Tonight’s WWE Smackdown Live was held in Atlanta, GA at the Phillips Arena.
Smackdown Live proved tonight that they are indeed the WWE’s money in the bank when it comes to entertainment. After a few rough weeks after the Superstar Shakeup, it seems the blue brand is rising above RAW. Keep reading to find out why.
Kevin Owen’s Highlight Reel
For the second week in a row, Kevin Owen’s graced us with his version of the Highlight Reel. He continued to reference his former “best friend” in his opening statements. He commented on the fact that even though Y2J is credited with inventing the Money In The Bank ladder match, he never actually won one. Kevin Owens vows to be different.
After a very mocking introduction, tonight’s Highlight Reel guest Shinsuke Nakamura made his way to the ring. After Shinsuke’s entrance Kevin Owen’s went in on Nakamura. He told him that this isn’t America’s Got Talent and to stop his stupid dancing. He also warned Nakamura about what happened to the last “rock star” who crossed him.
Just as Nakamura was about to speak, the Lone Wolf entered the arena, cutting off Nakamura. Corbin said that since this was a highlight show, why not show highlights? We were then showed the events of his match last week with Sami Zayn, and how he beat the brakes off of him.
Some really great back and forth between all three men finally ended with the two heels ganging up on Nakamura. This didn’t last long though, as the always resilient Sami Zayn ran to the ring to help Nakamura.
After beating the heels back Sami got on the mic and said that his fight with Corbin isn’t over yet, and his fight with Owen’s will never be over (really great line). This set up our first match of the night. LET’S GO!
Sami Zayn/Shinsuke Nakamura vs Baron Corbin/Kevin Owens : Winner Sami and Shinsuke
The Good – If Baron Corbin doesn’t get a legitimate title shot before the year’s end I’m going to riot. Seriously. I can tell this guy is working on his game, and to me it shows. I’m noticing improvement in different areas weekly with him, I just think he needs to be handled better on the writer’s side. Don’t hinder Corbin.
The Bad – The heel scuffle prior to Shinsuke hitting the Kinshasa on Owen’s. Although it shows that everyone will be in it for themselves in a few weeks, I don’t think Corbin hitting Owen’s was necessary.
The Ugly – I heard you turn up the crowd noise WWE. I heard you.
Usos Spot
The Smackdown tag champs came out and immediately started in on the Atlanta crowd. They said they looked a bit salty, probably because they thought American Alpha would beat them. Nope! Then the fans thought Breezango had their number. Nope! Then just to be super heels, they mentioned that the crowd also thought the Falcons were going to beat the Patriots. SUPER HEAT!
AAAAWWWWWW ATTTLLANNNTTTTTAAA! Finally. The New Day makes their return. Putting the banter between the two teams in text format just wouldn’t do it justice. I loved it though. These two teams are the polar opposites of each other when it comes to attitude.
The main thing that came out of this segment was the announcement that the longest reigning tag champs in WWE history will be facing the Usos at Money In The Bank. Smackdown Live is really getting a decent tag division going. I’m so excited to see how this feud progresses.
Jinder Celebration Recap
Are we still doing this? How are those India WWE Network and merch sales going?
Fashion Files
A new style tonight. A black and white detective story. Fandango was of course the serious trench coat wearing private eye. As he walks to his office he has a hilarious inner monologue going. When he reaches the Fashion Files office he notices that the door is open and the sign on the door hanging down. Sensing danger he readies his trusty water pistol and enters.
The office is in shambles, and a sexy female shadow covers one of the office walls. Fandango calls to the person, telling them to come out. Don’t worry Fandango, it’s just your trusty partner in one of his many undercover costumes. The two then had separate inner monologues, or did they?
As they searched for clues as to who could have trashed their office, they found some….duh duh…cologne. THEY HAVE A NEW CASE! Trust me. It was so great.
Female Division Fatal Five Way
The Good – Charlotte and Natalya really showed up to play for keeps in this match. They showed that they are technically superior and are truly talented. Natalya also showed that she would be ready to put on some epic matches with Charlotte taking a powerbomb onto the announcer’s table. They should have a singles feud soon. There is a built in story there, two women from Hall of Fame families.
The Bad – Nope
The Ugly – Nada
*I was initially going to put the fact that this thing was just an all out cat fight in the beginning as the bad. However as it progressed and we find out that it was all to set up the first ever MITB female ladder match, I can’t really get mad at the melee.
Breezango vs. The Colons
The Good – I honestly can’t get mad at anything Breezango is doing right now. Tyler’s undercover costumes. Fandango being so serious it’s funny. Them both having squirt guns. It’s so much fun to watch.
The Bad – It’s a good problem to have, but I think that Breezango being so entertaining could be a bad thing for some tag teams. They will either have to sink or swim to get over.
The Ugly – Primo took an extremely bad bump to the outside when he was launched by Fandango. It looked like he landed on his tailbone and started screaming. I thought he might have broke his back.
Randy Orton
Randy came out and addressed the WWE Universe for the first time since his loss to Jinder Mahal at Backlash. The usually serious and monotone Orton really brought some emotion and decent mic work to this segment.
He referenced his family, focusing on his grandfather. He points out that his grandfather was of the generation that didn’t talk about what they would do, they just went out and did it. He also spoke on respect and how Jinder has a false understanding of what that is and when it is earned. Randy closed out the segment by saying that the only thing Jinder has earned is a “Good old fashioned American Orton Family Ass Kicking”.
As Randy finished Jinder Mahal’s music began to play. Jinder would not show up in the arena, but on the big screen. He spouted some more anti-American garbage that I won’t repeat here. Not because I’m offended mind you, but because I am bored with it.
Dolph Ziggler vs AJ Styles – Winner : Dolph Ziggler
The Good – I mean come on. It’s a match with two game guys that have turned in great performances for years. Of course the match is going to be great all around. These guys sell so well in general. When that is combined with amazing offensive talent it makes for an amazing match. Oh and what’s that? A clean win? This is awesome! Clap Clap ClapClapClap!
The Bad – There wasn’t 20 more minutes of this match.
The Ugly – I’ve tried to refrain for this entire article but I have to mention it. Miss lady that could be heard over the crowd the whole night. Your voice. Ear murder.
