It should be an eventful SmackDown in a Nutshell this week, with me pondering…what about the road to WWE WrestleMania 40 for Seth Rollins?
You see, on RAW, the women’s Elimination Chamber plans were announced. The winner of that match in Perth gets Rhea Ripley (assuming she still holds the gold).
That was made clear once Bayley chose IYO SKY and in doing so, left Damage CTRL.
On Thursday in Las Vegas, Cody Rhodes pivoted and pushed The Rock out of the American Nightmare’s very much earned title shot.
What Does WWE Think About We Want Cody?
Leaving Seth Rollins to wonder…who?
And yes, this is the blue brand, and he’s on the red brand…but considering how radioactive the fallout from Vegas is, and with just two weeks before Elimination Chamber?
It’s a safe bet we should see what the plans are for the World Heavyweight Champion soon.
Like, tonight soon.
Which means it is time for,…
SmackDown In A Nutshell: Road To WWE WrestleMania 40 For Seth Rollins?
Let’s see what’s up and crack open this Nutshell!
Best Match of the night:
This could go a few ways.
I was impressed with what Bianca and Michin did.
The tag team qualifier was a really good showing for all involved. Either team would have been fun to watch against Judgement Day.
Orton and Zayn was a nice closing match, and kicking off with Drew McIntyre and AJ Styles was good too.
Worst match of the night:
Honestly, I have no gripes tonight.
Crowd Chants of the Night:
Lots of love for Cody and animosity for The Rock. This Road to WrestleMania is going to be hot.
Star of the Night
Honestly? I want to go with Triple H.
Lots happened in the last week and change, especially in the last day or so. Levesque needed to have a strong response, and he accomplished that right out of the gate.
Spot of the Night:
It was a good show, but I really don’t know that there was one signature spot. Nothing sticks out.
But…this was pretty cool…
Jobber of the Night:
In the best of ways, I’d go with Sami Zayn and perhaps throw Michin and AJ here too.
They all lost, but largely looked good in the process.
Upset of the Night:
While it won’t go down as a massive upset, I was mildly surprised to see Bate and Dunne go over DIY.
Loved the match, loved the show of respect between the two teams.
Holy Sh** Moment of the Night:
If you thought the Superstars were throwing bombs in Las Vegas, well, things were not any quieter on Friday.
After getting berated by the TKO board member and former rival backstage last night, Triple H kicked off the show.
Flanked by both GMs, he reminded everyone to know their role…and continued to drop The Rock’s catch phrases.
And, while neither Roman Reigns nor The Rock flew cross country for this show…Paul Heyman did.
He told Hunter that the trio will be on next week’s show. So that should be interesting…
Botch of the night:
Was there one? I can’t think of one off hand.
Commentary of the night:
Nothing specific, just really like the second week of Graves and Barrett.
LOL Moment of the night:
R-Truth is a national treasure. Simple as that.
Kevin Owens helping him out was nice too.
Noteworthy Moment:
For now, for at least one night, Dakota Kai is with Bayley.
Kai claimed she missed last week’s big happenings (check SmackDown results here) due to a doctor visit.
This week she was here, the two talked it out, and she took a few swings at IYO, Asuka and Kairi with a steel chair.
Mind you, she really didn’t connect with them…so for now, I am watching and waiting for her to do her own turn on Bayley. Maybe.
And, as expected, the show kicked off with the babyface authority figures…because Rock/Heyman feel like they will be the heels.
Aldis and Pearce confirmed that the Elimination Chamber will determine who battles Seth Rollins for his gold.
Some thoughts…honestly, some interesting names in…and NOT in…the match.
While GUNTHER and Jey Uso are on a collision course, neither man was included in the qualifiers.
Logan Paul was, however.
Also missing: Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso. Not that they need to be, but I half expected one to be in the mix.
In addition, no one seized the chance to insert young Bron Breakker in the Chamber in order to get him to sign on the line. I’d concur it would be a massive spot for a debut, so I am OK with it.
Just surprised. Honestly, I would love a new name like Bronson Reed…and he will have fan support if he does qualify.
With Sami losing his chance to go after Rollins…could he pivot and get into either mid-card title picture?
Overall lowlights:
Honestly, nothing was really down tonight. I mean, sure, don’t like seeing Sami lose, but someone has to.
Overall highlights:
Triple H was as good as ever on the mic, and the GMs continued their excellent work. This road to WrestleMania-for Rollins and for everyone else-is shaping up to be one of the best ever.
At least…I am excited.
After the final bell:
A show like this really gets us rolling down the road to WrestleMania, for Seth Rollins in particular but the entire WWE.
With how this went, following the events of the last couple weeks? Hard not to get amped up about the next couple months.
