Review of WWE Smackdown on March seventeenth, 2023 – TJR Wrestling

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This week’s WWE Smackdown featured Drew McIntyre dealing with Sheamus, Sami Zayn confronting Jey Uso and an entire lot extra.

I’m doing this assessment stay on Friday. Next Friday I’m going to be at an Impact Wrestling PPV referred to as Sacrifice (plus tapings the subsequent day), so it gained’t be stay like standard. It’s in all probability going to be a Saturday morning factor that I’ll write whereas at a resort. Anyway, simply letting you guys realize it gained’t be a stay Smackdown assessment subsequent week.

WrestleMania 39 is simply over two weeks away. We know a lot of the lineup at this level, however they nonetheless want so as to add some issues and finalize a number of matches as properly. If you’re going to WrestleMania this yr, I hope you take pleasure in it. There’s loads to do this complete weekend, so attempt to have some enjoyable. I’m passing on it this yr, however I must be at Summer seasonSlam in Detroit this August.

From the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, that is Smackdown for episode #1230. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

The announcers Michael Cole and Wade Barrett welcomed us to the present whereas selling what’s arising this week.

Let’s Hear from Cody Rhodes

The go well with sporting man Cody Rhodes is a Raw man, however right here’s on Smackdown as we proceed on the street to WrestleMania. Cody challenges Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion at WrestleMania 39. Big pop for Cody with the followers shouting for the “Whoa-oh” a part of the tune.

Cody: “So Kansas City, what do you want to talk about?” Cody mentioned we may discuss WrestleMania. Cody mentioned that tempers are what they’re and stakes are excessive, however he does wish to level out that he has the utmost respect for the present Roman Reigns. Cody mentioned that Roman is the best champion in sports activities, he appears ahead to seeing Roman on Raw and he appears ahead to beating Roman at WrestleMania. Loud “Cody” chants for that.

Cody mentioned he needs to speak “to” anyone. Cody mentioned he is aware of he’s again there, he is aware of he’s watching so please Kevin Owens, come on out.

Kevin Owens made his entrance to affix Cody within the ring as we noticed a spotlight from Raw with The Usos serving to their brother Solo Sikoa beat Owens. There have been “KO” chants earlier than Owens spoke.

Owens mentioned he’s fairly positive he is aware of what that is about and we’ve been over this. Cody mentioned this isn’t a dialog between two individuals, so Cody referred to as out Sami Zayn.

Sami Zayn acquired an enormous ovation from the group together with the followers singing together with the catchy tune. Owens stood within the nook away from Zayn whereas the followers have been chanting for Sami.

Cody was standing between the 2 males. Cody talked about how he has an unimaginable quantity of respect and love for Kevin Owens. Cody mentioned six or seven years in the past when he was daring sufficient to say to WWE “good luck in your future endeavors” and he had Owens introduce him to some buddies to higher Cody’s livelihood. Cody mentioned it’s a favor he can by no means repay, however he wish to repay it on this second. Cody thinks they need to have the dialog. The followers have been chanting “hug it out.”

Owens mentioned that he heard what Zayn has needed to say. Zayn mentioned he hasn’t heard what Owens has needed to say. Zayn talked about how they’ve turned on eachother, harm eachother and located a option to get on the identical web page. Zayn can’t perceive why this time is so completely different. Zayn informed Owens to scream at him or punch him within the face if that’s what Owens must do.

Owens mentioned he got here right here like Cody requested and he listened to Zayn, so did Cody get what he wished? Cody mentioned that they’re within the service trade, the individuals pleasing enterprise and it doesn’t matter what he needs. Cody mentioned it’s what he needs, Cole needs, what the followers need and each one in all these individuals wish to see Owens and Zayn again on the identical web page. There was a “hug it out” chants.

Zayn mentioned that the followers need it, Zayn needs it and if they will come collectively they will do one thing magical. Zayn mentioned: “We can be the ones that bring down The Ones.” Zayn mentioned we didn’t even want to do that as buddies, we simply want to do that collectively. Owens mentioned he has heard Zayn say it for weeks. Owens mentioned they will all take down The Bloodline collectively and so they don’t should be buddies to do it. Owens requested why would he battle for anyone that desires to be his good friend. Owens thanked Cody, handed him the microphone, mentioned he’s all set and Owens left. The followers have been unhappy about it.

Analysis: A great phase with Cody Rhodes because the babyface mediator of this Sami Zayn-Kevin Owens story to attempt to get them on the identical web page. Everybody needs it, however Owens isn’t positive but as a result of he appears to be upset that Zayn thinks they will do that with out being buddies once more. We know that it’s in all probability resulting in Owens-Zayn reuniting to go towards The Usos at WrestleMania, but it surely’s not taking place but. I assumed it was properly completed as a tease for each time this reunion between Sami and Kevin goes to occur. The crowd reactions to it have been robust. Notice how they pay attention and don’t chant “what?” through the promos? It’s as a result of it’s riveting tv.

Sami Zayn is on once more to have a chat with Jey Uso later.

Dominik Mysterio and Rhea Ripley have been proven strolling backstage for a combined tag crew match up subsequent.

A WWE 2K23 business aired that includes lots of WWE superstars. That was fairly cool. The recreation is on the market now.

(Commercial)

Kevin Owens was proven making an attempt to depart within the automotive. Sami Zayn walked as much as him saying they’ll all the time be buddies, however they aren’t simply buddies, they’re brothers. Zayn mentioned in case you by no means wish to discuss once more, that’s wonderful, however Zayn needs to let him know that he loves Owens. Owens drove off whereas Zayn watched him depart.

Analysis: They are shut like brothers, so possibly what Sami simply mentioned is what’s going to make Owens really feel like he can belief Sami once more.

Rhea Ripley & Dominik Mysterio vs. Santos Escobar & Zelina Vega

Cole was trashing Dominik whereas Barrett mentioned that Dominik has been higher since hanging out with Rhea, which is an efficient level. It’s males vs. women and men vs. ladies on this match. Dominik tried attacking with a forearm, however Escobar got here again together with his personal forearm and punches. Vega tagged in with a senton on a standing Ripley on the ground. Vega with a headscissors spiking Ripley on the mat. Escobar dove onto Dominik on the ground. Vega was on the center turnbuckle and hit a moonsault onto a standing Ripley on the ground. That appeared nice resulting in a break.

(Commercial)

Dominik was in management for a bit, however Escobar hit him with an ideal dropkick and a leg drop for 2 was Ripley broke up the pin. Ripley slammed Dominik onto Escobar for a two depend with Vega breaking apart the pin try. Vega and Dominik ran the ropes resulting in a collision spot. Ripley tagged in towards Vega, who hit a operating kick and a powerful DDT. Ripley bought that actually properly. Vega tried a rollup, however Dominik broke it up. Ripley tossed Vega out of the ring. Escobar went for a superplex, however Ripley was there to Powerbomb Escobar on the identical time. Vega jumped off the center rope with a cross physique block on Ripley. Vega with a knee to Ripley. Vega with a hurricanrana on Dominik, which allowed Ripley to recuperate and Ripley hit a Riptide Slam on Vega for the pinfall win after about eight minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Rhea Ripley & Dominik Mysterio

Analysis: *** That was a enjoyable tag crew match that was very fast-paced with lots of motion. Ripley bought for a lot of the match with Vega, who appeared spectacular after which Ripley hit one energy transfer to win. Vega has been a heel for thus lengthy, however she actually slot in properly as a face right here since she’s a smaller wrestler that is ready to hit some athletic strikes. Dominik and Escobar labored properly collectively. No shock that Ripley gained since she’s going for the Smackdown Women’s Title at WrestleMania, so in fact she’s going to look robust right here.

Post match, Dominik Mysterio talked about how his dad Rey Mysterio is a Hall of Famer that could be a deadbeat of a father. Dominik spoke about how he had all these sleepless nights. They confirmed Rey Mysterio strolling backstage, so that they went to interrupt teasing a Rey-Dominik showdown.

Analysis: That’s a singular option to interrupt a promo, go to a break and have the remainder of the promo after a break. It works.

(Commercial)

They have been selling the Sami Zayn-Jey Uso phase as a “Showdown In Kansas City” later within the present.

Let’s Hear from Dominik and Rey Mysterio

Rey Mysterio made his manner right down to the ring. Rey appeared severe on his option to the ring and he was introduced as a WWE Hall of Famer. Rey went into the ring. Dominik mentioned that he went lots of nights and not using a father. Rey requested Rhea if he can have a second together with his son alone, so she backed away.

Dominik mentioned that now they have been within the ring, Rey has time for him? Dominik mentioned that Rey took away Dominik’s WrestleMania second as a result of Rey is a tragic, pathetic excuse of a father. Dominik was about to name him a “piece of sh–” however Rey left. Rey mentioned that he did miss birthdays, Christmas, graduations, soccer video games, however that doesn’t take away the love he has for his son and he nonetheless loves Dominik. Rey mentioned that Dominik is his world. Rey mentioned that fairly quickly Dominik will discover out this enterprise is egocentric, so Rey made sacrifices to present Rey’s spouse, son and daughter the life they wished. Rey mentioned that each time Dominik acquired in hassle, the Mysterio identify would bail him out.

Rey mentioned that he’s having a tough time dealing with all this. Rey mentioned he’s being inducted into the Hall of Fame (the followers cheer). Rey mentioned he would love nothing greater than to have Dominik standing by his facet on that stage. Dominik shook his head “no” whereas the followers chanted “you deserve it” for Rey. Rey mentioned possibly it’s too late for that.

Rey mentioned that his greatest remorse is what Dominik has grow to be. Rey mentioned that if anyone that was ungrateful, disgraceful, pathetic, punk ass child referred to as him out at WrestleMania then Rey would gladly whoop his ass. The followers cheered and cheered “kick his ass” for that. Rey mentioned sadly, Dominik is his son and combating Dominik can be the largest shame as a father. Rey informed Dominik that he’s not price it. Rey mentioned he gained’t battle Dominik now or ever and he gained’t battle him at WrestleMania both. Rey left the ring.

Dominik trashed Rey for operating away from his personal son once more. Dominik mentioned that Rey was a scared little man. Rey paused close to the doorway space, however then they reduce away and that was it.

Analysis: I assumed that Rey promo was excellent. The followers have been so prepared when it appeared like Rey was going to just accept Dominik’s problem for WrestleMania however then Rey mentioned no, he can’t battle his son. The followers are going to pop enormous when Rey lastly hits Dom. This was very properly completed.

They confirmed Drew McIntyre and Sheamus preparing in different components of the constructing. Sheamus had his Brawling Brutes buddies with him.

The announcers have been proven with Wade Barrett saying there might be Men’s and Women’s Fatal 4-Way matches at WrestleMania. We had a report on that on TJRWrestling earlier within the day.

(Commercial)

The winners get to be within the Women’s Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Match at WrestleMania.

Raquel Rodriguez & Liv Morgan vs. Tegan Nox & Emma

Raquel used her energy towards Nox early after which Morgan tagged in with a operating kick to the top. Nox with a forearm adopted by a knee. Emma tagged in with a operating cross physique block on Morgan within the nook. Emma hit a suplex. Nox tagged in with a entrance suplex. Morgan hit double knees on Nox to interrupt free. Raquel acquired the tag towards Emma with a lefty clothesline adopted by a fallaway slam. Raquel with a spinning elbow off the ropes for 2 as a result of Nox broke up the pin. Morgan with double knees on Nox, however Emma tossed Morgan out of the ring. Raquel countered an Emma transfer and hit a Texana Bomb. Morgan tagged in for the Oblivion flatliner off the ropes for the pinfall win after three minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Raquel Rodriguez & Liv Morgan

Analysis: *3/4 Easy win for Raquel and Liv, who’re pushed much more than their opponents. The Texana Bomb/Oblivion combo was completed properly as a tandem transfer. I like Emma and Tegan as performers, but it surely’s arduous to essentially escape on the roster proper now.

The win implies that Raquel & Liv are within the Women’s Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Match at WrestleMania.

They confirmed a clip for final week’s Smackdown when Charlotte Flair informed Rhea Ripley that whereas Rhea will rip aside any girl, she will’t do it to Flair.

Charlotte Flair made her entrance because the Smackdown Women’s Title with a full physique go well with outfit.

(Commercial)

Let’s Hear from Charlotte Flair

Charlotte mentioned when she was a child in her mother’s arms, this enterprise was constructed on Flair as a champion and Rhodes as a challenger. Charlotte mentioned that’s what we’re doing at this yr’s WrestleMania. Charlotte mentioned that that is her seventh WrestleMania whereas including she’s both been the champion or the challenger, however all the time the star. Charlotte talked about how Ripley needs to be the star and the champion, however she will’t be the champion until she goes by means of Flair. Charlotte mentioned that Ripley couldn’t undergo her three years in the past and she will’t undergo her now. Charlotte mentioned the extra issues change, the extra they keep the identical. That ties in to what she mentioned in the beginning.

Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio made their manner again on the market as they acquired into the ring with Flair. Ripley informed Charlotte she selected her as an alternative of Bianca Belair, however she’s going to get again to that. Ripley mentioned that everybody fears her apart from Charlotte. Ripley mentioned that Charlotte is staring her down with out an oz. of worry in her eyes and that pisses Ripley off. Ripley mentioned that Charlotte is the champion for a motive – a 14-time Women’s Champion for a motive. Ripley mentioned that Flair is a famous person, one of many greatest stars in WWE and Ripley may give her all of the credit score on the planet, however that Smackdown Women’s Championship is one thing Ripley needs it. Ripley mentioned she wants it. Ripley mentioned she must be a star. Ripley mentioned after WrestleMania, Flair will be taught to name her champion and she’s going to be taught to worry Ripley.

Dominik in direction of Charlotte saying “Mami is going to beat you at WrestleMania.” Flair raised her hand to Dominik, so Ripley punched Flair within the face.

Charlotte Flair acquired again up and clotheslined Ripley on the ground. The ladies exchanged punches as they fought on the ground. There have been officers that ran on the market to attempt to break it up. Ripley despatched Charlotte into the ring put up. Charlotte got here again with a deal with on the ground. Charlotte hit a operating boot to the face of a safety guard as a result of Ripley moved. Ripley despatched Charlotte over the commentary desk. Charlotte got here again by leaping off the desk to deal with Ripley on the ground. The ladies have been separated by safety once more, but it surely didn’t work as a result of Ripley broke free resulting in a deal with over the barricade. Ripley was into the group whereas Flair was at ringside. Flair signaled to Ripley to convey it. Flair held her title up within the air whereas Ripley was trying up at her. That was it.

Analysis: This was nice! That was a really efficient phase to up the depth of that story. I discussed in previous weeks that they wanted to have Flair-Ripley battle eachother, so that they did it the correct manner right here. Ripley’s clarification about how Flair isn’t intimidated by Ripley is an efficient manner of explaining why Rhea picked Flair for WrestleMania. It is sensible for Rhea’s character. I favored the brawl loads. They fought throughout the ringside space, they didn’t let up and it appeared legit.

Sami Zayn was interviewed by Kayla Braxton speaking about how Kevin Owens took off whereas Jey Uso was like a brother, however he is aware of Jey needs to take him out. Zayn mentioned if Jey needs to satisfy him within the ring then that’s wonderful. Zayn mentioned if he has to deal with this by himself then he’ll deal with it by himself and he’s prepared for it.

Xavier Woods made his entrance for a match towards LA Knight. No Kofi Kingston since he had ankle surgical procedure. Best needs to Kofi coming again.

(Commercial)

They confirmed a short clip of the WWE 2K23 launch occasion on Thursday on 3:16 day so Steve Austin was there as properly. Lots of WWE superstars have been there too.

Xavier Woods vs. LA Knight

They confirmed a video from the locker room with LA Knight and Woods arguing whereas Woods was taking part in video video games with Madcap Moss. Cole talked about Kofi’s ankle surgical procedure earlier on Friday. Knight acquired some offense going with a punch together with a DDT. Woods did some punches adopted by a missile dropkick off the center ropes. Woods with a sitout suplex for 2. Knight shoved Woods into the turnbuckle adopted by a neckbreaker. Knight picked up Woods resulting in a slam sending Woods arduous into the mat for a two depend. Woods managed to get an inside cradle for the pinfall win after three minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Xavier Woods

Analysis: ** I assumed this might be a match that Knight may truly win, but it surely didn’t occur. I’m undecided what they’ve deliberate for Knight at WrestleMania or if there may be something in any respect. Maybe Knight will simply get a promo phase, Steve Austin comes out and hits him with some Stunners. I don’t know at this level.

The announcers talked about The Great Muta being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this yr. They confirmed some pictures and clips, however not a prolonged video package deal.

Analysis: Based on his profession in wrestling, The Great Muta is completely deserving. Muta didn’t wrestle in WWE, however he was in NWA/WCW and an innovator throughout his legendary profession in Japan. I’m actually wonderful with it. Muta retired as a wrestler earlier this yr, so the time was proper for this.

Drew McIntyre dealing with Sheamus was up subsequent.

(Commercial)

LA Knight was about to be interviewed by Kayla Braxton, however then Knight went over to Rey Mysterio signing issues. Knight mentioned he’ll battle Dominik if Rey doesn’t and referred to as Rey a deadbeat dad, so Rey punched Knight. Rey spoke in Spanish resulting in Knight asking what did he simply say? That was it.

Analysis: That ought to arrange a Rey-Knight match.

A Progressive Match Flo replay was proven of final week’s Smackdown with Drew McIntyre and Sheamus every getting pinfall wins as a result of they’d two referees for the Fatal 5-Way match. That led to WWE deciding on this singles match.

Sheamus was up first on this St. Patrick’s Day, so it could possibly be good luck for the Irishman. Sheamus had a shillelagh with him Drew McIntyre was up subsequent with Angela the sword in his fingers. They each pointed on the big WrestleMania signal. The Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER made his entrance with the Imperium guys by his facet. They went to interrupt.

(Commercial)

Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus

The bell rang after they got here again from break. The winner will get to problem GUNTHER for the Intercontinental Title at WrestleMania 39.

They are finest buddies and have been shut for about 20 years. Drew hit a operating knee to the ribs of Sheamus and Drew hit a suplex. Sheamus knocked Drew down with a clothesline as Gunther put a on headset. Gunther mentioned he’ll beat whoever wins this match. Drew hit an elbow to the top, Drew kicked Sheamus into the ropes and Drew hit a Michinoku Driver for 2. Gunther wasn’t impressed by the questions. Drew with chops, Sheamus with forearms and Sheamus hit a backbreaker for 2. Sheamus went for the forearms on the apron, Drew countered that and Drew went for forearms, however Sheamus blocked these. Drew ran proper into double boots from Sheamus. Sheamus went up prime, Drew stopped him with a punch and Drew gave Sheamus a superplex off the highest resulting in a business.

(Commercial)

Sheamus was in full management with the ten forearms to the chest whereas the WrestleMania signal was within the background. Sheamus went for a Brogue Kick, Drew prevented it and Drew hit a neckbreaker. Drew charged and Sheamus hit a operating knee for 2. The followers chanted “this is awesome” as each guys have been down promoting. Drew and Sheamus exchanged punches, then clotheslines, and Drew hit a headbutt. Sheamus with a knee that despatched Drew into the center turnbuckle. Sheamus went for a Brogue Kick whereas Drew hit a Claymore Kick and each guys have been down on the mat. The referee was counting them each down, then Gunther went on the apron and into the ring. Gunther shouted on the referee, who stopped counting. Gunther shouted at each males questioning who’s it going to be? Kaiser and Vinci hit Sheamus & Drew on the identical time, so there was no winner. It went 11 minutes.

