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WWE SmackDown uncharacteristically delivered an average show this week. While the good parts of the show were impressive, the bad parts were equally underwhelming. Additionally, we saw significant developments in the biggest feuds ahead of the Crown Jewel 2021 pay-per-view.
Here, we look at the biggest flops and hits on the Blue brand. So, without further ado, let's begin.
#6 Flop on WWE SmackDown: Kevin Owens gets beaten up by Baron Corbin again
SmackDown is arguably delivering the best pro wrestling show week in and week out, but the writers have genuinely lost the plot with Kevin Owens. Once again, he was involved in an underwhelming segment that saw him getting beaten up by Happy Corbin and his associate, Madcap Moss.
It looks like he is either being punished for his tweet about the Mount Rushmore coordinates, or everyone backstage knows that he will move on to AEW once his contract ends in January. Hence, they have decided to make him look as ridiculous as possible.
But this is where WWE is making a mistake. One might 'justify' Owens' current booking on the show using a business angle, i.e., the company trying to take away the credibility from a celebrated star before he potentially goes to work for a rival promotion.
But that plan will backfire as it ultimately exposes the pettiness and insecurity associated with his exit. Moreover, it will give people a solid reason to tune in on the other show where a wrestler of his caliber is treated well.
Maybe he will find redemption on RAW after Crown Jewel, but time is running out and Vince McMahon's promotion won't have a lot of opportunities to make up for what is being done to Kevin Owens. What's the guarantee that it won't cast a shadow of a doubt, or worse, annihilate the trust of other talents who want to make a future in WWE?
Certainly, a former Universal Champion's example would be too big to ignore.
#5 Hit on WWE SmackDown: Finn Balor and Cesaro deliver impressive performances
The last match on this week's SmackDown saw Finn Balor and Cesaro face each other in an awe-inspiring encounter to determine the next semi-finalist in the King of the Ring tournament. Both superstars looked equally intense and played to their respective strengths. There was not a single dull moment in their match as their attacks and counters were amazingly synced.
The crowd was fully invested in the match and encouraged both superstars. Eventually, Balor picked up an impressive victory and advanced to the next round of the King of the Ring tournament. Against any other opponent, Cesaro would have arguably been the favorite to win the match.
However, Balor's victory made more sense at the moment, especially considering The Demon's blasphemous booking at Extreme Rules. He will now face Sami Zayn in the semi-finals next week and has a good chance of becoming a finalist for a match at Crown Jewel.
That said, Cesaro's performance shouldn't be overlooked either, and it would be great to see him being pushed into the Intercontinental Championship picture.
#4 Flop on WWE SmackDown: Liv Morgan loses, again
WWE SmackDown this week marked the beginning of the Queen's Crown Tournament. One of the two matches saw Liv Morgan and Carmella faced each other in an underwhelming singles match.
Despite their recent rivalry, the creative team allowed the latter to pin Morgan in under two minutes and put a blatant stop to her momentum. Roman Reigns got more time to walk from the entrance to the ring.
The women's division needs new superstars, but how will we ever see other talents rise to the level of The Four Horsewomen if they are never given ample opportunities to showcase their in-ring prowess.
The other first-round match between Toni Storm and Zelina Vega was also short, but they put up a convincing fight. Despite losing, Storm didn't look weak, and Vega looked more vicious than ever. WWE needs to push more talent and turn them into legitimate title contenders to avoid repetitive championship feuds all year long.
#3 Hit on WWE SmackDown: Sami Zayn and Rey Mysterio clash in an epic match
This week's opening match on WWE SmackDown saw Sami Zayn and Rey Mysterio face each other in the King of the Ring tournament. Both superstars delivered flawless performances in a well-balanced match.
Mysterio looked like he was in his 20s, moving inside the ring and wowing viewers with his signature high-flying maneuvers. Zayn looked incredible, and this match successfully set the tone for the prestigious tournament.
Towards the end of the bout, Dominik walked out and decided to stay at ringside. He saw Sami Zayn trying to remove the protective covering from the top turnbuckle and went to replace it, which distracted his father. Zayn sought the opportunity and attacked Mysterio from behind to earn his pinfall and advance to the semi-finals.
This was one of the few times when a surprise roll-up pin from behind didn't look forced. It also worked well in drawing more attention towards the growing tension between Rey and Dominik Mysterio. Do we have a potential father-son feud on the cards?
#2 Hit on WWE SmackDown: Paul Heyman cuts one of the best pro wrestling promos of the year
WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns was happy that Paul Heyman successfully brought The Usos to SmackDown during the Draft. But he also wanted his counselor to admit his role in making Brock Lesnar a free agent.
The segment eventually ended with Heyman warning The Beast Incarnate about his impending doom at Crown Jewel.
The promo was poetic on all fronts as it played with the history and subtleties of their current relationship and did well to keep fans interested in Paul Heyman's role in the title feud. Brock Lesnar is set to return on SmackDown next week, and it will be exciting to see how he will respond to Heyman's words.
#1 Hit on WWE SmackDown: Edge finally confronts Seth Rollins
Edge and Seth Rollins are currently involved in the best WWE storyline this year. The altercations, the promos, and the matches have been flawless so far, and it has resulted in an intense rivalry despite no involvement of a title.
The final segment of SmackDown this week saw Rollins boast about his past actions, i.e., hitting The Rated-R superstar with a devastating Stomp as well as invading the latter's home.
Edge soon made an appearance and went straight after Seth Rollins. Both superstars engaged in a brief but brutal altercation inside the ring. Eventually, the former took the microphone and said he would now face Rollins in a Hell in a Cell match at Crown Jewel.
This was very well done, as it seems like a rivalry that deserves this stipulation. So far, both Seth Rollins and Edge both have one win each to their name. Thus, the anticipation surrounding their third and probably final match will do a great job in hyping up their upcoming battle.
