This was a good episode of SmackDown. The matches were good for the most part and the stories were advanced. The highlight of the night was the women’s title match. Great back-and-forth match that set up a potential feud between Charlotte Flair and Bayley. Not really any low points, although the main event tag match didn’t have a ton of story to it.
A great match helps this score but none of the matches were amazing. The show structure was good in that it culminated in an intense contract signing but it felt awkward that they built the prior segment as the “main event.” The atmosphere was mostly good, especially at the end, but wasn’t always great. A few stories were advanced but not in an exceptional way. The production of the show was quality as always but nothing that set this episode apart.
On tonight’s SmackDown: John Cena is here! What does the 16-time world champion have to say? Asuka challenges Iyo Sky for the WWE Women’s Championship. Will the Genius of the Sky successfully defend her title against her countryman? And the LWO takes on the Street Profits in tag team action.
GOOD John Cena and AJ Styles:
Cena played a round of “what” with the fans while he listed off the roles and locations he has appeared in. Then, Cena said he wanted to have a watch tonight. He has beef with the Bloodline and announced AJ Styles as his tag partner. Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa came to the ring in response but they turned down the fight.
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 3.25 Stars
AJ Styles and John Cena told Adam Pearce they wanted a match with the Bloodline. However, Pearce said securing the match wouldn’t be easy.
GOOD Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar (with Zelena Vega) vs. the Street Profits (with Bobby Lashley):
These sides went back and forth early, but the Profits took advantage outside the ring. Rey Mysterio went for a baseball slide but missed and Santos Escobar was flipped over. Later, Santos hit a super hurricanrana but Montez Ford kicked out. Looked like the Street Profits had the victory secured after interference from Lashley, but Rey Mysterio countered a Dawkins powerbomb for the win.
Results: Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar by Pinfall
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 3.25 Stars
Austin Theory threw a fit at the announcer’s table and yelled at Michael Cole following a video package featuring the Rock’s return.
Isla Dawn and Alba Fyre hinted at going after the women’s tag titles.
While Pearce scolded Theory, the Brawling Brutes trash-talked Theory. Grayson Waller came to comfort Theory.
Bobby Lashley berates the Street Profits for failing to secure the win and threatens to take back all that he has given them.
GREAT Asuka vs. Iyo Sky for the WWE Women’s Championship:
Charlotte Flair entered the arena right as the match was about to get started. Early in the match, Sky hit an arm drag from the turnbuckle. Iyo then turned a meteora into a pin attempt. Asuka landed a big move of her own with a superplex but could not secure the pinfall. Later, the champion attempted a sunset flip powerbomb out of the ring but Asuka countered it, but only briefly. This match featured a lot of back and forth with various submission holds. Towards the end, Asuka had a submission locked in but got a rope break thanks to an assist from Bayley. The aforementioned Charlotte Flair attacked Bayley for this interference but the commotion distracted Asuka and allowed Iyo Sky to retain.
Results: Iyo Sky by Pinfall via Moonsault
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 3.5 Stars
Adam Pearce approached Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso with a contract for a match with Cena and AJ Styles. Pearce assured Paul Heyman the match won’t be tonight.
Kip Wilson gave an “inspiring” insight into Elton Prince’s recovery.
GOOD the Brawling Brutes vs. Austin Theory and Grayson Waller:
Butch attacked the digits of Waller and Ridge Holland took him for a spin. After regaining momentum, Theory attempted A-Town Down but Ridge countered and turned it into an Alabama Slam. Holland had Theory locked into a Boston Crab but Waller broke it up with a stunner. Theory followed up with his finisher to pick up the win.
Results: Austin Theory and Grayson Waller by Pinfall via A-Town Down
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 3.25 Stars
GOOD Contract Signing for a tag match between Cena and AJ Styles vs. Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso:
Backstage, cameras showed Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa beating up AJ Styles. After Styles was hauled off on a stretcher, Paul Heyman made his way to the ring. Karl Anderson told Cena he warned AJ not to get involved with the Bloodline. Back in the ring, Jimmy Uso goes after John Cena for daring to go after the Bloodline, promising to put him in an ambulance. Cena then came running to the ring to fight with them. The numbers game was too much, as Uso and Sikoa both delivered finishers to Cena. They signed the contract for Fastlane, leaving Cena without a partner.
Matt Cookson WR Star Rating – 3.25 Stars
Overall…
This was a good episode of SmackDown. The matches were good for the most part and the stories were advanced. The highlight of the night was the women’s title match. Great back-and-forth match that set up a potential feud between Charlotte Flair and Bayley. Not really any low points, although the main event tag match didn’t have a ton of story to it.
A great match helps this score but none of the matches were amazing. The show structure was good in that it culminated in an intense contract signing but it felt awkward that they built the prior segment as the “main event.” The atmosphere was mostly good, especially at the end, but wasn’t always great. A few stories were advanced but not in an exceptional way. The production of the show was quality as always but nothing that set this episode apart.
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:
