tribal trouble in cell

We wrap up yet another wrestling week with another fine SmackDown In A Nutshell. This week’s theme: tribal troubles headed for Hell In A Cell.

As in, Sunday is the Hell In A Cell PPV, and one of our three promised matches inside the cell will look to settle tribal troubles.

And just what tribal troubles are headed for Hell In A Cell? Well, if you needed any reminding, how about Jimmy and Jey Uso feuding with cousin Roman Reigns.

Of course, Reigns is the recently returned, freshly minted top blue brand heel, complete with Universal Championship and cerebral advisor.

That Universal Championship will be up for grabs on Sunday, as Reigns defends once again against cousin Jey.

We already know that their match will give us the first-ever “I quit” match from within the cell. We’ve been told to expect some tribal consequences, too…but what those are, we don’t yet know.

And, fear not, my friends…there actually ARE other matches set for Sunday’s PPV. We expect more hype for those too!

But, really, it’s a lot of focus on the presumptive main event.

So, tribal troubles are headed for Hell In A Cell!

hell in a cell

Let’s get to it and crack open this Nutshell!

Best Match of the night:

Hands down, this one was Seth Rollins and Buddy Murphy.

This match brought back memories of when Murphy first arrived onto the main roster from NXT and had a series of more and more impressive matches, week after week.

He’s a good hand, and perhaps could be on the verge of a major breakout (beyond already being paired with one of WWE’s top Superstars).

Worst match of the night:

I almost hesitate to call it the worst…as even a bad match served a purpose.

That said, I can offer up a couple choices.

Bianca Belair versus Zelina Vega for one. Lars Sullivan against Shorty G, in what amounted to Shorty G’s last ride, for the other.

Both served purposes, one looking to further establish Belair, one hastening the rebirth of Chad Gable.

Star of the Night

We had several strong showings, but not sure I can really call one and only one a star.

I really enjoyed what we got out of Murphy and Rollins, so I give this one to them.

One thing I will say about those two, however? I almost feel like the Mysterio Family drama is not needed in that program.

Spot of the Night:

There were some interesting sequences, but I feel there was no signature spot. Like, Reigns and Uso roughed each other up…but nothing truly like amazing.

I did like the shot with Uso on the outside of the Cell, staring down at his cousin…but that’s not exactly the spot we look for here.

Jobber of the Night:

As with the worst of the night, I have two options.

Zelina Vega, or Shorty G.

I am kind of inclined to go Shorty G here, since he apparently no longer exists.

Holy Sh** Moment of the Night:

Two choices for me.

One, WWE finally is moving on from Shorty G.

Two, The Usos worked some twin magic of their own, using Jimmy to set up a blindside by Jey.

LOL Moment of the night:

The wrestlers court bits. Interesting and humorous, even if I am not thrilled with the decision.

Noteworthy Moment:

Shorty G is dead. It took a freak…actually, The Freak, to beat the Shorty G gimmick to death…but it has finally happened.

Chad Gable is back!

Also, Roman Reigns introduces Jimmy and Jey (and us) to the tribal consquences. They got quite personal, and the way Reigns outlined things has me thinking…could Jimmy possibly turn on Jey?

Or, if not Jimmy…another Uso relative?

Overall lowlights:

For me, the big bummer, or rather the point of the show I didn’t care for? That would be JBL being bribed into making Otis put his briefcase on the line in a match on Sunday.

Sometimes, a Money In The Bank briefcase winner has no choice but to pass it on (like with Mr. Kennedy, when he was injured).

Otherwise, if you liked Otis enough to have him win it in the Spring, then let him see it through to the cash in.

Overall highlights:

I cannot say how happy I am to see Shorty G finally be over and done with. Now, whether Chad Gable can be much better remains to be seen.

Truth of the matter is, Gable was a strong tag team wrestler with Jason Jordan. With Tucker and Otis split up…why not get Gable and Tucker to team?

Sure, that requires some maneuvering, but it can be done.

After the final bell:

Overall, I liked this show. At one point, I was surprised that WWE was continuing the Uso-Reigns program, but now it’s totally clicking…and if they continue to push the right buttons, it absolutely helps Reigns become the monster heel WWE needs him to be.

So, sure, Bayley and Sasha went after it tonight a bit, and their match looks good but got overshadowed. In reality, WWE had quite a few good things going on…gave us a good show, start to finish.

Heck, the focus was justifiably on the main event action that it’s not impossible to have lost track of our really good opening eight man tag match. It’s a nice feeling to have a show so strong I nearly forget the opening match-and not because it was bad (because that one was not).

So…I don’t know about you, but I am excited to see this tribal trouble headed for Hell In A Cell. Also excited to see the rest of the card on Sunday, too.

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