Match Result: No Contest

Analysis: ***1/4 An excellent match as standard between Sheamus and Drew. I can’t say I’m stunned by the non-finish ending to the match. They had a really even matchup the entire manner with every man hitting some signature strikes earlier than the double finisher spot. Having Gunther intrude was what I assumed would occur.

Gunther hit a operating dropkick on Drew and a clothesline on Sheamus. Gunther gave Sheamus a Powerbomb onto Drew’s again. The followers have been booing this.

Adam Pearce, the WWE Official, appeared on the video display. Pearce mentioned that Gunther mentioned he wished a single opponent, however clearly, he didn’t imply it. Pearce mentioned he’s making it official saying that Gunther will defend the Intercontinental Championship towards Drew McIntyre in a triple risk match at WrestleMania 39.

Analysis: I do know the Gunther vs. Drew vs. Sheamus match at WrestleMania has been rumored for some time. Just took a little bit of time get there. It must be an excellent match. Three proficient European dudes that aren’t afraid to hit arduous. It must be among the finest WM matches this yr.

Jey Uso was proven strolling backstage together with his two Tag Team Titles for the principle occasion promo up subsequent.

(Commercial)

They introduced Rey Mysterio dealing with LA Knight subsequent week on Smackdown.

Sami Zayn and Jey Uso Have a Confrontation

Jey Uso was within the ring alone with out an entrance. Sami Zayn made his entrance rapidly by strolling to the ring. Sami informed Jey let’s do that. Jey mentioned he didn’t like Sami from the start whereas Jimmy, Solo, Heyman and Roman all favored him. Jey talked about how he all the time retains his guard up as a result of he all the time protects the household. Jey added that he lastly let his guard down for Sami after which Sami ended up going towards the household. Jey mentioned that Sami betrayed the household. Jey spoke about how he has all the time identified that Sami has been a “fake ass Uce.” Jey mentioned he has no alternative. Sami mentioned that Jey actually does have a alternative. Sami mentioned that Jey is mad at himself. Sami mentioned that Jey isn’t mad that Sami hit Roman with the metal chair (at Royal Rumble), Jey is simply mad that he (Jey) didn’t get to hit Roman with the chair first.

Jey went after Sami with punches. Sami fought again with punches and tackled Jey. Jimmy Uso was there to leap Sami within the ring. Jey was again up and hit Sami with a superkick. The Usos introduced Sami out of the ring with Jey hitting Sami within the face with the metal steps. They went again into the ring.

Kevin Owens! It’s the music of Kevin Owens as KO entered the ring from behind The Usos. Owens clotheslined Jey and clotheslined Jimmy excessive to the ground. Jey was again in, so Owens threw him out of the ring. Owens stomped and punched Jey. Jimmy was again in so Owens hit him with a Stunner. Owens with a Popup Powerbomb on Jey! Both Usos left the ring.

Sami Zayn slowly acquired again to his ft as he stood throughout the ring from Kevin Owens. The followers have been chanting “hug it out!” Owens walked over to Zayn and gave him an enormous hug within the ring. The followers have been cheering enormous for it! Cody Rhodes was proven watching on a TV backstage with an enormous smile on his face. Owens stood facet by facet with Zayn whereas The Usos have been within the aisle. Cole was speaking concerning the friendship and all this different stuff that they in all probability wrote out for him earlier within the day. Cole shouted that KO and Sami are again whereas Sami had an enormous smile on his face. That was the top of the present.

Analysis: Great ending! Finally, it’s the KO and Sami reunion that all of us wished to see for a number of weeks now. I feel it’s an instance of the way it’s necessary to not rush a narrative like this. The inventive crew has completed a pleasant job of taking their time, letting the story play out for the reason that Royal Rumble when Sami turned a face. If Owens simply accepted Sami as his good friend once more then that wouldn’t be that fascinating. By ready almost two months for Owens to lastly hug Sami once more, you’re making it matter extra and making that hug imply loads. That’s why the followers reacted to it in such an emotional manner. If you rush it, then what would they’ve completed for the previous two months? The construct to this second was unbelievable. This is the most effective WWE storyline in years. I additionally assume what Sami mentioned to Jey about how Jey isn’t mad at Sami, he’s mad at himself is sensible storytelling too. This ought to result in Sami & KO beating The Usos for the Tag Team Titles at WrestleMania (possibly each units of Tag Team Titles), however after that, there’s the story with Jey and Roman Reigns as properly that must be compelling within the months forward.

