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SmackDown Live certainly had its moments this week, only days removed from Super Show-Down. It did not feel like a go-home show, however. There wasn't enough on this show to make me want to tune in and watch Super Show-Down. I shall detail why in my 'worsts' column, like I always do.
But it really wasn't a bad show overall. I saw this episode as the calm before the storm, where a lot of seeds were planted for weeks to come. There was as much good as there was bad.
Tell me your assessment of this week's show in the comments section below. Was it a thumbs up or a thumbs down show for you?
I am curious to know your thoughts and views...
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#1 Best: The mixed tag match
When she was in NXT, she was just portrayed as Enzo and Cass' valet. And then, when Enzo and Cass got called up, she had an NXT singles run where she was almost portrayed as Bayley's sidekick. She had a run as the SmackDown Women's Champion, but the crowd would not accept her and cheered when she lost her title. However, truth be told, Carmella has improved leaps and bounds, as a performer.
I think her pairing with R-Truth, as strange as it seemed at first, has just elevated both performers. The two of them put on a great match with Zelina Vega and Andrade 'Cien' Almas this week. Did you guys manage to catch the reversal at the end?
This was an absolute thing of beauty. Somehow, I think that when she wrestles as a babyface, Carmella is much better than she ever was as a heel.
Who would have thought that R-Truth would be so very entertaining and relevant in 2018?
#1 Worst: No Styles or Joe this week
If you read this column regularly, you'll know how much I praised the Samoa Joe vs. AJ Styles segment last week. I was waiting for the aftermath of the segment this week, and was informed at the very start of the show that AJ Styles will not be at the arena, this week. I'm sure this turned off a lot of the viewers right from the go. It seemed like Creative ran out of good ideas.
I just wish there was more heat heading into this big match. Maybe another week of making things personal could have possibly worked wonders.
#2 Best: Randy Orton's mean streak continues
At first, it was Jeff Hardy's ear lobe. And now the focus has shifted to Tye Dillinger's fingers, which must be in a world of hurt, in the world of kayfabe. Randy Orton was a merciless man when he squared off against Dillinger this week.
I am loving this new side to Orton. He seems sadistic and deranged, and it almost seems natural to him. It's hard to forget that he was a babyface, not so long back.
Randy Orton seems like he's the only 'real' component in a PG show. And that's not a bad thing at all, really.
#2 Worst: The New Day
I think The New Day are absolutely sensational workers. I think they can put on some of the best matches in the whole SmackDown Live roster currently. However, I think their gimmick is way too childish and brings the show down somewhat.
I hated to see Cesaro and Sheamus interjected into this feud too. I'm glad they're getting TV time, but pouring pancake batter on someone is an underwhelming way to gain heat. I do hope that WWE Creative shakes the New Day up in some way, to keep them fresh and exciting.
#3 Best: Becky Lynch closes the show
Becky Lynch had the whole arena under control when she stepped out. She cut a promo about not getting the respect she deserves, and the crowd seemed to agree with her. She unveiled a poster of Super Show-Down that seemed to anger Charlotte Flair. And the two women had a fight to bring the show to a close.
I'm loving this new Becky Lynch. She's currently the most over woman in the roster not named Ronda Rousey.
#3 Worst: Daniel Bryan takes a pin
Look, Shelton Benjamin is not currently involved in any of the ongoing storylines on SmackDown Live. Therefore, I did not think that he needed to pin Daniel Bryan during their match. Bryan has a massive match at Super Show-Down coming up. He needed the momentum going into the big contest.
I just thought it made Bryan look terribly weak. Bryan hasn't been booked strongly since he returned, has he?
#4 Best/worst: The Milwaukee video
Anyone who's watched WWE for any length of time knows that the video had a different ending from what Aiden English wants us to think. The crowd just played along. It was silly, but fun.
I must say that the reveal seemed to be a tad disappointing. Yet, I'm intrigued to find out where this feud eventually goes. I am invested in the storyline for now.
What did you think of this segment? Do you think Rusev vs. English will be a good feud, folks?
Let us know in the comments section below.
