The SmackDown Files: Welcome to Shane McMahon's Going Away Party From Hell (3-13-2018)

By: Keila Cash

Date: 3-13-2018

Location: Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana

·        SmackDown Live kicked off with AJ Styles talking about overcoming the odds in order to walk into WrestleMania WWE Champion. Styles’ road to New Orleans hit some speed bumps, but he managed to navigate the waters to ensure that his dream match against Shinsuke Nakamura came true. The fans started up the always annoying “You Deserve It” chant, but The Phenomenal One said that he earned it which makes him even more likable. He respected Nakamura and admitted that their respective paths to WWE were similar, but the similarities came to an end because Styles was the Champ.

·        Nakamura came out and shared the same sentiment, but vowed to make his dream come true at Mania by kneeing Styles in the face in order to become WWE Champion. Styles and Nakamura went face-to-face, but Rusev and Aiden English made their way to the ring to put the kibosh on any physical confrontation as the opening segment came to an end.

·        This was a good way to start the show. Styles was the humble babyface thankful for everything he’s earned in order to reach the pinnacle of WWE while Nakamura is ready to knock him off his perch at WrestleMania. This is a lock to be a great match, but there needs to more tension between both men to ensure that this bout lives up to the hype next month. The creative team doesn’t have to do anything batshit crazy, but I expect tempers to boil over sooner or later.

·        AJ Styles defeated Rusev via disqualification when Aiden English saved Rusev from tapping out the Calf Crusher. Before the DQ finish, Styles and Rusev were having a good match that featured hard-hitting action throughout. Rusev has had an impressive week in the ring despite eating a couple of high profile losses. Hopefully, this is leading up to an Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal victory at WrestleMania because Rusev Day is going to be one of the most over things on the PPV. If not, my faith in WWE will take another kick to the gut.

·        English and Rusev double-teamed Styles while Shinsuke Nakamura sat at ringside watching the beat down unfold as if he didn’t have a care in the world. Nakamura stood up, but he still took his time getting in the ring before making the save. He laid out the heels as Styles recovered in the corner. Nakamura bid his Mania opponent adieu as the segment came to an end.

·        As I mentioned earlier, the Mutual Admiration Society between Styles and Nakamura can only last for so long. This was a nice way to build tension between them without going too over the top. Let’s hope WWE keeps it simple because overcomplicating things might water down the hype for this dream match at WM.

·        The Bludgeon Brothers defeated Jimmy Uso and Big E when Rowan pinned Jimmy Uso with the double chokeslam in a solid match. Jimmy and Big E put up a good fight, but Harper and Rowan were too much to handle on this night.

·        Harper added insult to injury when he charged into the barricade while Big E was leaning against it. Rowan did further damage when he laid out E with a cross body before the duo headed backstage with their mallets in tow. This was another impressive performance by two of the baddest men on SD Live. Rowan and Harper are in the thick of the Tag Team Title chase heading into WrestleMania, but the field is crowded as The Usos still want to keep the division on lockdown while The New Day attempts to become five-time Tag Team Champs. I smell a Triple Threat Match in NOLA. Just a hunch…

·        Charlotte and Asuka exchanged words about being the best heading into their SmackDown Women’s Championship match at WrestleMania. It was a nice repartee that wasn’t over scripted in nature. How refreshing!

·        Jinder Mahal defeated Bobby Roode with the Khallas thanks to an assist from Sunil Singh. Singh climbed on the ring apron to distract Roode, but The Glorious One shoved him against the ring post before heading to the top rope. However, the diversion gave Mahal enough time to knock Roode off the turnbuckle which set up the finish moments later.

·        Mahal didn’t get a chance to celebrate the win because Randy Orton laid him out with an RKO. This is another Triple Threat Match in the making because all three men have an outstanding beef over the idiotic SD Live Top Ten List and United States Championship. This is the weakest feud heading into WrestleMania, but the work rate should be fine considering the talent involved.

·        Carmella defeated Naomi with a rollup in a decent match. Carmella channeled her inner Liv Morgan by becoming a windmill dodging Naomi’s kicks until she got kneed in the face. Naomi went for the Springboard Enzuigiri, but Carmella kicked her off the middle rope and yanked her hair first onto the mat to pick up the win. Ms. Money the Bank is on a winning streak heading into the heart of WrestleMania season. Color me pleasantly surprised.

·        Shane McMahon announced that he was taking an indefinite leave of absence as SD Live Commissioner, but he made sure to make a WrestleMania announcement before saying farewell. McMahon booked Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn in a one-on-one match at WrestleMania as a way to stick it to his long time enemies. Owens was happy to defeat his best friend at the grandest stage of them all, but he could do that at any time. Zayn felt the same way about Owens before focusing his attention on Shane for sucking up to the fans because they wanted to see him and KO rip each other apart at Mania. Zayn decided to give Shane-O-Mac a parting gift by attacking him from behind.

·        Owens joined in on the beat down as they attacked up Shane despite the Commish putting up a good fight. Zayn nailed Shane with the Helluva Kick before Owens finished him off with a Popup Powerbomb.

·        WWE officials tried to break things up, but Owens attacked them as well which should lead to a fine or suspension. Zayn grabbed a steel chair from the timekeeper’s area and wrapped it around Shane’s neck before slamming him into the ring post in a sick spot. KO and Zayn dragged Shane backstage and did even more damage as Owens dropped him with another Powerbomb onto a metal grate as Shane gasped for air.

·        One of the refs managed to shoo Owens and Zayn away as SD Live went off the air with medical personnel tending to Shane.

·        This was a great way to end the show. Shane McMahon got his ass kicked and I expect some crazy ass match at WrestleMania involving him, Kevin Owens, and Sami Zayn. It will be an unorthodox match because it’s two-on-one but it should be very interesting, to say the least.

·        A part of me thinks Daniel Bryan is secretly giddy about his boss getting destroyed by his former Ring of Honor buddies. Bryan’s reaction to what happened should make for some good television next week. Will he be pissed off or elated that he doesn’t have to answer to a McMahon anymore? This storyline has been simmering since late last year. Will the big reveal finally happen with three weeks to go until WrestleMania? We shall find out soon enough.

·        Overall, I thought tonight’s episode of SmackDown Live was decent at best. The shoe was bookended by major segments taking place at the top and bottom of each hour. From that respect, WWE hit a home run promoting the major title matches on the SD Live side of the WrestleMania card. The Shane McMahon-Kevin Owens-Sami Zayn saga is this year’s obligatory blood feud which gives them special billing because their storyline has the most longevity despite things hitting a lull in terms of excitement over the past couple of months.

·        The rest of the show featured so-so wrestling with AJ Styles vs. Rusev winning match of the night honors despite the disqualification finish. The rest of the in-ring action was middling which watered down the crowd heat in Indianapolis during the second hour. Things got better during the main event segment, but the creative team needs to put together a cohesive two-hour program during the height of WrestleMania season. Every week should be must-see TV. There were glimmers of that tonight, but WWE has to push through the noise and deliver the goods over the next three weeks. Let’s hope they can get the job done. Fingers crossed!

On that note, this wraps up another edition of The SmackDown Files. I hope you enjoyed it and I will be back next week with a brand new installment of The Raw Exposé. See you later, boys and girl! 

The SmackDown Files: Me, Myself and I - The One Where Sami Zayn Channels His Inner Kevin Owens (3-6-2018)

By: Keila Cash

Date: 3-6-2018

Location: Resch Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin

Sing Like You Mean It: Shinsuke Nakamura Really Is a Rockstar…

·        SmackDown Live kicked off with Charlotte and Ruby Riott having a verbal confrontation leading up to their Women’s Championship Match at Fastlane on Sunday. Both ladies did fine, but the material they were given was weak. Ruby claiming that Charlotte was the Chosen One is a load of bullshit because Charlotte had an uphill climb to the top based on her last name alone. History has shown us that lineage can be a blessing or a curse depending on one’s ability to get over as a star. Charlotte shattered expectations and became one of the most decorated champions of all-time which is not a myth or fluke.

·        Ruby signaled Sarah Logan and Liv Morgan to get in the ring to help her triple team Charlotte, but Bobby Roode made the save as the opening segment came to an end.

·        This was an okay way to start the show. The fans weren’t hot for the segment and there were a few vocal assholes who tried to rattle Charlotte early on, but she managed to maintain her composure. The SmackDown Women’s Title match at Fastlane should be good despite the lack of an emotional hook to push things over the top.

·        Jinder Mahal defeated Randy Orton with the Khallas thanks to an unlikely assist from Bobby Roode. After Orton almost killed Sunil Singh with a Belly-to-Back Suplex on the announce table, he tossed Mahal into Roode who was doing guest commentary at ringside.