Just hearken to this pop for that hug. That was enormous.

Stories matter a lot. Invest in them long run. Good matches occur each week a number of occasions on each wrestling present as a result of there’s a lot expertise. But once you inform the correct tales, that’s the way you extend stars and get followers to tune in and watch extra. This story is making larger stars out of Sami, Kevin, Cody, The Usos, Solo and all people else. Roman is already there and he’s bringing these guys up with him, which is great to see. There’s a lot extra to the Roman-Jey story as properly and that’s one thing we will see after WrestleMania almost definitely. All of them are a part of a crew and they’re working so properly collectively.

Three Stars of the Show

  1. Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens – That hug!
  2. Drew McIntyre/Sheamus
  3. Rhea Ripley/Charlotte Flair/Rey Mysterio

The Scoreboard

8 out of 10

Last week: 7.25

2023 Average: 7.11

Final Thoughts

That felt like a terrific Smackdown, particularly when it comes to storyline development for the WrestleMania matches. It wasn’t the most effective present when it comes to matches, however actually so what? They have the largest present of the yr coming in two weeks and this Smackdown did a superb job of constructing to it. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn lastly are on the identical web page after almost two months with KO saving Sami from an assault by The Usos. It’s all as a result of Sami informed Kevin he cherished him as a brother. That tag crew match at WrestleMania (not official but) goes to be superb.

I additionally actually favored the Charlotte Flair-Rhea Ripley phase. Ripley mentioned she selected Charlotte as a result of Charlotte doesn’t worry her, so Ripley will make Flair worry her. After Ripley acquired in an affordable slap, Charlotte went after Rhea for an enormous brawl across the ring. This feud wanted it. They have been going at it and it was plausible. Rey Mysterio’s promo towards Dominik was terrific as properly. Rey nonetheless doesn’t wish to battle his son, however what he mentioned and the way he mentioned it acquired the group behind him much more.

The Drew McIntyre-Sheamus had a non-finish when Gunther and buddies attacked them. The match was enjoyable earlier than that. That low-cost assault by Gunther and buddies arrange the plain IC Title triple risk match at WrestleMania 39. That’s one other match that might be excellent at WM. The WM39 card is fairly rattling stable from prime to backside, I feel.

Here’s the WrestleMania 39 lineup to this point going down on April 1st and April 2nd:

* Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Cody Rhodes

* Smackdown Women’s Championship: Charlotte Flair (c) vs. Rhea Ripley

* United States Championship: Austin Theory (c) vs. John Cena

* Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair (c) vs. Asuka

* Hell in a Cell Match: Edge vs. Finn Balor

* Seth “Freakin” Rollins vs. Logan Paul

* Intercontinental Championship: GUNTHER (c) vs. Sheamus vs. Drew McIntyre

* Damage CTRL – Bayley, IYO SKY & Dakota Kai vs. Trish Stratus, Becky Lynch & Lita

* Brock Lesnar vs. Omos

* Men’s Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Match

* Women’s Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Match: Raquel Rodriguez & Liv Morgan vs. three different groups.

The Miz will host WrestleMania.

WrestleMania goes Hollywood for a particular two-night Premium Live Event, Saturday, April 1, and Sunday, April 2, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, streaming stay on Peacock within the United States and on WWE Network in all places else.

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Thanks for studying. Please try my critiques of each WWE PPV ever listed so as. Go Toronto Blue Jays, Toronto Raptors and Toronto Maple Leafs. My contact information is beneath.

John Canton

Email mrjohncanton@gmail.com

Twitter @johnreport





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