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SmackDown Live was a great show this week as we saw another stellar episode. Besides some unforeseen surprises, the blue brand offered some astounding bouts this week. With just two weeks left for the Show of Shows, the storylines are getting the final touch.
Kofi Kingston had a memorable week on SmackDown Live as he became the #1 contender against Daniel Bryan at the Grandest Stage of Them All. Though Kingston did not compete this week, the other two New Day members did the job for him by winning the Tag Team Gauntlet match.
Vince McMahon's billion dollar company stunned everyone when Charlotte Flair became the SmackDown Women's Champion after defeating Asuka. Moreover, Kurt Angle competed in his final match on SmackDown Live, while Miz and Shane McMahon had a remarkable segment.
Despite offering an impressive episode this week, WWE could have done better. Here we discuss three errors WWE made on SmackDown Live this week.
#3 Letting Nakamura and Rusev participate in the Tag Team Gauntlet match
It's a damn shame how Nakamura and Rusev have been treated in the last few months, and they took another blow this week when they participated in the Tag Team Gauntlet match. The New Day faced the team of Nakamura and Rusev after pinning Anderson and Gallows. Though New Day looked strong in the match, Nakamura and Rusev deserve better treatment.
Nakamura, who is a prominent name in the wrestling world, has been getting a substandard run since last year. The Japanese Sensation won the NXT Title, and he was expected to attain plenty of success on the main roster. As a matter of fact, he chased the WWE Title after winning the Royal Rumble last year. However, he has not been relevant after WrestleMania 34.
Rusev has been the Tag Team partner of Nakamura in the last few months after they had a feud for the US Title. The Bulgarian Brute followed the same path after having notable success in the early part of his career. WWE does not have any plan for the two talented superstars on the blue brand.
#2 The AJ Styles vs Kurt Angle match needed no interference
Without a shadow of a doubt, Vince McMahon's billion dollar company booked a dream match on SmackDown Live this week. Kurt Angle had his final SmackDown match as he faced the Phenomenal One, AJ Styles. The blockbuster bout was certainly a WrestleMania caliber match which provoked interest in the WWE Universe.
Kurt Angle is regarded as one of the best technical wrestlers ever to grace the WWE ring and Styles was undoubtedly a great choice to be his last opponent on SmackDown Live. Styles is considered one of the best in-ring performers of the current generation. Though it was a mind-boggling match-up, the bout did meet the expectations, but it was cut short by interference from Randy Orton.
While the interference made sense, as Orton is facing Styles at the Show of Shows, it certainly ruined the excitement of the mega clash. Styles and Angle had memorable bouts in TNA, and several fans were hoping to see the same picture on SmackDown Live this week.
#1 The SmackDown Women's Title did not need to change hands
SmackDown Live had one of the most appalling results in recent memory when Charlotte Flair defeated Asuka this week. With two weeks left for Mania, the Empress of Tomorrow did not have a credible opponent for the SmackDown Women's Title.
As a result, WWE announced a women's fatal 4-way match to decide the number one contender. However, the match did not take place as Charlotte Flair and Asuka fought for the SmackDown Women's Championship.
It is ambiguous why the SmackDown Women's Title changed hands just eleven days before WrestleMania. Moreover, Charlotte has a colossal battle at the Grandest Stage of Them All as she will compete for the RAW Women's Championship.
It is undoubtedly a slap on the face of the rest of the women of SmackDown Live. The four women who were supposed to participate in the fatal 4-way match got swindled. It will be interesting to see if Asuka gets a rematch in New Jersey next month.
Considering Charlotte will main-event WrestleMania 35, she might participate in two title matches at Metlife Stadium if Asuka gets a rematch.
