Recaps and Rehashes
Having two video recaps back-to-back was certainly…a choice. But I must say the brawl between Randy Orton and Kofi Kingston in gorilla was well done. This storyline feels similar to the Samoa Joe-AJ Styles feud from last year, even incorporating the champion’s family. However, this little brawl did manage to put some more fire into this feud after the lackluster ending of their first match.
Grade: B-
KOTR Tournament: Buddy Murphy vs Ali
This was such a fun, athletic match that I don’t think I moved from my spot throughout the duration. It was an example of a match that I would show a non-fan as a way to explain why I like watching wrestling. The booking was a bit on the catch-22 side. Ali has been being built up as a kind of superhero so it’s nice to see him move on in the tournament. But they also failed to capitalize on Murphy beating Daniel Bryan, which is a pretty big deal.
Winner: Ali
Grade: B+
Uh hi, Lacey
I like that Ember Moon and Bayley are still friendly after their Summer Slam match. It definitely suits Bayley’s character. I would like them to have another match, just with better development in the feud and Moon’s character. Also is Lacey Evans on the blue brand now?
Not Graded
Mouthpiece Sami Zayn
Zayn might just be a mouthpiece for now but he was definitely the focal point of this entire segment, with that smug voice and mocking laughter. He was literally rofl-ing while running the Miz down on the mic. I’m excited for this title match between Miz and Shinsuke Nakamura, but I don’t want Nakamura to be a transitional champion again.
Grade: B+
Bayley vs Lacey Evans
Bayley can definitely go when given a good length of time. Unfortunately Evans being unable to work the basic exchanges dragged this match down. There was a rather obvious spot call by Bayley but she managed to improvise. Evans also sandbagged the Bayley-to-Belly, making the finish look weak. I would think that after four months in the main event, these wouldn’t be problems yet here we are.
Winner: Bayley
Grade: C-
Randy Orton vs Big E
I quite enjoy serious Big E whenever we get to see him. This match was short due to a distraction by the Revival but what we did see was pretty solid ring-work. It also advanced this feud between the New Day and Orton and the Revival.
Winner: Randy Orton
Grade: B-
Title change
Whilst Elias was giving his spiel about being king, R-Truth and Drake Maverick got involved for the 24/7 Title. It’s interesting how they’re able to incorporate this into almost anything.
Not Graded
KOTR Tournament: Chad Gable vs Shelton Benjamin
This match was fairly solid but way too short! Gable and Benjamin have history as a tag team and it was an injustice that they didn’t get any time to show that. Gable should be able to put on a good bout with Andrade, if they get the time, but we probably won’t be seeing Benjamin for another couple of months.
Winner: Chad Gable
Grade: C+
Big Dog Murder Mystery
You know what? I am truly enjoying this Clue-esque storyline for Roman Reigns. I feel like they keep adding in enough new pieces to make sure it stays engaging. I also like seeing Daniel Bryan get his ass kicked so it’s a win-win for me.
Grade: B
Final Thoughts
This was a middle-ground episode of Smackdown. It wasn’t bad by any means, but it doesn’t rank amongst the best episodes. At the same time, I do think that we advanced some feuds and storylines so I feel like the episode did what it’s supposed to do.
Overall Grade: B-
