SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...
SMACKDOWN HITS
Chad Gable vs. Jey Uso: This was a good match that continued to put the spotlight on Gable, who has really stepped up in recent weeks. Both combatants put on a fun contest that will make at least some question if The Usos will lose the titles this Sunday. Either way, the two teams have developed a nice feud recently, and I wouldn’t be opposed to seeing Gable and Benjamin become Tag Team Champions.
Main Event: This was a very enjoyable main event that accomplished a few things. Firstly, it gave Sami Zayn an opportunity to shine, due to the quick tapout from Kevin Owens. Secondly, it allowed A.J. Styles to show a much more aggressive side to his character. Throughout the match, Styles did a good job of showing the frustration that has built up over the last few weeks. In addition to that, with Zayn’s win, it helped plant seeds of doubt into whether Styles will be able to retain this Sunday.
SMACKDOWN MISSES
Opening Segment: While the main event was a hit, the opening segment that led to it was not. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, while entertaining, were reciting the same statements that we’ve heard in the past, adding nothing really new to the story. In addition, when Daniel Bryan appeared, Styles acted foolish by assuming what was going to happen, and accepted the challenge with just days to go until his match at the Royal Rumble.
Naomi vs. Liv Morgan: This was a poor match that was unnecessary and booked simply for the purpose of promoting the Women’s Royal Rumble match. On top of that, Smackdown mimicked Raw again by having the women throw each other over the top rope after the match had concluded. Not only was it lazy, but it didn’t do anything for the wrestlers in promoting the match.
The New Day: While I have been a fan in the past, it seems that The New Day are in desperate need for a character refresh. They are coming across as unfunny and childish more and more, and the crowd reaction to the team seems to be dying down. Hopefully a pending feud with Rusev Day will lead to something positive, but I’m fearful that it will just lead to more “comedy.”
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. He 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 1/16: Roode wins the U.S. Title Tournament, Royal Rumble promotion, Shallow Roster Dept:
There was a bit of a plus to the Naomi match… Naomi was in a 1 on 1 match [for the most part] on TV. Smackdown has too much sillyness that a few one on one matches wouldn’t hurt. Oh yeah, if Hulk Hogan err… Charlotte would wrestle on TV [1on1 again] it might be nice. The Hogan reference is to 80’s TV where champion Hogan wrestled 3 times a year on TV.
Dbob,
I agree I would rather see some one on one matches vs. the six and eight woman tags that seem to be a cluster, but Naomi just isn’t very good. I’d rather see some of the better wrestlers in that role. Naomi’s whole character is just a comedy act. I agree with you on Charlotte, she hasn’t exactly been a fighting champion. Alexa Bliss seems lost in the shuffle on the Raw too as they focus on the other wrestlers.
Did you notice the guy tossing the pancakes back at the New Day? The look on Big E’s face was hilarious. I always thought their act was corny and annoying.