SmackDown In A Nutshell: Will Otis Cash In Tonight?

It’s our first SmackDown following an interesting Money In The Bank. That means we get our SmackDown In A Nutshell, with the big question being: will Otis cash in tonight?

In all honesty, I hope that WWE doesn’t do another cash in sans fans. Monday’s women’s cash-in was because of a most unique scenario, but lacking fans took something away.

So will Otis cash in tonight? Let’s be honest…until Otis cashes in, that will be a question we ask EVERY time Otis is at a show.

What else can we look forward to, other than a possible Otis cash-in? How about the Intercontinental Championship tournament!

That’s right folks. Unless you missed it this week, you should know that WWE stripped Sami Zayn of the title.

The premise is both sound and absurd. Sound, because you want the belt defended and Zayn has said he will be staying away during the pandemic.

Absurd, because WWE said no one would be punished if they stayed away out of concern for their health (ask Roman how that’s working out for him…). Instead of doing an odd interim champion (like NXT is for the cruisers), WWE stripped Zayn…

So, let’s crack open this SmackDown In A Nutshell and see if Otis is cashing in tonight!

Best Match of the night:

I have to go with Bryan versus Gulak. I like them both, and they are technically proficient.

Downside is, one doesn’t advance…and I think this match, in front of the right audience, would have done very well.

Worst match of the night:

For as long as Baron Corbin and Elias went, I would have expected or wanted a more impressive match, if that makes sense? Not bad for them, but it was the longest match on the card I believe.

Star of the Night

I can’t name a star, honestly. I mean, Otis, maybe, but I am not sold on it.

Spot of the Night:

Not much to love…but how about this?

Upset of the Night:

Dana Brooke took Naomi out in just a few minutes. Maybe it wasn’t a huge upset, but it kind of felt like one.

Holy Sh** Moment of the Night:

Really don’t have anything for this spot.

LOL Moment of the night:

Braun Strowman attempting the caterpillar with Otis. OK, he actually did pull it off…but man it looked bad.

Noteworthy Moment:

We knew we were getting an Intercontinental Championship tournament. We did not necessarily know we were getting AJ Styles jumping over from RAW to take a shot at winning the belt.

I like that. Perhaps WWE goes in that direction?

Just thinking things through, who in the field would both be a good champion, and make for a good opponent for whenever Zayn returns? Assuming the belt does not change hands again between now and then, of course.

Overall lowlights:

I didn’t like Charlotte being on SmackDown, and I thought the segment left much to be desired. I wasn’t alone.

Also…still no hacker reveal.

Overall highlights:

Liking AJ Styles chasing the IC strap.

Gulak and Bryan was a strong match.

Otis could be quite fun with the briefcase.

After the final bell:

Wasn’t a bad show. The tournament bracket looks interesting, with a couple strong matches lined up for the next SmackDown.