Smackdown Live Review 03/13/2018

Hello Misfits. It’s time for this weeks Smackdown Live review. The blue brand is now riding on the Road to Wrestlemania in higher gear as they’ve gotten past their Fastlane PPV. The plans for the Smackdown stars for Wrestlemania have become so much more clear now. AJ Styles retained his championship and will face Shinsuke Nakamura at Wrestlemania. Charlotte is still Women’s Champion and was confronted by Asuka at Fastlane who made her choice as the Royal Rumble to face Charlotte as Wrestlemania. Randy Orton has won his first ever United States Championship to the dismay of former champion Bobby Roode while Jinder Mahal still has his eyes targeted on the championship as well. The Bludgeon Brothers made an impact on the Smackdown Live tag team roster last night by taking out both the Usos and New Day. Shane McMahon continued to have issues with Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn at Fastlane but has promised a huge Wrestlemania announcement tonight. Lets see how everything played out.

Smackdown comes to us live from Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN.

–  Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Corey Graves are on commentary.

AJ Styles/Shinsuka Nakamura
 The show kicks off with WWE Champion AJ Styles to a pop.
Styles goes to take the mic but fans start chanting his name. Styles welcomes us to the house that he built and fans pop. Styles says the odds were stacked against him at Fastlane. He admits he was in trouble and got worried when John Cena put him through the announce table. Fans boo. Styles goes on about how he found a way and is still WWE Champion but even better than that, he’s going on to WrestleMania 34. Styles says he hasn’t forgotten where he came from. He talks about the journey to get where he’s at now and says it’s unbelievable but not impossible. Styles says his road to New Orleans has been a tough one. Fans chant “you deserve it” now. Styles interrupts and says he earned it. He mentions the WrestleMania 34 match with Shinsuke Nakamura and calls it a dream match. Styles gives props to Nakamura and says they had similar paths to get to WWE but when it comes to the WWE Title, those comparisons stop. Styles talks about how he’s phenomenal when he’s out in front of the fans but the music interrupts and out comes Nakamura.
Nakamura says everyone likes AJ and him too. Nakamura says he respects AJ but at WrestleMania, dreams come true. Nakamura says his dream… knee to face, and he will become champion. The music hits and out comes Rusev with Aiden English and we go to commercial.
Opinion
This was a great opening segment and its about time they started to get the casual fans more engaged in the Shinsuke Nakamura and AJ Styles match. I think it’s a great idea to have Styles sell it to those fans as he’s the more experienced english speaker of the two. Shinsuke did what he had to do and did it great. I’m shocked with how the crowd seems to be turning on Nakamura out of preference toward AJ Styles. I think people dont know what to expect for their match. I think there are a ton of people out there that dont think it’ll live up to the Wrestle Kingdom match. One of the biggest reasons is the feeling that Nakamura has toned down his strong style a lot since being on the main roster. However, I think the fact that the match is with Styles will allow Nakamura feel comfortable going to that stiffer style.

AJ Styles def. Rusev w/ Aiden English
Shinsuke Nakamura sat at ringside for this match. In a really good match AJ Styles defeated Rusev by DQ when Aiden English interfered in the match leading to a 2-on-1 beat down on AJ Styles. Nakamura slowly stands up and eyes the ring. Nakamura hits the ring takes out English, then Rusev to help AJ Styles.
Opinion
This was a solid match that made both guys look strong. It’s interesting to see how they have been continuing to protect Rusev even though there are not any clear plans of what he’ll be doing at Wrestlemania. I guess they just realize how over he is right now. I actually started to laugh watching Nakamura slowly get off his chair while eyeing the ring thinking about helping Styles.

– Backstage, Dasha asks Big E. what he thinks of the Bludgeon Brothers challenge to whoever is left standing from their Fastlane beat down. Big E says he will represent his brothers tonight. Jimmy Uso walks in and says the Bludgeon Brother took out his brother as well. Big E won’t be out there alone. Big E and Jimmy fist bump and walk to the ring. Coming together for a common cause and it was pretty cool.

– 2018 WWE Hall of Fame video package for the Celebrity Inductee, Kid Rock.

– Backstage we see AJ and Nakamura. AJ says he didn’t need Nakamura’s help at Fastlane to beat 5 other guys and he didn’t need his help out there tonight. Nakamura disagrees and says he will continue to help AJ until WrestleMania so he can beat him with a knee to the face.

The Bludgeon Brothers def. Big E & Jimmy Uso
In a complete brawl, The Bludgeon Brothers defeated Big E and Jimmy Uso after throwing Big E in the ring steps outside and hitting the Upside Down on Jimmy Uso.
Opinion
They made this entertaining. Jimmy and Big E had this fire to get retribution for their fallen brothers and comrades. They showed zero fear but still couldn’t overcome the Bludgeon Brothers. It was a fun segment to watch and when the other members of the respective teams return, I hope they have the same fire so we can see the Bludgeon Brothers have to overcome the odds.

