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This was the second straight night of action from Canada, and boy, the crowd did not disappoint. They were on fire for most of the evening, making the matches and segments seem quite special indeed. In turn, they were treated to a pretty fun episode of SmackDown Live. I really thought that this show had very few weak moments.
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In fact, except for the points I will mention here, I did not think that the show had any other weak moments at all. No, this wasn't the most memorable episode of SmackDown Live that I have seen. At the same time, if weekly television continues to be this good, the ratings may just get back on track once again.
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It's time for my best and worst list. Feel free to type your own picks in the comments.
Yes, I had an easier time watching SmackDown Live than RAW, even though RAW wasn't necessarily a bad show overall.
#1 Best: An impromptu fantastic match
Daniel Bryan and Andrade 'Cien' Almas quite easily had the match of the night. At certain points, our writers were even afraid for Bryan's sake, because he seemed to be the Daniel Bryan of old. Despite everything that has happened to him health-wise, he is showing absolutely no sign of slowing down and phoning it in. Almas was a great dance partner.
I would certainly like to see more contests between the two men down the line. It is clear that they have great chemistry against one another. This is the kind of wrestling that put NXT on the map, to begin with.
I have no doubt that if given the time to tell a story, Daniel Bryan and Andrade 'Cien' Almas could certainly deliver in a full-fledged program and not a throwaway match.
If not for Rollins vs. Owens, this would be the match of the week.
#1 Worst: Ruining a great match!
Hey, anyone who reads my articles knows that I'm a big fan of furthering storylines. This holds true for all cases, but for some very specific exceptions. This highly explosive match was one of the exceptions. I did not want The Miz and Maryse to get involved and let this match turn into what it did, by the end.
We really need Bryan to remind us that he's the best wrestler in the world by working with quality opponents like Almas. Working with Big Cass certainly did him no favours.
#2 Best: The SmackDown Live Tag Team division
With the B Team holding the crown on RAW, somehow the Tag Team Division doesn't feel as important as it should. SmackDown Live proves that it has the dominant tag team division, every week. Not only are The New Day the 5 time champions, the whole division is on fire.
We saw The Bar defeat two other teams to get one step closer to challenging The New Day for the titles. This is a pretty big victory for them. They needed this win because they've been a little lost in the shuffle, in this incredibly stacked division.
And we have a fantastic match happening next week as well. It's far better than back and forth programs between the B Team and The Revival, again and again!
#2 Worst: Not reading the room
How unfortunate is it that WWE has miscast the two top characters in the SmackDown women's division. The crowd was absolutely on fire when Becky Lynch, a heel, attacked Charlotte Flair from behind. They rained a chorus on jeers upon Charlotte Flair, following this attack.
Maybe Becky Lynch can step into Tweener territory. She is certainly not a Tweener yet, attacking from behind when her opponent has been through a gruelling match. But they simply cannot get the crowd to turn on her.
Maybe it calls for a double turn. Charlotte and Becky Lynch could exchange roles, soon enough.
#3 Best: Mind games continue
Samoa Joe often makes us forget that wrestling is scripted. This is because of how intense and passionate he is. He got under the skin of AJ Styles by making a call to his wife, live, during this week's show. It was a fantastic setup for their match at Hell in a Cell, coming soon.
I'm sure both men will deliver at the pay-per-view. Their SummerSlam match was pretty solid while it lasted.
#3 Worst: The fall of Naomi
Remember how Naomi won the Women's Battle Royal at this year's Royal Rumble? We expected her to get the push of a lifetime, shortly after. Unfortunately, she has become little more than enhancement talent on SmackDown Live. Her matches don't even last very long anymore.
I really do hope they build her up again. With Asuka not even making TV most weeks, it's a shame to see talent relegated to the sidelines.
#4 Best/worst: The Hell in a Cell match
Jeff Hardy and Randy Orton will certainly put on a fantastic match inside the Hell in a Cell structure. In fact, they may even go to the outside. I can absolutely imagine Hardy flying off the top of the cage, on top of his opponent. Expect a crazy stunt or two, at the pay-per-view.
I just wonder if another match may have been a better fit instead of this one. And this is not a knock against Orton or Hardy. But matches between Becky vs. Charlotte or AJ vs. Joe could have suited the structure better, I feel.
That said, I'm still not opposed to this feud really. I love how personal Orton and Hardy have made their feud feel.
#4 Best/worst: The return of the Colons
Primo and Epico are great wrestlers and I'm glad to see them back. Theirs was the second big comeback this week, after the cameo from King Booker. I just wonder how far they will go. Especially in a roster as stacked as the current one.
I do hope that they get some TV time. Contrary to popular belief, they are gifted wrestlers. Maybe they need a manager to succeed.
I have one in mind. Maybe this woman will do a good job.
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