SMACKDOWN PRIMER: The Strings are Playing and Time is Running out for Ziggler, Jinder prepares, New Women’s Order

SMACKDOWN PREVIEW
MAY 9, 2017
LONDON, ENGLAND AT O2 ARENA
By Joey Galizia (@RamJam89), PWTORCH SPECIALIST

“THE STRINGS ARE PLAYING. YOUR TIME IS RUNNING THIN.”

Dolph Ziggler is on a destructive path. After a glorious Intercontinental Championship feud with The Miz, he’s fallen hard down the card due to a series of losses. He tried to shift his focus and become a more vicious competitor, but that attitude only weighed him further beneath the surface. Ziggy has never been afraid to pick a fight, but his reasons for doing so have been based on a conceited sense of pride. He no longer cares about his well-being, and he certainly no longer cares about the WWE Universe. Now, he’s picking a fight with the newest Superstar Sensation, Shinsuke Nakamura. HE HAS NO IDEA WHAT HE’S IN STORE FOR. Tonight in London, they will have yet another confrontation. This one will almost certainly cement a match at Backlash. A match that ends one way… with a knee across Dolph’s head.

“WE’VE BEEN WAITING OUR WHOLE LIVES FOR THIS.”

It’s a shame to say that SD’s Heavyweight Championship match is not going to be the one that has everybody excited. Hell, there’s a strong case to be made that it shouldn’t even main event. Why? Well because of the current conflict for the United States Title: Kevin Owens vs. A.J. Styles. Now that Y2J is officially out of the picture, K.O. can aim his rage at the Phenomenal One. Expect a much needed dose of adrenaline to be added to this feud tonight at the O2.

“KILL THE SNAKE. DON’T GET BIT.”

Speaking of the actual main event, Jinder Mahal kept his momentum in full swing after he defeated Sami Zayn last week in Fresno. (Thanks to help from the Bollywood Boys of course.) Commissioner Shane McMahon did force Jinder to return his title to it’s rightful owner, but Orton was nowhere to be seen. Perhaps the Viper is planning his next strike to his Backlash opponent in an attempt to restore some of his fallen glory.

“STRANGE PAIRINGS.”

Last week’s SD Live saw the New Women’s Order (Natalya, Carmella, Tamina) lay several beatings on the champion Naomi and newest blue-brand member Charlotte. The alliance would defeat the two in a handicap tag match, and continue their assault well after the bell. This brought out Becky Lynch, whose past with Charlotte made it difficult for her to choose a side. But like a true babyface, Becky proudly stood up for what she thought was right. (To a massive pop also.) With Backlash a couple weeks away, the women’s division looks to include all of their talent in what should be a hard-hitting 6 women tag.

“WHERE HAVE ALL THE GOOD MEN GONE?”

-Baron Corbin was suspended for a week because of his Talking Smack attack on Sami Zayn which led to an official being assaulted. Now that said suspension is up, will the Lone Wolf look to continue his “revenge” against “the likeable one?”

-Breezeango are on the case to insure that whether or not they become tag-team champions, they’ll look DAMN good doing it. #fashionfiles #PUSHtoTHEmoon

-Luke Harper’s, like, still on the roster right?

-American Alpha missed last week’s show so maybe they begin their climb back into the title scene with a match?

-“The Perfect 10” needs a build-up feud before his challenge of the U.S. Title-holder can be considered legitimate.

-Rusev wants a title shot at Money in the Bank. I think he deserves it. Meanwhile, his bae Lana prepares to join the roster. Maybe tonight? Maybe next week? MAYBE.

-205 Live tonight should be interesting, as T.J.P. has rightfully earned a shot at Neville’s championship. A shot that Neville seems unhappy about having to give him. Also, with another show in London that means that Jack Gallagher is surely going to be apart of the mayhem no?

Spoilers will be out soon, but if you are strong like me you’ll wait to tune in when it airs on the U.S.A. network. JG out.

NOW CHECK OUT LAST WEEK’S ARTICLE: SMACKDOWN PRIMER: Owens wants his U.S. Title back, New Women’s Order, Orton shifts to focusing on Jinder & Singh Brothers