Another episode of SmackDown Live has come to a close and just as promised, the rosters have been thoroughly shaken up. United States Champion Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and Charlotte were among the more notable names to switch to the blue brand and up and down the card, SmackDown fared pretty well in this roster shake-up.
In addition to the lineup issues that needed to be tended to, a couple of stellar matches were put on. Both the Tag Championship as well as the main event triple threat could be considered four-star matches. Great in-ring bouts always make for a great show.
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There was plenty to like about this night of wrestling but as always, there were moments that stood out. In this edition of this article series, Mojo Rawley almost takes out a referee, the American Alpha get robbed out of a three count, and the JBL/Mauro Ranallo drama affects the on-screen product.
It was interesting to see how WWE handled the bullying issue. So without further delay, here are the 5 botchiest and most outrageous moments from this April 11th episode of SmackDown Live.
#5 A slightly different JBL
John Bradshaw Layfield and Byron Saxton have always had a special relationship... and by special I mean that JBL incessantly picks on the purposefully dorky Byron. It’s never been very entertaining to watch but since the WWE is so intent on having heel and face announcers who interact with each other, instead of calling the matches like fans actually want, it’s always been just an issue to deal with and accept.
But then, JBL’s years of bullying and the very recent debacle of Mauro Ranallo leaving allegedly due to his treatment by his co-announcer has forced a new dynamic at the announce table.
JBL never once said a cross word to his usual target. The worst reaction he directed at Byron was when Saxton was absolutely giddy about the announcement of New Day coming soon to SmackDown. It was then that John said, “Byron, you’re having a conniption!” His tone wasn’t even hateful when he said it...it was very un-JBL of him.
This might’ve been an outrageously strange vibe brought on by very serious real life issues of bullying and mental health concerns, but this was a gigantic upgrade to the normal announcing that these three might offer. This trio mostly called the matches and spent very little time concerned with each other.
#4 Speaking of Mauro...
In the very first shot of the audience, this series of four signs was seen very briefly in the crowd. These were likely the only ones to appear on TV. However, a "JBL Bullied Me" sign was reportedly confiscated.
There were also fan chants of "Fire JBL", but none of that was audible to the audience at home.
It sadly looks like Mauro Ranallo will never return to WWE. So, barring any major developments, this author will try to move on from this topic. Kudos to the fans in the audience for showing their support for the former SmackDown Live lead announcer. He was great during his time in the company.
#3 Should’ve been three
The Usos and American Alpha put on a fantastic tag team match, tearing down the house as Jason Jordan & Chad Gable tried their best to reclaim the SmackDown Tag Titles. Alpha lost this encounter, but maybe if the ref didn’t balk on counting this pinfall that wouldn’t have been the case.
Gable lifted his knees to block the top rope splash and immediately applied this cradle pinfall. The ref didn’t strike the mat when he first went down as if the downed Uso didn’t have his shoulders down. In this slowed down replay, there’s no movement to indicate that was actually the case.
American Alpha should be the tag champs right now, instead, they’re apparently entering a program with the hottest new acquisition from Raw.
#2 The impactful debut of... the Shining Stars?
Okay, calling the Shining Stars the “hottest new Raw acquisition” might be a bit of a stretch. In fact, it was kind of awkward watching Primo & Epico attacking the former SmackDown Tag Team Champions. Weren’t these the same guys who’ve been shilling a resort in Puerto Rico for the past year?
Hopefully, the Shining Stars do well on their Tuesday night home. The phrase “land of opportunity” gets thrown around quite a lot and you never know, they might capitalise on an opportunity if they're given one.
Even though it’s awkward watching this very serious debut in light of their most recent career moves, this could be a positive new direction for them.
#1 Watch out, Charles!
When Mojo Rawley gets going, it’s best to just get out of his way. That man has so much God-given energy that you’re likely to get bowled over if you find yourself in his path. For referee Charles Robinson, that’s just where he was during Mojo’s match against Jinder Mahal.
Mojo wanted to run into the ropes but Robinson crossed his path at the exact same moment. Somehow, Charles managed to stick his head out of the ring through the second and third ropes in an attempt to avoid getting sandwiched in. Be careful out there, referees!
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