Tonight’s WWE Smackdown Live came to us from the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville KY.
We were treated to a video recap of last week’s show that highlighted all the new faces that arrived in the Superstar Shakeup. When the show actually started one of those faces made it clear that she was not very happy about the lack of attention she was being shown. Charlotte made her way to the ring and immediately began to cement her position as the top heel in the women’s division. If anyone was worried that there would be a hole in the division once Alexa Bliss left, all their worries should have been eliminated after this segment. She started off by questioning what Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon must have been doing over the last seven days, because she had yet to be approached with a title shot opportunity.
Naomi seemed eager to help Charlotte with her inquiry, coming to the ring immediately after Charlotte screamed “What is taking so long?!” Naomi let Charlotte know that Smackdown Live didn’t have queens, they had champions, and as champion Naomi was willing to give Charlotte the title shot she wanted. Apparently right at that very moment in fact, as Naomi proceeded to unload on the former RAW women’s champion. Charlotte was sent out of the ring, trying repeated to re-enter but held back by either the ref or a stiff kick from Naomi. Seems to me that something might be coming. What’s that? Uh oh…..here comes the money!
Shane McMahon emerges from the back and agrees that the two women will in fact fight tonight. However, Smackdown Live is the land of opportunity. So instead of Charlotte getting an automatic title shot tonight, she will face Naomi for the chance to become the #1 contender. After this announcement from Shane Charlotte ran into the ring and attacked Naomi. As Naomi was outside the ring, Charlotte raised the belt above her head. Not for long though, as Naomi did the exact same thing. Afterwards, Shane McMahon was approached by Natalya, Carmella (with James Ellsworth), and Tamina. They all had the same gripe, wondering why Charlotte was getting all this attention and consideration. Natalya decided that since they all shared the same problem, they should handle it themselves. They all walked off camera, presumably to concoct some sort of plan to “welcome” the Queen to Smackdown Live properly. I will share my thoughts on all parts of this storyline later on in the article, but I am very happy that this match is going down.
Six Pack Challenge For The #1 Contender Position (WWE World Championship
Dolph Ziggler vs. Luke Harper vs. Erick Rowan vs. Jinder Mahal vs. Mojo Rawley vs. Sami Zayn
Winner: Jinder Mahal
This type of match is always such a hard thing for me to critique. On one hand there are plenty of opportunities to create some really amazing high spots and cool situations. On the other hand I feel like it lacks any real storytelling aspect as well as sometimes taking the place of what could be some really great singles matches between all involved. Tonight’s match resembled more of the latter. Excluding Jinder and Mojo, all the guys in the ring could have had some compelling programs and exciting matches. If I had my way I would have put Sami and Dolph against each other for the simple fact that both are extremely exciting in ring talents. Luke and Erick just makes sense because of the history between the two, it would be easy to write a decent storyline. Plus, those two big men can move like far lighter superstars, and that’s always fun to watch.
My main issues with this match came from the conclusion, and subsequent events following the match. I thought about it for a long time and I can’t come up with any good reason why Jinder Mahal should have won this match. He is just still too green in my eyes. It should have either been Sami, Dolph, or Luke winning this match if we are going off of straight wrestling skills His speech after the match is a bit questionable as well. He went into a very anti-american rant, talking about all the reasons why the WWE Universe boo him. The fact that he doesn’t fit the stereotype of the all american. Other reasons included his family’s wealth, his higher education, and that he speaks two languages (he even rattled off something in a foreign language). He continued accusing Americans of not accepting diversity, and that they would be forced to accept him as the next WWE world champion.
Call me crazy, but I don’t think that this angle is going to work in the way that the WWE wants it to. I think it is unnecessary to use the “us vs. them” template that worked in the past, using a heel’s ethnicity as a crutch. It may also bring unwanted attention to the WWE from social justice groups that may take issue with this type of writing.
