applied the Mandible Claw to The Goddess, making one wonder if Alexa Bliss will be recast as Sister Abigail on WWE SmackDown, going forward.
Alexa Bliss is one of the most expressive characters in the WWE SmackDown roster and yes, she would be absolutely perfect for the role of Sister Abigail. Alternatively, WWE SmackDown's think-tank could swerve us and choose to make Nikki Cross Sister Abigail instead. You can check out my thoughts on the shocking conclusion to this week's show, at the following link, ladies and gentlemen- Why Alexa Bliss was attacked on WWE SmackDown.
#1 Worst: The botched spot between Naomi and Lacey Evans on WWE SmackDown
WWE has an entire show called 205 Live, where the most athletic stars in the world flip, flop, and fly for the duration of the show. There is no need for everyone in the WWE SmackDown roster to wrestle in the style of Rey Mysterio, in my personal opinion at least, because it can lead to some very awkward moments like the botch I've shared above.
This isn't a knock at Naomi or Lacey Evans both of whom have proved in the last few months on WWE SmackDown that they can be a beloved babyface with an organic connection to the fans and a nasty heel respectively (even though Corey Graves mentioned on WWE SmackDown that he isn't really a fan of the word 'nasty' vehemently).
It is more a plea to everyone in the WWE SmackDown roster to not wrestle in the same athletic style that everyone in the world is, at this point in time.
The Rock never needed to flip and fly.
#2 Best: A possible new team is formed after a heel turn on WWE SmackDown
Sometimes, it's the most bitter rivals that form the best teams. I think that Shorty G teaming up with King Corbin is a great move, especially for the former, because he has been absolutely vanilla since he adopted the 'height joke' gimmick on WWE SmackDown. Even though he's one of the more gifted in-ring performers in the WWE SmackDown roster, he wasn't really tearing it up as a lower mid-card babyface and this alliance certainly has much potential.
Also, imagine the quality of matches we'll get to see between Shorty G and Matt Riddle.
A tussle between a former UFC fighter and an Olympian should be one for the ages, because of how well they've adapted their roots into their sports entertainment game on WWE SmackDown. I wasn't really feeling the whole King Corbin vs. Matt Riddle rivalry until Shorty G entered the mix on WWE SmackDown and now I am kicked to see where this whole rivalry goes, in the coming weeks.
#2 Worst: The Lucha House Party enters the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship picture
I know that I rip on the Lucha House Party every week and I don't mean to sound like I do not think that the two WWE SmackDown stars are not talented at all. But their presence in any WWE SmackDown feud basically indicates that they are in it to eat the pin. Compare them to say The Lucha Brothers in AEW, and see how differently they have been booked, where their Lucha Libre culture/style of working is at the forefront as opposed to the WWE SmackDown superstars pointing their fingers into the sky and yelling 'Lucha' three times in a row.
Did anyone think Gran Metalik would defeat AJ Styles in the opening match of WWE SmackDown? Even the announcers went on about how much of an upset it would be. Even they don't take the team seriously, so why should the audience, sitting at home?
Does anyone truly believe they will defeat Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura for the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships?
#3 Best: A great first showing by Big E on WWE SmackDown
The Big E singles push has begun on WWE SmackDown and I, much like you guys, am in for the ride. I did have an issue with the announcers suggesting that he was in uncharted waters on WWE SmackDown, completely ignoring his singles run and the fact that he's a former Intercontinental Champion, but aside from that I quite enjoyed Big E's big debut match.
I also love the fact that Big E unleashed a brand new submission move on WWE SmackDown to win his big match instead of the big ending because it signals a brand new departure from the norm for the incredibly talented performer. It's a new journey for him on WWE SmackDown and hence, this is a new move to go along with the whole new singles push.
Before I leave you, I want to invite you to watch my colleague Gary Cassidy engage in conversation with nZo (former WWE Superstar Enzo Amore) in this incredibly engaging interview.
One of Samoa Joe's colleagues had harsh words for him HERE
