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The Throwback special episode of SmackDown presented nothing special in terms of programming. There were a few moments that reminded us of the past, but it was primarily the set and presentation that changed.
The SmackDown fist returned, but only as a graphic. The set, meanwhile, was a tribute to the 1990s. Either way, SmackDown did a lot in terms of storyline progression. While there were a few mixed moments, the show's overall pace was better than anything RAW has done recently.
SmackDown has had a strong build to WrestleMania Backlash so far, and there's only one more episode before the first PPV post-WrestleMania. Here are the best and worst bits of SmackDown this week:
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#3. Best: Getting the SmackDown Women's division ahead
There was an unofficial title eliminator match between Carmella and Ruby Riott. Carmella was the SmackDown Women's Title challenger to Sasha Banks late last year and earlier this year, but she failed to win it, even with Reginald by her side.
Ruby Riott was hyped by the commentators, who said that she has all the tools to become a future Women's Champion. While we don't doubt that, her success is going to take a while.
For now, WWE will need more established superstars, and that's exactly why they went with Carmella. The former SmackDown Women's Champion picked up a clean win against Ruby Riott, potentially establishing herself as the next challenger to Bianca Belair after WrestleMania Backlash.
If WWE wants to give Bianca Belair a long Championship reign, a few rivalries like this with top heel challengers is exactly what's needed. While the RAW Women's Division is now centered around three superstars (Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair, and Asuka), SmackDown is focusing on long-term feuds. That's why it's more consistent.
#2. Worst: Tamina looked bad on WWE SmackDown
Since a Women's Tag Team Title match will be held on SmackDown next week, WWE decided to book the match that made the most sense: Tamina vs Reginald.
We're not sure how that idea even came about, but if Reginald was facing a Title challenger, wouldn't it make sense for Tamina to squash him? Instead, there was a DQ finish and the Champions stood tall.
While this could indicate a Title change on SmackDown next week, it wasn't the right way to handle a Title challenger.
For a while now, even before WrestleMania, WWE kept building up Tamina as a legitimate threat to Nia Jax. They even gave her the spotlight recently on Talking Smack. But this match ruined the flow of an otherwise great buildup on SmackDown.
It will be interesting to see how the Tag Team TItle match plays out next week and whether Tamina will finally get her big Title win.
#2. Best: Bayley on SmackDown
Despite taking a backseat on SmackDown on the road to WrestleMania 37, Bayley has been one of the best and most consistent aspects of the show. Even at WrestleMania, she played an unofficial host, and did a far better job than the official ones - Hulk Hogan and Titus O'Neil.
She cut a promo in the build to her SmackDown Women's Title match at WrestleMania Backlash. Everything she did was on point. Bayley continues to evolve as a performer and improve every aspect of her game.
Bianca Belair came out, but it was Bayley who laid her out and stood tall.
It was great to hear Bayley's argument about why Bianca Belair and several past WWE legends aren't at her level. Bayley is a history-making Champion, having held the SmackDown Women's Title for 380 days.
One of the best parts of Bayley's character on SmackDown is the ability she has to back up all the trash that she talks about.
#1. Worst: 10 superstars on SmackDown wasted
SmackDown legend Teddy Long told Sami Zayn that he would be involved in a 10-man tag team match. It was confusing since it seemed like Teddy Long had to look to Sonya Deville to try and remember some names. We're not sure which bit was a part was improvisation, and which was a part of the script.
Either way, he set up the final match of the night on SmackDown - a 10-Man Tag Team match. Sami Zayn teamed up with Alpha Academy, King Corbin, and Apollo Crews to take on Kevin Owens, Big E, Shinsuke Nakamura, and The Street Profits.
The finish saw King Corbin hit The End of Days on Shinsuke Nakamura. This match was lackluster, and it seemed WWE just wanted to fill the show with superstars. There are better ways to do that.
There was no progression in the Intercontinental Championship picture featuring Apollo Crews, Big E, Kevin Owens, and Sami Zayn. What was the purpose of King Corbin pinning Shinsuke Nakamura? It achieved nothing and was a waste of a match.
#1. Best: A fantastic main-event storyline on SmackDown
So much happened in the main storyline on SmackDown! The advertised match was Cesaro vs Seth Rollins in a WrestleMania rematch. Jimmy Uso returned to SmackDown after a year away, and his dynamic with Roman Reigns has entirely changed.
After a ringside altercation, Jimmy Uso superkicked Seth Rollins and cost him the match, officially making Cesaro the number one contender for the Universal Championship. The main event of WrestleMania Backlash is set, but the fallout of the match was incredible.
For one, we saw a rare interaction between Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns. Second, Jimmy Uso refused to play second fiddle to Roman Reigns, who seemed less concerned about Cesaro and more about getting his other cousin on his side.
Jimmy Uso didn't see things the way Jey Uso did, and the final segment was all about Roman Reigns asking whether he was with or against him.
Cesaro sprung a surprise in this chaos and stood tall after attacking all three men. He looked incredible, and there's no doubt that he deserves to be in the spot. It will be his first singles match for a World Title in WWE.
