blue brand after backlash
source: @wwe, twitter, screenshot

It’s time for another SmackDown in a Nutshell, and the blue brand is back after last weekend’s Backlash.

So, what can we expect from the blue brand’s first show back after Backlash?

Well, logically it should be about what we can begin to expect at the next big one, which is Hell In A Cell.

Honestly, I do not expect much, if anything, announced. But I bet we see some groundwork.

Either way, the blue brand is going to get back after it following Backlash, so it should be entertaining, right?

With that said, it is time, so let’s get into…

blue brand after backlash

source: @wwe, twitter, screenshot

SmackDown In A Nutshell: Blue Brand Back After Backlash

Let’s crack open this Nutshell and see what happens…

Best Match of the night:

Sami Zayn and Riddle.

Zayn might honestly be the best and most under-rated Superstar on either roster. Maybe not, I admit that’s a bit of hyperbole.

But…he’s a strong mid to upper tier guy, as can be seen by him opening the show with Riddle, and then still interacting with Heyman.

But…yes this was my favorite for the night.

Raquel and Rousey was pretty nice too.

Could even give a nod to Pete Dunne, er Butch, and Kofi.

Worst match of the night:

No complaints tonight.

Star of the Night

Riddle for the win AND the huge knee on Reigns?

Zayn for being Zayn?

Raquel or Ronda or…well…flip a coin. Maybe I was easy to please, but there was a lot to like tonight.

Spot of the Night:

You might just see this one again…

Jobber of the Night:

Poor Drew Gulak.

blue brand after backlash

source: @wwe, twitter, screenshot

Hit the deck harder tonight than his boy Joel Embiid…

Upset of the Night:

Nothing match-wise…but I am sure the Tribal Chief closed the night pretty salty.

Holy Sh** Moment of the Night:

So nice, I trot it out twice…

Like, the spot was great…thats why it got spot of the night.

But…

Riddle just popped Roman Reigns in the jaw.

Pretty big…but I have a feeling that is going to inspire the Tribal Chief to ensure his cousins leave with both RAW and SmackDown titles next week.

source: @wwe, twitter, screenshot

Botch of the night:

Shayna Baszler “kicked” Naomi.

Pat sold the kick.

But watching it live…it sure looked like she whiffed.

LOL Moment of the night:

Orton cutting Riddle off, as Riddle talked about his bedtime routine.

“In my defense…I didn’t know where you were going with that”.

Orton and Riddle are just so good together. It might seriously be Orton’s best work of his long career.

Noteworthy Moment:

Maybe I am reading too much into this…but…

Cody Rhodes spoke in a promo for this July’s Money In The Bank premium live event from Las Vegas.

As he spoke, he said “one male and one female will earn the chance to main event WrestleMania”.

While he is, of course, 100% correct…I feel it’s always been stated as “a future title opportunity”. Like, the Rumble = ‘Mania.

But MITB was always…at any time.

So…

Did WWE just decide that the briefcase is now locking them in to WrestleMania? Because clearly that was a scripted and heavily produced promo.

Words matter.

I cannot imagine WWE would lock in 2 Superstars for an April event the July prior…and also challenge the Rumble benefit.

Overall lowlights:

I can’t complain. Felt like a good and enjoyable SmackDown.

Overall highlights:

Zayn.

Riddle and Zayn.

Reigns, The Uso’s and RK-Bro.

The quality of the Cody/Money In The Bank promo.

After the final bell:

Well, the blue brand got back after Backlash, and they delivered a really good show.

No, there are no matches locked in for next month’s Hell In A Cell…but I can see where things could be heading.

Right off the bat, I think we’ve seen how WWE buys Reigns the June show off. In his main event slot, Reigns basically said he had no one left to smash.

It’s been said McIntyre is next in line, but that WWE is saving that one for, at the soonest, Money In The Bank.

And, I’d bet that there is some underhanded thing in play next Friday when RK-Bro and the Usos tangle. Whatever it is, I bet it leads to a rematch inside Hell In A Cell.

Can you imagine? Either the actual title unification bout, or a re-match for someone to attempt to reclaim the belts.

source: @wwe, twitter, screenshot

Especially if WWE is giving Reigns the show off…that would make a pretty nice main event for a non-major PPV.

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