SMACKDOWN PRIMER: What to expect tonight based on what happened last week including Orton vs. Styles, Cena & Nikki vs. Carmella & Ellsworth

SMACKDOWN PREVIEW
MARCH 7, 2017
INDIANAPOLIS, IND. AT BANKERS LIFE FIELDHOUSE
By Joey Galizia (@RamJam89), PWTORCH SPECIALIST

“DEATH TO THE TRAITOR”

I have to say, I was slightly disappointed that Luke Harper was defeated by the Phenomenal A.J. Styles last week on Smackdown. I found Harper to be the key point in the main angle between Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton and thought his character development had preceded expectations. The reality is this: A.J. Styles is the best in the world and he wasn’t losing another shot at gold. However, after he earned his no. 1 contender’s shot at WrestleMania, Randall “I hear voices” Orton decided that it was time to reveal THAT HE A CRAZY SON OF A BITCH.

If you missed it, Orton confronted Bray from the Wyatt compound where the body of Sister Abagail is buried. He said that he remained loyal all long so that he could pick the opportune moment to strike. That moment was now. Then he burned the compound down and did his signature pose. Poor Bray was devastated, nearly in tears at the destruction of the home of his former sister in arms. Was it cheesy? Yes. Was it effective? I think so. Even worse is now the Viper wants his deserved shot as the Royal Rumble winner. Which means tonight in Indianapolis, we’ll see a match-up I’ve wanted since day one: A.J. Styles vs. Randy Orton.  Will the champion get involved? What a main event we are in store for. (Calling it…Phenomenal Forearm attempt reversed into and RKO.)

“DREAM TEAM VS. THE LEAN TEAM”

As Nikki Bella and her BAE John Cena get ready for their ultimate showdown against Miz and Maryse, tonight they hit a bump in the road. Actually, not so much a bump. More of an annoying rodent that won’t go away no matter how many times you turn your TV off. I am, of course, talking about James “The Death of Joy” Ellsworth who, with his boo Carmella, will take on the Cenation in the couple’s first-ever tag match together! As silly as this is, I am rather excited to see Ellsworth try to stand up to Big Ol’ John in defense of his Staten Island princess. The question is will Miz and Maryse take this opportunity to Pearl Harbor their WrestleMania opponents. Your guess is as good as mine.

“YOU WANT SOME? COME GET SOME!”

-American Alpha has made every tag team on the blue roster seem like chump change. I’m okay with that since most of those teams don’t belong in a title scene in anyway except for the Usos who will obviously be their opponent. I just hope they can survive against those Superkicking Samonans long enough to give us the classics we want to see against the Revival.

-The big question on my mind for tonight’s episode is who will be challenging for the remaining titles? It seems apparent that Baron Corbin will be clashing with Intercontinental Lunatic Dean Ambrose since the two can’t stand each other, but that hasn’t been set in stone yet. Alexa Bliss, meanwhile, has caught a break since Naomi had to relinquish her championship due to injury, but now everyone – even “promo of the year candidate” Natalya Neidhart – is gunning for “Lil Miss Bliss.” I’m assuming that SD Live will answer all of these questions tonight with Mania only 26 days away, but maybe they need two weeks to cement angles in stone? I’ll give credit when it’s due: Even though Fastlane was vastly mediocre, at least Raw last night really pushed the show of shows major angles. I have faith SD can do the same.

Will you be watching tonight? Don’t forget to check out my 205 after, or if you can’t read my live report later on! JG OUT.

NOW CHECK OUT LAST WEEK’S ARTICLE: SMACKDOWN PRIMER: What to expect tonight based on what happened last week including Styles vs. Harper for WrestleMania Title shot, Double A vs. Double J, Miz-Cena