Smackdown Live, on the heels of what was an excellent Backlash show, came to us from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. The crowd was wild and smarky throughout, and the show moved along at a great pace. While it wasn’t extraordinary show, it did not drag like Raw did last night.
And while the main event wasn’t nearly as good as Roman Reigns vs Kevin Owens from Monday Night Raw, we felt that Smackdown was easier to watch and digest than the Red brand. So let’s analyse what worked and what didn’t on this week’s extraordinary episode.
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THE GOOD: There were definitely some memorable segments during the show.
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1: The return of John Cena
A,J. Styles came out as champion for the first time, and would not stop gloating. But just then, the music would hit and John Cena would arrive on Smackdown Live again. There’s something about the AJ-Cena dynamic that spells magic. Throw in Ambrose into the mix and it’s the perfect recipe for an entertaining feud.
A huge triple threat match has been booked for No Mercy, and we cannot wait for the confrontation.
2: Taking a chance on Alexa Bliss
Sure, Alexa Bliss has been really impressive both in NXT and on the main roster. But we didn’t expect her to get a main-event push this soon. And we’re glad that WWE is taking a chance with this young star who’s impressed us every time she’s stepped through the ropes. Today, she pinned the female face that runs the place- Nikki Bella and earned an opportunity to face Becky Lynch for the Women’s Championship.
Knowing Becky’s legitimate wrestling skills, and Bliss’ athletic background, we’re sure this will be an encounter to remember.
3: The strength of the promos
Sure, Raw does have some good promos. But the strength of the Smackdown roster seems to be on the microphone. Every superstar seems much more passionate and committed to prove that they’re the best. Maybe building your show as the ‘land of opportunity’ has sown the seeds for the strength of Smackdown promos.
However, like we heard during The Miz’s segment with Ziggler, and during Cena’s altercation with Ambrose, a lot of Smackdown promos are based in reality. And that gives this show an edge that Raw honestly doesn’t have.
4: Feel good moments
Maybe it is because the champions on the show are crowd favourites. Maybe it’s because the authority figures in this show are babyfaces and not heels. Maybe it’s because Smackdown is built on passion and not backstabbing-double crossing etc. But there’s a level of warmth in Smackdown that is always missing on Raw.
There’s a much better connect with the fans, who root for their favourites.
5: Only 2 hours of content
Because Raw is stretched out over 3 hours with a split roster, it becomes unbearable at times; especially during a week such as this (on the back of Backlash and Monday Night Raw). Smackdown Live chugs along at a really good pace, and is over before it gets tiresome. In fact, even Talking Smack is a nice change of pace, after the show ends.
It's overall a fun package, unlike Raw.
THE BAD: There wasn’t really anything bad per se on today’s show, but here are some negatives which could be rectified.
1: The Randy Orton-Bray Wyatt feud
Something about the Randy Orton-Bray Wyatt feud is not clicking with us. It wasn’t exciting going into Backlash, and it doesn't feel exciting now. In fact, while the return of Luke Harper could have made it exciting, we got the same old cryptic messages from both Orton and Wyatt in yet another segment which ended with an RKO out of nowhere.
2: Not enough wrestling
We just complimented the strength of the promos on Smackdown Live. Sadly they’re not complemented with enough matches. The only match of any significance on today’s show was the Women’s Number 1 Contender 5 Way Match, Compare today’s lackluster main event to the slobber knocker that ended Raw.
All said and done, Raw seems like the wrestling brand and Smackdown the ‘entertainment’ brand.
2: Swagger bombs on debut
Hey, don't get us wrong. We’re all for repackaging. But Swagger’s new identity just seems confused. He comes out in a t-shirt and jeans, and changes the way he talks to the crowd. But still says ‘We the people’? Confusing.
IN CONCLUSION: We’d say this was a 7.5/10 show. Let’s end on a positive note. Here’s the gorgeous Becky Lynch with the Smackdown Live Women's Championship.
