SmackDown Live Review 09/03/2019

SmackDown Live Review

Live from the Norfolk Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia    

Hello fellow peeps! Captain Charisma has returned after a long hiatus, writing the review for tonight’s episode of SmackDown Live! Actually, this review in particular will be quite special as we are counting down the final days until the blue brand will move back to Friday nights in what I assume will still be live. This episode of comes to us live from the Norfolk Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia, just three days removed from this past Saturday’s All Out Pay-Per-View presented by All Elite Wrestling! According to WWE, the only two matches we have confirmed is the two quarter final matches for the illustrious King of the Ring Tournament with Ali facing Elias as week as Chad Gable taking on Andrade. Following that, just less than twenty minutes before the show begins, it is announced that Daniel Bryan following the events of last week’s episode will demand yet another apology from Roman Reigns over the accusations made against him in a face to face confrontation. Also, just twenty four hours after the SmackDown Women’s Champion inevitably turned heel against The Man, Becky Lynch on Raw, we will see if the champ will preside tonight’s episode with a bigger push than she has received before. All this and more as SmackDown starts now!

A video package of SmackDown Live Women’s Champion Bayley turning on Becky Lynch and attacking her with a steel chair from Raw the previous night plays

Opening Segment – Bayley, Charlotte Flair, and Sasha Banks
The SmackDown Live Women’s Champion kicks things off as she appears. She comes to the ring with a roar of boos from the Norfolk crowd. Bayley then states that she is confused, saying that her friendship with Sasha Banks took her to the success she has today. Nothing has changed, she wants to lift people up by giving it her all. She compares herself to the fans, saying that she is loyal, that being her reasoning of her actions from last night. Bayley then claims that at Clash of Champions, she will be a proper role model and defend her title properly. Charlotte Flair interrupts the promo, walking with arrogance and confidence as the audience woos with bated breath. Flair then questions Bayley’s comments, stating that she is the most talked about figure in WWE, no hugging or blindsiding needed. Before Flair can finish her statement for Clash of Champions, she is then interrupted by Bayley’s “Best Friend” Sasha Banks. However, it is Charlotte Flair who makes the first move and hits Bayley with a big boot. However, during the brawl between Flair and Banks, Bayley comes back with the same steel chair she hit Becky Lynch last night and starts the attack on Flair. Bayley then hands Banks the chair, which then she continues the attack. At the end of the segment, Bayley and Sasha Banks stand tall after laying waste to the Queen of All Eras.
My Thoughts:
I may be one of the few wrestling fans who believe in this but I really think that this Bayley and Sasha Banks alliance or heel best friendship deal is incredible! For once, I like The Boss N Hug Connection as the top talent in the Women’s Division. Now do not get me wrong, I liked the fact that they were the FIRST Women’s Tag Team Champions but that run was stale. However, having Bayley on the villain side of things actually makes me invested to see what they have for her from now on. Two best friends running the show on their own respective brands? This actually gives me Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens vibes! I love it. Nonetheless, I hope World Wrestling Entertainment does not ruin this by presenting this the same way it did for The Boss N Hug Connection in the past. I have high confidence that this will be good. By the way, shout out to Justin of The Wrestling Classic for being the biggest Sasha Banks fan out there!

Match #1: Quarterfinals King of the Ring Tournament match – Ali vs. Elias
The bell rings and both Elias and Ali lock up. Elias takes control but it is Ali who shows his tremendous agility and athleticism to get an advantage. Ali then goes for a schoolboy as well as a rolling dropkick to take the Drifter down. This takes Elias to the outside but in an attempt to hit a suicide dive, he catches Ali and sends him into the ring apron. Followed by that, with his incredible strength, Elias hits the military press to send the rising star Ali into the timekeepers area to send us into commercial break. Returning from the countless sponsors the WWE has, Elias applies the headlock but Ali quickly comes back. He then hits a very smooth rolling x-factor only good for a two count. He then resents to more damage as he hits the suicide dive ringside. However, it is Elias who comes back and tries to make this his match. Ali then reverts to a 450 splash onto Elias’s arm to further weaken his opponent. He then transitions into a rolling armbar, transitioning into a crossface. Elias escapes and then hits a huge sit out powerbomb. This leads into a inverted leg lock, which has been formerly referred to as the Brock Lock (made famous by Brock Lesnar). After taking a huge number of damage, Ali is taken out to the outside. However, it is Ali who catches Elias in mid air with a superkick on the outside. Although Ali hits a 450 splash for the second time, Elias sets up Ali for Drift Away and pins him cleanly.
Result: Elias wins via pinfall, thus moving onto the semifinals in the King of The Ring Tournament
My Thoughts:
KING ELIAS RIDES AGAIN!!! Although I personally believe that Baron Corbin will become this years King of the Ring, I really dig how Elias has been on a roll as of late. However, I dislike the fact that Elias has been labeled as a corporate bad guy rather than The Drifter we all know and love! I mean, who the hell wants to consistently see a former 24/7 champion with the Authority of Shane McMahon and company? I sure do not. In fact, even knowing that Elias has held the 24/7 championship is disgusting. He deserves more than what he has been given this past year. Hopefully something changes and soon enough.

Backstage Interview – Kayla Braxton and Samoa Joe
We see Kayla Braxton appear backstage, here to interview her guest, Samoa Joe from Monday Night Raw. Joe appears and states that he is here on SmackDown Live to scout the competition. He then states that all who oppose him to win the tournament will bend the knee in his glory.

Aleister Black Exclusive
Aleister Black is seen backstage with yet another promo why his door has not been knocked on. He then states that he will head down to the ring to see if anyone will pick a fight with him. Have we not been through this before?

Match #2: Fire and Desire (Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville) vs. Nikki Cross and Alexa Bliss
The bell rings and the match starts with Mandy Rose and Nikki Cross. Rose poses for the crowd in arrogance. Cross is pissed off, which then begins to hammer down the Goddess with multiple elbow dtrikes. However, Rose slaps the taste out her mouth, then tags in Sonya Deville. Cross then comes back and hits a flying cross body on Fire and Desire to take us into yet another commercial break. Returning once again, Mandy starts trash talking Nikki Cross. It is not long until both Rose and Cross tag in their respective partners. Bliss hits Deville with a straight right hands. Cross hits a crossbody on Rose. While Deville attempts a fireman’s carry, Bliss reverses into a DDT. While Alexa Bliss sets up for Twisted Bliss, Rose takes out Cross on the outside. Deville takes advantage and reverses Twisted Bliss. Rose is tagged in and hits a finishing tag team move to pin the tag team champions.
Result: Fire and Desire via pinfall (Mandy Rose pins Alexa Bliss)
My Thoughts:
FIRE AND DESIRE WIN A HUGE MATCH!!! Finally, for everything, I am thankful to see Sonya Deville in the championship picture. Now true, it is with Mandy Rose (who has had countless opportunities in the past against the SmackDown Women’s Champion) but seriously, this makes me the happiest human being on earth! Although I am happy to see this team win and possibly get a chance at the Women’s Tag Team Titles, I do not like the fact that Nikki Cross and Alexa Bliss have the possibility of splitting up. Now, I do not think that they will at Clash of Champions, but with World Wrestling Entertainment, you never know! I love Twisted Bliss but please do not lose Nikki’s smile. Cross has never won a title in WWE and I am happy to see her in the position she is in now. I just hope if it is Fire and Desire’s time as champs, at least give them a proper reign!

Backstage Segment – Samoa Joe and Chad Gable
Chad Gable is seen backstage, preparing for his match against Andrade later tonight. However, he is then interrupted by Samoa Joe who is scouting the competition. Like Shelton Benjamin in the past, Joe makes fun of Gable’s height. This will presume that Gable is the underdog in this match.

