WWE Smackdown Live Review (21st of May)
48 hours removed from MITB and this episode of Smackdown was an interesting one to say the least! This show presented two returns, both were very unexpected. Also we got to continue the saga of the 24/7 Championship chase as current champion R-Truth has a big target on his back. Was he able to get away with the championship belt safely again?
Show opened with New Day's Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston as they had a big announcement to make. The big announcement was the return of Big E! When they try to bring him out at first, a fake Big E comes out and tried fitting in with the guys. They kicked him to the back and reintroduced Big E as this time the real Big E appears! Fans were happy to see him here as he received Welcome Back chants. As they were celebrating, Kevin Owens appears and was followed up by Sami Zayn. Sami talks about the injustice the two of them went through at MITB, while KO on the other hand didn't say a single word. Owens then walks to the back as Sami continues to berate New Day and the fans. Kofi talks about kicking Sami's ass when the two of them faces off later in the show. My only gripe was that Big E's return should've been kept a surprise, but it was cool to see him again.
We're continuing with the 24/7 Championship scramble as R-Truth was in hiding since he's the current 24/7 Champion. Carmella looks for him while coming across some flyers of Truth that was displayed backstage. She finds him weak a blonde wig then he pulls her aside and to ask her for help with a disguise. Truth was hilarious here and so far he's being a great 24/7 Champion.
Show opened with New Day's Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston as they had a big announcement to make. The big announcement was the return of Big E! When they try to bring him out at first, a fake Big E comes out and tried fitting in with the guys. They kicked him to the back and reintroduced Big E as this time the real Big E appears! Fans were happy to see him here as he received Welcome Back chants. As they were celebrating, Kevin Owens appears and was followed up by Sami Zayn. Sami talks about the injustice the two of them went through at MITB, while KO on the other hand didn't say a single word. Owens then walks to the back as Sami continues to berate New Day and the fans. Kofi talks about kicking Sami's ass when the two of them faces off later in the show. My only gripe was that Big E's return should've been kept a surprise, but it was cool to see him again.
We're continuing with the 24/7 Championship scramble as R-Truth was in hiding since he's the current 24/7 Champion. Carmella looks for him while coming across some flyers of Truth that was displayed backstage. She finds him weak a blonde wig then he pulls her aside and to ask her for help with a disguise. Truth was hilarious here and so far he's being a great 24/7 Champion.
ALI Vs. Andrade
These two have another good match while still dealing with the effects from the MITB Ladder Match this past Sunday. Ali's lower back bothered him throughout the match as Almas worked on it partially. Almas kept trying to get Ali counted out, but Ali wasn't going down like that. Ali rolled up Almas for the win!
Carmella Vs. Mandy Rose
Quick match here as R-Truth was ringside for this match and he has a target on his back. Carmella and Mandy fought for a little then suddenly superstars came from the back with referees as they all went after Truth! Truth and Carmella ran through the crowd, which resulted in this match ending in a no contest.
Kofi Kingston Vs. Sami Zayn
Before the match, Big E was being comforted by Xavier Woods backstage as his left knee was ambushed by supposedly Kevin Owens. Kofi comes out with revenge in his eyes as he goes toe to toe with Sami. They have a competitive match as Sami almost had Kofi beat a couple of times. Kofi nails the Trouble in Paradise for the win! Afterwards, Paul Heyman appears on stage with the MITB briefcase, teasing that Brock Lesnar's in the building. This distracted Kofi then out of nowhere Dolph Ziggler returns and attacks Kofi! Dolph straight up destroys Kofi as he brutalized him with a steel chair at ringside. He tops it off by putting the chair around Kofi's neck and stomped on it TWICE! Kofi was then stretchered out but was able to move and began walking out on his own power. I'm still a fan of Dolph Ziggler and I was happy to see him return with this vicious side to him. This looks like to be a new interesting feud for the WWE Championship.
Bayley & Becky Lynch Vs. Charlotte Flair & Lacey Evans
Standard tag match here as Charlotte and Lacey looked to continue their ongoing beef with Becky, while Bayley was the new target for Charlotte. They worked over Bayley for most of the match then once Becky came in, the tables were turned! Becky almost had the match won with a Dis-Arm-Her on Charlotte until Lacey Evans nails the Woman's Right to her. Bayley tagged herself in and rolled up Charlotte for the win for her team!
R-Truth and Carmella continue to run away as Truth encounters Jinder Mahal first, but was able to get away from him. They reached the parking lot as The B-Team attacked Truth then both Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel tried to pin him, resulting in an argument. Truth then lays them both out and escapes in a car with Carmella, retaining the 24/7 Championship!
Dolph Ziggler came back out to address his attack on Kofi Kingston earlier in the night. He states his anger on how Kofi became champion after 11 long years in the company, defending it like a fighting champion, having all of the momentum behind him, and he feels like it should've been him. Dolph is back to take the WWE Championship away from Kofi, and it seems like he will do whatever it takes to get that title.
R-Truth and Carmella continue to run away as Truth encounters Jinder Mahal first, but was able to get away from him. They reached the parking lot as The B-Team attacked Truth then both Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel tried to pin him, resulting in an argument. Truth then lays them both out and escapes in a car with Carmella, retaining the 24/7 Championship!
Dolph Ziggler came back out to address his attack on Kofi Kingston earlier in the night. He states his anger on how Kofi became champion after 11 long years in the company, defending it like a fighting champion, having all of the momentum behind him, and he feels like it should've been him. Dolph is back to take the WWE Championship away from Kofi, and it seems like he will do whatever it takes to get that title.
Roman Reigns Vs. Elias
Unlike MITB, these two had an actual match and I thought it was good. Shane McMahon was in Elias' corner so Roman had to watch himself throughout the match. Elias at one point had Roman on his shoulders and turned it into a Sit Out Powerbomb for the near fall! Roman hits a Superman Punch then as he covers Elias, Shane puts his foot on the bottom rope for the rope break. Roman then goes out of the ring to deliver the Driveby Dropkick to Shane, getting a good shot in in him. Elias beats down Roman more then suddenly Roman spears him for the win! Afterwards, Roman grabs Elias' guitar and threatens to hit Shane with it until Drew McIntyre arrives and delivers the Claymore Kick, laying Roman out! Shane and Drew stands tall over Roman to close out the show.
Big E returns! Dolph Ziggler returns! R-Truth remains the 24/7 Champion for now! Drew McIntyre lays out Roman Reigns! A good episode of Smackdown if you ask me.
Show Rating: 7.7/10
Big E returns! Dolph Ziggler returns! R-Truth remains the 24/7 Champion for now! Drew McIntyre lays out Roman Reigns! A good episode of Smackdown if you ask me.
Show Rating: 7.7/10
