Best and worst of WWE Smackdown- 11th October, 2016

This week, Smackdown Live came to us straight from the Sap Center in San Jose, CA. After what was a pretty terrific No Mercy, it seemed like the talent and writing staff just wanted a night off this week. A lot of times, they just seemed to phone it in.

While the show started off strongly, it would spiral into ridiculousness soon after. We believe that the blue brand has enough equity, to excuse the one-off average show. Which is what this week’s show was, truth be told. So, let’s revisit what worked and what didn't. in this recap.

THE GOOD: Here’s what we liked about the show this week

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#1 Incredible opening segment

These 3 have been stealing the show, week after week

From the moment that Dolph Ziggler walked into the arena, to celebrate his title win on live television, him and The Miz stole the show. And how! Their borderline shoot promo was a thing of beauty.

Miz and Maryse mourned the death of the Intercontinental Championship, now that it is in Ziggler’s hands, and Ziggler showed the image of The Miz crying after his defeat at the pay-per-view. The segment would culminate in a handicap match, which saw Dolph Ziggler going over 2 members of the Spirit Squad.

It was a great way to start the show. Sadly, the rest of the night wouldn’t be half as good.

#2 Better utilisation of a limited roster

There is far better character development in this show than Raw

Be it the Usos pulling every dirty trick in the book to defeat the American Alpha, or Naomi getting wins on two consecutive nights, or even The Wyatt Family scoring a much-needed win over Kane and Randy Orton, Smackdown seems to work with their roster far better than Raw does.

This is why more of the Smackdown roster seems ‘over’, as compared to the red brand, every week. Think back to when any of these 3 talents/units seemed relevant. Not for a while now! The booking and creative have ensured that it’s not a case of 50-50 booking or meaningless wins over teams like The Golden Truth.

The right talent is being pushed and protected in the Blue Brand, every night.

#3 Show ended before it became ‘bad’

As much as we love wrestling, let’s just admit that there’s too much content these days. With a pay-per-view every 2 weeks and a 3 hour Raw every Monday Night, the 2-hour format of Smackdown Live seems like a relief in comparison(and this is just one wrestling company).

So, while this week’s episode wasn’t the best, it was still tolerable when compared to the utter dreariness that is Raw. Just when we thought that we were tuning out of the program, Smackdown Live would end and segue into Talking Smack, which got us interested again. Sometimes, less is more. Get it, Mr. McMahon?

THE BAD: There was enough to dislike on today’s show as well. Cringe-worthy moments abound.

#1 A jobber pinning the world champion

Cut the comedy, WWE. Book A.J. seriously.

Hey, before you say that James Ellsworth isn’t just any jobber, but a legitimate internet sensation; and that A.J. Styles did not technically lose the match...as Dean Ambrose delivered the Dirty Deeds; hear us out right now. A.J. Styles, as world champion should be running through the entire roster against serious opponents.

His in-ring skills have justified that. We don’t have a problem with Ellsworth getting involved in the show, but it shouldn’t be against the champion. Notice how both The Miz and Dolph Ziggler are taken more seriously after cutting the comedy entirely? And if this wasn’t bad enough, next week Ellsworth has a title shot. Are you kidding us, booking team?

#2 No new feuds after No Mercy

The only new feud this week was Ellsworth vs A.J. Styles

The Smackdown Live after a pay-per-view is always significant as the seeds of new feuds get planted on these shows. Sadly, not a single new feud was showcased on tonight's show.

Baron Corbin and Jack Swagger have a rematch next week, in a meaningless boring program, Nikki Bella and Carmella continue to fight against one another, and Randy Orton and the Wyatts play mind games that irritate our mind, body and soul.

Hopefully, the traditional Survivor Series program announcement manages to mix things up, moving forward on Smackdown Live.

#3 Botches by the commentary team

The three of them were equally bad this week

Usually, we just pick on JBL every single week. This week, JBL did goof up and called Luke Harper ‘Bray Harper’ (we could be wrong, but JBL mumbles under his breath all the time anyway). But the ultimate botch happened from Mauro Ranallo, usually the voice of sanity, who called Dolph Ziggler ‘Daniel Ziggler’!

Ummm, that was Botchamania Hall of Fame level worthy.

IN CONCLUSION, let’s just look at Alexa Bliss