In-Ring Segment – Randy Orton, Kofi Kingston, Dash Wilder, and Scott Dawson
Randy Orton appears and comes to a huge Randy chant. Orton then begins by saying that at Clash of Champions, we will see a new WWE champion, proving that Kofi Kingston is a fraud. After highlighting last week’s actions, a huge Kofi chant emerges from the Norfolk crowd. Orton then commemorates his actions that he has done over the past few weeks with his attacks on The New Day. A replay of these attacks on Raw and Smackdown play. It is then where Randy Orton lays out the challenge to face Kofi Kingston like a man. The New Day’s music plays and in the entrance way, The Revival’s Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson attacks Kofi Kingston. Although Kingston fights back, the attack continues on as Orton screams stupid with vicious Orton stomps. He then tells Kofi that he will defeat him with the three most destructive letters in sports entertainment. Kofi interrupts and fights back yet again. However, The Revival set up for a Super RKO and hits it successfully. FTRKO stand tall in dominating fashion.
My Thoughts:
FTRKO is the best trio on the main roster! Believe it or not, the combination of the best damn tag team in NXT history and the greatest superstar in the past decade together as one! I really dig the supervillain Viper, doing what he needs to do to take down the Kofi Mania noise that we have been dealing with since AFTER WrestleMania. Do not get confused, I love Kofi Kingston as WWE Champion when he won it on the grandest stage of them all but enough is enough. Let the man known as the Legend Killer reclaim what is rightfully his! As a matter of fact, let the best team known to man claim the SmackDown Tag Team Titles since we have not seen them, EVER.

Match #3: Chad Gable vs. Andrade (with Zelina Vega)  – King of the Ring Quarterfinal Match
Before the match begins, Zelina Vega cuts a promo, pointing out that Chad Gable has a strong possibility of winning but Andrade will win. She mentions the height once more as a motivator.
The bell rings and Chad Gable immediately takes control for a short second with some amateur wrestling holds. He then hits a monkey flip in the corner. However, Gable thinks that lightning can strike twice and attempts a second monkey flip but gets thrown into the outside to take us into more advertisements. After an annoying Liberty commercial, Chad Gable fights back against Andrade with a kick to the back of the head. He gains his step and hits a huge wrist-clutch chicken wing suplex for a pin attempt. Andrade comes back but only temporarily. The two competitors fight on the top rope and Andrade hits the double stomp as Gable is stuck in the tree of woe position. Gable attempts a roll up but this leads to Andrade to hit a three amigos. Gable then hits to straight German Suplexes. The self-proclaimed future of WWE attempts a double moonsault but Gable gets the knees up. It is then that Gable hits a picture perfect moonsault, almost like Kurt Angle’s back in the day for a two count. Chad Gable then hits a Connor-Roll German Suplex for the pin but the referee is distracted by Zelina Vega at ringside. Andrade attempts to take advantage but it is Chad Gable who rolls up Andrade for the win to advance to the semifinals.
Result: Chad Gable via pinfall
My Thoughts:
I have never been interested in a Chad Gable singles match in some time but after witnessing this match, GABLE HAS MADE ME A FAN!! With his amateur wrestling background, you can see the natural gift he has inside the ring. I am not trying to be cheesy or corny but I see a lot of Kurt Angle in him rather than I do with Jason Jordan (in storyline, his illegitimate son). Gable might be a sleeper in this tournament as we may see him go straight to the finals. Does that mean winning the tournament will further boost his career further into possibly championship gold? I sure do hope so!

Match #4: Shelton Benjamin vs. Aleister Black
During the commercial break, it was established that Shelton Benjamin answers the challenge of the Dutch Destroyer. The bell rings and after a back and forth exchange, Black hits a Black Mass sending Benjamin to the outside. After meeting back in the ring, Black lights up Shelton with a vicious combination of kicks and knee strikes before ultimately hitting one more Black Mass for the win.
Result: Aleister Black via pinfall
My Thoughts:
Typical Aleister Black match. Although, I do love how Shelton Benjamin was showcased tonight! Finally nice to see him actually showcased as the veteran star he is and not just as the guy staring off into the sunset and calling Chad Gable short stuff every freaking segment on SmackDown. Pretty cool to see!

Match #5 – Shinsuke Nakamura (with Sami Zayn) vs. Local Competitor (Not Named Anthony Howard)
Before the match begins, Sami Zayn cuts a promo on praising Nakamura as the Intercontinental champion. He then states that he will preview what he will do to The Miz at Clash of Champions.
The match starts and Shinsuke Nakamura starts to brutalize the local competitior. He then hits brutal knee strikes in the corner, followed by a running knee strike. He then finishes with a Kinsasha to win the match with ease.
Result: Shinsuke Nakamura via pinfall
My Thoughts:
I did not get the jobber’s (I mean local competitor’s) name so excuse me as I will give my thoughts on this squash match while Sami Zayn was yelling like a cheerleader on the microphone was simple and straight to the point. I do not understand the pairing of the Intercontinental Champion and Sami Zayn but I do like that they somehow have the capability to make the odd pairing work and somewhat entertaining.

In-Ring Segment – Daniel Bryan Demands an Apology From Roman Reigns (Daniel Bryan, Roman Reigns, and Rowan)
Daniel Bryan appears to the Norfolk crowd, angry but commends the crowd on believing him.. Bryan then rants on by saying that he has been accused of being guilty of Rowan’s actions. He pleads that no matter what his opinions are, he is NOT A LIAR. He goes onto callout Roman Reigns to demand an apology for calling him a liar, even if he does hate liars himself. Roman Reigns appears but in the process, Rowan comes from behind and blindsides Reigns with an attack, even throwing him through the steel steps. Rowan then hits a powerbomb to Reigns on the steel ring post. He then sends him into the ring where he finally hits a claw slam. Rowan then states that Bryan does not control him anymore, which I am thinking he is babyface. It is actually revealed that Rowan did this all on his own and continues the assault on Roman. Bryan asks Rowan why and keeps slapping him consistently. The show ends with Rowan putting Daniel Bryan through the announce table and standing tall.
My Thoughts:
There are so many questions I have running through my mind right now after the show went to black from what to why? What caused Daniel Bryan to turn into a potential babyface again? What opened creative’s eyes to actually use Rowan effectively and sufficiently? Why have Bryan slap Rowan multiple times and yell that he hates liars? I think this storyline has gotten me at the edge of my seat however, the match at Clash of Champions between the two is not fitting given that “all titles are on the line”. So what logical sense does that give to this rivalry? I think this should have cultivated at Summerslam where Roman overcomes Rowan and get the win there whereas today we see this during the wrong pay-per-view to do it in. 

Final Thoughts
For my return back, this was quite the interesting episode of SmackDown Live to return to! Do I believe that this episode was incredible? – No. Do I believe that this episode had its best and worst moments? – Yes. I firmly believe that the main event segment of this week’s show left me in awe and baffled with multiple questions – such as who is the heel? – who is the babyface? I assume that Daniel Bryan at this point after tonight is a tweener, which states that he is in the process of being both heel and babyface. Having Rowan as the monster heel is excellent in the sense that for so long, he has been known as the weak link in tag teams and factions such as The Wyatt Family and The Bludgeon Brothers. However, I love the way WWE has showcased him as a real dominant force! To each is own, I think tonight was a great reminder that there are great moments in World Wrestling Entertainment that we sometimes forget happened. Having Sonya and Mandy put their names into the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship picture is huge! The former Tough Enough competitors are proving yet again why they are passionate workers who strive to be the best (excluding Mandy Rose). I have seen great episodes of SmackDown and then I have seen worst. This show, I came in with a different critique than my other reviews given that for the past several weeks, we have seen this nonstop travesty known as the wild card rule take place. I do hope that we can see better show structure on the countdown towards SmackDown on Fox come October. If World Wrestling Entertainment continues to repeat its rotation of squash matches and Aleister Black wanting more competition without the consent of The Fiend, this will be pre-WWE Draft 2016 all over again. With that said, I hope nothing but the best from the blue brand as the feel for Clash of Champions get closer and closer. To my fellow peeps, see you next week!