Writers Notes:
John’s out for the night! I’ll be doing Smackdown tonight.
Preview: 8 Days before the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event, we see Charlotte Flair Vs Naomi in a Championship Contenders Match, We continue to see Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns building their next match in their historic rivalry. How does Seth Rollins react after being attacked by the Usos on Monday Night Raw? All that and Much More as we inch closer and closer to the Royal Rumble.
Great: Opening Promo, Usos, Seth, Roman, and Kevin Owens.
Overall this was well done, we saw The Usos introduce Roman well, and Roman had a great video package summarizing Roman’s historic Universal Championship title reign. Seth continues to bring up and allow the importance of their past together proving relevance in their short program. Kevin Owens had a great pop as he was Seth’s chosen partner.
The Main Event is official, Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens vs The Usos. If Seth and Kevin Owens win the Usos are banned from ringside at the Rumble, If The Usos win, Seth loses the title opportunity at the Rumble.
Match 1:
GOOD: Kofi Kingston with Big E Vs Madcap Moss with Happy Corbin
This match was better and more enjoyable than last week. Big E coming out was fun for Kofi and cool to even the odds. I know we are probably going to get another couple of rematches as they are 1 to 1. Madcap Moss continues to impress me, he is a big guy who is getting put in a mid card position and is doing pretty well in my opinion. Solid future mid-card champion. Kofi also is a solid choice to get a decent match out of someone.
Results: Kofi Kingston Pins Madcap after a Trouble In Paradise
Coby Galenzoski WR Star Rating – 3.25 Stars
Match 2:
SATISFACTORY: Aliyah Vs Natalya (Plus post-match segment)
Overall I liked the Hurricanrana that Aliyah did and then right into the discus clothesline. Outside of that this match was easily skippable and could have just been a brawl between the two. Xia Li returns and goes after Natalya, cool that they are trying to build both Aliyah and Xia up. I don’t enjoy that Xia is making this save and it’s just Natalya standing there because Xia Li has to do her entrance. It’s cool for the special effects but it’s not for the two cases they have used Xia in.
Results: Aliyah Wins by DQ after Natalya wouldn’t stop attacking her in the corner.
Coby Galenzoski WR Star Rating – 2.25 Stars
Match 3:
AVERAGE: Los Lotharios Vs Viking Raiders
Overall this was a short but sweet match. It was almost a high octane offense as they were told they had a short time slot. Fun combinations between both teams. Viking Raiders continue to pick up momentum as they are next for the Usos.
Results: Viking Raiders win after the Viking Experience pop-up power slam.
Coby Galenzoski WR Star Rating – 2.50 Stars
Match 4:
SATISFACTORY: Charlotte Flair Vs Naomi – Special Referee Sonya Deville.
Overall this match was short and just boring. There was an unneeded screw job on a random Smackdown after a few-minute match. The crowd was pretty dead as well. Sonya getting knocked out of the ring was a little interesting but overall this was the third match that just happened.
Results:
Coby Galenzoski WR Star Rating – 2.25 Stars
GOOD: Sami Zayn’s INZAYN Self Defense Segment.
Overall you could tell the sound effects were played from production but that was the point. Johnny Knoxville was alright on the mic and was extremely over. The crowd investment was the main reason this deserves a good. Johnny throws Sami Zayn over the top rope once again after using the cattle prod on Sami.
Next Week – Sonya Deville Vs Naomi is announced after Eric Bischoff and Adam Pearce are discussing business.
Match 5:
AVERAGE: Sheamus with Ridge Holland Vs Ricochet
Another short match that had a nice OMG moment with the catching Knee after the suicide dive. Sheamus continues to look good and strong but Ricochet taking losses isn’t that good.
Results: Sheamus wins after a Brogue Kick
Coby Galenzoski WR Star Rating – 2.50 Stars
Next Week – New Day Vs Madcap Moss and Happy Corbin
Match 6:
GOOD: Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens vs The Usos. If Seth and Kevin Owens win the Usos are banned from ringside at the Rumble, If The Usos win, Seth loses the title opportunity at the Rumble.
Overall this match built up to the second half of the match where the crowd was in the palm of the guys hands. Nice suicide dive by Rollins as well. The high octane second half was very good and enjoyable, but the abrupt ending with Roman attacking Rollins makes for a confusing ending.
Results: Seth Rollins gets Superman Punched causing a DQ and The Usos are barred from ringside for Roman Vs Seth.
Coby Galenzoski WR Star Rating – 3.50 Stars
Overall Smackdown had a number of short matches, with alright promos. This show seemed to be more in-ring-focused without having good quality matches. Tonight truly was carried by the opening promo, In-Zayn with Johnny Knoxville, and the main event. Going into next week will bring a little bit of interest with Sonya Vs Naomi and the New Day reuniting again as according to Michael Cole, It’s Royal Rumble Season and anyone can show up!
Show theme and presentation: 7/10
Watchability: 7/10
Production: 7/10
Storyline progression: 8/10
Crowd reaction: 8/10
Overall Rating. 6.8/10