– Backstage, Renee Young is with Sami Zayn. Sami says he had Kevin Owens pinned and would be WWE Champion now but Shane McMahon stopped it. Sami says he really can’t blame Shane, he blames Owens. Sami says Shane would not have been at ringside if it weren’t for Owens’ obsession with Shane. Sami goes on about Owens, calling him self-centered, and says he played everyone at Fastlane, Owens and the others, but he was guilty by association. Sami says he will never pay that price again, not for Owens, not for anybody. Sami walks off.

Charlotte & Asuka
Charlotte Flair makes her way out to the ring. Flair takes the mic and says there’s always a target on your back as champion, which is why she knew what was up when Asuka’s music hit at Fastlane. Flair says she was excited and proud to be challenged by Asuka for a match at WrestleMania 34. Charlotte said she wanted to be there when Asuka came out and calls Asuka to the ring and out she comes.
Asuka makes her way out to the ring. Flair welcomes Asuka to SmackDown and recalls the “be careful what you wish for” line. Asuka thanks Flair. Flair says she’s often asked what would happen if The Queen went one-on-one with The Empress of Tomorrow, and who would bow down. Flair says we will find out at WrestleMania. Flair says she’s wanted Asuka to pick her because she wanted the opportunity, she wanted the challenge, she wanted to face Asuka. Flair got goosebumps when Asuka’s music hit on Sunday because she knew it would be a once in a lifetime opportunity. Flair says she’s never faced anyone like Asuka but Asuka has never faced anyone like her either. Flair tells Asuka to be careful what she wishes for at WrestleMania because she’s going to end Asuka’s streak and cement her legacy. Flair does a “Wooo!” at Asuka. Asuka says she chose Flair because she likes a challenge. Asuka says Charlotte is a queen but she is The Empress. Asuka says she bows to no one because no one is ready for her. Asuka and Flair face off as Asuka’s music hits.
Opinion
This was an awesome way to set the tone for this match. Similar to the role AJ Styles played in the opening segment, Charlotte did an amazing job selling this match while Asuka said exactly what she needed too to state her case. There was a moment where Charlotte was talking and I started thinking about how much Asuka might actually understand when she’s talking. Regardless, I am really looking forward to this match. Will Charlotte come up dominant again or will Asuka continue to shine.

– Randy Orton’s music hit while they were in the ring staring at each other and the new United States Champion makes his way to the ring.

Randy Orton Addresses the WWE Universe
Randy Orton is in the ring with a mic. Orton says he’s been called a lot of things over the years but never WWE United States Champion, until now. Orton says this title win puts him on an elite list, referring to him being the 10th Grand Slam Champion under the current format, and says that’s a list that he actually cares about.
Orton goes on and says Bobby Roode is a hell of a competitor and earned his respect at Fastlane but the title is his now and he’s taking it to WrestleMania. Orton says nobody is going to stop him. The music interrupts and out comes Bob Roode.
Bobby Roode does his entrance as Orton watches. Roode congratulates Orton and says Orton got him. Roode says he has a rematch and that rematch will take place at WrestleMania 34. Roode says when he retains the title, it’s going to be absolutely… glorious. Jinder Mahal’s music interrupts him and out comes “The Modern Day Maharaja” with Sunil Singh. Jinder also wants to congratulate Orton, calling for fans to give it up for The Viper. Jinder goes on and says forget about WrestleMania and the rematch because he will beat Roode tonight just like he did Orton last week. Jinder tells Orton to have a seat and watch The Modern Day Maharaja put a hurting on Roode. Orton takes a seat at ringside as the bell rings.
Opinion
It’s actually feels like Orton is happy about something again and he always seems a bit more motivated during Wrestlemania season. The match between Orton and Roode was a solid old school wrasslin match last night and I’m sure we’ll see them go one-on-one again before Wrestlemania because I still think we’re heading into a Triple Threat match including Jinder Mahal.

Jinder Mahal def. Bobby Roode
Randy Orton sat ringside for this match. In a competitive match Jinder Mahal defeated Bobby Roode after Bobby Roode gets distracted by Sunil Singh of the apron as he was making his way to the top rope, allowing Mahal to recover from a spine buster to pull Roode off the top rope and hit a Kallas on him for the victory. Randy Orton snuck into the ring after the match and hit an RKO on Jinder Mahal outta nowhere.
Opinion
This was a competitive match with Jinder once again picking up a huge win which gives him a stronger argument to be involved in the championship picture for Wrestlemania. I love seeing Jinder still being prominent and major player amongst the top guys even if its for the mid card title. I mean we did see Styles and Owens fight for that belt for months while Mahal was champion. They make the United States Championship important on Smackdown Live.

