This was a good episode of Friday Night SmackDown. Some very good promo segments and good matches throughout. The highlight of the night was the segment with LA Knight and Bray Wyatt. The segment was very entertaining and really build up the excitement for tomorrow night’s Pitch Black Match. The lowlight of the show was the match between Rey Mysterio and Karrion Kross. It was still a good match but was a little short and had an anti-climactic ending.
The match rating lost points because while all the matches were good, none reach the level of amazing. The show structure was very good but some of the early segments weren't the best. The Brock Lesnar/New Day/Bobby Lashley segment was very chaotic. The atmosphere was good but not great at all points. The story of the Bloodline continues to develop and the Knight-Wyatt match looks like it'll be great. Perfect score for storytelling. And the usual notes on the production.
On tonight’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown: Kevin Owens battles Solo Sikoa. How will Owens handle facing a member of the Bloodline on back-to-back nights? Rey Mysterio faces off against Karrion Kross. Will the legendary luchador be able to put away the pesky Kross? And the SmackDown Tag Team Tournament continues as the Banger Bros take on Hit Row. who will advance and get one step closer to facing the Usos?
As the Bloodline enters the arena, Sami Zayn secretly approaches Jey Uso to thank him for what he did at the tribal court.
GOOD Rey Mysterio vs Karrion Kross:
Mysterio seized momentum early in this match, using a sliding suplex to propel Kross into the barricade. Just as Kross took the advantage, his opponent got in a 619, despite attempted interference from Scarlet. In the finish, Rey Mysterio creatively reversed a move by Karrion Kross into a pin.
Results: Rey Mysterio by Pinfall
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 3 Stars
GOOD The New Day, Austin Theory, The Miz, Bobby Lashley, and Brock Lesnar:
The segment opened with Theory but grew to include the New Day and the Miz, all claiming they would win the rumble. Then, Theory and Miz attacked the New Day until Bobby Lashley came to the ring. He proved he was on no one’s side, as he attacked everyone in the ring.
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 3 stars
SQUASH – Lacey Evans submitted Jasmin Allure with a Cobra Clutch. After the match, Evans declared for the Royal Rumble.
Sheamus and Drew chopped each other as they prepared for their match with Hit Row.
GREAT Braun Strowman and Ricochet vs Hit Row:
This match was originally supposed to include Drew McIntyre and Sheamus but they gave up their place after getting attacked by the Viking Raiders. Thus Pearce brought in Strowman and Ricochet. Ricochet had the advantage over Ashonte Thee Adonis but a distraction by B-Fab allowed Adonis to turn things around. In the finish, Ricochet took out Top Dolla with a dive over the top rope. Meanwhile, Strowman finished off Adonis with a Monster Bomb.
Results: Braun Strowman and Ricochet by Pinfall via Monster Bomb
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 3.5 Stars
As KO defended his decision to fight on back-to-back nights, the Usos walked in and tried to start a brawl.
AMAZING LA Knight and Bray Wyatt:
Knight trolled the fans by entering to the Wyatt Family’s theme song. Knight told Wyatt that no matter what gimmick he uses, Knight will take him out. Then Wyatt’s logo flashed across the screen and Bray Wyatt addressed LA Knight. He told Knight to enjoy himself while he could, as Uncle Howdy observed from above.
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 3.75 stars
GREAT Legado Del Fantasma (w/Zelena Vega) vs Imperium:
Imperium controlled this match early on, taking out both members of LFG with clotheslines. Later, Del Toro showed off an impressive move with an enzuigiri as he went through the ropes. LFG nearly picked up the victory on a frog splash. Vinci bodyslammed Wilde off the turnbuckle but he injured his knee in the process. Imperium still managed to pick up the win on an Imperial Bomb.
Results: Imperium by Pinfall via Imperial Bomb
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 3.5 Stars
Charlotte Flair told Adam Pearce to schedule a match between her and Sonya Deville on next week’s SmackDown.
GREAT Kevin Owens vs Solo Sikoa:
After exchanging punches, Sikoa took advantage by throwing Owens into the barricade outside the ring. Coming out of the commercial, Owens nearly made the pin after a DDT. later, Solo SIkoa countered a stunner with a Samoan Drop. just after KO landed a Swanton Bomb, Sami Zayn pulled Sikoa out of the ring to avoid the pin. Outside the ring, Solo Sikoa accidentally super-kicked Sami Zayn. Sikoa used a chair on Owens which ended the match, although the bell didn’t ring. To end the show, Owens looked like he was going to hit Zayn with the chair but instead used it on Solo Sikoa.
Results: Kevin Owens by Disqualification
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 3.5 Stars
Overall…
This was a good episode of Friday Night SmackDown. Some very good promo segments and good matches throughout. The highlight of the night was the segment with LA Knight and Bray Wyatt. The segment was very entertaining and really build up the excitement for tomorrow night’s Pitch Black Match. The lowlight of the show was the match between Rey Mysterio and Karrion Kross. It was still a good match but was a little short and had an anti-climactic ending.
The match rating lost points because while all the matches were good, none reach the level of amazing. The show structure was very good but some of the early segments weren’t the best. The Brock Lesnar/New Day/Bobby Lashley segment was very chaotic. The atmosphere was good but not great at all points. The story of the Bloodline continues to develop and the Knight-Wyatt match looks like it’ll be great. Perfect score for storytelling. And the usual notes on the production.
Matches: 0.5/1 Stars
Show Structure: 0.75/1 Stars
Atmosphere: 0.5/1 Stars
Storytelling: 1/1 Stars
Production/Theme: 0.75/1 Stars
Overall Rating. 3.5/5 Stars
Photo Credit: WWE
For inquiries about the rating criteria check out the article announcing the new system here:
