It’s our next to last SmackDown In A Nutshell, and we are basically just waiting for WrestleMania 37.
That may seem like an oversimplification. However, it’s really not.
We have just one more blue brand show between now and WrestleMania 37. That show, as we know, has actually been taped already.
I don’t quite understand the decision to pre-record one of the more pivotal shows of the year, but I trust WWE had some strong reasons.
I suspect part of it was logistical, relative to needing to vacate Tropicana Field…but I digress…
We can expect the triple threat program to heat up even more, now that the match became officially official last week.
Sami Zayn promised us YouTube star Logan Paul as part of his conspiracy theory documentary debut this week. Not sure how excited people will be for that…but cool.
There’s still matches left to be set for WrestleMania. Perhaps some of those get lined up this week.
After all, we are basically just waiting for WrestleMania 37 at this point.
So, what else is left? Not much, just…
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SmackDown In A Nutshell: Just Waiting For WrestleMania 37
Let’s crack things open and find out what comes next!
Best Match of the night:
That would be our main event battle between Jey Uso and Daniel Bryan. The “unsanctioned” bout had a “hold no harm” agreement, to stress the risks…
It did not disappoint, with Daniel Bryan winning the match and ending the night besting both of his WrestleMania opponents.
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There may be fans unhappy with the match becoming a triple threat, but I think this program is one of the few that, heading into next weekend, has actually been built up well.
Worst match of the night:
That opening eight man tag was a train wreck…but it tried.
Natalya and Shayna Baszler? I don’t even know what to say.
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Star of the Night
Tonight was Daniel Bryan’s night to shine. Whether that bodes well for him or not, well, that’s why we are waiting for WrestleMania 37.
Spot of the Night:
Not exactly a shocking spot, but I do rather enjoy seeing Bryan lock Roman Reigns into the Yes Lock. On the ramp, no less.
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Could we see that a week from now? Again, that’s why we are waiting for WrestleMania 37.
Jobber of the Night:
This week was like, a jobber free zone.
Upset of the Night:
Not that it was really an upset…but Natalya beating Shayna Baszler in under a minute in fluky fashion? Sure, why not.
Holy Sh** Moment of the Night:
I have mixed feelings about the whole change of Apollo, but it does at least make him interesting. I think?
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But I think the accent, the presentation and all? It feels a bit contrived.
It makes me think of like, the reverse Kofi Kingston progression. Or even how we first met The Rock..
So, not much of one, but that’s mine for the night.
Botch of the night:
That Apollo Crews accent…
LOL Moment of the night:
Also that Apollo Crews accent.
It makes me cringe, shudder and laugh all at once.
Noteworthy Moment:
So, we are getting a Nigerian Drum Match. Basically a street fight, but, with a different name.
Logan Paul actually showed up. Considering he’s a big YouTuber though…I really don’t know how involving him translates into ratings boosts.
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He’s going to be at WrestleMania 37 too…doing what, or why? No idea…this appearance didn’t do much to set it up, beyond Zayn inviting him.
Overall lowlights:
WrestleMania 37 is the biggest show of the year, as any WrestleMania should be.
We knew when it would be. WWE has known for a year.
While the pandemic has not helped things, at least this time around WWE had time to really prepare.
Yet, here we are, a week away from the event, and we still see some really questionable booking.
Logan Paul, 8 days out? The Women’s Tag Team Championship chaos?
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That’s not even diving into the “WrestleMania 37 Special Edition” of SmackDown next week…which gives us the Andre The Giant Battle Royal.
Like…WrestleMania 37 is now a two night event. That’s at least 5 or 6 hours of show…and we can’t find time for the battle royal on Saturday or Sunday?
That stuff just bothers me.
Overall highlights:
Now, in contrast to that mess, we’ve got Edge, Daniel Bryan and Roman Reigns.
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Perhaps it’s great in spite of WWE writing.
Maybe it’s great because we’ve got two of WWE’s writers (Edge and Daniel Bryan) actually in the main event. And they are working with Reigns, who is getting help from Paul Heyman.
In other words…there’s a lot of creative juice in that main event.
Either they are doing what they can to ensure the rest of the creative team doesn’t goof them up…or they are myopic in their focus and it’s hurting the rest of the card.
Regardless…and there’s time to debate that…the triple threat is shaping up to be one of the best matches on either night.
After the final bell:
It wasn’t a bad show…but I’d say the show was indicative of the card next weekend too.
Lots of good and bad all over the place, with one very strongly focused exclamation point to close it out.
The tag matches could be good, but it’s safe to assume they will be chaotic messes to do little else beyond killing time.
Seth Rollins and Cesaro ought to be one of the better matches, but it seems to be either lost in the shuffle or flying almost under the radar.
I would even say that Apollo and Big E could be better than I figure it would be…but that stipulation could go either way.
We’ve got a couple hours left of SmackDown, and it’s going to be an interesting go-home SmackDown show next week.
Not much left to do but be waiting for WrestleMania 37 at this point!
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