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This has been a long stretch for the WWE Universe. It was the fourth straight evening of action from Philadelphia, and the question on everyone's mind was if SmackDown Live would deliver, after such a packed weekend.
This was a fairly entertaining show, and in some ways an eventful one as well. There was enough to like, and certainly some aspects to dislike through the course of the evening. We shall detail what we liked and disliked through the course of this week's show here.
As always we invite you to leave your comments in the section below. Your inputs are always welcome, and we look forward to hearing what we thought about the show this week.
Presenting the 'Best and Worst' from this week's show.
#1 Best: Push for Rusev
Rusev Day was a concept that got over huge with the WWE Universe. It's impossible to say what it even means, even after so many weeks, but the audience seems to love the oddball pairing of Rusev and Aiden English.
Somehow, despite the fanfare, WWE seemed reluctant to push Rusev, like they should have. That was remedied this week, as he won a Fatal Four Way Match against Jinder Mahal, Kofi Kingston and Zack Ryder. He will square off against US Champion Bobby Roode next, for his prized championship title.
This match is all set to go down next week, and it will be a feud to remember because the 'Glorious' gimmick is almost as over as 'Rusev Day' is. This will be a battle the crowd wants to enjoy.
For what it's worth, we are glad to see WWE take a chance with Rusev and give him a chance at the gold next Tuesday, which is also Rusev Day!
#1 Worst: Nakamura on the microphone
When we realized that Nakamura would open the show, we feared the worst. It's almost difficult to watch him struggle with a language he's not all that familiar with.
He did fine with the limited lines he was given. However, wouldn't he fare better with a manager at his side?
Wrestling 101 dictates that you hide the weaknesses of your superstars and highlight their strengths. Creative did none of that with Nakamura in the opening segment.
Although they're cute now, we wonder how long it will be before the WWE Universe begins to consider his promos to be tiresome.
#2 Best: Cracks in the friendship
When you have two teams comprising of members who are going to square off in the future, in the main event of the show, it can lead to interesting situations. The main event was a contest to determine which team would crack first.
Owens and Zayn did, before Styles and Nakamura could. They played it brilliantly in the ring, as they showcased a meltdown between two friends. This makes their contest next week very interesting indeed.
We loved the post-match promo with Zayn too, where he said that he hasn't won any gold in WWE thus far, reminding us that despite his spot, he wasn't always pushed. Owens vs. Zayn next week should be a very good match.
#2 Worst: Stale main event picture
Let's get this out of the way first. Owens, Zayn, Styles and Nakamura never disappoint when they're put in the main event spot. Every time they're thrust into the role, they deliver. Our only grouse is the lack of fresh faces, at the top of the card.
While RAW regaled us with unique matches like Asuka vs. Sasha Banks and Finn Balor vs. John Cena, we got another tag team match with the same pool of guys as always on SmackDown Live, once again. Not that they didn't deliver, because they did so in spades.
Throw in Randy Orton, and you've pretty much got a pool of superstars who have been mixed and matched in various permutations and combinations for the main event picture. The only notable break from the norm was when Bobby Roode won the US Title a couple of weeks ago.
#3 Best: The cash-in tease
We almost fell for it, WWE. When The Riott Squad was knocked out and Carmella teased a cash-in, we almost bought in. A stray dropkick caught the fragile referee and knocked him out, however. Carmella still holds the 'Money in the Bank' contract.
This was a nice tease and a great clutter-breaker. We look forward to the moment when Carmella actually manages to cash her contract. That would be epic to behold!
#3 Worst: The Riott Squad
It is clear that the Riott Squad is far too experienced to be placed in the role that they're in, right now. They were brought up for the Women's Royal Rumble, but now that it's over, somehow they seem like they've overstayed their welcome.
They're lacking in several departments. And in a program with someone like Charlotte Flair, that shows!
While Ruby Riott seems the most competent of the lot, Morgan and Logan seem like they have a way to go before they're ready for the main roster. A longer stint in NXT could have really done wonders!
#4 Best/worst: Breezango's spot
It's always nice to see Breezango get TV time. Is it fair though, that a team that got itself over on their own, with their skits, are now treated like enhancement talent only? With the right kind of push, they could have gotten over. Somehow, WWE never took a chance with them.
They jobbed to Gable and Benjamin this week. While a loss is okay, this has been a worrying trend for Breezango. Their skits were even taken off TV!
And that concludes this week's edition of 'Best and Worst'. We will see you again next week, for more post-show analysis of RAW and SmackDown Live.
Stay tuned to Sportskeeda Wrestling through the rest of the week of course, for fresh professional wrestling updates!
