Simple theme this week…happy Night of Champions eve for this SmackDown In A Nutshell!
OK, to be honest, this one really isn’t an eve. I mean, for us watching at home, sure, it’s a happy Night of Champions eve.
But for the matches and all Superstars involved, this happened last week.
I mean, we know that there’s no feasible way to get talent from the states to Saudi Arabia that fast, in time for a mid-day (NY time) opening bell.
Never mind about the presser on Friday morning. Though, I’ve long been a fan of letting this show-the night before an international show-be worked by a mix of talent.
Like, some NXT Superstars, and the numerous talents who are not working NOC.
Heck, way back in the beginning of this Saudi arrangement, with no women on the show, you could have run an all women’s SmackDown.
But, this might be taped, but we do have decent matches to watch.
Sheamus gets a shot at the United States title. We find out who Raquel teams with (except, we knew last week and it was revealed Monday).
And any other taped, but relevant, NOC hype.
So…lets have a…
Happy Night Of Champions Eve : SmackDown In A Nutshell
Let’s crack open this Nutshell and enjoy!
Best Match of the night:
I could go with Styles and Kross here. Hopefully Kross gets into the MITB ladder match, or something, because while he’s been good…his return is fizzling.
Theory and Sheamus was good for what it was too.
And then the main event segment was on point.
The Usos defying Reigns. Reigns coming out, ticked off, only to get stunned by KO and chaos ensues.
And of course, Solo comes in and saves the day.
But whenever one or both of the Usos turn on Reigns, it may be a bigger pop than even when Sami Zayn turned. Maybe…because Sami’s was massive.
Worst match of the night:
I like Grimes, but the match with Ashante didn’t impress (not Cameron’s fault).
Crowd Chants of the Night:
No chants, but when Grimes’ music hit, you could feel the crowd getting into it.
If he continues to get strong reactions…watch out. Could be like this guy…
Star of the Night
This is an almost weekly thing, but the work done by the Bloodline was as good as ever.
Spot of the Night:
Not much to go with tonight.
Jobber of the Night:
Hit Row…Ashante got fed to Cameron Grimes.
Upset of the Night:
I think Roman is upset at his cousins.
Holy Sh** Moment of the Night:
Not sure we had one tonight, not like a massive one.
I did find it funny that Bianca Belair sold the mist so strongly, acting like the stuff was still on her fingers a week later…when at most it was an hour or two in between segments.
Botch of the night:
The ending was awkward. Maybe it was a botch.
Or, maybe it was planned, to get more tension in the group.
Commentary of the night:
Cole and Wade going at each other, comparing how long they’ve been in WWE and “no one likes them”.
LOL Moment of the night:
For me, the simple fact that WWE still does it’s level best to pretend like this week’s show was live.
30 years ago? Sure.
But with the internet, social media and anyone able to realize how long a flight from the United States to Jeddah is…that illusion is not worth maintaining.
Noteworthy Moment:
No shock, more drama within the Bloodline.
Pre-taped backstage segment, made sure to point out that Jimmy and Jey “weren’t invited” to Night of Champions.
Jimmy didn’t like things, got up to leave, and him and Roman had words.
I’d bet a nickel that Jimmy and Jey are in Jeddah (and no, I didn’t check any press info from there).
Or…how’s this for a long-term story-telling theory:
Can’t hate putting Pretty Deadly alongside Austin Theory. Gives the newcomers to the blue brand some good work right quick.
Overall lowlights:
Seen this called out around Twitter, and I feel compelled to do it here too…but WWE needs to stop pumping in crowd noise.
Like…LA Knight is not getting the boos. I cannot believe Hunter would be allowing this.
Overall highlights:
As much as we might look forward to the night when Roman finally loses…it has been so good, so multi-faceted, that we will miss it when it’s over.
Interesting promo by Bianca…if you listened good, you can hear it going to the heel side (I think).
Main event segment was really really good.
After the final bell:
Really solid SmackDown, taped or not.
Night of Champions hits us tomorrow afternoon (my time), and I am looking forward to it.