After Mahal was done with his rant, Randy Orton came to the ring. At first it seemed like he might be coming to address his new challenger to the title, but in truth it was just a reason to further the Bray Wyatt storyline and the upcoming “House of Horrors” match. Bray Wyatt also made an appearance via video on the big screen. Bray continues to cut amazing promos. He tells Randy that he wants him to feel every bit of the pain and agony he caused when he burned down Bray’s cabin. The video package that accompanied Bray’s speech was very well made, and only enhanced Bray’s words as he spoke them. I’m very intrigued by what this match will actually be, and this was a great way to cleanse my palette after listening to Mahal spout his anti-american sentiment.
Up next was an interview with AJ Styles. Renee Young asked him who he preferred to win between Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens in their upcoming match at Payback. AJ being AJ said he simply didn’t care. He said that no matter who wins AJ would have the home field advantage, because Smackdown Live was the show that he built. Enter Baron Corbin who seemed to be amused that AJ was being interviewed and not him. There was a weird change in the way Corbin was delivering his words, almost as if he was trying to be a bit more funny. It seemed very forced and I don’t think he was very comfortable talking this way. I hope that he goes over tonight’s show and adjusts accordingly because it didn’t seem authentic from the man we have seen over the past year. AJ answered Corbin’s question as to why Renee was interviewing him with the fact that he was the one who won the triple threat match last week. Corbin shot back, saying that AJ never pinned HIM, and thus a main event match was born.
A short little “high school” scene preceded Charlotte’s match with Naomi. As Charlotte walked through the backstage area heading to the ring, she was blocked by the group that took issue with her earlier with Shane McMahon. Natalya and James had some very sarcastic welcoming words before allowing Charlotte to pass. As she did, Natalya shoulder checked Charlotte, to which Charlotte replied with a scoff before walking away.
Naomi vs Charlotte
Winner:Charlotte
Before I get into why this feud makes a ton of sense and will be a good thing for Naomi, let me comment on the match. This match had what is arguably the two most athletic female superstars on either roster. Unfortunately it did not seem like it tonight, both women looked a bit stiff and there were a couple times that it looked like there were a few mistakes in the ring. I’m not worried though, I think it was just two superstars feeling each other out. They haven’t had a ton of time to work together, it may just take a few weeks to get each other’s timing down. Let’s forget all that though, and talk about why this feud is going to be great.
As I mentioned before, both of these women are incredible athletes, but I think we can all agree that Naomi leaves something to be desired when it comes to her mic work. Byron Saxton actually said something interesting during the match that actually applies to real life issues. Byron said that “iron sharpens iron” when referring to how Naomi wanted this match with Charlotte so that she could could test herself. I think this quote will actually relate more to Naomi’s mic skills. Charlotte is an amazing heel with both her mic work and overall attitude. I think this will force Naomi to up her game, and eventually become a better overall talent when all is said and done. Alexa Bliss was no slouch, but she was more “bratty attitude” than anything else. When Charlotte speaks, she seems to actually BELIEVE everything she says. Couple that with her lineage and skills to back up her mouth, she is on another level.
Of course Charlotte was going to win this match. We all knew it, otherwise the feud would have died tonight. The fact that she won it clean and decidingly, that is the real victory for the Smackdown Live writing team. Having her win like that shows what a threat she is physically, something that Naomi will have to overcome. She won’t be able to blame something like outside interference or cheating (although I’m sure we might see some of that). We might be on track to see the same caliber matches as the ones Charlotte had with Sasha Banks. Everyone in the WWE Universe wins in that scenario.
After the match Charlotte ran into “the group” backstage. It was very short, Charlotte simply smirking at the three ladies and their tag-a-long Ellsworth before walking off camera. The best part was the “WOOOOOOOO!” that was heard from off camera. Welcome to Smackdown Live Charlotte!
