SmackDown In A Nutshell: Who Framed Buddy Murphy?

It’s Tuesday, which means we get to enjoy another two hours of SmackDown Live. Tonight, the revived King of the Ring tournament continues, after it kicked off Monday on RAW. On top of that, Daniel Bryan has promised to reveal who he claims was attacking Roman Reigns. So, will we actually find out who framed Buddy Murphy? Let’s crack open this Nutshell and find out!

Best Match of the night:

I will take Buddy Murphy versus Daniel Bryan. This is twice in two shows where Murphy takes part in this. Some might have questioned his addition to the blue brand, but once he’s gotten into the ring he’s done well to silence anyone who doubted.

Worst match of the night:

Kevin Owens and Elias. Not that the match itself was bad…but I am tired of Shane and this “don’t hit the official who isn’t really an official” stuff going on. Now, if they give us a very good payoff, then I might change this view. For now, I am over that.

Star of the Night

Buddy Murphy. Not even close.

Spot of the Night:

Buddy Murphy is just so fun to watch.

Nice Trouble in Paradise from behind to Orton.

Upset of the Night:

Buddy Murphy over Daniel Bryan, hands down.

This one does surprise me a bit, only because it begs the question…is Buddy a face or a heel? He lost in a great match with Roman, after Roman had pummeled him…but he got pummeled by Bryan and Rowan too. It will be interesting to see how he gets positioned moving forward, but in two weeks, he’s acquitted himself nicely.

Holy Sh** Moment of the Night:

I am still not sure Bayley can get herself over like Becky…but dropping Charlotte on A Moment Of Bliss is at least a step in the right direction.

Noteworthy Moment:

Andrade moves on in the King of the Ring, as does Elias…though Elias had a massive assist from a fast count via Shane McMahon.

Kofi Kingston got a measure of revenge against Randy Orton and The Revival. Having him take on, and largely take out, all three heels makes Kingston look strong. I do like how the Orton/Kingston feud is developing, and I wouldn’t entirely dislike seeing Orton actually win the belt eventually.

Overall lowlights:

Really not digging the “screw Kevin Owens” theme of late. Shane does it again, and it was both all too obvious and all too tiresome.

Also, the “payoff” of the whodunnit with Daniel Bryan? Total bust. I figure there has to be more coming, but tonight’s grand reveal was bad.

Overall highlights:

Buddy Murphy…more please. I know there are rumblings that 205 Live is going to go away, and maybe it should…because it seems a ton of talent is stuck on that show and not getting to show off more on the main roster. Look at Cedric Alexander and Ali as other great examples. Heck, even Drake Maverick, sort of.

Liked the fire from Kingston.

After the final bell:

This was sort of a tale of two shows. Maybe not two, but we had some good stuff-Buddy Murphy, Kofi Kingston and the like…but then we had more Shane McMahon, and it’s played out.