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Money in the Bank was a good show and so was WWE RAW, if only because of the low standards the brand has otherwise set. SmackDown Live was an okay show, but to be honest, it was probably the weakest of the three shows this week.
Once again, I don't know how many significant things happened during the course of the two hours of television that we witnessed. There were some important developments for sure, but overall it wasn't must-watch television really.
Considering that this will be the final main roster WWE show before Double or nothing, I have to say that I was a little disappointed with WWE. I thought they would put all their firepower into ensuring that the show was better than it was.
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That said, here is my assessment of this week's SmackDown Live show for your reading pleasure.
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#1 Best: Ziggler cuts a fiery promo
Dolph Ziggler made his return to WWE following the conclusion of his comedy tour. He would attack Kofi Kingston out of nowhere, much to the shock of everyone in the arena. When he stepped out to cut a promo following the attack, the whole crowd began to boo him. Ziggler explained that he understood their sentiments and began his passionate promo.
It was the usual shtick of being overlooked and the fact that it should have been him and not Kofi Kingston at WrestleMania 35. The promo was so passionate that it almost seemed like Dolph Ziggler teared up while saying the words. There was such an element of truth to his promo...I wonder if such was genuinely the case or not.
Now, I am quite keen to see a prospective Ziggler vs. Kingston match. Let's hope that the build-up does not disappoint.
#1 Worst: Death of the brand split
The Wild Card Rule may be the worst thing to have happened to WWE in the recent era for the WWE locker room. Where there once were enough opportunities on both brands, now it seems like only a handful of performers get any screen time.
Instead of having Becky Lynch come over to SmackDown Live after losing the SmackDown Women's Championship, wouldn't it have made more sense to develop someone from the SmackDown Live roster as a challenger for Bayley? There are so many performers waiting in the wings, awaiting an opportunity.
Someone like Ember Moon could have used the screen time that Becky Lynch took up. Lynch can build her own feuds on the red brand instead, which is the whole point of the brand split, to be quite honest.
Having the two women's Champions team up and tease a feud also undermines the point of Survivor Series.
#2 Best: R-Truth's comic moments
What did R-Truth do to ensure nobody took his 24/7 Title from him this week? Well, he sought the help of Carmella who had him decked up in the worst disguise ever. Which was pretty much the point, but it was still hilarious to say Corey Graves say it out loud.
I loved the fact that a whole herd of lower mid-carders invaded the ring during the Carmella vs. Mandy Rose match which presents a whole lot of possibilities for the title. But the highlight of the whole thing was R-Truth himself who has incredible comic timing like nobody else in the entire business. I do hope he retains the title for a while.
But that may not be the case because the whole point of the title is to have it change hands quite regularly. Kudos to R-Truth for retaining it for twenty-four hours!
#2 Worst: Andrade loses momentum before his big match
It is widely known that The Demon King will be making his reappearance for the first time since WrestleMania at WWE Super ShowDown 2019. He will be taking on Andrade in a match that should be very good indeed, considering how gifted both men are. However, the fact of the matter is that anyone who faces the Demon King goes in as the underdog in the said contest.
Now, I would never dispute the fact that Ali should get a push. He is one of the most gifted men in WWE today and should totally receive every opportunity. I just think that Andrade needed to win this week's match and not Ali.
It is pretty clear that it's going to be a squash at Super ShowDown from how it looks. Andrade could have used the win to make the match seem more competitive.
#3 Best: The return of Big E
I loved Big E's return including the bit where he sniffed Kofi Kingston's armpits. Yes, I did so because that's what Big E does, and the world is better for it.
Everything about his return was great, from the fact that the New Day brought in a Big E impersonator at the start to the little quip about Becky Lynch's mother during the show. I know that he has not been medically cleared to compete, but I really did think that it was all great.
Also, who knows really who attacked Big E in the backstage area. While everyone suspects for it to be Sami Zayn, it could very well have been someone like Bray Wyatt instead.
I really do hope that Big E makes a complete recovery and that he can return to the squared circle soon enough. Could he turn heel and take on Kofi Kingston down the line?
#3 Worst: A disappointing main event
I thought that the Roman Reigns vs. Elias match that happened this week was fine. But honestly, it was not worthy of being a main event match at all, in my opinion.
Wouldn't it have made more sense to have Kofi Kingston and Sami Zayn close out the show instead of The Big Dog? Maybe even have the two Women's Champions end the show because it would have made far more sense.
By having Roman Reigns in the main event spot, you are basically telling the WWE Universe that everyone else is a makeshift Champion while Roman Reigns is the central character of the show. Very few people were excited about Roman Reigns vs. Elias at Money in the Bank and fewer people wanted to see this match.
It does seem like Drew McIntyre vs. Roman Reigns is the direction WWE will follow in the comments weeks.
#4 Best/worst: The threat of a cash-in
I love the fact that there's always the threat of a cash-in with Lesnar. The fact that he's not really on either brand makes me wonder about his plans. While his cash-in did not do anyone any real favors, it's still an interesting plotline.
At the same time, it's easy to see through the fact that Paul Heyman called a bluff on this week's show. It's extremely unlikely that Lesnar would work three straight days in a row and when Paul Heyman came out for the cash-in, we knew from the start that it wasn't to be. I also wonder if a Lesnar vs. Kingston storyline is the best plot for right now.
Whom would you like to see him cash his contract on? Seth Rollins or Kofi Kingston?
Also be sure to leave your reasoning with your choice in the comments section below, folks!