·        Orton nailed Mahal with the Draping DDT and was about to finish him off with an RKO when Roode climbed on the ring apron to confront The Viper.

·        Both men exchanged words which gave Mahal enough time to shove Orton into Roode which set up the finish moments later. I have a feeling that Mahal will be added to the United States Championship Match in order to further tension between Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan because Bryan wanted to add him to the match a few weeks ago until McMahon overruled his decision.

·        Rusev is going to avenge the vocal chords of Aiden English by challenging Shinsuke Nakamura to a match at Fastlane. Nakamura agreed and vowed that Sunday would be Nakamura Day as he hit that high note like a boss. Very impressive!

·        Becky Lynch made Carmella tap out to the Dis-Arm-Her in a decent match. Carmella dominated the action for the most part, but the outcome was never in doubt because it is an unwritten rule that all Money in the Bank winners must go on a losing streak before cashing in the contract.

·        Another match is set for Fastlane as Natalya and Carmella will team up to face Naomi and Becky Lynch. It’s a random match, but it’s a fine way to get more people on the card since the lineup was paper thin until now.

·        AJ Styles’ Road to WrestleMania has been a bumpy ride so far as he’s been put in matches that have put him at a disadvantage due to the numbers game. However, Styles overcame the odds and will jump through one more hurdle in order to face Shinsuke Nakamura for the WWE Championship at Mania. Styles scoffed at Cena’s offer to invoke his rematch clause in order to main event WM in a Triple Threat Match because fans have been clamoring to see Styles vs. Nakamura since both men arrived in WWE two years ago.

·        Dolph Ziggler made his way down to the ring to confirm that he was still a heel after straddling the fence over the past couple of weeks. Ziggler claimed that Styles was wasting his time doing things for the fans because they will turn on him the moment he slips up. Ziggler learned that lesson the hard way and promised to do things for himself because he’s the only one that matters.

·        Ziggler has been in WWE for thirteen years, but he’s never had a singles match at WrestleMania. That would change on Sunday when he walks out of Fastlane WWE Champion.

·        Since Ziggler was already in the ring, Styles wanted to get down to business. Ziggler agreed as the match took place after the commercial break.

·        AJ Styles vs. Dolph Ziggler ended via disqualification when Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn ran down to the ring and attacked both men. Styles and Ziggler were having a good match, but it was pretty one-sided as Ziggler dominated the action for the most part. Styles took some crazy bumps which had me fearing for his safety because he does so much in order to put over his opponent’s offense that it looks a little too real at times. That’s why Styles is my favorite wrestler in WWE today. He goes above and beyond in order to get the job done.

·        Shane McMahon appeared on the main stage and booked a Fatal 5-Way match featuring Styles vs. Ziggler vs. Owens vs. Zayn vs. Corbin which took place after the commercial break.

·        In what has to be considered a shocking turn of events, Sami Zayn defeated Kevin Owens with the Helluva Kick to solidify that it’s every man for himself at Fastlane. Zayn was elated that he beat his best friend while Owens looked on in shock that he got duped by a man that claimed he would lie down for him at the PPV on Sunday.

·        The Fatal 5-Way Match was a total spot fest in the best possible way. The action was fast-paced and frenetic throughout as everyone got a chance to shine. The fans woke up down the stretch as they got a sneak preview of what’s to come during the Six-Pack Challenge once John Cena is added to the mix.

·        For the second week in a row, SD Live ended on a weird note as Zayn was in the middle of cutting a promo when the show went off the air. I don’t know if Billy Kidman is still in charge when it comes to timing out the broadcast, but someone needs to get his or her shit together because WWE doesn’t have the luxury of using an overrun on Tuesday nights. Outside of that, this was a good way to end the show as the march towards WrestleMania continues. Five weeks and counting…

·        Overall, I thought tonight’s episode of SmackDown Live was decent at best. The second hour saved the show from a wrestling standpoint while the first hour set up a couple of mid-card matches for Fastlane which should boost the overall quality of the PPV.

·        Like Elimination Chamber, Fastlane is going to feature good wrestling action with predictable finishes because WWE already has a game plan in mind for WrestleMania. That’s one of the drawbacks of having a PPV in March because the company isn’t going to deviate from the formula unless something unforeseen happens. After Sunday’s PPV, every episode of SD Live should feel special because we heading into the home stretch of Mania season.

·        The show has been stagnant from a creative standpoint over the past few months. Is the E waiting for the right time to pop the trunk or is the blue brand doomed to wallow in its own self-pity until the next Superstar Shakeup after WM? Here’s hoping the answer is the former because I believe SD Live is still a good show when it’s firing on all cylinders. We shall find out if that’s the case when the broadcast emanates from Indianapolis next week.

On that note, this wraps up another edition of The SmackDown Files. I hope you enjoyed it and I will be back next week with a brand new installment of The Raw Exposé. See you later, boys and girls!  

The SmackDown Files: Ain't Too Proud To Beg - A John Cena Reprisal (2-27-2018)

By: Keila Cash

Date: 2/27/2018

Location: Staples Center in Los Angeles, California

California Dreaming: Can John Cena dream the impossible dream and headline WrestleMania?

Pancakes Are For Suckers: Last Team Standing - The New Day vs. The Usos Part IV.

·        SmackDown Live kicked off with John Cena pleading his case to be added to the WWE Championship match at Fastlane. Shane McMahon came out to remind Cena that he could make history at WrestleMania if he becomes a 17-time World Champion. McMahon was about to make an announcement when Daniel Bryan made his way down to the ring. Bryan told Cena that he has to earn his way into the title match Fastlane and he can do just that by defeating AJ Styles later tonight as the opening segment came to an end.

·        This was a good way to start the show. Cena is in desperation mode as he tries to find a path to WrestleMania. His confidence was sky high until he realized he had to face his arch-rival in order to get a WWE Title shot at Fastlane. The solemn look on Cena’s face was spot on which heightens the drama heading into tonight’s main event. LA is in for a treat if Styles and Cena are given enough time to deliver one of the best television matches of the year.

·        Baron Corbin defeated Sami Zayn with End of Days thanks to an assist from Dolph Ziggler. Kevin Owens was being snarky on guest commentary when Ziggler blindsided him with a Superkick. The distraction gave Corbin enough time to hit his finisher for the win. The Lone Wolf didn’t get a chance to celebrate as Ziggler dropped him with the Zig Zag to emphasize that it was every man for himself at Fastlane. The match was fine while it lasted, but the heel vs. heel dynamic left the crowd cold as they started up a “Rusev Day” chant to entertain themselves.

·        Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan were having a spat backstage about Owens possibly interfering in Zayn’s match. Their constant bickering is so third grade at this point…

·        Ruby Riott defeated Naomi with the Riott Kick in a solid match. Riott won the match fair and square which keeps her strong heading into her SmackDown Women’s Championship match against Charlotte at Fastlane next Sunday. Two down. One to go!

·        The Usos and The New Day had another classic verbal confrontation as Jimmy and Jey cut a passionate promo about being sidelined at the last SEVEN WrestleManias. There was no chance in hell (no pun intended) that they were going to let The New Day steal their moment for the eighth year in the row. Fastlane would be their Superbowl where they would be the real MVPs and All-Stars heading into the biggest show of the year while The New Day sat on the sidelines.

·        Big E had a great rebuttal by stating that same old shtick that The New Day has been doing for the past five years resulted in them breaking barriers for everyone. While E, Kofi Kingston, and Xavier Woods were hosting last year’s Mania, The Usos were hanging out in catering. The New Day didn’t have a famous father to help them get their foot in the door. They forged their own path to success and vowed to become five-time Tag Team Champs at Fastlane.

·        Both teams were about to go at it when The Bludgeon Brothers made their way down to the ring. The Usos and New Day left the ring to avoid certain doom as the segment came to an end.

·        The New Day has been hit or miss for me lately when it comes to their pancake loving ways. However, they know how to flip the switch when it comes to getting serious. Big E can be so much better than he is based on his promo work tonight. Relying on comedy can only get you so far and I believe he has what it takes to be a main eventer if he’s presented as a legit badass. Tonight proved that E can deliver the goods when called upon to do so. More of that, please!

·        Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Aiden English with the Kinshasa in a decent match. Rusev tried to interfere, but the outcome was never in doubt. Rusev being at ringside created a weird atmosphere because Nakamura is supposed to be the most over guy in the match. However, the fans view Rusev as a cult hero which almost outshined the man who has a direct path to WrestleMania. It’s another case of WWE trying to serve multiple masters at once while muddling the heel-face waters at the same time.

·        John Cena defeated AJ Styles with the AA and will be added to the WWE Championship match at Fastlane in a couple of weeks. This was a very good match, but I wasn’t a fan of WWE not showing the viewers at home some of the great near falls that took place in real-time. They replayed the highlights after the commercial break, but it still should’ve been on the actual broadcast to make the bout feel more complete.

·        Minor criticism aside, Cena and Styles put on a show that was filled with high drama and near falls throughout.

·        Both men hit their respective finishers, but they weren’t able to keep the other down. Things got dicey at ringside when Cena crashed against the steel steps. The referee started the ten-count, but Styles stopped the ref mid-count and went after Cena. That was a bad idea as Cena put Styles through the announce table with an AA.

·        Miraculously, Styles managed to get back in the ring before the count of ten thanks to a fan helping The Phenomenal One to his feet. Cena went for another AA, but Styles countered with the Calf Crusher. Cena managed to roll through and hit another AA for the win.

·        Styles will now defend the WWE Title in a Six-Pack Challenge at Fastlane. Sensing that the odds were starting to swing in the opposite direction. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn made their way down to the ring to confront Cena and Styles. However, Baron Corbin fired the first shot when he attacked Cena from behind. Chaos ensued as the heels attacked the babyfaces and each other until Dolph Ziggler evened the odds by nailing Owens and Corbin with the Superkick.

·        Styles, Cena, and Ziggler stood tall in the ring but the truce was short-lived when Ziggler punched Styles in the face. Cena dropped Ziggler with the AA as the show abruptly went off the air.

·        This was a good way to end the show. Styles and Cena have had better matches on PPV, but this was still the best SD Live match of the year thus far. Both men know each other so well and their chemistry was on full display once again. The ending gives Cena one more chance to headline WrestleMania. I have a feeling that his hopes and dreams are going to be dashed once again, but a certain Dead Man will be waiting in the wings. Just a hunch…

·        The Six-Pack Challenge for the WWE Title should be very good. This match has been changed three times over the past few weeks which is a bit much for my taste. However, each man can get the job done in the ring which should elevate the quality of the bout. I fully expect Styles to retain the title and move on to his dream match against Shinsuke Nakamura at Mania. Anything less would be idiotic.

·        Overall, I thought tonight’s episode of SmackDown Live was solid. The show was more focused from a creative standpoint which was refreshing to see for a change. The in-ring action ranged from solid to very good with John Cena and AJ Styles easily winning best match of the night honors.

·        However, I am not a fan of the visual presentation of the show as of late. Besides the stupid word graphics, I hate how the camera cuts backstage multiple times during matches. WWE ditched the Second Screen Experience on their app a couple of years ago, but it appears that they are trying to inundate the audience with unnecessary shit that detracts from the overall quality of the show.

·        Watching wrestling shouldn’t be a chore. It should be an enjoyable experience with little to no fluff involved. Perhaps the company should conduct a survey to see if fans enjoy seeing giant words on the screen or various camera cuts that would make Steven Spielberg quit the film business. If the answer is no, here’s hoping that the madness stops because it’s draining me to no end.

·        To end things on a lighter note, next week’s go-home show from Green Bay, Wisconsin should be good as the creative team puts the finishing touches on the Fastlane PPV. Like Elimination Chamber, this is another speed bump on the Road to WrestleMania. It will be a predictable show, but the in-ring action should be strong. With five weeks to go until Mania, it’s time for the blue brand to get out of their winter funk and deliver the goods because Raw has been kicking their ass of late. Every Monday and Tuesday should be must-see heading into the heart of WM season. Let’s hope the creative team surprises fans with some razzle-dazzle to make up for a rough start to 2018. Fingers crossed!

On that note, this wraps up another edition of The SmackDown Files. I hope you enjoyed it and I will be back next week with a brand new installment of The Raw Exposé. See you later, boys and girls! 

The SmackDown Files: Five The Hard Way - How Baron Corbin and Dolph Ziggler Punched Their Ticket To Fastlane (2-13-2018)

By: Keila Cash

Date: 2-13-2018

Location: Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield, California

When Throwing Shade Goes Wrong: Jinder Mahal’s SmackDown Live Top Ten List Faux Pas.

Who’s The Boss?: Is it Bryan or Is It Shane? At this point, who really gives a damn?

·        SmackDown Live was supposed to kick off with Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin with the winner being added to the WWE Championship match featuring AJ Styles, Kevin Owens, and Sami Zayn at Fastlane. Owens and Zayn had other plans when they attacked Corbin backstage before focusing their attention on Ziggler.

·        Ziggler took the fight to Zayn, but the numbers game caught up to him when Zayn nailed The Showoff with the Helluva Kick at ringside.

·        Corbin attacked Owens on the main stage, but he also got his ass kicked as the opening segment came to an end.

·        This was a fine way to start the show. I wasn’t a fan of Ziggler and Corbin being added to the WWE Title match because they weren’t on the “prestigious” SD Live Top Ten List. Fortunately, WWE righted the ship by having KO and Zayn eliminate the competition beforehand. Both men deserve a fruit basket for a job well done.

·        Charlotte defeated Sarah Logan with Natural Selection in a solid match. Logan showed grit as she had Charlotte on the ropes for the most part. Logan still needs to clean up areas of her in-ring game, but she has a bright future based on her performance tonight. Two down. One to go. Ruby Riott, You’re Next! (Pun totally intended).

·        Shane McMahon laid down the law as he booked Baron Corbin vs. Kevin Owens and Dolph Ziggler vs. Sami Zayn. If Ziggler or Corbin win their respective matches, the WWE Championship will become a Fatal 4 or 5-Way at Fastlane. If Owens and Zayn get involved in the other’s match, they will be removed from the title bout. My fruit basket is on the brink of being rescinded. Damn it! L

·        Baron Corbin defeated Kevin Owens with End of Days and will be added to the WWE Title match at Fastlane. The match was solid, but the fans checked out emotionally due to the heel vs. heel dynamic. The crowd popped for the finish which ended things on a high note. The booking of the match was good as Corbin went for his running Clothesline only to get kicked in the face by Owens. Corbin hit pay dirt on the second attempt which prevented the bout from feeling formulaic.

·        Bobby Roode reinstated the United States Open Challenge and hoped that Randy Orton would be the first man to step up to the plate. Before the match got underway, Jinder Mahal came out to make fun of Orton for being number nine on the SD Live Top Ten List.

·        Mahal talked about Orton being a 13-time World Champion, but not being good enough amongst his peers to rank higher on the list. He tried to create tension between Orton and Roode, but his plan backfired when Roode checked Mahal for not making the list himself. Mahal shut his trap as Roode complimented Orton on his decorated career in WWE.

·        Roode claimed that Orton didn’t rank higher on the list was due to the fact that Orton RKO’s people out of nowhere. The Viper responded with an RKO to Sunil Singh. Mahal tried to attack Roode, but Orton broke things up.

·        However, the distraction gave Mahal enough time to hit Roode and Orton with the Khallas as the segment came to an end with the modern-day Maharaja standing tall in the ring.

·        The segment was fine, but Mahal trying to throw shade is laughable outside of his awesome jab on Twitter when he called out Rob Gronkowski for hindering him at WrestleMania last year.

·        The New Day (Big E & Kofi Kingston) defeated Shelton Benjamin and Chad Gable when Kingston pinned Gable with the Midnight Hour in a decent match. Both teams fighting over pancakes is dumb, but it’s the newest New Day gimmick that has overstayed its welcome. New Day Pops? Gone! Booty-O’s? So passé! Booty Cakes? So meh…

·        The graphics are back…WHY?!?

·        And so it begins. The Usos vs. The Bludgeon Brothers have a future date for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship. Let the awesomeness commence!

·        Dolph Ziggler defeated Sami Zayn with the Superkick as the WWE Championship match is now a Fatal 5-Way featuring Ziggler, Zayn, Owens, Corbin, and Styles. Zayn and Ziggler had a very good match that featured fast-paced and hard-hitting action throughout. This was Ziggler’s best match in at least a year as Zayn continues to bring out the best in his opponents. The heel vs. heel dynamic didn’t turn off the Bakersfield crowd as they popped for the dramatic near falls down the stretch. The highlight of the match was Zayn dropping Ziggler with a beautiful Exploder Suplex, but Zayn didn’t have enough energy to make the cover.

·        Ziggler nailed Zayn with the Zig Zag after Zayn failed to hit the Helluva Kick for another dramatic near fall. Zayn rammed Ziggler shoulder first into the ring post which put him in prime position for the Helluva Kick. However, Ziggler caught Zayn with the Superkick for the win.

·        Ziggler’s character might be a total buzzkill, but he’s a talented wrestler who needs to figure out who he is from a personality standpoint. Is he a Shawn/Bret Michaels Hybrid or is there something deeper underneath the faux Heartbreak Kid exterior that will elevate him to the next level? Careers can be revitalized on a whim. It’s up to Ziggler to find the missing ingredient that has held him back from being a top star in WWE. His talent has never been the question. The start and stop pushes have derailed things, but it’s ultimately up to him to sell his authentic self to the audience. He failed to do that on numerous occasions last year. Will the real Dolph Ziggler show up in 2018? We shall find out soon enough.

·        The Fatal 5-Way should be very good, but Styles is at a serious disadvantage because he’s the only babyface in the match. However, it appears that Owens and Zayn still have issues after they failed to take care of business in their respective matches tonight. Their rift should provide some much-needed drama at Fastlane despite the outcome being damn near academic. Unless an Act of God prevents the match from happening, Styles vs. Nakamura is a go for WrestleMania. Book it! I think…

·        Overall, I thought tonight’s episode of SmackDown Live was middling at best. The first hour was solid, but the second hour almost fell off a cliff until the main event. SD Live has been missing a spark for quite some time now. The blue brand used to be the go-to show in terms of quality in-ring action and compelling storylines. That hasn’t been the case with the exception of Kevin Owens’ stellar heel work last fall along with Sami Zayn embracing the dark side of the force.

·        The Daniel Bryan-Shane McMahon saga was downplayed this week as McMahon flexed his managerial muscle while Bryan ceded control to his boss. The constant cock teasing has to stop. Every time WWE tries to pull back, they go all-in the following week with both men bickering about the same old shit. Unless they are wrestling at WrestleMania, the company needs to hit the pause button on this feud if they can’t deliver the payoff.

·        The Fastlane card should come into focus over the next couple of weeks as The Usos will presumably defend the SmackDown Tag Team Championship against The Bludgeon Brothers while Bobby Roode faces Jinder Mahal and Randy Orton in a Triple Threat Match for the United States Title. Anything can happen between now and then, but this appears to be the current direction as the final PPV before Mania starts to take shape. Here’s hoping the next few weeks of television is good because SD Live has been a chore to watch as of late. Fingers crossed!

On that note, this wraps up another edition of The SmackDown Files. I hope you enjoyed it and I will back next week with a brand new installment of The Raw Exposé. See you later, boys and girls!

The SmackDown Files: And The Idiot Of The Week Goes To...AJ Styles (2-6-2018)

By: Keila Cash

Date: 2-6-2018

Location: Sprint Center in Kansas City, Missouri

Graphics Be Gone: A little complaining takes the WordArt away. For the most part...

·        SmackDown Live kicked off with Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan having a tense conversation regarding their business relationship as of late. McMahon questioned Bryan for giving Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn undeserved opportunities at the WWE Championship in recent weeks. Shane-O-Mac got emotional as he accused Bryan of living vicariously through Owens and Zayn because he can no longer compete in the ring. Before Bryan could respond, AJ Styles made his way to ring.

·        Styles called out both men for their piss poor managerial skills as of late. Styles had no problem taking on all comers, but he was tired of his bosses having a proverbial pissing contest to see who had the real power on SD Live. He told Bryan and McMahon to stay backstage during the Owens-Zayn match because he controlled his own destiny heading into Fastlane and WrestleMania as the opening segment came to an end.

·        This was a fine way to start the show. Power Struggle 2018 is back in full swing as Bryan and McMahon continue to butt heads over Owens and Zayn. McMahon’s words cut deep which could lead to a possible match between him and Bryan at WrestleMania. This is pure speculation at the moment, but WWE has been dropping breadcrumbs over the past few months. If Bryan is medically cleared, all bets are off. If not, the company is playing a deadly game of Russian Roulette that could bite them in the ass if they’re not careful.

·        Charlotte defeated Liv Morgan with the Figure Eight in a decent match. The Riott Squad tried to interfere down the stretch, but the referee caught them red-handed. The ref ejected Ruby Riott and Sarah Logan from ringside which set up the finish moments later. One down. Two to go.

·        The Bludgeon Brothers destroyed another random tag team when Rowan pinned Random Wrestler #1 with a double chokeslam. It was short, sweet, and effective.

·        The Usos cut another awesome promo about how they reinvented themselves last year. 2018 would be no different as Jimmy and Jey intend to keep the tag team division on lockdown. Most importantly, there was no jail ceil graphic on the television screen during their promo. Perhaps the WWE Graphics Team learned their lesson from last week.

·        The first ever SD Live 10 Ten List has been revealed:

10) Tye Dillinger

9) Randy Orton

8) Becky Lynch

7) The Usos

6) The New Day

5) Bobby Roode

4) Naomi

3) Shinsuke Nakamura

2) Charlotte Flair

1) AJ Styles.

·        Rusev failing to make the cut saddens me. The shade of it all…

·        Bobby Roode retained the United States Championship when he defeated Rusev with the Glorious DDT in a good match. The bout was perfectly early on, but it didn’t suck me in emotionally until Rusev nailed Roode with the Machka Kick for a near fall. From there, the action was on point as the crowd cheered for both men.

·        Rusev tried to put Roode in the Accolade, but Roode countered with his finisher for the win. The Glorious One didn’t get a chance to celebrate because Randy Orton nailed him with an RKO out of nowhere.

·        Aiden English and Rusev suffered the same fate as the Kansas City crowd popped something fierce. Orton might not be in a front-burner storyline right now, but he is maximizing his minutes by doing very little while getting paid at the same time. The Viper is living the dream.

·        Those damn graphics…Ugh…

·        Shelton Benjamin and Chad Gable defeated The Ascension when Benjamin pinned Viktor with the Powerbomb/Diving Clothesline combination in a decent match. Viktor looked impressive as his offense was smooth and crisp throughout. It’s a shame that he doesn’t get a chance to showcase his talent on a regular basis because he’s really good in the ring.

·        Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens ended in a double disqualification after AJ Styles attacked both men at ringside. Before the screwy finish, Owens and Zayn had a very good match that was on the verge of becoming the best television match of 2018 thus far. Both men know each other very well as they delivered the goods with great wrestling and dramatic near falls.

·        Zayn had Owens on the ropes when he confronted Styles at the announce table. Styles told Zayn to take care of Owens, but Zayn continued to run his mouth. Styles turned away from Zayn, but he swung Styles around which led to the Double DQ finish.

·        Styles laid out both men and wanted a winner despite how the match ended. Daniel Bryan appeared on the main stage and announced that Owens and Zayn will face Styles in a Triple Threat Match for the WWE Championship at Fastlane next month. SD Live went off the air with The Phenomenal One fuming in the ring while the announcers bickered about Bryan having an ulterior motive.

·        This was a strong way to end the show. Styles being on guest commentary during the main event was a clear sign that Owens vs. Zayn was going to have a controversial finish. Styles took the bait and KO and Zayn laid the trap like a couple of weasels. Styles’ words came back to haunt him as he claimed he had everything under control during the opening segment. He was in charge of his own destiny and didn’t need Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon meddling in his business. Bryan did just that which will cause further tension between him and McMahon next week.

·        Styles he has to walk through the fire in order to face Shinsuke Nakamura for the WWE Title at WrestleMania. The Triple Threat Match should be a Match of the Year contender if it’s not overbooked to death. I have feeling that Shane-O-Mac and Bryan will get involved, but that’s par for the course as of late. Here’s hoping this is leading up to something big at Mania because WWE continues to throw out red meat when it comes to Bryan’s in-ring status. Is this another mind fuck or something more? We shall find out soon enough.

·        Overall, I thought tonight’s episode of SmackDown Live was solid. The main event saved the show from drowning in a sea of mediocrity. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn have wrestled against each other hundreds of times, but they always bring something different to the table. It’s a rivalry that will never get old despite both men burying the hatchet for the time being. Despite getting another shot at the WWE Championship, I don’t think KO and Zayn will cede the spotlight heading into WrestleMania unless one forces the other to do so. We shall see how it all plays out over the next few weeks.

·        The rest of the show was fine, but it didn’t feel must-see until the main event segment. The in-ring action has been subpar as of late which shouldn’t be the case. There are a couple of feuds bubbling beneath the surface, but the blue brand lacks a spark right now. There is no Miz or John Cena to carry the broadcast from a promo standpoint this year. With one more major PPV before Mania, the creative team needs to lay the foundation for something huge that will propel SD Live to the Promised Land. Here’s hoping they get the job done. Fingers crossed!

On that note, this wraps up another edition of The SmackDown Files. I hope you enjoyed it and I will be back next week with a brand new installment of The Raw Exposé. See you later, boys and girls!