SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...
HITS
Jeff Hardy vs. The Miz: This was a good opening match that kept the crowd invested. Both men put together a nice story, and I was pleased with The Miz’s victory. Some fans may have predicted that Hardy would win the qualifier, due to his history with the ladder, so it was good to see a change. Bonus points for the clean victory, as Miz needs these to legitimize himself without the Miztourage.
Shinsuke Nakamura: It has now been a month since Shinsuke’s heel turn, and the change in character was definitely the right decision. Nakamura seems to be having fun with his new side, which will add layers to his personality. I particularly loved him telling Renee Young that he forgot how to speak English. He will have to be careful in how he projects this new attitude, though, as the cheers/laughs from the crowd could hurt future storylines, due to his popularity.
Main Event: Just like the Miz and Hardy prior, this was another good qualifying match, with another surprising ending. Having Daniel Bryan back on the roster has been a significant blessing to the show, and led to fresh, high quality matches. While Rusev’s victory may have been a shock to some, I applauded the decision for a couple of reasons. First, it will hopefully be used to capitalize on his popularity. Secondly, it’s putting someone new and fresh in the Money in the Bank match. Finally, the loss made sense, as the commentators brought up all the wrestling and abuse that Bryan has taken lately. It gives both wrestlers something to work with as we head towards at the pay per view.
More wrestling: Last week, I criticized the company for the lack of wrestling during the two hour show. This week, they more than made up for it by having five matches throughout the night. In addition, all of them were of good quality, and had purpose as it relates to telling a story. Three were Money in the Bank qualifiers, while the other two focused on a budding feud (Cesaro vs. Woods) or on the wrestlers themselves (Mandy Rose getting a win/Becky Lynch taking another loss). The show had good booking throughout, and led to a solid night.
MISSES
Bludgeon Brothers: I appreciate the intent in trying to do something with this tag team, but for me, it’s not working. Harper and Rowan are talented wrestlers, but their current characters are becoming more and more cartoonish. This is especially true of the swinging of the mallets at the camera. In my opinion, they were much more intimidating and successful when they were a tag team in the Wyatt Family.
Rusev as a Heel: I understand Smackdown needs heels, but the decision to keep Rusev as one is head scratching. The crowd is invested in his character, and want to cheer him. In fact, they are even chanting his name during segments on Raw. Therefore, I would like to see the company move towards him becoming a fan favorite. Just like the Roman Reigns situation (where fans will cheer any heel over Roman), it could lead to opposing wrestlers getting an unintentional reaction if the fans favor Rusev over the face.
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 5/1: Miz TV, Big Cass, Rusev & Lana, Paige’s appearance, scarce in-ring action
He’s been doing the no a speaka english routine for like 3 weeks.