Smackdown Live Review 05/07/2019

Live from the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky

This episode of SmackDown Live comes to us live from the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky, just less than two weeks before the Money in the Bank pay-per-view in Hartford, Connecticut. Coming tonight, we celebrate the birthday of Kevin Owens as he kicks off the show after last week’s actions. Also, Shane McMahon will crown new SmackDown Tag Team Champions after The Hardy Boyz were forced to relinquish their titles last week at the hands of Lars Sullivan.

Opening Segment – AJ Styles, Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, AJ Styles, and Sami Zayn
Thanks to Mr. McMahon’s wildcard rule, AJ Styles returns home to SmackDown Live and receives a hero’s welcome. Styles appears and states that he is glad to be back on SmackDown. He then states that he wanted to be the first superstar to be the first to come from Raw to SmackDown under the wildcard rule. Sami Zayn interrupts the promo and states that Styles’s ego is spiraled out of control. Styles responds jokingly and states that Sami stinks from the dumpster he was put in. The crowd then chants, “take a shower”. Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods interrupt the altercation and questions why they were not invited. Kingston then lays down the law by saying that AJ does not live on SmackDown anymore. He then questions why he is on here. Styles then says he is here to return the favor. Woods responds with saying to Styles that he should check himself before he wrecks himself. Sami Zayn interrupts and instigates that Kofi Kingston will defend the WWE Championship against Styles tonight after defending it against Daniel Bryan last night on Raw. He then puts his name on the ballet for a WWE Championship match. Kofi then jokes at Sami and asks why he smells like trash. He then states that the reason why he defended the WWE Championship last night was to prove to the world why he can overcome the odds. Kofi then proposes to defend the WWE title against either AJ Styles or Sami Zayn.
My Thoughts:
I am excited to see a triple threat match between these three men for the WWE Championship for later tonight. But the news was broken down after this segment. Overall, this opening segment was really great in the way Styles was used. He was the hero coming back home and loved how he became the first Raw superstar to make the jump to SmackDown under the Wildcard Rule. However, I do think that Kofi Kingston and Sami Zayn made a lot of great points as having Raw superstars go and make an appearance is stupid. Kofi’s presence was really cool as he established himself as the champ that runs the camp as well as a fighting champion. His will to defend the WWE Championship on both Raw and SmackDown is real guts. I think out of Styles and Zayn, Sami is the one most qualified to be a real challenger. The Underdog from the Underground is on a roll with his heel run! How can this man not receive a title match? Styles already has the WWE Universal title match at Money in the Bank so I really do not think there will be a chance of him pulling of a Seth Rollins and challenge for both titles.

Kevin Owens Exclusive:
Kevin Owens cuts a promo from his car stating that he will not be on SmackDown tonight because it is his birthday. He promises Kofi Kingston that at Money in the Bank, he will prevail and become WWE Champion.

Match #1: Ali vs. Andrade (with Zelina Vega)
The bell rings and Andrade hits a vicious chop on Ali. However, Ali sends Andrade to the outside. Looking to get hot early, Ali stands on top of the barricade and attempts a flying maneuver but is unsuccessful as Zelina Vega distracts him, giving Andrade the opportunity to capitalize, taking us into commercial. Coming back, Andrade takes control with a lethal pull down to Ali. Nonetheless, it is not long until Ali comes back and meets Andrade on the top rope. Ali then hits the Spanish Fly, which looked botched.  Then from out of nowhere, Randy Orton interferes and causes a disqualification by taking out Andrade. Ali tries to fight back but Orton hits a slingshot RKO with an additional RKO to Andrade who tried to do a sneak areal assault from behind and was caught in midair.
Result: Andrade via disqualification
My Thoughts:
Let us be honest. I think I speak for every fan and say that it is always awesome to see Randy Orton attack someone from out of nowhere! But causing a disqualification was unnecessary. Ali and Andrade were putting on a clinic but to be interrupted? Maybe after the match would have made more sense. I honestly feel that the hype for the Men’s Money in the Bank has been better on Team Blue compared to Raw’s competitors given their participants this year. If I am going bold here, I think Andrade is going to be a wild card in this match. You look at the way he has established himself as a heel along with Zelina Vega by his side. Former NXT Champion but to me, he has been held back. I look forward to see him do something amazing come two weeks.

In-Ring Segment – Shane McMahon Crowns New Tag Team Champions: Shane McMahon, Daniel Bryan, Erick Rowan, The Usos
A cocky Shane McMahon comes to the building and heads to the ring, about to crown new SmackDown Tag Team Champions. He starts the promo by digressing about The Miz’s attack on him last night on Raw with a steel chair. He describes it as disgusting (to clarify for the Kentucky audience) and claims that he will be victorious once again in his steel cage match at Money in the Bank pay-per-view. He then states that after searching within the tag team division He introduces Erick Rowan and The New Daniel Bryan as the new tag team champions. The Usos interrupt and stops the coordination. They then explain that Bryan and Rowan should earn those tag team titles. Shane then makes the match official as the SmackDown Tag Team titles are on the line next.
My Thoughts:
That was the tag team that I least expected to be “awarded” the tag team championships. If anything, I was expecting Shane to reward it to himself and Elias or The B-Team for that matter! Sadly, the SmackDown Live Tag Team Division is suffering from lack of good tag teams, especially with everything going on with the wildcard rule and the superstar shakeup. Seeing The Usos come back to SmackDown, to me, was a sign that they will be a real mainstay on Raw. Seeing Shane’s heel authority was a real highlight for me in this one. Establishing himself as a McMahon was really something to see!

