Smackdown Live Review 05/28/2019
SmackDown Live Review: May 28th, 2019
Author: Captain Charisma
Live from the Bok Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma
This episode of SmackDown Live comes to us live from the Bok Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma with less than two weeks until the “Saudi-Mania Extravaganza” known as Super Showdown hosted in Saudi Arabia. It was announced this morning that this show would have a lot more in store after a lackluster Monday Night Raw last night. Tonight, we understand that Kevin Owens will not only host The Kevin Owens Show featuring special guest, Dolph Ziggler, but he will also compete in singles competition against the WWE World Heavyweight Champion, Kofi Kingston. Also, as apart of the Wild Card Rule, Lacey Evans has made the jump to Smack Down Live for this week as she goes toe to toe with current Smack Down Live Women’s Champion, Bayley. In all honesty, I really hope that this show knocks it out of the park, especially with what happened last night. Am I expecting a perfect show? – No. Am I hoping we actually get better show quality? – yes.
Match #1 – Kevin Owens vs. Kofi Kingston – Non WWE Title Match
Before the match begins, Kevin Owens announces that the originally scheduled Kevin Owens Show is cancelled due to being in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Owens also states that he has nothing to do with the attack on Big E last week, claiming that he is a good person. He goes onto to say that The New Day can blame him of what he does to Kofi Kingston tonight. Kofi Kingston interrupts the promo and makes his way to the ring. Kofi then gets the microphone and claims that KO should stop lying and states that he is not a good person. He then states that Kevin will pay for his undoing of his New Day brethren and will prove why he is the WWE champion.
The bell rings and out of the gate, Kofi Kingston hits a huge dropkick on Kevin Owens. However, it is not long until Kevin Owens fights back with shots in the corner. Kofi fights back with a Lou Thesz Press and a fury of strikes, grounding and pounding his former Money in the Bank opponent. Owens gets the upper hand and uses a hair whip maneuver to bring the champion on his back, making the former Universal Champion stand tall heading into commercial break. After a brief intermission, Owens hits Kofi Kingston with a rope jawbreaker, sending the champion to the outside. After taunting the Tulsa audience, he hits a senton bomb as well as throws the champion back in and attempts a pin fall. He then locks in a headlock to weaken the champion. With a spoof of momentum, Kofi escapes but is caught by a KO clothesline and attempts another pin fall. Owens locks up Kofi once again in the headlock. Kingston escapes again but is brought to the ground with another hair pull. Kofi composes himself and sends KO over the top rope at ringside. He then hits “Air Kofi” springboard attack onto Owens. Kofi Kingston hits a SOS for only a two count. Although it was seen that Kofi was about to make a comeback in this match, he is quickly stopped as soon as he is on the top rope, setting up for the monkey flip and is pushed by Owens onto the outside for another commercial break. Coming back, the Master of the Headlock Kevin Owens applies the headlock once again to weaken the WWE Champion. He then hits a slingshot onto the outside but Kofi catches himself. However, Kofi is then caught with a superkick by Owens and hits a frog splash onto the outside. Kofi makes the referee’s ten count after being laid out at ringside. Owens hits another frog splash just for another two count. Kofi and KO battle on the top rope to gain control. However, Owens headbutts him out of position and hits a swanton bomb for yet another two count. In desperation, Owens attempts a pop-up powerbomb but is caught with a reversal by Kingston and hits a Trouble In Paradise for the victory.
Result: Kofi Kingston via pinfall
My Thoughts:
I have to admit and wave the white flag here. That match between Kofi and Owens was the perfect way to start SmackDown Live. Although I am a huge, bias fan towards Kevin Owens, seeing Kofi Kingston put it all on the line in this non-title match was certainly phenomenal! I mean, how can you not respect the will and heart of the WWE Champion? I argue that Kingston is not the WWE Champion I would want him to be but his matches have been four star match quality each and every showing.
Backstage Segment – R-Truth, Carmella, and Drake Maverick
Cameras roll backstage to R-Truth and Carmella walking with caution as they seek out anyone from the locker room, aiming for Truth’s 24/7 Championship. Carmella then tells Truth that she cannot deal with hiding anymore. Truth responds by saying that it will all come into play later on and then both hide in the laundry room. Meanwhile, 205 Live General Manager Drake Maverick stamps his posters of looking for R-Truth throughout the backstage area.
