WWE has a rocky history when it comes to executing nostalgia. For every Hardy Brothers return at WrestleMania 33, there’s the Bellas, overstaying their welcome like a drunk uncle after Christmas lunch.
But even I have to admit that they got it right this time. There is absolutely no circumstance under which I need more Booker T in my life – not on commentary, not for pay-per-view pre-shows, not even during milestone episodes of SmackDown Live. The man’s an incoherent, bumbling mess.
But King Booker?! Now that’s a different story. The arrogant, pompous monarch’s over-the-top spiel perfectly complimented the New Day’s ridiculous antics. Having one five-time champ pass the torch to another was inspired and weirdly poetic. Plus, anything involving the New Day guarantees a fun start to the show, and this was no exception. I encourage everyone who missed it last night to take a moment and watch it now – and by “now”, I mean after you’ve finished reading this article. Obviously.
And that was just the opening segment! There was certainly a lot going on during this week’s episode of SmackDown Live. We had a surprise appearance, first-time matchups, sneak attacks and a title defense.
What was good? What didn’t work? Luckily our WrestleTalk writing team is here to give you our unsolicited opinions. Keep reading to find out which moments from last night’s show were our favorite, which were our least favorite, and what our overall impressions were.
What Was The Best SmackDown Moment?
Sean Patrick Eckmann
Daniel Bryan vs. Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas. Bryan and Almas have so much chemistry together, it’s surprising to think that tonight was their first time in the ring together. I really enjoyed the way they sized each other up in the beginning, and Daniel Bryan’s hilariously blunt response to Andrade’s Tranquilo pose – with a kick sending Almas through the ropes. When Miz and Maryse (expectedly) interfered, making Daniel and Brie watch each other on the receiving end of their finishers, it was dastardly heelish in all the right ways.
Brian Farrell
Carmella vs. Charlotte Flair. I know most people are saying Bryan vs. Almas was the show’s high point, but I felt this got me back into the SmackDown Live women’s division. It was also the correct way to handle Becky. The main event slot made the title match feel important, and it wasn’t a half bad match. But the attack and promo by Becky after really got me excited for this feud. Becky got herself over as a badass who will do anything to get ‘her’ title. The women’s division needs more of these types of characters.
Ashley D’Altilio
The segment between Daniel Bryan, Brie Bella, Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas and Zelina Vega (as well as the resulting match). Regardless of everyone speaking in slow motion, I actually enjoyed this promo and match. It showed me more of who Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas and Zelina Vega are, and the bit with Paige running out from backstage was a light-hearted, funny moment. The match between Almas and Bryan showed off their styles and stayed exciting. The Miz made a great distraction and them beating on Bryan really boosted Almas as a heel. There were some hiccups on the technical side of the match, but overall it made for a great segment.
Nicholas Holicki
Something inexplicable happens in the twenty-four-hour window between Raw and SmackDown Live each week. It’s almost as if my brain resets itself and I completely forget about all of the announcements that had been made the night before. So that’s why, when Brie Bella once again popped up on my screen unexpectedly, I swore so loudly that my neighbors heard. But that (obviously) isn’t my highlight. What I enjoyed most was the post-match beatdown that Miz and Maryse delivered to Daniel Bryan and Brie. It was brutal, merciless and effective. Making Bryan watch while Maryse assaulted his wife may be the point that this feud changes from being about reality TV ratings to becoming an actual blood feud.
What Was The Worst Part Of Last Night’s Episode?
Sean Patrick Eckmann
Naomi vs. Billie Kay. This wasn’t particularly bad, it just was nowhere near the same level as the rest of the night’s matches. All three women involved here are capable of great things, so let’s see them with more time, shall we? Again, nothing horrible here, I would just love to see Naomi have some more time.
Brian Farrell
Naomi vs Billie Kay. This was not awful, just a rather sloppy match that didn’t accomplish much. It wasn’t a terrible match, but on a very smooth show, this felt like obvious filler.
Ashley D’Altilio
The triple threat tag team match is the grand loser tonight. I genuinely had no idea that the Colóns were still employed by WWE. Overall, this match was poor and The Bar were the clear winners from the beginning. SmackDown’s tag team division is suffering, and I feel as though it needs a serious change (not just a title change) to bring it back to life. Until then, I will find it hard to enjoy a tag team match.
Nicholas Holicki
It pains me to say this, but I’m starting to sour on the IIconics. I’m a massive fan of both Billie Kay and Peyton Royce, and I think that they’ve got more charisma than most of the WWE roster – male or female – but they’ve been largely wasted since their call-up from NXT. Making fun of *insert your local sports team here*, followed by an absolutely meaningless, five-minute match against a floundering Naomi does little for either competitor. Remember when they brutally attacked the SmackDown Live Women’s Champion, Charlotte Flair, on debut? Can we get back to that, please?
How Would You Rate The Show Overall? (From best to worst: SmackDamn, SmackTastic, Smack Bang in the Middle, Ellsworthy and A Smack in the Face)
Sean Patrick Eckmann
I really enjoyed tonight’s SmackDown. Becky’s ending was a great, memorable moment, Carmella actually impressed me in the ring (she made a 180º sit-up on a turnbuckle look easy), AJ’s hotheadedness was great, and as I mentioned I loved Bryan vs. Almas and all that ensued. A solid show all around. Rating: SmackTastic.
Brian Farrell
Smack Bang in the Middle. A solid and smooth show with nothing monumental, but was relatively entertaining throughout. It progressed feuds effectively, but nothing really stole the show.
Ashley D’Altilio
A high Smack Bang in the Middle. SmackDown Live did a better job at continuing storylines than Raw this week. Becky Lynch stole the end of the show and really made an impact, ending the show on an intense and exciting note. It left me eager to see what the future holds for her. I wish the middle of the show wasn’t so forgettable but the show overall was a good one.
Nicholas Holicki
SmackTastic. The show had an entertaining opening segment, a great Bryan/Almas match in the middle and a strong Becky Lynch angle to close. With nothing offensively bad surrounding those moments, I have to say it was a good show.
Comments.
Loading comments…