Smackdown Live Review 06/11/2019

Smackdown Live Review: June 11^th,  2019

Author: Captain Charisma

Live from the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California

This episode of SmackDown Live comes to us live from the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California just more than a few days removed from Friday’s Super Showdown Pay-Per-View event in Saudi Arabia. I will be honest when I say that I personally did not watch Super Showdown due to lack of interest and prior work plans but, I will say that this episode of SmackDown should get us excited for the upcoming Stomping Grounds Pay-Per-View, which airs live on the WWE Network later in the month in Tacoma, Oklahoma. As far as we understand from the advertisements shown last night on Raw, Big E will make his in-ring return from quad injury as he and his New Day brethren will face off against Dolph Ziggler, Sami Zayn, and Kevin Owens in six man tag team action. It was also hinted by WWE Now earlier this evening that Roman Reigns will respond to Drew McIntyre and Shane McMahon’s celebration on Raw as well as how SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley will bounce back tonight after suffering a loss in tag team action. To be fair, there is not any hype towards the show other than Big E’s return so I really hope that this is not a sign of SmackDown becoming lackluster. But with WWE, who knows what will happen. We actually got a good episode of Raw last night so, I am confident to say that this show will be even better in comparison!

Opening Segment – Miz TV – The Miz, Shane McMahon, Drew McIntyre, Elias
Thanks to the wild card rule, The Miz kicks off this episode of SmackDown Live with an episode of Miz TV He enters the ring and greets the audience of Sacramento. He showcases his custom made t-shirt with his father and states that he has to go by the script. He brings out a paper and introduces his guests by special request, Shane McMahon and Drew McIntyre. (Note: he makes fun and refers Shane as the Breast and Pest in the World). Shane McMahon, McIntyre, and Elias appear to make their way to the ring. A replay of the events of Shane vs. Roman Reigns from Super Showdown plays. Shane starts by asking WWE announcer Greg Hamilton to give him a proper introduction. After Hamilton gives a legendary introduction, McMahon admits that he invited Elias as a musical act guest. Elias then plays a song featuring a guitar solo. The Sacramento crowd roars with “you suck chants”. McMahon then explains to The Miz that he won against Roman Reigns fair and square. The Miz responds by asking Shane if he realizes that all of his victories were tainted, giving examples of his matches against Shane at WrestleMania and Money in the Bank. Shane mockingly answers and says to continue the interview. Miz then refers to the post-match interview WWE conducted with Roman Reigns at Super Showdown. After the footage is shown, Drew McIntyre responds by saying that it is his turn. McIntyre states that he has no remorse or pity for any one in the WWE and claims that in two weeks, he will kick Roman Reigns’s head off. While Shane agreed, Miz tries to consult Drew of being betrayed. Shane responds by saying that he has Roman’s and The Miz’s numbers. Miz then says that Shane is a talentless hack while Shane responds by saying he is a cesspool of a potato. Miz and McIntyre have a stare down He then proposes a match for Miz as he will face Elias and Drew McIntyre in gauntlet-style. Shane makes the match official and we are kicking things off!
My Thoughts:
This episode of Miz TV was, in my opinion, way better than the edition last night on Raw. We actually get some detailed storyline within Miz and his guests. The tension that The Miz and Shane McMahon have with each other is truly special. I love the idea that The Miz is upset over the fact that he cannot get the job done with Shane. With this said, I think that this episode of Miz TV made things interesting as in what is next for the former WWE Champion. When you look at Shane’s perspective, he is truly the best, villainous heel going on right now. I admire the fact that he is being the top boss right now, getting wins over Roman and Miz. I hope to see this rivalry continued for a while more!

Match #1: The Miz vs. Elias
After a commercial break, Elias takes control of The Miz early on. Elias then sets up for a Old School Double Knees to The Miz was only good for a two count. After locking his opponent up for an instant, The Miz hits a jawbreaker and starts the comeback. After hitting multiple yes kicks and a vintage running clothesline, Elias comes back with a huge knee strike. Elias hits a switching powerbomb and aims to go to the top turnbuckle. He tries to hit a flying elbow drop and misses. This leads to Miz hitting the Skull Crushing Finale for the pin fall victory.
Result: The Miz via pinfall
My Thoughts:
It was not easy but The Miz prevailed in a tough tune up match. Elias is sadly not as big of threat with Shane McMahon as he was solo. He is the Drifter after all, right? He drifts alone? This match only proved that Miz got the easy win to only get destroyed by Drew McIntyre seconds later.

