Four Corners Elimination Tag Team Match (Smackdown Tag Team Championships):
Result: American Alpha pin the Wyatts last to win the championships.
Grade: 8.5/10
This was a splendid match to open the show, with fast-paced action and high stakes keeping the Chicago crowd invested in the matchup. Heath Slater and Rhyno being eliminated first is another hint at their impending breakup, which is sad to hear after a fun underdog run as a tag team.
American Alpha and the Wyatts’ long battle to finish the bout was wise, as the two teams produced some excellent action without the chaos of two other teams waiting in the wings. The title win here from American Alpha was awesome, with the Chicago crowd erupting for new Tag Team Champions.
A shock title victory is something that has been often missing from WWE TV, so it was nice to see American Alpha win the gold here. Although some may say it was too soon for the Wyatts to drop the titles, it can allow for all three to move up the card heading into the Royal Rumble and Wrestlemania, whether they stay as a unit or not.
It will also be interesting to see how Orton and Harper’s tension (which cost them the match) will play out in the coming weeks. Overall, a splendid match with great action, and a shock title win for American Alpha, who deservedly won the Tag Team Titles in exhilarating fashion.
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