Grading This Week's Episode of SmackDown Live (9/25/18)

This week's episode of SmackDown Live included matches such as Shinsuke Nakamura vs Tye Dillinger and The Miz vs R-Truth. The likes of Big E, Sheamus, Asuka, Naomi, Mandy Rose, Sonya Deville, Lana, & Becky Lynch were also in action.

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R-Truth (w./Carmella) vs The Miz

The Miz looked to gain revenge after R-Truth defeated him a few weeks ago.

Result: The Miz defeated R-Truth via pinfall after The Miz hit R-Truth with the Running Knee while Daniel Bryan watched while on commentary to reclaim Miz TV.

Grade: B+

Analysis: The segment before this was extremely entertaining. This match was pretty good as well. The two veterans took each other to the limit. It really seemed like R-Truth could get the victory at some points in this matchup. He hit his usual innovative offense.

The Miz also looked great as he was able to get a much-needed victory before Super Showdown. It is also interesting that he got the win with Daniel Bryan's finishing move. Maybe next week, we will see Daniel Bryan defeat someone like Shelton Benjamin with the Skull Crushing Finale.

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Big E (w./Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) vs Sheamus

Sheamus looked to gain the Bar some more momentum heading into the Super Showdown.

Result: Sheamus defeated Big E via pinfall with the Brogue Kick.

Grade: B

Analysis: This was a pretty good back and forth matchup. Both superstars took advantage of their immense power and had a pretty good match.

Both superstars have a lot of chemistry so it is not hard for them to have a good match. It is interesting that the Bar have gotten back to back wins over the New Day in singles action.

Their match with the New Day at the Super Show-Down can steal the show. Unfortunately for the Bar, the Bar's multiple singles victories over the New Day make it unlikely for the Bar to get the win at the Super Showdown.

Asuka & Naomi vs Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville

Asuka & Naomi had their first match as a tag team.

Result: Asuka & Naomi defeated Sonya Deville & Mandy Rose via pinfall when Asuka pinned Sonya Deville after Asuka & Naomi hit double roundhouse kicks.

Grade: C+

Analysis: It was nice to see Asuka & Naomi get a win as a tag team since they need momentum before their match at Super Showdown. The IIconics were as great as usual on commentary.

It was also nice to see Sonya Deville & Mandy Rose be given some spotlight as a team. They dominated most of the match and looked good against a former SmackDown Women's Champion and a former NXT Women's Champion. It also seems likely that there will be Women's Tag Team Titles announced in the future.

Shinsuke Nakamura vs Tye Dillinger

Tye Dillinger had an opportunity to get a future title opportunity on SmackDown Live.

Result: Tye Dillinger defeated Shinsuke Nakamura via disqualification after Randy Orton attacked him. Randy Orton and Shinsuke Nakamura then both beat him up after the match.

Grade: A-

Analysis: This was great. You could feel Tye Dillinger's desperation to get an opportunity so he took Shinsuke Nakamura to the absolute limit. When it seemed like Shinsuke Nakamura would quickly squash Dillinger with a Kinshasa, Dillinger countered in into a Superkick/Frog Splash combo that almost got him the win.

It is also beneficial for Tye Dillinger that Tye Dillinger is involved in a rivalry with both Shinsuke Nakamura & Randy Orton. Both superstars get a decent amount of screen time so this will help Dillinger get some much-deserved television time.

Tye Dillinger will also be cheered when going up against Randy Orton who has insane levels of heat. Shinsuke Nakamura's Kinshasa into the apron looked vicious as well. Hopefully, Tye Dillinger will get pushed as a result of this. Randy Orton vs Tye Dillinger and Tye Dillinger vs Shinsuke Nakamura should be great matches.

Becky Lynch vs Lana

Lana had an opportunity to get a huge upset over the current Smackdown Women's Champion.

Result: Becky Lynch defeated Lana via submission with the Dis-Arm-Her.

Grade: C+

Analysis: This was an alright match. Lana has really improved in the ring since last year and looked great as the aggressive, emotionally charged superstar. She tried her best to take out her frustration over Aiden English's words against her in this matchup.

Although Becky works better as a face, her new attitude is great. The words she said about Lana & Charlotte Flair are true which makes it even easier to like her. It is great to see Becky Lynch be determined to put the rest of the women's locker room in their place.