Don’t turn your back on the Undertaker
So obviously we had to have some legends come back for these Madison Square Garden shows, with Stone Cold Steve Austin appearing on Raw and the Undertaker appearing on last night’s Smackdown. This opening segment served its purposes. Fans got to see the Undertaker entrance, someone got chokeslammed, and it was a swerve to the audience as about 90% of the WWE Universe was totally expecting the Fiend to show up.
Grade: B
The Miz vs Andrade
The match itself was okay. Miz needed a win going into the title match on Sunday and Zelina Vega at ringside is always gold. Shinsuke Nakamura was by himself on commentary, which was kind of weird. I feel like Sami Zayn should’ve been there with him but he’d already been sacrificed to the Undertaker in the opening segment.
Winner: The Miz
Grade: B
Shane McMahon doing Shane McMahon things
To the surprise of absolutely no one, Shane booked himself as Chad Gable’s opponent due to Elias’s unfortunate ankle injury. Wishing a speedy recovery to Elias!
Not Graded
Mandy Rose vs Nikki Cross
Let’s throw it back to the movie Mean Girls. Mandy Rose’s “I’m hot, you’re not” promo was annoying to say the least. I don’t mind insulting someone as part of an angle or to fuel a storyline, but to have appearances be the entire basis of the feud is lazy writing. At least Rose remembered her lines this time. The match…happened…and basically existed to build up for the tag team championships match.
Winner: Nikki Cross
Grade: D
Moon doesn’t like the new Bayley
I like that we’re using Ember Moon to highlight the more subtle changes in Bayley. Bayley is still in this state where she thinks she’s the hero and Moon is the perfect person to bring it up.
Not Graded
Heavy Machinery vs Rando Tag Team
Totally a squash match, but who doesn’t enjoy seeing the caterpillar? I still want a more solid program for them though. They got a lot of hype and it has yet to really go anywhere.
Not Graded
Nobody controls Rowan
First off, Rowan’s music is terribly bland. Surely they could’ve gotten him something a little more intimidating. Second off, this brawl in the audience and Roman Reigns getting hit with the camera has reignited my interest in this storyline. Third off, their upcoming match is going to be a no-disqualification match. Sweet.
Grade: B
Bayley vs Ember Moon
It was an okay match, but never really clicked into high gear. Bayley as a delusional heel who thinks she hasn’t done anything wrong is a good character for Moon to play off however and I hope we get a few more interactions and a better-booked feud.
Winner: Bayley
Grade: C
Memory Lane
Okay, the fire is back in this feud! I really liked this segment with the history that was brought up and Randy Orton retorting from the audience. Last week Orton got the upper hand, this time it was Kofi Kingston. The set-up is here, we just need a good championship match (with a definitive ending!) to cap it off.
Grade: B+
KOTR Semifinals: Shane McMahon vs Chad Gable
Admittedly I liked Shane putting himself in this match because it’s just the kind of annoying heel stuff that he does best. I enjoyed him quickly changing it to a 2/3 falls match after losing in less than a minute. I do think the right person won as the fans have seemingly got behind Shorty G. I am going to roast Shane for that weak “You’re fired!” Vince is surely disappointed in his son’s delivery of the signature McMahon phrase.
Winner: Chad Gable
Grade: C+
Final Thoughts
I felt that this week’s episode was a bit on the weaker side. Nothing really grabbed my attention. I’m glad we got some buildups for the upcoming matches, but the show fell flat overall.
Overall Grade: C+