Match #2: The Usos vs. Bryan and Rowan – SmackDown Live Tag Team Championships
The bell has rung and the action begins with Jimmy Uso and Daniel Bryan squaring off. Jimmy drives Bryan to the corner and tags in Jey. The momentum is hot for The Usos as they make The Planet’s Champion run to his corner, where Rowan is tagged in. Jimmy is tagged in and tries to fight his way past Rowan but is unsuccessful. After a huge body splash, the big man dominates Uce and tags in Bryan. They hit a double team maneuver which consists of a Rowan running body splash and a Bryan corner dropkick. Bryan applies the surfboard stretch to weaken Jimmy. Rowan is tagged back in and applies the head crank. Rowan takes out Jey but Jimmy makes the comeback. However, it is only for a little bit as Rowan hits a huge crossbody to stop the fighting spirit of Jimmy, taking us into another commercial break. Coming back, Daniel Bryan hits his vintage (formerly known as) Yes kicks on Jey Uso. However, Jey reverses and both him and Jimmy hit a Double Superkick on Bryan. Jimmy attempts an Uso splash but Bryan reverses it into a labell lock. Jimmy Uso escapes and hits a mean superkick which knocks both men out. Both men tag in and when Rowan is seemed to hit the iron claw, Jey hits the superkick and hits the Uso splash on Rowan, which is only good for a two count. When The Usos set up for the Double Uce, Bryan takes out Jey. The Usos then hit Rowan with a double springboard move which is caught by Rowan. While mayhem occurs, Rowan catches Jey Uso with the Iron Claw slam and pins for the victory. Shane McMahon comes to celebrate the victory. Result: The New Daniel Bryan and Erick Rowan become the NEW SmackDown Live Tag Team Champions (Rowan via pinfall)
My Thoughts:
I really did not see them winning but of course, they put on a phenomenal match! I never expected Bryan to get another tag team championship under his belt. But to have this team as champions might pave the way to new teams stepping up to the challenge! I cannot wait to see the sadistic ecological promos that Bryan will have as champion again. Rowan on the other hand, I will give credit where it is due. He has managed to step a thousand steps up from what he was as The Wyatt Family’s white weak sheep. To see him as a champion after The Bludgeon Brothers era will be an investment on its own. I really do hope that WWE makes something special with this dying tag team division with the crowning of new tag team champions.

In-Ring Segment – Shane McMahon, The Miz, and The B-Team
Shane McMahon is in the ring and denounces Kentucky He then rambles on about how it is almost guaranteed to earn a title opportunity after winning Money in the Bank. In the mix of that promo, The Miz comes from behind and attacks Shane. While the brawl breaks out onto the stage, The B-Team breaks it up and attacks The Miz. While The Miz fights them off and begin a comeback, Shane attacks Miz with a steel chair, returning the favor from last night on Raw.
My Thoughts:
This was something I was actually looking forward to that was cut short. I was actually hoping he was going to announce that both the winners of the men and women’s money in the bank ladder matches would be able to cash in on the championship of their choosing, no matter what brand they are on! For example, if Alexa Bliss wins, she should have the ability to cash in on the SmackDown Women’s Champion despite her being on Raw. It is good to have dreams, right?

Backstage Segment – Heavy Machinery, The New Daniel Bryan, and Erick Rowan
Daniel Bryan and Erick Rowan are seen backstage, celebrating their tag team championship victory when they are suddenly stopped by Heavy Machinery. Otis and Tucker stare down at the championships. The new champs Bryan and Rowan run off in disgust.

Match #3: Fire and Desire (Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville) vs. Ember Moon and Carmella
The match starts with Sonya Deville and Carmella squaring off. Sonya puts Carmella in the corner and makes the tag to Mandy Rose. Rose tries to take advantage from a weakened Carmella but Carmella makes the comeback with a jawbreaker and tags in Ember Moon. Moon provides the hot offense and even hits a springboard suicide dive to Deville. However, Mandy Rose hits Angel’s Wings to Moon and gets the win. Paige appears with the new team of Asuka and Kairi Sane as she announces that they will be facing off next week.
My Thoughts:
 It was quick and straight to the point. I am actually glad to see Fire and Desire get a victory for once but at the same time, I hope this challenge from Paige can lead into the end of Fire and Desire. This will lead to the phenomenal singles run of Sonya Deville!

Backstage Interview – Kayla Braxton, Matt Hardy, R-Truth, and Lars Sullivan
Kayla Braxton is seen backstage, introducing her guest Matt Hardy. Braxton asks Hardy what effect Lars Sullivan has had on him since relinquishing the tag team titles. Hardy is then interrupted by R-Truth, who mentions the impact Sullivan has had since his arrival. Sullivan then appears and attacks both men. He would then hit a sit-out powerbomb on Truth through a table to display his dominance to WWE.
My Thoughts:
There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Lars Sullivan has a future on the main roster, whether it is for SmackDown Live or Raw! The monster heel run he has been on has been nothing more than amazing! I appreciate that than any other person as Lars has gotten himself a bigger spotlight than he ever did on NXT and I am happy for him.

Aleister Black Exclusive
Aleister Black is seen backstage, cutting a promo and giving a warning to his opponents about the absolution and pain he will inflict towards them. This is just a sign of what is to come!

Match #4 (Main Event): AJ Styles vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Sami Zayn – Triple Threat WWE Championship match
The bell rings and we start the main event of this show with the phenomenal introductions to each competitor made by WWE announcer Greg Hamilton. After introductions are made, Sami Zayn yells at both Styles and Kofi. Even though it looked like Kofi and Styles were about to team up against Zayn, Styles hits a huge strike on both Kofi and Zayn. Kofi then attacks Zayn to tries to interfere. Styles then goes to work on Kofi as he hits a huge backbreaker. He then continues against Zayn with a huge knife edge chop. Kofi then comes back and hits a huge crossbody onto the back of The Phenomenal One. Sami comes back in and tries to take out his adversaries. Kofi Kingston answers back on Stlyes and hits a New Day Boom Drop. While setting up for Trouble in Paradise, Sami Zayn throws him off with a pull. Same thing occurs with Styles as he sets up for the Phenomenal Forearm to takes us into commercial break. Coming back from intermission, Sami Zayn tries to take advantage by attacking both weakened and drained out Styles and Kingston. Styles attempts to fight back but Zayn rakes the eyes, legal in triple threat rules. He then hits a tornado DDT. Zayn then drives Kofi to the corner but Kingston reverses. Both Zayn and Kofi meet on the top rope where Sami hits the superplex which is only good for a two count. Zayn then sets his attention to Styles and tries for another superplex. Styles reverses and escapes. The Phenomenal One hits a huricanrana on Zayn which is followed up by a Fireman’s Carry Kneestrike. While Styles hit Zayn with a moonsault DDT, Kofi engages in the action and hits Styles with an SOS. All three men are fighting for the honor of being champion! Kofi then hits two huge strikes before Styles fights with desperation and hits a pelee kick on the WWE Champion. He then sets up for the Phenomenal Forearm which is stopped by Kingston and hits a Trouble in Paradise, which knocks out Styles on the outside. Owens interferes and takes out Woods at ringside. This distracts Kofi just enough to get Zayn to hit a Blue Thunder Bomb. This is only good for two. Zayn hits another one in frustration and it is only good for two again. He hits a third Blue Thunder Bomb, which is only good for two again! Sami Zayn is in disbelief and so is Owens on the ramp. While going for the Helluva Kick, Sami is caught by Trouble in Paradise to get the win for Kofi Kingston, retaining his championship.
Result: Kofi Kingston retains via pinfall over Sami Zayn
My Thoughts:
That match was absolutelyinsane! I honestly believe that this main event proved to the world that SmackDown Live is the place to be as all three men put everything on the line. I think there was even a point in time where I did not know where the match would go and who would win! I will be bold and say that this main event was the greatest triple threat WWE Championship matches ever! Really, I felt like any of those three men had a chance to go to Money in the Bank with the WWE title, facing Owens. I give credit to Sami for establishing Owens as a way to cheat his way to victory. It even took THREE BLUE THUNDER BOMBS!!! The way that Styles was used in this match was greater than what others might say as I even thought we might see Champion vs. Champion at Money in the Bank. Overall, there was no limit to what those competitors could do. Maybe there is a better direction for Team Blue after a fantastic main event heading into Money In The Bank.  

Final Thoughts:
This episode of SmackDown Live did not disappoint when it came to delivery. Although I would go on to say it did not excite either before the main event. The only shocker per se would be the fact that Shane crowned Bryan and Rowan as tag team champions instead of himself and Elias, which could have been the biggest narcissistic move ever. We had a wasted opportunity with Andrade and Ali as well as a wasted opportunity to introduce new teams to the division to challenge Bryan and  Rowan. However, thinking about it now, we did get some killer matches with The Usos, Daniel Bryan, Erick Rowan, AJ Styles, Sami Zayn, and Kofi Kingston. You know, scratch what I said, I loved the show overall tonight, despite the Randy Orton interruption! I think compared to Raw, WWE actually constructed a killer show. I hope this actually means we can see Kofi create himself as a real fighting champion, defending the title consistently before his big match at Money in the Bank. I wish for the SmackDown brand to knock it out of the park from this point forward. With the incredible character developments and great match quality, I believe what I preach: it is THE A-SHOW! Well, with all this said, it is now time for me to sign off. Thank you all for spending your Tuesday night with me and thank you to Justin and The Wrestling Classic for having me write this week’s review. Hope to see you all next week for yet another killer episode! If I can end with a good quote, “always enjoy the experience for yourself, never base