In-Ring Segment – Kayla Braxton, Heavy Machinery, The New Daniel Bryan and Erick Rowan
Kayla Braxton asks The New Daniel Bryan and Erick Rowan why they requested the ring time. Bryan responds by saying that the SmackDown Live Tag Team Division is a joke. He even states that Rowan has a joke for Kayla. Rowan then does a typical knock knock joke, aiming towards the division. Bryan then mocks the WWE Universe, stating that while the fans stuffed their faces with hamburgers and hotdogs over the Memorial Day weekend, animals have been killed. He then states that the people of Oklahoma are the number one cause of earthquakes. He then states that they are the Planet’s Tag Team Champions. Kayla Braxton then states that there are tag teams who want a piece of the newly crowned champions. Heavy Machinery appear. Tucker grabs the microphone and states that Heavy Machinery want to settle business right now. The New Daniel Bryan states that they accept the challenge given by Heavy Machinery but they will not fight in the filthy state of Oklahoma and walk off in denial.
My Thoughts:
First off, The New Daniel Bryan was right in everything he said about the SmackDown Live tag team division. This division is so lackluster and vague that they had to bring up a new tag team in Heavy Machinery to challenge the champs. Ever since this Wild Card Rule went into effect, we have lost so many great tag teams like The Usos and The Hardy Boyz (due to injury). I really believe that Bryan and Rowan are put in a position to somehow resurrect this division, even if it is at the point of being dead. Bryan has exemplified ever since this heel run that he has killed it on the microphone. I hope that Heavy Machinery can be that light at the end of the tunnel because unlike the vacant teams in this show, I respect their chemistry as a tag team. Look at the resume from NXT! They are the only team getting called up from NXT to be in the tag team title picture aside from American Alpha, who I believe are the best champions in the almost three year history of the platinum and blue. Do I personally think that Heavy Machinery will win the titles? No. But in all honesty, anything will help to save this division.
Match #2 – Mandy Rose (with Sonya Deville) vs. Carmella (with R-Truth)
As soon as the referee calls the match on, Mandy Rose arm drags Carmella and shows off her magazine cover. Carmella then hits a Lou Thesz Press and starts to hammer on Rose with multiple strikes. Rose finds an opening and whips her into the second turnbuckle, then transitioning her into a ruthless chin lock. Carmella escapes with a jawbreaker. Rose comes back with an Irish whip which is then followed by a knee strike to the face for two unsuccessful pinfalls. Carmella comes back and hits a bronco buster. Sonya Deville distracts Carmella with the cover of the magazine, which leads to a roll up from Mandy Rose to get the win.
Results: Mandy Rose via pinfall
My Thoughts:
Typical short and sweet match. Once again, Mandy Rose has proven that she is more than just a pretty face on a cover of a magazine. It seems to me that the consistent showing of Mandy Rose only shows that WWE is confident enough in her ability as a singles star. To be honest, I do not see it. I really think that if anything, Sonya Deville should end this Fire and Desire team and go on as a singles star herself. Look at this match for example. You have Mandy Rose win in her second consecutive match against Carmella thanks to a distraction. Is there anything else that Rose can do besides posing and having the exact same ending to every match? I hope we can see a change soon.
In-Ring Segment – Shane McMahon Appreciation Night – Shane McMahon, Drew McIntyre, R-Truth, Drake Maverick, and Elias (Match #3 technically)
Shane starts the celebration for his appreciation night by commending Drew McIntyre for reminding him why he is a humble man. He states that he returned home to WWE to run a family business and enjoy the smiles on the faces of the WWE Universe. He then plays a highlight video from his past matches. After the highlight video and commending Kevin Dunn, Shane says that the highlight video was aimed towards Roman Reigns. He then claims that after he attacked Mr. McMahon, at Super Showdown, he will beat some respect out of him. Elias indulges the passion from McMahon’s promo and states that he will sing a song in honor. R-Truth then emerges from the crowd and gets caught by Drake Maverick with a referee. Truth then hits Maverick with a suplex to retain the 24/7 title. After retaining, Elias, Shane, and Drew attack Truth. Elias then hits Truth with a Drift Away finisher and becomes the new 24/7 Champion. Shane then announces that a beat up R-Truth and puts him in a tag team match with Roman Reigns to take on Drew McIntyre and Elias in tag team action.
