This was one of the best SmackDowns of the year. The matches were great and the stories were good as well. The highlights of this episode included the return of Charlotte Flair, LA Knight challenging Bray Wyatt to a match, and the main event where Cena and KO defeated the Bloodline. The only lowlight would be Charlotte winning the SmackDown Women’s Championship so quickly. I would have liked to see a bigger build toward that title change.
Match score loses points because none of the matches received a 4.25 or higher. Show structure was great. Nothing in the show order made this episode hard ton watch. The atmosphere was very good throughout but wasn’t always amazing. Storytelling lost points partly because of the SD Women’s Title change and how quick it was. the production/theme was good but didn’t have a special theme.
On this week’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown: Sheamus takes on Solo Sikoa. Will the Celtic Warrior take down The Bloodline’s enforcer? Raquel Rodriguez challenges Ronda Rousey for the SmackDown Women’s Championship. Will Rodriguez overcome her injury to become the new champion? And John Cena returns to the ring as he partners with Kevin Owens to take on Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn.
AMAZING LA Knight confronts Bray Wyatt:
Bray Wyatt opened with an apology to the cameraman he attacked last week. Then, LA Knight interrupted Wyatt, challenging him to a match at the Royal Rumble. Wyatt accepted, saying it’s time he reminded the world how cruel he could be when he wants to be. Finally, Uncle Howdy came to the ring, hitting Bray with a Sister Abigail.
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 4 stars
Paul Heyman stopped Sami Zayn with a warning not to steal Roman Reigns’ spotlight.
GREAT Sheamus vs Solo Sikoa:
In a physical matchup, Sheamus had the advantage early on. Solo Sikoa was frustrated with this and nearly brought in a steel chair. The Brawling Bruts then fought with the Usos after they pulled Sikoa out of a Cloverleaf. Sikoa used the distraction to finish off Sheamus with a Samoan Spike. The Usos attempted to continue the assault post-match, but Drew McIntyre came to the rescue.
Results: Solo Sikoa by Pinfall via Samoan Spike
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 3.5 Stars
GREAT Ronda Rousey vs Raquel Rodriguez for the SmackDown Women’s Championship:
Rousey trash-talked the crowd, opening the door for shoulder tackles from Rodriguez. Rousey responded with a flurry of submission holds. Later, Rodriguez countered one with a Tejana Bomb on the ring apron. Shayna Baszler interfered, moving Rousey’s leg on the rope to save a pinfall. In the end, Rousey forced Raquel Rodriguez to tap out. Then, Charlotte Flair made her return. Flair challenged Rousey to a match immediately. Despite Baszler protesting, Rousey accepted. Flair quickly pinned Rousey to win her 14th Championship.
Results: Ronda Rousey by Submission via Armbar
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 3.75 Stars
Dominik Mysterio was arrested after causing a ruckus at the Mysterio family Christmas.
Top Dolla and Ricochet nearly got into a fight backstage after Ricochet made fun of Top Dolla’s failed high-flying move.
GOOD Imperium is confronted by Braun Strowman:
As Imperium remembered Gunther’s dominant year, Braun Strowman made his entrance. Strowman then demanded a title match with Gunther. Strowman then fought with all three members of Imperium. Gunther then put Strowman in a hellacious armbar but was chased off by RIcochet.
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 3.25 stars
AMAZING Kevin Owens and John Cena vs Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn:
The crowd chanted “We Want Cena” as Reigns and Owens stared each other down. Reigns clotheslined Owens. Later, Zayn and Owens were in the ring, Roman Reigns took out Cena as Owens looked to tag him in. The highlight of the match was the two-man Five Knuckle Shuffle by KO and John Cena. Owens hit Zayn with a stunner to pick up the surprising victory for the team of Owens and Cena.
Results: Kevin Owens and John Cena by Pinfall via Stunner
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 4 Stars
Overall…
This was one of the best SmackDowns of the year. The matches were great and the stories were good as well. The highlights of this episode included the return of Charlotte Flair, LA Knight challenging Bray Wyatt to a match, and the main event where Cena and KO defeated the Bloodline. The only lowlight would be Charlotte winning the SmackDown Women’s Championship so quickly. I would have liked to see a bigger build toward that title change.
Match score loses points because none of the matches received a 4.25 or higher. Show structure was great. Nothing in the show order made this episode hard to watch. The atmosphere was very good throughout but wasn’t always amazing. Storytelling lost points partly because of the SD Women’s Title change and how quick it was. the production/theme was good but didn’t have a special theme.
Matches: 0.5/1 Stars
Show Structure: 1/1 Stars
Atmosphere: 0.75/1 Stars
Storytelling: 0.75/1 Stars
Production/Theme: 0.75/1 Stars
Overall Rating. 3.75/5 Stars
Photo Credit: WWE
For inquiries about the rating criteria check out the article announcing the new system here:
