WWE SMACKDOWN HITS & MISSES (1/12): Butch’s identity crisis, Belair vs. Bayley, Heyman-Aldis chemistry, Theory vs. Carmello, more

Opening Segment: Hit

With the exception of Cameron Grimes (more on that later), the opening segment was solid. The dynamic between Paul Heyman and Nick Aldis has been stellar and one of the highlights of each Smackdown. Aldis plays the General Manager role perfectly: he’s smooth and calm and his refusal to be pushed around by Heyman and The Bloodline (I’m looking at your Adam Pearce!) has made him one of the best GM’s in a long time very long time.

Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro vs. Angel & Humberto: Hit

These two teams are another valid argument that Smackdown needs their own set of tag titles. This was an awesome match, as you would expect from these four. At some point I expect a six man tag with ese four, Santos Escobar and possibly a returning wrestler who has history with Zelina Vega??

“Butch”: Hit

Please remember who you were Pete Dunne…

Bianca Belair vs. Bayley: Hit

To be honest, I had zero interest in this match, as it seems like I have seen these two wrestle too many times, but both ladies brought their A Game and I felt it was one of their better matches, overall. They were given roughly 16 minutes and filled that time nicely. The ongoing saga of Bayley and Damage Control rolled on, as well.

The Final Testament video: Minor Hit

Look, nothing was wrong about the video. I enjoyed it and this faction immensely (here’s hoping this is the Karrion Kross that gets over like he did in NXT). My one gripe was that is seemed presented…weird. Bossy Lashley and The Street Profits were speaking, Paul Ellering comes out and just point to the big screen. Like I said, the video was great, but the set up to it seemed a little lame.

Austin Theory vs. Carmelo Hayes: Hit

Although what we saw from these two was good, this Hit goes for the stoppage of the match. Twice in so many weeks, matches have been stopped for the safety of the performers. I know some companies still allow unprotected head shots, but good on the WWE for taking the precaution of stopping a match.

L.A. Knight & A.J. Styles & Randy Orton vs. Jimmy Uso & Solo Sikoa: Hit

A paint by numbers main event, but that’s not a bad thing. I’m still not sure what to think about AJ Styles: he seems to appear on the verge of a heel turn, then regresses back to face mode. I wouldn’t mind a full blown OC turn they could use a reboot.

Cameron Grimes: Miss

I’ve touched on this before, but Grimes must’ve upset someone since his move from NXT to the Smackdown roster. The guy can’t even make it down to the ring without getting annihilated. When he does wrestle, he ends up on the losing end. This guy was just in a Four Way North American Contender’s Match, for crying out loud. The guy can go in the ring, I just wish they would get him a chance to prove that he could serve as a great mid-card talent.

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