My Thoughts:
It is funny how everyone was booing and complaining over the fact that this segment was going to be horrible. Ironically, it actually turned out better than I thought. Witnessing Elias win his first singles championship and WWE announcer, Greg Hamilton hit the notes towards Shane McMahon’s introduction was a real treat in my book. How can you not love the heel run of Shane McMahon and this Best in the World title he has put upon himself? You can get the vibe every single time that he steps into an arena that he is the villain boss we all needed for quite some time, avenging the attack upon his father. Having Elias and Drew McIntyre by his side is questionable but you cannot deny that having those two as “henchmen” has been good storytelling. By far, the best part out of the entire segment was Drake Maverick finally getting his hands on R-Truth after weeks of trying to find him. Nonetheless, the confusion to me was why have Truth pin Maverick and retain, when the only way to “lose” the 24/7 championship is to get pinned? Maybe to establish that he is not just a running coward. But I love Elias taking the title off of Truth though. It was time for that championship to finally change hands. Overall, this segment had everything and more than what I could have asked for! It had Drew McIntyre establishing himself as a badass monster, Elias becoming champion, and Shane doing what he does best.
Backstage Interview – Kayla Braxton, Lacey Evans, and Charlotte Flair
After the chaotic events of the Shane McMahon Appreciation Night, Kayla Braxton is seen backstage interviewing Lacey Evans before her match against Smack Down Live Women’s Champion, Bayley. She is then joined by Charlotte Flair. Braxton asks what the strategy is towards tonight’s non-title match. Evans explains that she will come out victorious and unlike “a man” (referring to Becky Lynch), she will give a woman’s right. Charlotte then adds that The Queen did not get her chance to celebrate defeating Becky, but tonight, she will enjoy the demolition of Bayley.
Match #4 – Lacey Evans vs. Bayley – Non-Title Match (Charlotte Flair on commentary)
The bell rings and two of the top female superstars lock up. Bayley gains control with a takedown. Evans attempted a leapfrog which turns into a roll up by Bayley. Evans, angered at the attempt, claws the SmackDown Women’s Champion in the face. She then is met with a huge Bayley knee. While setting up for a DDT on the rope, Evans hits Bayley with a leg sweep. Evans then throws Bayley to the outside, in front of Charlotte Flair, who is on commentary for a commercial break. Returning from the consistent advertisements, Lacey Evans takes control of the champion. Bayley attempts to pin her but is unsuccessful. In mockery, Evans throws a tissue at Bayley and hits a flying bronco buster. Bayley then catches Evans, sending her onto the outside. She then hits a combination of a corner dropkick onto the outside and strikes Charlotte Flair after a mini confrontation ringside. Lacey Evans attempts a roll up because of a distracted Charlotte who is dealing with the referee. But she is reversed by Bayley and rolls her up for the win. Post-match, Charlotte attacks Evans and the two have a brawl which is broken up by multiple officials.
Result: Bayley via pinfall
My Thoughts:
This was, in my mind, a very interesting match to begin with. You have Lacey Evans from Raw, a wild card pick who is the number one contender for the Raw Women’s Championship, taking on Bayley. My thought process would be that Evans would get the win with the assistance of Charlotte Flair, thus earning her a shot at both Bayley and Becky Lynch at Stomping Grounds. However, that was not the case. I think having Bayley come up with the win was different, especially since there was no need for her to win in my opinion. Although, I do love the idea of Evans and Charlotte brawling and possibly ending their alliance. Other than that, this was your standard non-title match. No new gizmos or buttons here.
Backstage Interview – Sarah Schreiber, Andrade, and Zelina Vega
Sarah Schreiber is seen backstage where she is joined by Andrade and Zelina Vega. Schreiber discusses about the promo cut exclusively on WWE’s YouTube channel about missing SmackDown last week due to doctor’s orders. Andrade responds by saying at Super Showdown, whether he meets The Demon or just Finn Balor himself, he will prove to the entire world why he is championship material and become Intercontinental Champion.
Match #5 (Main Event): Roman Reigns and R-Truth vs. Drew McIntyre and Elias with Shane McMahon at ringside
The bell rings and Elias drives Roman Reigns to the corner turnbuckle after a pre-match attack on R-Truth as he was making his entrance. McIntyre gets tagged in and absolutely hammers down on the Big Dog. After Elias gets tagged back in, Roman hits him with a Samoan Drop. Truth is tagged in, along with McIntyre and The Scottish Psychopath hits the former 24/7 Champion with a Glasgow Kiss Headbutt, which sends Truth to the outside. He then hits Truth with a Gutwrench Suplex onto ringside as we head into commercial break. Coming back, Truth is trying to fight out of Elias’s headlock. Elias brings Truth to the corner and tags in McIntyre. He then hits Truth with a heavy Biel Throw. He then hits him with a huge suplex and tags Elias back in. Elias hits a scoop slam and hits a big knife edge chop. McIntyre is tagged back in where he hits a knife edge chop of his own that would probably make Ric Flair proud. He then applies a head crank and throws him into the corner. Elias is tagged back in only for Truth to comeback and throw Elias and McIntyre out of the equation. Both Truth and Elias make the tag to their respective teams. Roman Reigns then begins the hot comeback and hits Elias with multiple clotheslines to the corner. He then hits a combo of a superman punch to Drew McIntyre and a drive by kick to Elias. Shane attempts to get involved but Roman strikes back and avoids a Claymore Kick by Drew McIntyre. Elias attempts to take advantage but it only opens for Roman Reigns to hit the Spear and gets the pinfall. After the match, he then eggs on R-Truth to pin a beaten Elias. The referee counts to three and Truth regains the 24/7 Championship.
Result: Roman Reigns and R-Truth via pinfall
My Thoughts:
I will be the first one to say that the WWE 24/7 Championship has been booked way better on SmackDown than it has been on Raw, NXT, or 205 Live. Having the newly introduced championship, which take note is only a couple of weeks old, was put into the main event of tonight’s show? If we are talking numbers here, there were six total matches on the show (seven if you count Jinder Mahal’s attempt). But in all honesty, I loved how the main event was set up. Having Shane McMahon at ringside while Drew and Elias take care of business reminded me of Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch in a sense. Both McIntyre and Elias are polar opposites but they mix so well as a heel dominant team. The Scottish Psychopath having the freakish abilities to destroy someone while Elias focuses on hammering down the opponent with fists and boots. In addition, the pre-match attack was expected but how can you not love what they had as a team. Going to Roman Reigns, he did play the superhero in this one, which we as fans have seen almost a million times. But this time, seeing the surreal athleticism was something special. What was pretty cool was seeing R-Truth regain his 24/7 championship, which the record will show that he is the FIRST two time 24/7 Champion. Really fun main event!
Final Thoughts
Yowie wowie as Bray Wyatt would say! What an episode of SmackDown Live we had tonight boys and girls. I came into tonight with the lowest of expectations, only to find out that Team Blue flushed Team Red down the toilet this week. I will be honest, I was stressed after watching a three hour travesty known as Raw. But after a day to clear my thoughts, I was able to review tonight with an open mind and almost no expectation. This week’s episode was better than what I thought would be and I believe you all can agree on that. For example, we started off the show with the man who has saved WWE from its lack of entertainment, Kevin Owens for God’s sake! The match that he and Kofi put on, only proves that the WWE Championship scene has a more competitive sight than the Universal Championship. Every match involving the WWE champion has been nothing more than spectacular. Afterwards, we witnessed another incredible promo by The New Daniel Bryan as he pointed out the flaw that is the SmackDown Live Tag Team Division. What do you do to wake up an already dead division? Bring up a fresh new tag team! Let me tell you, Heavy Machinery is the wake up call this show needed in tag team wrestling. I hope that they pursue in creating a great division and maybe introduce or re-introduce more tag teams that can be a threat to Bryan and Rowan. Seeing Bayley get the win would probably be the only downside of tonight. It is not a bad thing to witness the chaos within the alliance of Lacey Evans and Charlotte Flair but it would’ve been nice to see Evans come victorious and challenge both Lynch and Bayley for their respective titles, getting Charlotte Flair involved somehow too. Finally, THE 24/7 CHAMPIONSHIP IS RELEVANT!!! Considering how Truth defended, lost, and regained the title in one night only proves that this was a great acquisition to WWE.
With all this said, I believe tonight put a smile on my face. Before you, the reader, say anything about construction of the show was bad or your typical SmackDown show, you must not pay attention to show quality. From start to end, there was not one point where I thought I was bored or wanted to change the channel. Okay, maybe Mandy and Bayley winning. But other than that, tremendous outing. I hope to see more momentum in the upcoming weeks, especially with this “A-E-W” crap becoming the next big thing on cable television and fans judging hard on WWE before Tuesday Night Titans even airs later this year. I just want everyone to remember that not everything is perfect, not every show is going to knock it out of the park. Never judge a show or a organization based on someone else’s opinions.
So I end this week’s review with this, always enjoy the littlest and biggest moments in life! Tonight was a pure example that watching a two hour episode of a WWE product can lighten a dark day or be a fun moment to spend with family or friends. In the end, it does not matter what anyone else says in this life. It is you who controls your happiness or your enjoyment and satisfaction in entertainment. Thank you all and see you next week!
