SmackDown Live came to us this week from the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska. Much like Raw this week, there were only a few major developments. However, the pacing of the show was significantly better than the red brand. SmackDown Live built Backlash up nicely, and we can’t wait to see who perseveres this weekend as WWE Superstars lay it all on the line. There were some good, some bad and some ugly moments on this show, and we at Sportskeeda will analyze them for you. So read on:
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THE GOOD: Here’s what we enjoyed from today’s show
1: Heath Slater is a main event player?
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In an age where we lament the lack of storytelling in wrestling; Heath Slater proves that a good script can create new stars. From (kayfabe) not being drafted to either brand to main eventing a SmackDown Live show, he’s probably among their top 5 stars at the moment. This is a feel good moment that proves that there’s no lack of talent in the New Era, just a lack of the right opportunities. And superstars can still run with the brass ring.
This is a feel good moment that proves that there’s no lack of talent in the New Era, just a lack of the right opportunities. And superstars can still run with the brass ring.
2: The Usos are now the top heel tag team
During their pairing with Roman Reigns, The Usos lost whatever momentum they had. They needed a shift in character, and by (kayfabe) taking out the most popular babyface tag team on SmackDown Live ie. American Alpha, they achieved just that.
It’s almost certain they’ll qualify to face Heath Slater and Rhyno at Backlash in the finals (because WWE booking is predictable), and that makes the match all the more interesting. This was overdue and is very welcome.
3: AJ Styles is on a rampage
AJ Styles is definitely the MVP of the blue brand. Whether it was threatening producers on the Talking Smack set or destroying cell phones, bowling trophy’s and Ambrose’s Jesus zipper, Styles brought his A-Game on tonight’s show. Dean Ambrose was in fine form too, with great comic timing, delivering a truly passionate promo with some great lines. AJ manages to get great matches out of all his opponents, and we’re sure he can bring out the best in Dean Ambrose at Backlash.
Will we see a new champion? Only time will tell but as of now it looks like WWE are push AJ Styles to be positioned sort of as the next John Cena.
4: Dolph Ziggler and The Miz told a great story
The Miz has been the focal point of the WWE Universe ever since he cut his borderline shoot promo on Talking Smack, when he was called a coward by Daniel Bryan. Dolph Ziggler has looked more intense than ever since the brand split. When The Miz and Apollo Crews met in a match on SmackDown Live, Dolph Ziggler was on commentary. And oh boy, did he excel.
Following the match, Ziggler called The Miz out to prove that he's not a coward, but The Miz keeps hiding behind his rather attractive wife. The clash between them is sure to be interesting.
THE BAD: We were wondering whether to call this section ‘the bad’ or ‘the ad’, considering how many commercials there were. Which brings us to point number 1.
1: Too many freaking advertisements
There’s nothing that distracts from SmackDown Live than the number of advertisements during the show. In particular, when they happen during a match; they can (and do) ruin the viewer’s experience. Maybe placing these advertisements between matches will yield better results.
We understand they’re a good source of revenue for WWE, but this many ads are annoying.
2: The women’s segments went too long
The women got 2 segments on today's show. The opening segment, and a very long match as well. And let’s face it, the only legitimate star in the caliber of Charlotte, Bayley and Sasha Banks, in this division is Becky Lynch (sorry Nikki Bella).
This meant that we lost a significant part of our life watching this contest, that we won't get back again. Before putting these women superstars in the limelight, a bit of character development won't hurt.
3: Total lack of excitement for the Randy Orton-Bray Wyatt feud
This is a feud that had so much potential. But somehow, every time Bray Wyatt gets involved, WWE finds a way to relegate him to the back of the line. Even on today’s show, both stars delivered cryptic promos that meant nothing.
Why are they fighting? Why are they feuding? Why are we watching? What’s the point?
4: Why is Kane chokeslamming wrestlers at random?
The Big Red Machine is a big red joke now. And sadly, Fandango, who tried to be funny, failed miserably. WWE should honestly leave the humor segments to Chris Jericho and Heath Slater.
IN CONCLUSION: SmackDown was a better show than Raw, but only marginally. Maybe the 2-hour format helped in this regard. We give it a 6.5/10 rating. And leave you with a picture of Alexa Bliss.
