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SMACKDOWN HITS
Roode vs. Ziggler: I thought that this was the best match that the two have put on, and really enjoyed the stakes of the victor getting to be on Team Smackdown. It was a good back and forth contest, with some added drama. The commentators added to it as well, by mentioning Ziggler’s Survivor Series history, and telling a good story.
Sin Cara vs. Baron Corbin: I’m giving this a minor hit based simply on the story progression and Sin Cara suddenly developing more of his character. While the feud got off to a rocky start, its weekly chapters have been logical with Cara getting victories over the champion. His fiery attack towards the end, and his promo afterwards were good, and something I’d like to see more of.
Mahal/Singhs-Styles: Mahal has finally been doing a lot better with regards to his heel character. I have enjoyed him balancing the cowardly aspect (insisting that the Singhs do his battles for him) as well as his post-match attack on A.J. This has been a much better build up than the Shinsuke/Jinder feud, and I’m looking forward to their eventual matchup.
Nakamura vs. Owens: This was a good competitive match where it was also tough to predict who would win. I feel that Shinsuke needed the victory more, and that it leads to a better story with both Owens & Zayn not on the team. I’ll be interested to see if they remain off the team, as it could be logical that it leads to them causing Smackdown’s loss at Survivor Series.
SMACKDOWN MISSES
Opening Segment: As noted last week, I was not a fan of Smackdown’s attack on Raw, and this did nothing for me. I found that Shane’s continued justification is poor, and as someone in a face role, he should be focused on the competitive aspect. He talked about Kane attacking Daniel Bryan, but at least it was a heel that did it. His performance this week came across a little dull, and just didn’t do anything to get me excited for the match. On the positive end, I am satisfied with the Smackdown Survivor Series team so far, and feel the match will be better than the buildup.
Strangerer Things: As you all know, I am huge fan of the Fashion Files, and have loved the addition of the Ascension, so this is more minor than anything. I feel the last two weeks haven’t been as solid, and that if they’re not careful, could cause the fans to get restless by not solving the 2B case. This has been going on for quite a while, so it needs to have a natural progression and not seem to be going in circles.
Jeff Indelicato has been a fan of professional wrestling since he was knee high to a grasshopper (little kid), after coming across the Wrestling Challenge episode after WrestleMania 7, and has not looked back. His passion has led him to winning wrestling trivia contests in his city, and even won him his Senior Talent Show by dancing to Shawn Michaels theme song. When not annoying others with wrestling talk, he loves spending time with his family and friends, and focuses on his other passion: movies. Follow him on Twitter @the_Indel or send him an email at indelpw@gmail.com.
NOW CHECK OUT LAST WEEK’S COLUMN: WWE SMACKDOWN HITS & MISSES 10/24: Daniel Bryan a lone “Hit” on this week’s show, plus Raw vs. Smackdown, Under Siege, Charlotte, Styles, Shane
I checked Wade’s recap to be sure I didn’t miss it, and I don’t think I did. So Vinny is busy destroying the women’s revolution by having everyone lie down for Asuka on Raw and here on Smackdown we got a great 0 minute match between nobody. Closest thing to a woman’s match I do believe was Kevin Owen’s manboobs.
I was hoping for a women’s match too. They certainly had time if they would have cut out some of the dumb skits.