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Newark, NJ was the site of the latest edition of WWE SmackDown Live, dealing with the fallout from Clash of Champions. We'd felt that Clash of Champions was a good show, but in some respects, this was an even better evening, from start to finish.
Many storylines were advanced and the matches were exemplary. We did have some reservations about the action that transpired. But honestly speaking, at no point during the proceedings were we bored out of our wits.
Overall, in our opinion, it was a far more well-thought-out show than RAW. One that could have some interesting consequences.
So what were the major highlights and the disappointments from SmackDown Live, this week?
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#1 Best: Amazing crowd
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We expressed our opinion of RAW last night and said that the show suffered from an unenthusiastic crowd. Even if the action in the ring wasn't bad, the crowd did not make any noise.
In turn, that translated to the people at home not being invested in the product at hand. We're glad to report that the crowd in the arena for SmackDown Live was far more enthusiastic than the RAW crowd. The receptive audience just made the arena seem alive.
They even serenaded Shane McMahon with 'who's your daddy?' chants and came alive as they professed their love for Rusev Day. As is the case with most arenas around the world, they were completely in love with AJ Styles.
What a difference twenty-four hours and a fantastic crowd make!
#1 Worst: Meaningless main event
You cannot have six world-class performers in the same ring (okay five world-class performers and Jinder Mahal, to be precise) and not expect a good match. That's not our complaint with the main event contest.
Our major complaint is just how meaningless the match was. There were no stakes and yes, there was no fallout. There was no angle that played out at the conclusion of the match.
And that's not all, folks. This was also the main event in Tribute to the Troops aired only last week.
So while there was nothing wrong with this match, it still makes it to our 'Worst' list, this week.
#2 Best: The opening segment
The tension was palpable in the air, as the two Authority Figures on SmackDown Live started the proceedings this week, following Clash of Champions 2017. The two men addressed their meltdown from this weekend, and despite the tension, parted after shaking hands.
It is clear that this storyline is far from over. Ideally, it would have resolved itself with a match. One wonders if this is an indication that Daniel Bryan has been cleared to step into the ring.
This is an example of long-term storytelling and we love it. The fact that we don't have all the answers makes it even more exciting.
#2 Worst: Loose ends from Clash of Champions
Shortly after she lost to Charlotte Flair at Clash of Champions, Natalya broke down and cut a promo saying that she was turning her back on the audience. We have absolutely no idea what she meant by this and presumed it would be explained on SmackDown Live.
However, there was no sign of her on SmackDown Live. Neither was Baron Corbin present, a man who was irate after losing his United States Championship. Instead, all we saw from Nattie was this Tweet:
We did not see The Bludgeon Brothers either, a team that picked up a big win at the pay-per-view. We hope their gimmick isn't already nixed because both Harper and Rowan are two incredibly talented men.
#3 Best: Super fun comedy match
Sometimes monsters are booked as comedy characters and that is the end of their appeal. However, the Bulgarian Brute seems to be thriving as a comedy character currently.
Christmas themed matches are hardly ever good. When they involve characters dressed as Santa, an iceman, a gingerbread man and more, you may believe that the proceedings will be far too silly for anyone above the age of five to enjoy. Only, The New Day and Rusev/English, quite shockingly made this match work.
We cannot believe how seamlessly Rusev has transitioned himself into a comedy character. He seems completely in his element, in the role.
We hope that Rusev and English get a chance to hold the titles someday.
#3 Worst: Losing far too soon?
The Riott Squad took on Naomi and Charlotte Flair, this week. And they suffered a loss already. They lost despite the fact that they had an extra member, on the outside! They already seem like a far less threatening trio than they should be.
At this rate, they will just be nameless faces in the Royal Rumble. Bodies just for the babyfaces to toss out of the ring.
#4 Best: Dolph Ziggler's decision
Every year, there are rumours that Ziggler is done with WWE. Every year, Ziggler plays off these fears, working the WWE Universe.
This week, he left the United States Championship in the middle of the ring. He relinquished a title that he won, much to the delight of the entire WWE Universe. And yet, he showed no respect for the title.
We cannot anticipate Ziggler's next step. And that's the best hook, going into next week.
Hence, we leave you with this image and ask you to speculate in the comments about what Ziggler's decision could mean for the long haul.