Match #2: The Miz vs. Drew McIntyre
After another intermission, Drew McIntyre hits a huge chop to drop The A-Lister. Miz comes back by driving The Scottish Psychopath to the post and sending him outside. He then hits a apron dropkick with a combo of driving McIntyre to the barricade. He then sets up for a springboard maneuver but botches the move, which leads to a Shane McMahon distraction. McIntyre hits a Glasgow Kiss Headbutt and hits a Claymore to get the victory, making an emphatic statement. Post-match, Shane makes the match between himself and Miz official.
Result: Drew McIntyre via pin fall
My Thoughts:
That was a complete, utter destruction by The Scottish Psychopath! Quick and straight to the point. You people can complain about it all you want but Drew McIntyre is the most gifted big man in the WWE today. He is a freak of nature and deserves to be at the top of the mountain. Fans are complaining that he is shoved down our throats consecutively but I see it as glorious. Seeing the potential next Universal champion is what is best for business.

Match #3: Shane McMahon vs. The Miz
The bell rings and Shane McMahon makes quick work of an already weakened Miz. Miz tries to comeback but is unsuccessful as McMahon applies the triangle choke submission for the tap out victory.
Result: Shane McMahon via submission
My Thoughts:
No real thoughts here. Shane McMahon pulled the ultimate heel boss move and attacked his rival, only to make a match and pin him right away. McMahon has my praise for being a McMahon instead of the babyface boss. The Best In The World gimmick has fit him well and deserves to have high honors for his work and his ability to work a crowd. Hope this leads to a fantastic match at Stomping Grounds or the next pay-per-view.

Backstage Segment: Ember Moon, Sonya Deville, and Mandy Rose
While Ember Moon is occupied playing on her Nintendo Switch, Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville are seen to interrupt. Rose mocks Moon on playing childish games instead of actually appreciating her magazine cover. Moon ignores and ends up getting her Switch getting knocked own by Deville. Both members of Fire and Desire walk away in arrogance while Ember screams in anger.

Match #4: (Originally The New Daniel Bryan and Rowan) Heavy Machinery vs. Local Competitors
Before the match begins, Daniel Bryan cuts a promo stating that they will be putting their tag team championships on the line against a local tag team featuring the voice of WWE 2K19, AJ Kirsch. Heavy Machinery appear. Tucker states that they are blue collar solid. Doz replies by saying they always like to have a great time. Tucker adds that they have earned the opportunity at the tag team championships. Bryan then proposes that Heavy Machinery faces the YOLO Tag Team Champions.
The bell rings and Tucker makes quick work of the local competitors with a huge clothesline. After getting tagged in, Otis hits his patinate Caterpillar, dedicated to Scotty 2 Hotty Worm. Heavy Machinery hits The Compactor for the victory.
Result: Heavy Machinery via pin fall
My Thoughts:
Before I say anything about this, can we point out how awesome it was to witness AJ Kirsch make his WWE in-ring debut? For those unfamiliar, he was the voice of Buzz in the WWE 2K19 My Career Mode. Other than that, I was actually shocked that Heavy Machinery stepped up to the squash match rather than the tag team champions themselves. Although it was quick work, I really think that Heavy Machinery made a emphatic statement to the champs, somehow keeping this tag team division alive. I love the fact that Heavy Machinery are seen as threats and hope that they become champions! They are the only NXT tag team call up, other than American Alpha to be in the title picture just months from being called up! Love to see these two polar opposite teams collide.

Backstage Segment – R-Truth, Carmella, and Jinder Mahal
R-Truth and Carmella are seen backstage, talking about Truth’s concerns about being the 24/7 champion. Truth adds on by saying what would happen if he gave up his prestigious championship after winning it so many times in so many locations worldwide. Carmella then tells Truth to hide in a production box. WWE executives then come to Carmella to tell her that her match with Sonya Deville is next. Carmella leaves Truth locked in the box. Jinder Mahal appears and overhears Truth stuck in a box. He then pretends to be Carmella and goes to get a referee.

Match #5: Carmella vs. Sonya Deville (with Mandy Rose)
The match starts and Carmella brings the fight to Sonya Deville. However, Deville comes back with vicious knee strikes to the body. She goes for the pin but is unsuccessful. Deville then hits a vicious running knee strike which almost knocks The Fabulous One out. Carmella then hits the Code of Silence Submission, which is then broken up by referee Jason Ayers after Rose plants Deville’s foot on the bottom rope. Carmella takes out both Fire N Desire for a moment with a springboard attack. However, after a momentary distraction by Rose, Deville hits a step-up running knee to Carmella for the pin fall victory.
Result: Sonya Deville via pin fall
My Thoughts:
This was a quick repeat of the past few weeks. Carmella gets distracted and loses yet again. I honestly do not know what happened to the first Ms. Money In The Bank holder who made history by cashing in on Charlotte Flair two nights after WrestleMania. I love Sonya Deville and I really believe that she should have a singles career without Fire and Desire. In a sense, I think that Deville is the most talented and top star in this division. Stop having these useless rivalries every single week!

Backstage Segment – Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross
Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross are seen backstage. Bliss asks Cross if she is confused. She then goes on to say that Bayley and social media has said some negative comments about Cross after her interference last night. Bliss then eggs on Cross to not hold anything back in Alexa’s match with SmackDown Women’s Champion, Bayley tonight.

In-Ring Segment – The New Day (Big E, Kofi Kingston, and Xavier Woods), Dolph Ziggler, Sami Zayn, and Kevin Owens
The New Day appear to the Sacramento crowd, celebrating at ease. Xavier Woods introduce the boys and state that today is a special day. Kofi Kingston then refers to that special day as the official return of Big E. Huge welcome back chants from the crowd emerges. Big E says that he is humbled to return and says that he will have as many title reigns as Charlotte Flair. Woods then states that their opponents tonight are people that Kofi has already defeated. Kingston explains that no one will run from him, especially Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler interrupts. He then goes onto say that Kingston betrays him, the crowd, and himself. He then explains that he is still WWE champion because of Woods’s interference. He then states that at Stomping Grounds, without his friends by his side, he will prove to the world that he is the better man. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn appear. Zayn states that Kofi Kingston retaining the WWE Championship was an injustice. He then refers to the crowd in Sacramento as disgusting. He then admits that himself and KO love to beat up The New Day. Big E bounces back with the attack from Seth Rollins on Zayn last night on Raw. Zayn then calls The New Day hypocrites, then Dolph explains how Kofi is the biggest one of them all. Kofi adds on by stating that he will be forever WWE Champion. Big E then states that they will get that work tonight.
My Thoughts:
I feel blessed that the wild card rule is always in effect as Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn made their presence with Dolph Ziggler! Cutting the New Day’s celebration short was a great establishment in the vibe towards Stomping Grounds, where the punchline is “Kick Ass, Take Names”. I think Ziggler is the master within his promo skills as a heel as he has showcased true emotion out of what he says on the mic! However, I cannot forget about what Big E had put forth on the table within his return! His clap backs are truly legendary. When it comes to Sami and KO, Owens didn’t say a single word and still gave me the tension towards this main event. Sami doing what he does best made the WWE Universe want to be invested in the match itself by aiming towards the audience and point out how the WWE champion is not a champion at all. Mind you, I agree with that. Again, although my opinion has slightly changed, I still believe Kofi is not WWE Championship material. The man does not even talk about the prestige on the gold at all compared to his adversaries and his brethren. All I am saying is, I hope Kofi’s promos can be different and seem more passionate as champion rather than a repeating answering machine.

Aleister Black Exclusive
Aleister Black is seen backstage, pleading for a fight. He then asks executives to open his locker room door. Black then yells at the top of his lungs to pick a fight with him.

Match #6 – Bayley vs. Nikki Cross (with Alexa Bliss) – Non-title Women’s Match
The bell rings and Bayley goes to work on Nikki Cross. Cross then hits a crossbody. Bayley comes back with a dropkick to make Cross roll out of the ring. She then hits an outside dropkick. Cross then regroups with Alexa Bliss and traps Bayley with the ring apron. She then hammers her with vicious strikes. She then hits a reverse DDT to take us into commercial break. Coming back, Cross traps Bayley in the tree of woe into the corner turnbuckle. Bayley makes a comeback with multiple running corner strikes, followed by a rolling frog splash. Bayley sets up a Bayley to Belly but Cross gets out of it. Bayley gets distracted by Alexa Bliss at ringside. A roll up happens but no result. Bayley hits a Macho Man Randy savage inspired elbow drop on Cross to send a message to her challenger Alexa Bliss.
Result: Bayley via pin fall
My Thoughts:
This was an expected victory but I love the fact that the storyline within Bliss and Cross applied tremendously. Bliss playing the role of the master manipulator is genius. Although there was quick work of Nikki Cross, I think that the win for Bayley was good for her momentum heading into Stomping Grounds. Who knows? Maybe we actually might get a phenomenal women’s match on team blue!

Backstage Segment – Jinder Mahal, R-Truth, and Carmella
Jinder Mahal makes the pursuit of R-Truth with a referee by his side. Mahal is told by WWE official production crew that the box that he was stuck under was sent to Los Angeles. Mahal and the referee make the way to Los Angeles but they fail to realize that Truth was in the box in front of them the entire time. The box is then being shipped to Los Angeles while Truth yells for help. Carmella appears to look for Truth, only to realize that he is being shipped to Los Angeles.

Kayla Braxton Interview – Apollo Crews, Zelina Vega, and Chad Gable
Kayla Braxton is seen backstage, introducing her guest Apollo Crews. A replay is shown from last week. Crews explains how he got attacked from behind before the match even started. Zelina Vega appears to warn him about Andrade being in a bad mood. As she walks off, Chad gable is seen taking notes.

Match #7 (Main Event): 6 Man Tag Team Match – The New Day vs. Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and Dolph Ziggler
The bell rings and we kick off the main event with Xavier Woods and Dolph Ziggler, who lock up immediately, showing their test of strength Ziggler applies a waist lock, which is then reversed by Woods. Ziggler takes control and tags in Sami Zayn. Zayn takes control with confidence. Woods escapes and starts the Unicorn Stampede with The New Day continuously tagging in. Kofi attempts to put away Zayn but is unsuccessful. Zayn gets Kofi over the top rope and, while the referee is distracted, Ziggler gets a cheap shot on the outside. Ziggler gets tagged in and applies a headlock. However, Kofi hits the dropkick and heads to the outside. Owens then comes out of nowhere with the cheap shot to send us into commercial break. Coming back afterwards, Ziggler applies a headlock to weaken the WWE Champion. Owens is tagged in and starts to mock the returning Big E. Kingston hits a monkey flip dropkick to gain some momentum. Zayn and Woods are tagged in respectively. Woods then hits a rolling elbow strike on Zayn, followed by a double dropkick on both Zayn and Ziggler. However, it is Ziggler who knocks Woods down on the top rope. Owens then takes advantage and starts riling up with a fury of fists to the back. Ziggler is tagged in and rake the eyes of Woods with the ring rope. He then applies a rear naked choke on Woods. Woods escapes and reaches for a tag but Ziggler traps him and makes the tag. Zayn stops the attempt with hellacious clotheslines to the chest. He applies the chin lock to stop any chance of coming back. Woods hits multiple chops but gets knocked down immediately. Owens is tagged in with a vicious stomp to the face. KO then decides to hit a beautiful moonsault. Woods comes back with a running DDT and makes the hot tag to a returning Big E. E hits multiple belly to belly’s to Dolph Ziggler, who is tagged in by KO. He then hits a big splash. While going for a spear, Ziggler stops it. Ziggler hits an accidental Superkick to Sami Zayn and Xavier Woods. Kofi Kingston then comes from out of nowhere to hit a Trouble In Paradise to win the match for the New Day, pinning Sami Zayn.
Result: The New Day (Kofi Kingston via pin fall)
My Thoughts:
That main event was one of the most fun to ever witness in quite some time! Yes, it was advertised for the majority of two days but honestly, it lived up to the hype. To me, although there was little chances of the heels winning in the main event, I loved to see how back and forth this was. You have to put respect towards The Main Man Kevin Owens and his incredible ring ability to seize every open moment. You also have to love the will of the WWE Champion. Putting everything on the line with his incredible areal assaults was truly something to see. You really did not know who would win, especially wondering if Ziggler, who was a key player in this, would pin Kofi Kingston ahead of Stomping Grounds. Although I disagree with the finish, I did love how the match turned out. This was not an ordinary main event, this was a story being told without words. This got me hyped for next week!

Final Thoughts
Well color me impressed WWE! That was a great episode of SmackDown this week. For two straight days, we were able to get some hot content from World Wrestling Entertainment. We got a phenomenal episode of Miz TV with a resurrected storyline, the vintage McMahon scrutiny as Shane McMahon oversteps his authority, and a fun main event.  Honestly, I am not saying this because WWE was live from California but that was, as a television viewer, was a top notch episode! I mean hell, Chad Gable is back. Dolph Ziggler and Sami Zayn proved why they are the best at cutting promos than anyone else on the roster. Look what happened in their promo confrontation with the New Day. They took obvious facts and used their passion to exemplify their frustrations that Kofi is WWE Champion. The Tag team division was not as I would have liked to be showcased (in a squash match) but I am happy to see Heavy Machinery get into championship contention! Having Sonya Deville, who I think will be a huge star and someone who will lead this brand’s women’s division greatly, win was great but as apart of Fire and Desire? That was the only big issue I saw tonight. Why have someone not reach their full potential and put them in less than two minute matches? I think it is sad but knowing how the WWE cycle goes, I am confident in hoping that there is a brighter future for the Jersey Devil. SmackDown Live has always been the A-show, no doubt about it! Tonight proved me right. Compared to last week, Team Blue has stepped up their game and I cannot wait for the future. Sadly, I will not be able to write next week’s review because I, Captain Charisma, will be in attendance in next week’s episode in my hometown of Ontario, California. With that said, I wish you all a great night and remember to always keep your passion for professional wrestling alive because you should always embrace what you love to do! Thank you and goodnight my peeps! (Not stolen from future WWE Hall of Fame inductee, Christian)