This was a pretty good episode of SmackDown. The matches were nothing special, which hurt the show, but several stories were advanced in the course of the show. The highlight of the show was LA Knight as he began a feud with Roman Reigns and the Bloodline. Reigns speared him after Knight defeated Solo Sikoa. The low point of the night was the Pretty Deadly match, which was fine but it lacked a story between the two teams, other than the injury.
While none of the matches were rated 'great' or above, The main event was good, but Reigns staring down Cody kinda distracts from the Tribal Chief feuding with LA Knight. The atmosphere was hot for much of the show but was lacking in a couple of matches. Several stories were advanced a couple were advanced in an exceptional way. Production was good but there was no theme to the show.
On tonight’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown: the Tribal Chief returns! What does he have to say about the state of the Bloodline? Triple makes an appearance. What brings to the Game in front of the camera? And the Undisputed Tag Team Titles are on the line as Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso defend against Austin Theory and Grayson Waller.
GREAT John Cena, Roman Reigns, and LA Knight:
To kick off the season premier of SmackDown, Cena acknowledged Reigns’ title reign and introduced LA Knight as the next challenger for the Undisputed Championship. While Tulsa absolutely loved the Megastar, the Tribal Chief was less than impressed. Just as Knight started listing what made him special, Jimmy Uso tried and failed to attack him from behind. In order to prove himself, LA Knight will face Solo Sikoa in a match.
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 4 Stars
ABOVE AVERAGE Ridge Holland and Butch vs Pretty Deadly:
Ridge and Butch treated Pretty Deadly as punching bags to start the latter’s return to the ring. At one point, Elton Prince looked like he wouldn’t be able to continue his comeback but it was all a ruse. Despite dominating most of the match, the Brawling Brutes took the loss.
Results: Pretty Deadly by Pinfall
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 2.75 Stars
Carlito challenged Bobby Lashley to a match but received a beating courtesy of the Street Profits instead.
ABOVE AVERAGE Bayley vs Zelina Vega:
Vega was in control early on, nearly pinning Bayley after a 619 and a Meteora. However, Damage Control played a role as the Women’s Champion Iyo Sky distracted Vega. Bayley took advantage and hit a Rose Plant on Zelina Vega to win. Damage Control continued to attack Vega after the match but Charlotte Flair quickly stopped the violence.
Results: Bayley by Pinfall via Rose Plant
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 2.75 Stars
GOOD Triple H with an announcement:
Triple H announced Adam Pearce’s promotion to General Manager of Monday Night Raw. Before the Game could announce who his SmackDown counterpart would be, Domenik Mysterio interrupted. Mysterio believed the Judgement Day had been screwed out of their titles. In response, Triple H suggested Mysterio talk to the new GM of SmackDown, former NWA World Champion Nick Aldis. As his first order of business, Aldis introduced Kevin Owens as the superstar SmackDown acquired in the Jey Uso trade. Owens hit Mysterio with a stunner to end the segment.
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 3.25 Stars
Roman Reigns is frustrated that everyone is acting up on SD while Jimmy Uso has done nothing about it.
Nick Aldis gave Chelsea Green and Piper Nieven the cold shoulder in order to talk to Charlotte Flair. Aldis promised the queen a championship match against Iyo Sky to make up for getting cheated out of a win at Fastlane. As Flair turned to leave, she came face to face with Jade Cargill.
GOOD Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes (champions) vs A-Town Down Under for the Undisputed Tag Team Championship:
This was a pretty short match. Despite an ushigoroshi from Theory, the challengers didn’t have much of a chance. A 1D Neckbreaker combo and then a Cross Rhodes led to the champs retaining. After the match, the Bloodline entered to look at the tag team champions face-to-face. With particular attention paid to Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes looking each other in the eye.
Results: Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes by Pinfall via Cross Rhodes
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 3 Stars
GOOD Solo Sikoa vs LA Knight:
Despite his best effort, LA Knight couldn’t outmuscle the Enforcer early in the match. Sikoa was in control for most of the first half but the Megastar gradually fought his way back in. After a DDT and some punches, Knight got an opportunity to display his strength with a bodyslam. Later, Jimmy Uso tried to interfere but John Cena intercepted him and hit Uso with an AA. Cena got a Samoan Spike from Sikoa but the distraction was enough for LA Knight. He hit Sikoa with a BFT to pick up the win. The thrill of victory was short-lived, as Roman Reigns came out of nowhere to spear LA Knight.
Results: LA Knight by Pinfall via BFT
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 3.25 Stars
Overall…
This was a pretty good episode of SmackDown. The matches were nothing special, which hurt the show, but several stories were advanced in the course of the show. The highlight of the show was LA Knight as he began a feud with Roman Reigns and the Bloodline. Reigns speared him after Knight defeated Solo Sikoa. The low point of the night was the Pretty Deadly match, which was fine but it lacked a story between the two teams, other than the injury.
While none of the matches were rated ‘great’ or above, The main event was good, but Reigns staring down Cody kinda distracts from the Tribal Chief feuding with LA Knight. The atmosphere was hot for much of the show but was lacking in a couple of matches. Several stories were advanced a couple were advanced in an exceptional way. Production was good but there was no theme to the show.
Matches: 0.25/1 Stars
Show Structure: 0.75/1 Stars
Atmosphere: 0.75/1 Stars
Storytelling: 0.75/1 Stars
Production/Theme: 0.75/1 Stars
Overall Rating. 3.25/5 Stars
Photo Credit: WWE
For inquiries about the rating criteria check out the article announcing the new system here:
