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The final episode of SmackDown before WrestleMania certainly had its moments. I mean WWE has clearly embraced the 'entertainment' side of their 'sports entertainment' offering and adopted a far more cinematic approach as the event draws nearer.
In any case, WWE had limited resources to get us excited for WrestleMania and all things considered, I felt like they did a pretty commendable job indeed. So, with that said, let me separate the best from the worst before WrestleMania comes around.
Be sure to leave a comment and let me know if you were thrilled with this episode or if you thought that it fell short and lacked in certain departments. You know that your views and your opinions are always welcome on this platform, even if they differ from mine or any of our valued writers.
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We can all differ in our opinion of professional wrestling and none of us would really be wrong.
#1 Best: Sonya Deville betrays Mandy Rose
I genuinely thought that the whole SmackDown glitch thing culminating in a hooded figure who exposes the truth was a fantastic touch. And especially if the rumors are to be believed and if Mustafa Ali is behind all of these glitches, then this is the best thing that he has done in his entire career.
But yes, we knew that there was something fishy behind the text that Otis received, which was the reason why he turned up late and kept Mandy Rose waiting. The ultimate heel turn happened this week as Sonya Deville was revealed as the person who orchestrated the whole facade and it broke Rose's heart.
And now we have a very compelling reason to tune in and watch the drama unfold between Otis and Dolph Ziggler when they take center stage at WrestleMania.
#1 Worst: No reason for Roman Reigns' removal
Triple H had pretty much assured us that Roman Reigns would be removed from WrestleMania 36 in a unique manner. But the fact that Goldberg's opponent at WrestleMania was revealed to be Braun Strowman was presented in such a subtle way, that it was disrespectful to fans.
There was an opportunity to write Roman Reigns off in a creative manner and yet, WWE totally bungled it, in my opinion. Even a promo from Braun Strowman on the show about how he was going to crush Goldberg would have made sense, but we saw nothing of that sort and it's a shame.
And this is coming from someone who is not really opposed to the idea of the match between these two powerhouses slugging it out in the middle of the ring.
It is a fascinating contest and had the build been any better, as there was an opportunity to do this week, I would have been far more invested in the contest than I currently am right now.
#2 Best: John Cena cuts an epic promo
Remember how I spoke about WWE embracing a cinematic twist in their presentation? They certainly did so on SmackDown, especially with the whole Bray Wyatt and John Cena segment at the end. All of Bray Wyatt's Firefly Funhouse puppets showed up and John Cena would look more confused than he did when confronted by the choir during his last feud with Bray Wyatt.
But what a promo it was from John Cena preceding this segment. Cena channeled all of his intensity into not only building his upcoming match but by telling us that this year's WrestleMania was unique because none of us knows what is really going to transpire on the actual show. And to be quite honest, that is a very nice perspective to have, all things said and done.
I love the fact that we do not know what a Firefly Funhouse match is as we head into WrestleMania and also what a Boneyard match is because it adds that element of surprise that has been missing from pro wrestling in the recent past.
#2 Worst: Yet another replay
Do I think that the match between Shawn Michaels and Ric Flair at WrestleMania was any good? I certainly do and then some. It was the perfect way for Ric Flair to ride into the sunset, or more specifically, into TNA for the remainder of his wrestling career.
But at the same time, having watched the match so many times I could not bring myself to enjoy it one day before WrestleMania. I understand the circumstances that led to this segment being added to the show but at the same time, it could have been devoted to Braun Strowman actually cutting a promo during the show and challenging Goldberg to a match.
Flashbacks are never fun if you've tuned in to watch a show. Imagine watching an old episode of Game of Thrones, midway through the latest episode of the program. Any viewer would be irate.
I just hope that the world returns to normal once again and that we can enjoy all Shawn Michaels matches at will, as and when we desire, on the WWE Network, at our own convenience.
#3 Best/Worst: Pushing Tamina Snuka
The answer to the question posed by Sportskeeda's social media representative is a resounding no. You know it, I know it, Sportskeeda's social media team knows it, SmackDown's creative team knows it and somewhere deep down, Tamina Snuka knows it too.
So, while it is great that they are pushing her in a manner that they should have a long time ago, we all know that Tamina will never be able to rise to the top and dominate the roster, like say, Nyla Rose is, in AEW, because of the way she's been presented leading up to this point. So, any push that we see for her is essentially a red herring and I doubt that it will amount to anything substantial at all, which is a shame.
Maybe someone like Paige could, in time, come to SmackDown and take Tamina under her wing and groom her for the top spot. But as of now, the essential battle at WrestleMania is only between Bayley and Sasha Banks and quite honestly, none of the other women.
#3 Best/Worst: The tag team title match build
Before I sign out and see you guys at WrestleMania this year, let me just link the interview I did with Lana where she promoted the show on WWE's behalf. While she is mostly in character for a majority of the interview, it is still a pretty fun listen and sheds light on WWE hosting their biggest event without a live audience.
I am just not very excited for the match between Miz & Morrison, The New Day, and The Usos even though I know that it will eventually be good. WWE has given us no reason to care about it, except as an athletic contest when they could have done so much more with the feud, all said and done.
What they did this week was a passable segment and I can't classify it either as a 'best' or a 'worst' to be quite honest with you. It was just there.
And that's not the feeling you want to leave fans with before your biggest show of the year. Especially when there's no audience in the building.
Ex WWE writer blasts Liv Morgan HERE