– Renee Young approaches Kevin Owens backstage for comments on Sami Zayn blaming him for what happened. Owens rants and says he’s tired of this. Owens says Sami is a liar and is delusional, now blaming Owens for his shortcomings. Owens goes on about Shane, how he should be WWE Champion and how Shane wasn’t needed at ringside on Sunday. Owens says he has on problem beating up Sami and showing him the truth. Owens walks off.

Carmella def. Naomi
In a quick back and fourth match Carmella defeated Naomi when she caught Naomi as she attempted her springboard kick off the rope with a kick and yanks her to the mat, covering her for the pin.
Opinion
This was a quick match that allowed Carmella to continue gaining momentum heading to Wrestlemania. I feel like she is definitely going to cash in that weekend, whether its at Wrestlemania or the Raw or Smackdown after. Considering that the Smackdown Live championship involves Charlotte and Asuka, I’d really love to see her cash in on the Raw champion whether it is Nia Jax or Alexa Bliss rather than cashing in to just lose.

– Shane McMahon makes his way to the ring to make his massive Wrestlemania announcement.

Shane McMahon’s Wrestlemania Announcement
Shane says he’s had a number of issues with Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens as of late but he’s not here to apologize because they have crossed the line. Shane talks about how it all started with Owens beating up his dad Vince McMahon months ago. Shane also talks about how Sami interfered in his Hell In a Cell match with Owens. Shane says that led to months of him going bonkers every time he looked at them and maybe he went too far. He mentions having a conversation with SmackDown General Manager Daniel Bryan today, and that Bryan will be returning to TV next week. Some fans boo this. Shane announces that he will be taking an indefinite leave of absence as SmackDown Commissioner after tonight’s show but before he does, he’s here to make one special match.
Shane announces Owens vs. Sami for WrestleMania 34. Shane’s music hits and he goes to leave but Owens comes out as his music interrupts. Owens knocks Shane and mentions how he can beat the hell out of Sami any time, he doesn’t have to wait until WrestleMania. Sami’s music interrupts Owens and out he comes next. Sami stops and looks at Owens on the ramp, then enters the ring with Shane. Sami is glad Shane is leaving because he makes all of his decisions based on what fans react to, as they reacted to Sami and Owens beating on each other at Fastlane. Owens is in the ring now. Shane points to how he just gave them a WrestleMania match and they are ungrateful. Owens says then Shane will appreciate this as well. Sami attacks Shane from behind and beats him down. Owens joins in and they double team Shane now. Shane tries to fight back but they drop him again. Owens holds Shane in the corner, allowing for Sami to deliver a Helluva Kick. Sami pushes Shane into a Pop-Up powerbomb from Owens. Referees hit the ring but Owens and Sami fight them off as well. Owens brings Shane to the floor and keeps up the attack. Sami brings a steel chair over.
Sami stands the chair up and Owens puts Shane’s neck through it. They both ram Shane into the ring post with the chair around his neck. Sami and Owens drag Shane up to the stage now. They talk trash while dragging Shane to the backstage area. Shane sounds like he’s dying after a powerbomb on top of steel production structure pieces. A referee come over and calls for paramedics, telling Owens and Sami to leave. Shane sounds really bad, grasping for air. The referee tells him to hang on and that he’s going to make it. The paramedics grab a mask and prepare to load Shane on a stretcher as SmackDown goes off the air.
Opinion
When I realized that the show was going to end with Shane McMahon and his issues with KO and Zayn, I was hoping the show would end with a bang. I wasn’t disappointed at all. I wasn’t shocked with Shane announcing Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn but I was more surprised by him announcing him taking a leave of absence and leaving Bryan in charge. It was a twist in the angle that verified that Shane will be involved in this KO/Zayn angle somehow at Wrestlemania. It took some time but it finally feels like we’re getting the payoff to the entire KO/Shane McMahon rivalry. I just have no idea where they are heading with this which is great because it means I have to tune in next week. Shane-O’s selling made me legit made me believe he was hurt.

Final Thoughts
It finally feels like Wrestlemania season on Smackdown Live. The show just felt more entertaining and better paced than it has in weeks. They got more people on the show making the most out of their 2 hours this week. There was a ton of angle advancement and match hype for Wrestlemania. I actually am looking forward to next week after the way this week went off the air with KO, Zayn and Shane. I’m really curious to see how Daniel Bryan is going to react to all of this as well. Everything seems to be heating up and if you want to get excited for Wrestlemania, you’ll feel that its around the corner by watching this show. Check it out.
Rating – 7.5/10