SmackDown In A Nutshell: Backlash Buildup Almost Done

With just over a week to go until the next PPV, the Backlash buildup is almost done. It’s the end of the week, so of course that means SmackDown In A Nutshell!

Now, while Backlash buildup is almost done, we do still have a couple shows to go. We can expect more build for the two on one match between Braun Strowman and The Miz and John Morrison, for starters.

Otis and his briefcase are still in play too. How might that factor into the Backlash buildup?

We’ve got a week to go. Backlash buildup is almost done.

Let’s crack open this Nutshell and see what happens next!

Best Match of the night:

I have two choices here.

First, Drew Gulak and AJ Styles. Very short, but very enjoyable match.

A match like this makes me hope Gulak gets a better chance at some point.

Then we had our main event. Bayley and Sasha Banks had issues, but they now also have the Women’s Tag Team Championships.

While I am not in love with the title change, it’s clear that it will likely tie in with the expected Bayley and Sasha split that is coming…eventually.

Worst match of the night:

I had two for this spot too.

Was not overly into Lacey Evans and Sonya DeVille. Also was not feeling the hastily tossed together six man tag.

Neither was an abject disaster…I just could have gone with other options.

Star of the Night

I’ve got two choices here.

Choice one, Drew Gulak. He looked excellent, and as a fellow Philly guy, I am a fan.

The other choice? Like it or not, Bayley and Sasha Banks.

That’s what winning the Women’s Tag Team Championships will do for you.

Spot of the Night:

Spots belonged to both The Miz and Morrison, as well as Braun Strowman.

The tag team had fun at Strowman’s expense. They attacked his car and attempted to slime him.

However, the champ did manage to get one back, flipping over the van we were supposed to think they were inside of.

Upset of the Night:

They sure positioned the Drew Gulak win over AJ Styles as a bit of an upset. AJ’s facial expressions did too…

Holy Sh** Moment of the Night:

I am sort of surprised at the property damage involved this week.

Now, I presume this was not live…but that actually makes it worse I think?

With everything going on in the world, it’s probably not the best time to go and have Superstars trash another Superstar’s car, no?

LOL Moment of the night:

Otis just makes me chuckle.

Noteworthy Moment:

With just a couple shows till Backlash, we had to figure the Hardy-Sheamus match would come into play sooner than later.

Rather than drag it out, we got the match confirmed tonight. Hardy of course accused Sheamus of setting him up last week.

There’s going to be more hyping this next week, but the match is booked.

Also, somewhat curious to see what’s going down with Mojo Rawley. Haven’t seen him much lately, but he was back on tonight to discuss his buddy Gronk losing the 24/7 belt.

Considering Gronk has now exited his WWE contract, not sure if anything is simmering, or it was just one last mention of the Bucs tight end.

Overall lowlights:

Looking back on it, I didn’t love how Otis was used.

That said, WWE has done this with past briefcase winners. The case protects them, so they don’t need to be involved in main event storylines.

That, and I still think Otis is cashing in this Sunday.

Overall highlights:

Loved Drew Gulak and AJ Styles, even more because Gulak scored the win.

Not a fan of Bayley or Sasha at the moment, but it was a big win. It’s not hard to imagine the belts factoring in to their next fracture.

After the final bell:

With next week being the go-home show, WWE has some time to work with. That said, they did plenty to get matches for the PPV firmed up.

It will be interesting to see what we get from them next Friday, and of course, from the PPV.