As a go-home show before Survivor Series, this was a decent show. One of the highlights was Becky Lynch returning to join the team of Bianca Belair. Additionally, Drew McIntyre and Sheamus, with help from Kevin Owens, defeated the Usos to gain the advantage for their team in the Wargames match. The lowlights of the night were the Strowman-Ricochet match and the tag match involving Ronda Rousey. The action wasn't that great, though we now know Ricochet will face Santos Escobar in the finals of the SmackDown World Cup. This episode loses points for the lack of quality in the matches throughout most of the show.
On tonight’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown: Butch takes on Santos Escobar in a semi-final of the SmackDown World Cup. In the other semi-final, Braun Strowman goes up against Ricochet. Who will reach the finals and go on to challenge Gunther? Sheamus and Drew McIntyre go up against the Usos. Who will pick up the advantage for the Wargames match? Finally, Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler go against Shotzi and Raquel Rodriguez.
GOOD Bianca Belair announces her fifth team member:
Belair announced Becky Lynch as the fifth member of her team. The two teams then brawled in the ring with Lynch focused on Bayley. The two teams then stared each other down ahead of tomorrow’s Wargames match.
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 3 stars
ABOVE AVERAGE Butch vs Santos Escobar:
Escobar took control after pushing Butch off of the ring corner, as Zelena Vega joined the announcer table. Later, Butch nearly pinned Escobar with a tornado DDT. in the finish, Santos Escobar used a distraction to land a Phantom Driver for the win.
Results: Santos Escobar by Pinfall via Phantom Driver
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 2.75 Stars
GOOD Bray Wyatt:
Bray Wyatt denied that he is the one who attacked LA Knight. Then, Uncle Howdy interrupted Wyatt and showed a creepy video package. Meanwhile, in the back, LA Knight talked about the injuries he suffered after he was attacked.
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 3.25 stars
ABOVE AVERAGE Hit Row vs The Viking Raiders:
The Raiders dominated with their power early on in the match. Later, Top Dolla was able to briefly turn the momentum around. In the end, the Viking Raiders won after a powerbomb to Ashante ‘Thee’ Adonis.
Results: The Viking Raiders by Pinfall via Powerbomb
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 2.75 Stars
The video of Domenki and Rhea Ripley attacking Rey Mysterio is shown.
LA Knight was attacked backstage again.
ABOVE AVERAGE Braun Strowman vs Ricochet:
Ricochet was able to avoid Strowman with his speed, but Strowman eventually caught up. Later, Imperium distracted Strowman, allowing Ricochet to win via rollup. After the match, Imperium attacked both Ricochet and Braun Strowman.
Results: Ricochet by Pinfall via Rollup
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 2.5 Stars
Kevin Owens told Sami Zayn that he should strike first rather than wait for The Bloodline to attack him. This sowed distrust in Jey Uso of his Wargames teammate.
Becky Lynch said she has been looking forward to facing Damage Control.
Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler attacked Raquel Rodriguez and Shotzi.
ABOVE AVERAGE Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler vs Raquel Rodriguez and Shotzi:
Ahead of their match at Survivor Series Wargames, Shotzi got in some quick offense to start but the numbers were too much for her. Eventually, Raquel rejoined the match. Unfortunately, her arm was too injured from the pre-match attack and she tapped out to Rousey.
Results: Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler by Submission via Armbar
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 2.5 Stars
Shotzi said she would beat Ronda senseless in response to what she did =.
GREAT Sheamus and Drew McIntyre vs The Usos:
As the teams fought outside the ring, Kevins Owens trash-talked Sami Zayn again. Later, Jey Uso grabbed McIntyre’s leg to prevent a Claymore. Sami Zayn interfered in the match, which nearly allowed Jey Uso to win with a Frog Splash. Zayn was ejected from ringside, allowing Kevin Owens to sneak in and hit Jey with a stunner. Sheamus landed a Brogue Kick to finish off Jey, giving their team the advantage at Wargames.
Results: Drew McIntyre and Sheamus by Pinfall via Brogue Kick
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 3.5 Stars
Overall…
As a go-home show before Survivor Series, this was a decent show. One of the highlights was Becky Lynch returning to join the team of Bianca Belair. Additionally, Drew McIntyre and Sheamus, with help from Kevin Owens, defeated the Usos to gain the advantage for their team in the Wargames match. The lowlights of the night were the Strowman-Ricochet match and the tag match involving Ronda Rousey. The action wasn’t that great, though we now know Ricochet will face Santos Escobar in the finals of the SmackDown World Cup. This episode loses points for the lack of quality in the matches throughout most of the show.
Matches: 0.5/1 Stars
Show Structure: 0.5/1 Stars
Atmosphere: 0.5/1 Stars
Storytelling: 0.5/1 Stars
Production/Theme: 0.75/1 Stars
Overall Rating. 2.75/5 Stars
Photo Credit: WWE
For inquiries about the rating criteria check out the article announcing the new system here:
