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RAW ratings have plummeted to brand new depths ahead of Extreme Rules. SmackDown Live had a chance to redeem things in the go-home show before Extreme Rules. How well did they succeed this week? I'm here to give you a run down of this week's show.
As always, feel free to leave a comment and let me know your thoughts and opinions about SmackDown Live. Did you think it was an improvement after the lackluster episode of RAW? What did you think SmackDown Live can do better in coming weeks?
I can only give you my take on the things that transpired. Here's what I liked and disliked about this week's episode.
Presenting the 'Best and Worst' of SmackDown Live before Extreme Rules...
#1 Best: The Kane-Daniel Bryan chemistry (ft. NSYNC)
Boy bands were the rage in the mid-late 90s. As was a superstar called Kane who made his WWE debut around this time, transitioning from an evil dentist into a demon from the depths of hell. This week, he made two references to NSYNC during the course of the show, that had me in splits. Somehow, the sight of a masked demon quoting a boy band is way too outrageous!
There were some real sports entertainment gems scattered through the course of the evening. Maybe the most entertaining bit was right at the end where Daniel Bryan tried to summon fire with his hands much like Kane does. While he failed spectacularly on two occasions, he managed to call forth fire and brimstone on the third attempt.
It is inevitable that Kane will turn on Daniel Bryan down the line setting up a program between the two men. Until that happens, let's enjoy the fantastic comic timing of these two gifted performers wholeheartedly.
#1 Worst: Yet another crushing loss
SAnitY has not comprehensively won a match since they got called up to the main roster. This week, they were in a meaningless 10-man match in the main event spot. Because of how meaningless the match was, it would have been nice to see SAnitY pick up a win. Instead, Daniel Bryan pinned Eric Young for the win.
SAnitY has already begun to seem like a bunch of enhancement talents. I don't foresee too bright a future for the morbid gang. At least, if you look at how they're being booked these days!
#2 Best: An important victory for Almas
Andrade 'Cien' Almas came up to the main roster with much momentum. Unfortunately, Sin Cara, his first opponent, suffered an injury and that derailed his momentum. The two men came to blows at long last this week. The result was a spectacular match.
It was interesting to see Almas try the 'Tree of Woe'. That is a move Alberto Del Rio was known for, and I wonder if Almas is symbolically taking his spot with this move. Whatever the case may be, the future is bright for this talented young man.
This is a GIF worth watching over and over again, folks! Mamma Mia!
#2 Worst: Champion pinned on live TV
AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura was billed as a dream match on free television. Only the match would end in a disqualification, setting up a tag team contest thereafter. AJ Styles teamed up with Jeff Hardy to take on Nakamura and Rusev.
A Machka Kick from Rusev would seal Jeff Hardy's fate. While I did not mind Rusev winning, going into the match this Sunday, I'm a little disappointed that a reigning champion had to take the pin. The US Title picture has seemed a little lackluster of late, and this was a nail in the coffin for the once prestigious championship.
#3 Best: Rusev on commentary
Rusev joined the SmackDown Live commentary desk during the AJ Styles vs. Nakamura match. As one would expect, he was pretty fantastic. Rusev picked fights with the two babyface announcers, shutting up their arguments. It was quite an experience!
Anyone who follows Rusev on social media knows how funny he is and it was great to see that he had an opportunity to showcase his supremely impeccable comic timing..
#3 Worst: James Ellsworth vs. Asuka
James Ellsworth wrestles at a level that is far inferior to most other WWE superstars. Or maybe he just does not have any chemistry with Asuka. Whatever the case may be, this week's Lumberjack match was a mess. There was more than one sloppy spot.
Furthermore, the idea of a shark cage match at Extreme Rules does not interest me at all.
#4 Best/worst: Two hours of action
The shorter format for SmackDown Live can often be a mixed blessing. I do like how fast the show passes. But because of the shorter format, a lot of stars do not make it to the show. How can you leave The Bar and The Club out for consecutive weeks?
Even Tye Dillinger and Samoa Joe did not have their billed match. It was attributed to a backstage attack on Dillinger. Chances are, there was no time!
This was my assessment of the show this week. Do you agree? Or do you disagree? Do not refrain from letting me know, folks.
Until the next time, here's a farewell kiss...
