Smackdown Live Review 04/02/2019

SmackDown Live Review: April 2nd, 2019

Live from the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore, Maryland

With WrestleMania coming ahead of us this Sunday, WWE comes live from the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore, Maryland for the SmackDown Live tonight. Before we get things going, here are some things to expect including the official WWE Championship Contract Signing between The New Daniel Bryan and Kofi Kingston and a hot new episode of The Kevin Owens Show featuring guests AJ Styles and Randy Orton! Regarding the originally svheduled match between Andrade and Rey Mysterio that was supposed to take place, that match was cancelled due to an ankle injury from the hands of Baron Corbin last night on Raw from Washington DC.. All this and more on the go-home show of SmackDown Live!

In-Ring Segment: The Kevin Owens Show – Kevin Owens, Randy Orton, AJ Styles
Kevin Owens opens the show by introducing the Baltimore crowd to The Kevin Owens Show. Owens then introduces Randy Orton as his first guest on the show. Orton appears and makes his way to the ring displaying huge confidence towards his WrestleMania match. Owens then introduces AJ Styles to the show. Styles enters the arena focused on one man, which is his WrestleMania opponent. Owens starts things off by asking Randy Orton if he is proud of the actions he did towards AJ Styles last week, ruining a dream match with Kurt Angle. Orton tells the fans that they are blessed that he ruined the match. AJ Styles then responds by asking why Randy is famous for only one move. Orton then uses his passion and heart by saying that while Styles was wrestling in Bingo Halls, Orton was becoming world champion. Styles jokingly responds by mentioning Orton’s Drug Test Failure back in the late 2000’s. Orton goes onto say that Styles’s legacy is a “corporate bitch”. Wisely, Kevin Owens exits the ring before chaos erupts. A brawl occurs between Orton and Styles. Styles sets up for the Phenomenal Forearm but Orton catches him with an RKO out of nowhere, laying him out. Orton stands tall to end the segment.
My Thoughts:
Kevin Owens is the greatest host on earth! Each edition of The Kevin Owens Show is more and more iconic! I mean, how can you not deny the energy he brings. However, I have to talk mainly about Orton and Styles in this thought process. Honestly, I loved the tension between the two legends. When you have someone such as Randy Orton spitting fire with these disses as well as quickly coming back with a burn of his own is tremendous! Who the hell can say anything different about the chemistry between Styles and Orton on that microphone? It seems to me that every time one thinks that they have won the crowd with a statement, the other just destroys the other! I am really confident about how this match will go come WrestleMania. Sure, a lot of you will sleep on this out of the entire card but trust me when I say that this will steal the show. I will even go bold and say that this match will be match of the night!

6-Man Tag Team Match: The Usos, Ricochet/Aleister Black vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Rusev, and The Bar
Ricochet and Cesaro start off the match, locking up. While Ricochet attempting a hurricanrana, Cesaro catches him and gains control. Sheamus is tagged in to stop the momentum but The One and Only is able to get free and tag in Aleister Black. The Usos manage to get tagged in to set the mood for the match. However, The Celtic Warrior stops it and tags in Nakamura. Nakamura and Jey Uso tussle up. While getting Irish Whipped into the ropes, Rusev tags in secretly. The oddly pair of NakaRusev then weaken Jey Uso more after being thrown into the barricade. Sheamus tags back in and start to tee off on Jey. We are sent into commercial break after The Swiss Cyborg inevitably attacks him at ringside while the referee is distracted inside the ring. Coming back from commercial break, NakaRusev continue to put the beatdown on Jey Uso. Nakamura attempts a pinfall but it is unsuccessful. The King of Strong Style applies the headlock to gain momentum. Nonetheless, it is Jey who hits a Samoan Drop and both compeitiors make the hot tag. Jimmy Uso hits a superkick on Nakamura. Chaos erupts in the ring Jey becomes the legal man and The Usos hit a double superkick for the victory. After the match, Alexa Bliss appears to make a huge announcement on her return to SmackDown. She announces that Becky Lynch, Ronda Rousey, and Charlotte Flair have been released from jail. Bliss also announces that at WrestleMania, The Usos will defend their tag team championships against The Bar, NakaRusev, and Aleister Black/Ricochet in a Fatal Four Way Match at WrestleMania! But this begs the question, will Ricochet and Aleister Black do the impossible and win gold at WrestleMania and NXT TakeOver? As far as I know, there are a few individuals who have been able to hold NXT and main roster titles including Kevin Owens and Paige. I am really confident to see this match this Sunday.
Result: The Usos and Aleister Black/Ricochet via pinfall
My Thoughts:
That entire match was nuts! Each team killed it. Yes, I say each and every team including The Bar, NakaRusev, The Usos, and Ricochet/Aleister Black. I really think that the Smack Down Live Tag Team Division deserves to have the spotlight come WrestleMania! Sucks it couldn’t be the Hardy Boyz versus The Usos but this is somewhat better! Honestly, Alexa Bliss was right when she said that the division needed the spotlight. With saying that, I think that with The SmackDown Live Tag Team titles showcased at WrestleMania, whether it is on the pre-show or not, I am excited to see SmackDown get the green light on this match!

In-Ring Promo: The IIconics
Billie Kay and Peyton Royce appear in the ring where they explain how they will make history as the first SmackDown Live Women’s Tag Team champions. The IIconics then mock Beth Phoenix and Natalya, saying that they will retire The Glamazon once again in her career. They then end the segment by saying come WrestleMania in their Fatal Four Way match, their championship win will be ICONIC!
My Thoughts:
The IIconics never disappoint with their promos but can we, the fans see something different? I mean, we see the exact same promo each and every time. “It will be ICONIC!” Do not get me wrong, I love what they have done for the past four to five years but can we at least see more effort put forth towards their promos, even when it comes to their biggest match of their careers? Sure, I found humor in the Glamazon portrayal but other than that, what the hell was that Boss N Hug Connection mockery? That really did not get me excited for Sunday but I hope that they do win come that time. I wish that they can change up their promos soon and that is saying something from a fan of the duo.

Match #2: Handicap Match – 3 on 1 Handicap Match: The Miz vs. Sanity (Eric Young, Killian Dain, and Alexander Wolfe)
Before the match, The Miz cuts a promo hyping the message of making history and retribution at WrestleMania. Miz then explains that this is the best Miz that has ever been displayed on WWE Television, being more motivated than any other match in his career. He claims that he will beat Shane McMahon anywhere and every where. He then states that because he is the son of Mr. McMahon, he is a son of a bitch! Before the match begins, Shane McMahon appears and has the God-like introduction by WWE announcer Greg Hamilton. Shane announces that he will be viewing this match.
The match begins and The Miz tries to take out all of Sanity’s members. While he was on a role, Eric Young of Sanity stops that momentum with a vicious knee strike to the A-Lister. He then refers to a fury of stomps in the corner to take us into commercial break. Coming back, The Miz fighrs back against the three man group. He then establishes the Yes Kicks to Eric Young in the corner. As Miz gets hyped for a top rope match, Shane McMahon announces that this match is now a Falls Count Anywhere match and shows a picture of him beating up The Miz’s father. After that distraction, Sanity takes advantage but not for long. Brawling occurs within the front row of the crowd. Miz puts Alexander Wolfe through a table in the crowd and throws Eric Young backstage. After a brutal beating to Young, Miz attempts a pinfall but is broken up by Killian Dain. Miz takes out Dain but Young fights back. Miz drives a knee to Young’s head into a box. He then runs Young’s head with another drape box and gets the pinfall victory backstage.
My Thoughts:
Very interesting match to say the least! Actually, that turned out better than I thought it would. Being thrown in a last minute Falls Count Anywhere Handicap match gave me the hype for this Sunday’s Falls Count Anywhere match. However, to be honest, Sanity never really had a chance to win, even with the stipulation added in! Furthermore, saying that statement there makes me sad because I am a huge fan of Sanity, or what is left of them. I hate how they are being underutilized as SmackDown Live’s heel trio. Remember when they were badass in NXT and they were not people to mess with? Man, times have drastically changed! Other than that, I believe that this gave me the clear sign that Shane McMahon will get the most heat this Sunday as he will win in his first Mania victory in Met Life Stadium!

Exclusive In-Ring Interview – Becky Lynch, Corey Graves
Corey Graves appears in the ring explaining the bailing situation between the WrestleMania main eventers Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, and Ronda Rousey. Graves would then introduce Becky. Becky leaves the ring and states that she only answers to the people. Lynch claims what a difference a year makes with Ronda making her debut last year and her and Charlotte battling it out. She explains that the strike to Charlotte Flair at Summerslam set the tone for the first ever Women’s Main Event at WrestleMania. Lynch then states that the Women’s Revolution will explode when The Man will be the winner who takes all as SmackDown and Raw Women’s Champion. She stands tall on the announce table.
My Thoughts:
As Stone Cold Steve Austin would say, “Gimme a Hell Yeah!” Seriously, what an epic segment with The Man being herself and proving to the world that she is the face of this company. Lynch summed up what the main event will be as well as how it will be special this Sunday just by herself without any interruptions.

Match #3: 18 Person Mixed Tag Team Match: The Hardy Boyz, Naomi, Asuka, Heavy Machinery, R-Truth and Carmella, and Nikki Cross vs. EC3, Gallows and Anderson, Fire and Desire, Andrade and Zelina Vega, Lana, and Shelton Benjamin
Nikki Cross and Zelina Vega start off in this weird encounter. Cross just goes ape crazy over Vega until Lacey Evans makes an appearance to distract everyone. Vega tries to take control but Cross takes control. EC3 and Jeff Hardy tag into the match. The Hardy Boyz take control and hit a vintage double team maneuver. Matt Hardy hits a side effect and hits EC3 with multiple turnbuckle strikes. Heavy Machinery hit a Poetry in Motion in homage to The Hardy Boyz. Otis then hits EC3 with a caterpillar move in respect to Scotty 2 Hotty’s Worm to take us into commercial break. The biggest mized tag team match returns with Lana and Naomi battling it out. After taking out Andrade, Carmella and R-Truth stop a seven second dance break. It is broken up by Karl Anderson. A brawl erupts with all competitors which causes a disqualification. Fire and Desire “eliminate” R-Truth and Carmella. Deville cleans house but is “eliminated” by Asuka. Mandy Rose takes control of Asuka. Otis encounters Mandy Rose but it is interrupted by Shelton Benjamin. Benjamin and Cross “eliminated” himself after Cross gets ontop of him. Meanwhile in the ring, Jeff Hardy hits EC3 with a Twist of Fate and “eliminates” EC3. After an embrace from Asuka and Hardy, The Empress of Tomorrow “eliminates” Jeff Hardy and stands tall alone in the ring to end the segment.
Result: No winner via disqualification
My Thoughts:
I really do not have any logical formal thoughts for this match. Of course, I understand that this was for both The Women’s and Andre The Giant Battle Royals and it was certainly unique! But I sure as hell do not get why this would be made into reality. Someone please explain to me WWE’s logic of how this would work out? Nine people per side of the ring, which covered all four sides of the squared circle. I guess it would be “entertaining” if you listen to the Right to Censor’s theme song on blast at home and love to watch paint dry. This match did not give me any hype towards the battle royals at all. If anything, I found Braun Strowman’s squash match last night on Raw more entertaining! Good thing that these two matches are on the pre-show and not on the main card, but poor USA Network for streaming this catastrophe live on free cable television.

Match #4: Samoa Joe vs. Ali – Non-title United States Championship Match
The bell rings and the United States Champion Joe immediately aims for the left leg of Ali and starts hammering down the young upstart with ruthless strikes to the corner. Ali tries to gain back some offense with a dropkick, sending the champion to ringside and hits a springboard suicide dive. He then hits a tornado DDT for a unsuccessful two count. Ali hits a rolling X factor which leads to set up for the 054 finisher. Joe moves out of the way to trap Ali into the Coquina Clutch submission for the victory.
Result: Samoa Joe via submission
My Thoughts:
Not sugar coating anything here, Joe made quick work of Ali! The United States Champion proved once again that he is a dominant champion. There is nothing more to say about this match other than pure domination.

Main Event Segment: WWE Championship Contract Signing – The New Daniel Bryan, Rowan, Kofi Kingston, The New Day, Michael Cole
Michael Cole appears in the ring with The New Daniel Bryan and Rowan, welcoming the WWE Universe to the contract signing. He then hypes up the match between The New Daniel Bryan and Kofi Kingston. Kofi Kingston and The New Day appear with a n uproar of Kofi chants. Cole reveals that Kofi requested this time to say something but Bryan quiets Cole to let them hear the crowd chant Kofi. Bryan signs and grabs the contract. He then reveals that he is not stopping the match from happening but to educate the masses. The masses refuse and a huge Kofi Kingston chant emerges from the heavens. The life lesson revealed by Bryan is to not be complacent, especially for eleven years. He also reveals not to be a bystander like Kofi Kingston, sitting on the sidelines while The New Day helped reach him to the top. He finally reveals the last lesson, do not let mistake a fad for a reality. Bryan reflects the Yes Movement and states the reality that the WWE Universe feeds off Kofi Kingston just as parasites. Kofi responds by saying that they are nothing alike. He states that eleven years of never getting a world championship has gotten him ready for this moment. He states that at WrestleMania, he will become WWE Champion in an impassionate promo. Kingston stands tall to end SmackDown Live.
My Thoughts
NOW THIS IS HOW YOU DO A GO HOME SHOW BEFORE WRESTLEMANIA!!!! I will repeat this as I always do, when you showcase passion, you showcase the best you. Ever since the beginning of this Kofi Mania run, I have personally felt invested in this storyline! Honestly, it feels great seeing like Kofi give it 110% on every promo and match leading to the biggest match of his career. To think, last time WrestleMania was in MetLife Stadium, Kingston was apart of the pre-show as a panelist! Now, he is headlining for the World Title, the most coveted prize in all of sports entertainment. It is surreal how emotionally invested everyone is with this match but it is gonna suck when millions at home with thousands in attendance witness the death of KofiMania when Daniel Bryan, who has been on an incredible run as a heel, will retain. I mean, how could you not love what Bryan has done since turning heel? His run as WWE Champion has been incredible! His character as influenced some phenomenal promos about why eating meat endures pain on the planet earth. I love it and I do not see it going any other way come Sunday night!

Final Thoughts
The final SmackDown Live before WrestleMania was absolutely nuts! Sure, we had one match that was way out of the ordinary with the assist of a dominating squash match by The United States Champion, however, we did get some hellacious memorable moments from a outstanding Becky Lynch promo, hyping up the main event of WrestleMania by herself, to a hilarious Kevin Owens Show to an impassionate main event segment! Going back to when I say nuts, that does not mean that the show was perfect from head to toe. Obviously there were some flaws including a broken record of a promo from The IIconics, which do not get me wrong, I love The IIconics, but please do something different to hype up one of the biggest matches on the card this Sunday. Raw may have been three hours last night but these two hours alone were way better than an entire two hours of Monday Night television! At the end of the day, as a wrestling fan, I am excited for WrestleMania, especially based on the main event segment. I would not go as far as saying Team Blue put it on cruise control when it came to the go home show as a whole but they did end with a bang for the grandest stage of them all. Until next time, enjoy WrestleMania not based on internet tweets or reviews but based on your own experience, whether that is from the comfort of your own home, at a watch party, or as apart of the thousands in attendance at MetLife Stadium! Wrestling is an art form, you have to just learn how to respect and enjoy it!