This was a good episode of SmackDown. A couple of great matches combined with storylines that look ahead to Fastlane made for a quality show. The highlight was the women’s tag match as it was a quality match that the crowd was really into. Not many lowlights, although the main event ended suddenly the segment was saved by what happened afterward.
The matches were good but none of them were amazing. The show structure was good but the main event match was too short, even though the segment was still good. The atmosphere was very good but wasn’t incredible. A couple of storylines were moved along but not in an exceptional way. The production quality was good but no specific theme to the show.
Tonight on Friday Night SmackDown: Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes come to the blue brand ahead of their match against Judgement Day. Asuka and Charlotte Flair face Damage Control in a tag team match. Who will emerge victorious? Dragon Lee takes on former United States Champion Austin Theory. Will Theory take down the debuting luchador? And Rey Mysterio battles Bobby Lashley in a one-on-one match.
GOOD Paul Heyman and the Bloodline confront LA Knight:
Heyman notes his history of backing top talent and labels LA Knight the next big thing. However, Heyman and the Bloodline can’t just let Knight rise unchecked. Jimmy Uso and SOlo Sikoa then tried to attack LA Knight but John Cena came to rescue his partner. The Megastar then challenged Jimmy to a one-on-one match later tonight. Uso accepted, much to the chagrin of Paul Heyman.
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 3.25 Stars
Damien Priest questioned why JD McDonagh was there with the Judgement Day. Rhea Ripley said McDonagh was there at her request.
GREAT Charlotte Flair and Asuka vs Damage Control:
Some tension came early on as a distracted Bayley missed out on a tag that Iyo Sky was looking for. Sky left no stone unturned in the effort to win, biting Asuka. Later, Iyo Sky finished off a massive superplex that included the other three competitors. Despite accidentally hitting Asuka with a big boot, Flair secured the win for her team after hitting Bayley with Natural Selection. Sending the Queen and the Empress to Fastlane on a winning streak. However, only one of them will end their winning streak tomorrow night.
Results: Charlotte Flair and Asuka by Pinfall via Natural Selection
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 3.5 Stars
Jimmy Uso complains to Paul Heyman that Roman Reigns is never around and this Uso needs to approve his own matches. The Bloodline is surprised to find the Judgement Day occupying their locker room. Rhea Ripley dismissed both groups but insisted she and Heyman needed to chat.
GOOD Rey Mysterio (with the LWO) vs Bobby Lashley:
This match was a clash of styles: Lashley’s strength against Mysterio’s agility. In the first part of the match, the Almighty used his strength to prevent Rey Mysterio from moving around. At one point, Bobby Lashley had Mysterio locked tight into a bear hug. The friends of Lashley and Mysterio played a crucial role in the match. A brawl between the LWO and the Street Profits caught Mysterio’s attention. This left him vulnerable to a spear from Lashley to end the match.
Results: Bobby Lashley by Pinfall via Spear
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 3.25 Stars
Rhea Ripley proposed an alliance between the Bloodline and the Judgement Day. the Wiseman responded that only Roman Reigns could approve something like that. Ripley threatened action from Judgement Day if Heyman didn’t acknowledge her.
Another ominous video package from Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn.
GOOD Austin Theory vs Dragon Lee:
Theory got on the mic before the bell rang to tell Lee his career wouldn’t last long. Once the bell rang, Dragon Lee was in control. That is until Grayson Waller got involved on Theory’s behalf when he jumped on the ring apron. Later, Austin Theory had a near fall after an ushigoroshi. The match looked to be over after Waller attacked Lee and Theory set up A-Town Down. However, Cameron Grimes attacked Grayson Waller. This distraction allowed Dragon Lee to roll up Austin Theory.
Results: Dragon Lee by Pinfall
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 3 Stars
Rhea Ripley tried to recruit Jimmy Uso on the idea of a Bloodline-Judgement Day alliance.
The LWO was distressed after Joaquin Wilde and Cruz Del Toro were evaluated in the trainer’s room.
Corey Graves made another reference to CM Punk. who may or may not be returning to WWE.
GOOD Jimmy Uso (with Paul Heyman) vs LA Knight:
LA Knight was in control for much of the match. However, the match came to a sudden end when Solo Sikoa jumped in to attack LA Knight. Then, the Judgement Day made its entrance. Paul Heyman shook Rhea Ripley’s hand and told her Reigns approved the alliance. The Judgment Day and Bloodline surrounded the ring to attack LA Knight and John Cena. Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes then came to the rescue.
Results: LA Knight by Disqualification
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 3 Stars
Overall…
This was a good episode of SmackDown. A couple of great matches combined with storylines that look ahead to Fastlane made for a quality show. The highlight was the women’s tag match as it was a quality match that the crowd was really into. Not many lowlights, although the main event ended suddenly the segment was saved by what happened afterward.
The matches were good but none of them were amazing. The show structure was good but the main event match was too short, even though the segment was still good. The atmosphere was very good but wasn’t incredible. A couple of storylines were moved along but not in an exceptional way. The production quality was good but no specific theme to the show.
Matches: 0.5/1 Stars
Show Structure: 0.75/1 Stars
Atmosphere: 0.75/1 Stars
Storytelling: 0.5/1 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:
