Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
SmackDown Live has not been a great show to watch lately. Despite having most of the same talent as before, the show feels like it is running on fumes, struggling to make stories work. Wrestlers like Randy Orton and Shinsuke Nakamura feel like they are doing nothing despite being in a main-event story.
While I only review Raw, I have occasionally considered covering both shows. I am glad I haven't done so lately. Jinder Mahal's WWE Championship reign quickly became a JBL rerun, and it held down the entire program. I hope 2018 brings more to this brand, but right now all we have left is Clash of Champions.
While I only review Raw, I have occasionally considered covering both shows. I am glad I haven't done so lately. Jinder Mahal's WWE Championship reign quickly became a JBL rerun, and it held down the entire program. I hope 2018 brings more to this brand, but right now all we have left is Clash of Champions.
"I won the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal. Remember that I was relevant!"
Mojo Rawley def. Zack Ryder
Overview: Mojo Rawley was ready for an angry Zack Ryder early and often, but he spent too much time taunting and allowed Ryder back into the match. Ryder looked to have Mojo on the ropes, but Mojo got energized and knocked out Ryder with a running forearm for the win.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was a fine showcase for Mojo without Ryder looking too bad. There wasn't much of a variety to the action, but this did its job. Hopefully, this will finally be the beginning of Mojo's rise on SmackDown that should have happened starting after WrestleMania.
Highlights:
- Ryder caught Mojo in the ropes with a kick but then ran right into a spinebuster.
- Ryder ran into the double knees of Ryder but then knocked Ryder off the top right to the floor then body checked him into the barricade.
- Mojo taunted Ryder as he big booted him into the mat before taking a series of elbows then a slap and a running clothesline.
- Ryder hit two Broski Boots before taking a big chop block to the knee.
Analysis: This was a fine showcase for Mojo without Ryder looking too bad. There wasn't much of a variety to the action, but this did its job. Hopefully, this will finally be the beginning of Mojo's rise on SmackDown that should have happened starting after WrestleMania.
Rating: 7/10
That moment when you realize you're about to lose to Dolph Ziggler.
Dolph Ziggler def. Baron Corbin and Bobby Roode to Become the New WWE United States Champion
Overview: Bobby Roode and Dolph Ziggler quickly teamed up and sent Baron Corbin into the crowd, and they tried repeatedly to keep him out of the action. As Corbin finally got rolling though, Ziggler snuck in and caught Corbin mid-End of Days with the Zig Zag and pinned Corbin to win the title.
Highlights:
Analysis: This match was surprisingly strong with the talent getting the time to put together multiple memorable sequences. That said, I have no idea why the title was moved to Ziggler. If they wanted to put the championship on someone new, why not Roode who is in a feud with Corbin? I don't get taking the title off Corbin right now.
Highlights:
- Roode threw Ziggler into Corbin's return clothesline then clotheslined Corbin repeatedly before catching him with double knees and a blockbuster.
- Ziggler went for a Zig Zag, but Roode caught the ropes then went for a dive before getting taken out by a Famouser.
- Corbin splashed both men in the corners only to make into a superkick from Ziggler who then took a spinning side slam only to walk into End of Days.
- Corbin caught Ziggler and Roode with the Tower of Doom.
- Ziggler jumped out of a chokeslam then sent Corbin shoulder-first into the steel post before going for Sweet Chin Music only to run into a spinebuster then went for a Glorious DDT which Ziggler turned into a jumping DDT.
- Roode blocked the superkick then swung Roode into the corner followed by a Glorious DDT.
Analysis: This match was surprisingly strong with the talent getting the time to put together multiple memorable sequences. That said, I have no idea why the title was moved to Ziggler. If they wanted to put the championship on someone new, why not Roode who is in a feud with Corbin? I don't get taking the title off Corbin right now.
Rating: 8/10
That poor referee. If only he had three others to help him. That would make it so simple.
The Usos def. The New Day, Chad Gable & Shelton Benjamin, and Rusev & Aiden English to Retain the SmackDown Tag Team Championships
Overview: Rusev and Aiden English had a Rusev Day song before the match. They then quickly took over the action. However, after the action broke down between all the competitors, Chad Gable took a superkick into a diving splash for the win.
Highlights:
Analysis: This started out a bit ugly with an awkward start, but it got going quickly. Tag team wrestling has been a real standout this year, and this was no different. However, it was not The Usos or New Day that impressed here. Instead Rusev and English as well as Gable and Benjamin put on the great show here.
Highlights:
- Shelton Benjamin caught Jimmy with a release belly-to-belly suplex off the top rope that sent him across the ring.
- Gable stopped Kofi Kingston from tagging out then caught him with a rolling kick only to walk into a spinning roundhouse from Jey.
- Big E and Jimmy Uso hit side by side splashes on their opponents then went at each other with The Usos cleaning up and beginning a superkick flurry.
- Gable caught Jimmy in a submission while Benjamin ran interference, catching a jumping Kofi with a powerbomb, only to be pulled outside by English who then hit on the floor.
- Big E broke up The Accolade on Gable then walked into the Midnight Special which he managed to break out of and hit a side kick on Big E followed by The Accolade.
- Gable hit a belly-to-back suplex on Rusev then rolling belly-to-backs on both English and Big E.
Analysis: This started out a bit ugly with an awkward start, but it got going quickly. Tag team wrestling has been a real standout this year, and this was no different. However, it was not The Usos or New Day that impressed here. Instead Rusev and English as well as Gable and Benjamin put on the great show here.
Rating: 8.75/10
Even when it's a single match, it ultimately becomes a every woman in the same match situation.
Charlotte Flair def. Natalya to Retain the SmackDown Women's Championship in a Lumberjack Match
Overview: The lumberjacks got involved in this match early and often with the heels in the contest making sure to take every shot at Charlotte Flair. Naomi eventually got fed up on springboard jumped onto everyone, causing a complete breakdown in the action. Carmella even considered cashing in during it.
Eventually, Charlotte caught Natalya with a Figure-Eight for the win. Natalya was then interviewed and was frustrated with the fans for not giving her respect.
Highlights:
Analysis: I have enjoyed many of the Charlotte vs. Natalya matches. Their recent title match on SmackDown was really good. It is a shame it was ruined by the lumberjack stipulation which turns the whole contest into a brawl outside. At least Natalya can move on from title contention now.
Eventually, Charlotte caught Natalya with a Figure-Eight for the win. Natalya was then interviewed and was frustrated with the fans for not giving her respect.
Highlights:
- Natalya ripped Charlotte off the top rope going for the diving moonsault then went for the Sharpshooter with Charlotte rolling her up then hitting a quick big boot before going for the Figure-Eight with Natalya booting her outside.
- Charlotte fought to the ropes in the Sharpshooter before the lumberjacks pulled Charlotte outside.
- Charlotte caught the lumberjacks fighting outside with a diving moonsault.
Analysis: I have enjoyed many of the Charlotte vs. Natalya matches. Their recent title match on SmackDown was really good. It is a shame it was ruined by the lumberjack stipulation which turns the whole contest into a brawl outside. At least Natalya can move on from title contention now.
Rating: 6/10
It was nice of Breezango to attend their own career funeral.
The Bludgeon Brothers def. Breezango
Overview: The Fashion Police tried to bring the fight to The Bludgeon Brothers from the start, but they were wildly outmatched. After a small flurry, Tyler Breeze was wiped out then Fandango took an assisted sitout powerbomb then a double crucifix powerbomb for the win.
Analysis: This was a pure squash, so it doesn't need much analysis. I am looking forward to The Bludgeon Brothers stepping up to The Usos soon with the two team's past matches so good. Shame this is what has become of Breezango.
Analysis: This was a pure squash, so it doesn't need much analysis. I am looking forward to The Bludgeon Brothers stepping up to The Usos soon with the two team's past matches so good. Shame this is what has become of Breezango.
Rating: N/A
Daniel Bryan's need to get back in the ring is getting a bit ridiculous at this point.
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn def. Randy Orton and Shinsuke Nakamura with Guest Referees Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan
Overview: Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan both stood in the ring working as referees, causing constant tension. Most of the match went straight until it got close to the finish. After Shane intentionally chose not to count three though, Bryan lost it and fast-counted for Zayn after he rolled up Orton.
Highlights:
Analysis: I expected this tag team match would be fine as the talent here was too good for it not to at least all right. WWE killed it on arrival though by having Bryan and Shane in the ring at the same time. It confused the crowd, killed the energy, and led to many pace-slowing moments. The action was fine and got better over time, but they could not make up for the terrible match stipulation.
Highlights:
- KO caught Orton with a superkick but only for a nearfall from Shane.
- Orton blocked Zayn's suplex then slammed him chest first on the top rope.
- Nakamura caught KO with the corner running high knee then, after a series of strikes, rolled Owens into a triangle choke.
- Nakamura caught Zayn running with a boot but then ran into a Blue Thunder Bomb followed by tagging in KO to hit a drop toe hold into a running senton.
- KO went for a running senton right into the knees of Nakamura with Orton getting the hot tag and catching Zayn for a release suplex.
- Orton hit Zayn with a superplex but was then pulled outside and thrown into the steps before Nakamura kicked him into the barricade.
- Zayn held down Nakamura for a KO running frog splash through the announce table.
- Orton hit Zayn with an elevated DDT into the RKO before KO threw Bryan into Shane, which caused chaos before KO took an RKO before Zayn rolled up Orton and should have gotten a three count with Shane refusing to count..
Analysis: I expected this tag team match would be fine as the talent here was too good for it not to at least all right. WWE killed it on arrival though by having Bryan and Shane in the ring at the same time. It confused the crowd, killed the energy, and led to many pace-slowing moments. The action was fine and got better over time, but they could not make up for the terrible match stipulation.
Rating: 7/10
It must be real tough putting an entire brand on your back and carrying it every week.
AJ Styles def. Jinder Mahal to Retain the WWE Championship
Overview: AJ Styles went after Jinder Mahal's leg early but was quickly outpowered by Mahal. The Maharaja dominated the outing for a while before Styles got rolling and would not be stopped. He ended up taking out the Singh Brothers then catching Mahal with the Calf Crusher for the submission win.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was the best Mahal has ever looked, pulling out a complete new roster of moves. It helped that he was facing Styles who is clearly his best opponent. The crowd took a while to get back into this match after dying in the tag match, but they got into by the end. I do hope this is the end from this pairing, but it was a solid finish.
Highlights:
- Styles ran into the grasp of Mahal who then dumped him straight onto the top rope, sending Styles to the floor.
- Mahal took out Styles with a diving chop then Styles went for a slingshot forearm only to be caught before sending Mahal into the ring to set up a Phenomenal Forearm before he was tripped off the top rope and took a gutbuster.
- Styles escaped the punches of Mahal in the corner and hit him with an electric chair drop.
- Styles went for a low-angle running forearm only to run right into a boot then took a running backpack slam.
- Mahal caught Styles off the second rope with a spin-out slam then hit a superkick.
- Styles hit Mahal with the springboard 450 with the Singh Brothers trying to pull him to safety, taking a slingshot forearm and Styles Clash for their effort.
- Mahal dodged the Phenomenal Forearm then a back kick followed by the Khallas for a nearfall.
- Mahal went for the Styles Clash as the ultimate insult but was rolled into the Calf Crusher.
Analysis: This was the best Mahal has ever looked, pulling out a complete new roster of moves. It helped that he was facing Styles who is clearly his best opponent. The crowd took a while to get back into this match after dying in the tag match, but they got into by the end. I do hope this is the end from this pairing, but it was a solid finish.
Rating: 8.75/10
This is all that came of this show. This!
Final Notes: Shane and Daniel talked backstage about Daniel making himself special guest referee in the tag team match. Corbin frustratedly yelled at an interviewer about how Ziggler should not have been in the match at all after losing his title. The Singh Brothers made clear Mahal could not be disturbed for an interview as he prepared.
Conclusion: This show was not good. The energy of the night was low, and no match was a true showstealer. It was absolutely a show let down by booking, but the wrestlers did not always help themselves here either. Even the tag teams who worked hard got a bit bogged down in the match stipulation.
If there was an MVP for this show, it was Rusev with Styles a close second. They helped elevate the action in the ring and rebuild a crowd that was not often excited for the show right in front of them. The LVP had to be Shane McMahon whose presence in the tag team match honestly crashed the contest.
Honestly, this was just about what I expected from a SmackDown-exclusive show these days. No matter who is on this roster, the only thing that can help this brand is a radical shifting of who is in charge of booking these show weekly.
Conclusion: This show was not good. The energy of the night was low, and no match was a true showstealer. It was absolutely a show let down by booking, but the wrestlers did not always help themselves here either. Even the tag teams who worked hard got a bit bogged down in the match stipulation.
If there was an MVP for this show, it was Rusev with Styles a close second. They helped elevate the action in the ring and rebuild a crowd that was not often excited for the show right in front of them. The LVP had to be Shane McMahon whose presence in the tag team match honestly crashed the contest.
Honestly, this was just about what I expected from a SmackDown-exclusive show these days. No matter who is on this roster, the only thing that can help this brand is a radical shifting of who is in charge of booking these show weekly.