SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...
HITS
Opening Segment: The show got off to a good start by putting the focus on the WWE Champion and the WrestleMania main event. A.J. Styles is a consistently strong babyface and he makes it easy to root for him. Shinsuke also played his role well by keeping his responses short and making it clear that he intends to win the championship. The match that followed between Styles and Rusev was enjoyable as well.
The Bludgeon Brothers vs. Jimmy Uso & Big E: Following Harper & Rowan’s attack on The Usos and New Day last Sunday, I thought that this was a creative way in selling the injuries, and putting two separate tag team members together in a match. The match itself was solid, and continued to showcase how effective Harper & Rowan are as a team. Bonus kudos to Big E for his pre-match promo. This is now the second week that the New Day have dropped some of their goofiness, and it has been refreshing.
Kevin Owens/Sami Zayn/Shane McMahon: This was a good piece of storytelling throughout the episode. Both Owens and Zayn had very solid promos leading up to Shane’s announcement, and it was easy to get invested. Shane’s decision to take a leave of absence somewhat mirrors his “suspension” right before Hell in a Cell last year, so I’m not really sold that he is leaving, especially after his attack. Speaking of the attack, it was brutal and effective, as this whole feud has been building up to such a moment. For the first time in quite a while, I’m looking forward to where this goes next week.
MISSES
Charlotte/Asuka: When Asuka made her surprise challenge to Charlotte on Sunday, I was excited, and still am. However, something felt off about this segment. While I like Charlotte, there have been many instances during her face run where she comes across as pandering or insincere. It may be her tone of voice, or inflection, but the way she spoke about hoping to face Asuka came across like she was trying to win a beauty pageant. Language barrier aside, Asuka’s yelling can sometimes make a segment slightly uncomfortable, so I would prefer a more serious tone from her as well. Also, what’s with the U.S. Champion interrupting Charlotte’s segments?
Bobby Roode vs. Jinder Mahal: This was just an okay match that really didn’t seem to go anywhere. The U.S. Championship picture hasn’t been entirely solid lately, and I’m not really thrilled with Jinder facing off against Randy Orton again after their mediocre feud last year. Roode’s presence helps add something, but it feels like a piece of the puzzle is still missing.
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 3/6: Animated Text Promos, Booking Decisions, Rusev-Nakaura, Five-Way Main Event, Ruby-Charlotte, Styles-Ziggler
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