American Alpha vs. Primo and Epico Colon
Winners: The Colons
In a fairly predictable outcome, the newcomers won their match tonight. It only makes sense to show that the new faces on Smackdown Live are a threat to already established talent. It gives them an immediate little push, even though everyone could see it coming I do see the reasoning. Dropping the “Shining Stars” name was a plus as well. Just using their last names also establishes them as a legit threat to the division. Primo is the son of WWE Hall of Famer Carlos Colon Sr., and Epico is Primo’s cousin. Letting everyone know their heritage was a smart move. I never really liked the “Shining Stars” video packages prior to the team’s debut. It didn’t make much sense as a gimmick.
This team isn’t all talk and no walk though, they really did a decent job versus American Alpha. They definitely have the skills to hang with the top of the tag team division on Smackdown Live, plus they have the added benefit of being heels. SO MUCH ROOM FOR ACTIVITIES! The latter bit was utilized to win tonight’s match when the two used a distracted ref to catch Jason Jordan off guard. I hope that the added acquisition of the New Day to Smackdown Live helps to revitalize the tag team division. I grew up watching what I consider the Golden Age of tag teams in the WWE. Teams like the Hart Foundation, Strike Force, Demolition, British Bulldogs, and many more were my favorite superstars to watch. It would be nice to see the division come close to that.
First Ever Kevin Owens Face of America Open Challenge
Smackdown Live seemed determined to really drive home the anti-American theme with this one. But this seems a lot more offensive to me as a fan. Not offensive in the typical sense, I mean that I am offended that the WWE writers are serving me this garbage. Kevin Owens is one of the greatest heels in a long time. He doesn’t need the additional “I think American’s are stupid, lazy, etc.” attitude. There was a match during this segment, but it was against a local named Gary Gandy that lasted about a minute. You didn’t even need the match, it was a time waster. After the match KO decided that the announce team need some much needed Canadian commentary for the main event.
AJ Styles vs Baron Corbin
Winner: AJ Styles
A very sound and decent match from these guys. Baron Corbin continues to improve, and AJ can’t seem to get any better at this point. AJ seems to elevate anyone he is in the ring with, pushing them into realms they may not be used to. One example that I noticed tonight was how much AJ was laying in his shots. It was a callback to his time in Japan. His signature flurry of punches and kicks looked like they may have connected on a couple of strikes. Following this, Corbin seemed to pick it up a notch. I’m still hoping that the Smackdown Live writing team can find a suitable feud for Corbin to get into. The last one with Ambrose didn’t really hold my attention. There just wasn’t that one compelling event that set off the feud. I’ll elaborate of what I mean about this in my closing remarks.
As good as the match was, Kevin Owens at commentary is hard to overshadow. His back and forth with both Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton was fantastic. At the end of the match it looked like AJ was going to try and hit Corbin with the Styles Clash on the outside. He took notice of KO at the announcer’s desk and hesitated for a second. KO yelled to him to pay attention to his opponent and not him. Corbin launched Styles into a seated KO. Corbin tried to finish Styles off with End of Days but AJ was able to flip out of it and hit Corbin with an Enziguri. The referee continued the count, but AJ pressed his luck and knocked Corbin over the barricade with a Phenomenal Forearm off the ring apron. AJ was able to make it back into the ring just as the referee counted to….. TEN TEN TEN! (Sorry about that, I was bitter that Tye Dillinger didn’t compete tonight.) AJ beat the ten count.
Closing Thoughts
This was the first time in a while that I can’t say that I enjoyed a Smackdown Live show. I know that the writers wanted to create a buzz right away after the Superstar Shakeup, but their tactics fell short of the mark. I come again to the very strong anti-American theme in tonight’s show. It’s lazy. I find that with the loss of “the gimmick” that the WWE enjoyed in the 80’s and 90’s has really hurt the business when it comes to story writing. I mentioned before that a feud feels a lot more real when something happens that is personal. That is much more easily achieved when you had gimmicks/theatrics to fall back on. Any true wrestling fan knows what I’m talking about. With the loss of the theatrics, we have lost good stories. There are only so many ways to create a feud without it. I think we are seeing that in today’s product. Perhaps this was just a fluke.
