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SmackDown Live came to us from Little Caesar's Arena in Detroit. It wasn't the most memorable show that I remember watching but it flew by quick enough. And sometimes that's all you want and need from a WWE show. As technical as one may get about the action in the ring, one must remember that it's all about entertainment.
Chime in with your own thoughts about the show, ladies and gentlemen. Did you guys think this show got you excited for Hell in a Cell? Did you think that RAW last night was a better show?
I'll say this much about SmackDown Live. They just seem like they're a star or two short as compared to the packed roster we're used to seeing on RAW.
Let me elaborate upon what I liked and disliked from this week's action...
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#1 Best: The return of Asuka
Asuka mirrored Goldberg with her undefeated streak all through NXT, to the main roster, leading up to WrestleMania where it was broken. And much like Goldberg, she lost a lot of her sheen when the streak was broken. She never managed to recover after her losses to Carmella. And then she just got a little lost in the mix.
I was glad to see her return as Naomi's aide in the quest against The IIconics, this week. Yes, she will not be the same undefeated warrior we once knew her to be, but this could be a brand new beginning for the talented superstar. Somone as gifted as her deserved this second chance.
Will Asuka once again rise to the heights that she once reached? There's no way to tell for sure, right now.
That said, this was certainly a better development as compared to not seeing her on TV at all.
#1 Worst: Where's the US title?
So essentially, it seems like WWE wanted to put the US title on Nakamura, but had no idea what to do with him after that. From the looks of it, he will be sitting on the sidelines at Hell in a Cell, which is a shame. The title has a prestigious legacy, and to not see it defended is a travesty. I really wonder if WWE Creative even has a plan for the championship, right now.
I know that the 2 hour format of SmackDown Live is easier to watch. But it also leaves out a lot of the talent in the show.
#2 Best: The dream team comes together at last
R Truth is one of those talents on SmackDown Live that we don't appreciate enough, don't you guys think? He has a great sense of humour and like he showed us, he can still go in the ring, even now. And by no means is he a young man.
How loved his interactions with The Miz and Maryse. I love the fact that after weeks of storytelling, Carmella and R-Truth are a unit again. I love how they are teaming up for the Mixed Match Challenge too.
Let's appreciate R Truth as long as he still can go in the ring. And let's hope that he does not hang up his boots anytime soon. He got the absolute biggest pop of the show!
#2 Worst: The actual main event
This is not a knock on the actual match, which was pretty good. However, it just showed the disparity between RAW and SmackDown Live. In one show, you have Braun Strowman taking on Finn Balor in the main event, and in the other you have this strange upset for a finish.
Sure, it was only a setup for Daniel Bryan and Brie Bella to return. Even then, I'm not convinced this should have been the main event. It just didn't feel important.
Don't you think SmackDown Live is lacking in firepower? I certainly do.
#3 Best: Big match made official
This one's for all the marbles. Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch will collide for the SmackDown Women's Championship at Hell in a Cell. The two women had a fierce interaction on SmackDown Live this week, getting us invested in their feud. I'm sure they will put on a great match at the pay-per-view too.
The two women have faced off before. But never with Becky Lynch as the heel, in the past!
#3 Worst: Almas' promo
Andrade 'Cien' Almas is one of the best wrestlers in the world right now. However, English is not his first language, like other talents in the roster. But unlike them, he has a manager in Zelina Vega. Therefore, it stands to reason that she should speak for him.
However, he cut a promo at the top of the show that was drowned in 'what' chants by the crowd. This was unfortunate but I cannot say it wasn't unwarranted.
#4 Best/worst: Rusev Day's win
Hey, I love the fact that Rusev Day won this week's match. If anything, this big win comes far too late. I'm just surprised at WWE abandoning the story that was developing between English and Rusev. Was it all a misleading ruse or has WWE forgotten?
Will they go on to face The New Day? One can only guess for now. Maybe the cracks start developing again, prior to the big title match.
What was your favourite part of the show, folks? Let us know in the comments.
