Scrum Sports SmackBack
By Marcus Gatlin
The Blue Brand took over the ice of the Pittsburgh Penguins in PPG Arena for this week’s edition of Smackdown that had major implications for Wrestlemania 33, which is just 18 days away.
Things kicked off with an incensed and falsely vindictive AJ Styles on the warpath. He confronted Daniel Bryan in his office and tore into him. He was warned to think about the consequences that his behavior would have on his career but Styles ignored him and addressed his grievances to the audience. He ended his tirade by promising to address Shane McMahon when he gets to the arena.
Becky Lynch vs. Natalya
The inaugural match of the night was a Diva’s match between the Irish Lass Kicker and the Queen of Black Harts. The Smackdown Diva’s Division has been very high energy over the past couple of months and even more so as of late since Alexa Bliss will have to defend the title belt against virtually every woman on the roster at WM33. The match was intense, especially with both sides seeking momentum heading into WM. Becky won the match by submission via the Dis-arm-her. Immediately after the match, Carmella, accompanied by James Ellsworth, attacked Becky and Natalya. She announced that she will be in the match for the Smackdown Diva’s Title.
Miz TV
This week’s installment was basically a bragging session from The Miz and Maryse about their attack on John Cena and Nikki Bella. A run in by the assaulted couple quashed this installment of Miz TV. After declining a challenge after getting run out of the ring, Daniel Bryan emerged and set up a match between the couples for Wrestlemania.
Alexa Bliss vs. Micki James
This nontitle affair stemmed from Micki turning on the Diva’s Champion last week. As expected, the match was an intense one but the veteran James won the match with a well-placed Mick Kick.
AJ Styles attacks Shane McMahon
AJ Styles took his anger towards Shane McMahon to the next level and attacked him. Styles added an exclamation point by bashing Shane’s head through a car window. AJ Styles was then fired from Smack down and escorted from the arena.
Mojo Rowley vs. Dolphy Ziggler
This match is the result of last week’s clash in the back of last week’s Smackdown. The match ended with Mojo winning via count out after Ziggler refused to reenter the ring after being thrown over the top rope.
Randy Orton put on notice by Bray Wyatt
Randy Orton entered the ring to let the WWE Universe know that he would finish off Bray Wyatt after becoming the number one contender. Bray then appeared on the Titantron and told the Viper that he has become even more powerful since he has baptized himself in the ashes of Sister Abigail. This revelation left Orton shook.
The Usos vs. American Alpha
After weeks of mind games and call outs, these two units finally face off. The match was an intense affair but saw the Usos prevail after a superkick took out Jason Jordan.
Shane McMahon Returns
Shane surprised everyone by returning to the stage and announcing that AJ Styles now has a Wrestlemania opponent and alluded to the opponent being Shane himself before the show left the air.
