closer to the castle
source: @wwe, twitter, screenshot

It’s time for another SmackDown In A Nutshell…and in case you missed it, we are getting ever closer to Clash at the Castle.

The big show is set for a week from Saturday in Cardiff.

Which, considering travel logistics for that, probably makes this week our go-home show.

See, we really are getting closer to the Castle.

With that in mind, what can we expect?

No doubt, some final hype for Reigns and McIntyre, our main event for Clash at the Castle.

We have more action in the women’s tag title tournament too. That is getting closer to the Castle too.

Of course, we have to find a new team to advance, as last week’s surprise-Toxic Attraction-is out.

Can Sami Zayn build off of his Canadian love? Will we have someone else new or not so new show up?

Lots of questions, lots to look forward to as we are getting closer to the Castle.

So, no more delays, it is time for…

SmackDown In A Nutshell: Getting Closer To The Castle

Let’s crack open this Nutshell and find out!

Best Match of the night:

By default, if nothing else (OK, it was not that bad), but McIntyre versus Sami Zayn.

We all know Zayn is heading for a tragic turn, but enjoy his brilliance all the same.

closer to the castle

source: @wwe, twitter, screenshot

Drew was

Worst match of the night:

Understanding the winners were wrestling twice tonight, the last chance four team match in the women’s tournament was just too short.

source: @wwe, twitter, screenshot

If there was concern for wrestling twice in a night, either have the last chance qualifier open the show…or have it happen on RAW.

Star of the Night

Sami Zayn and the Bloodline. Because of the match, and a great locker room segment too.

closer to the castle

source: @wwe, twitter, screenshot

Spot of the Night:

It wasn’t even a spot, but this sequence was absolutely awesome.

I am not saying it’s never been done before…it probably has been, somewhere.

But having Sheamus and Gunther stare each other down, while Ludwig, Butch and Ridge brawl around them?

Super slick. Also kind of why the break-up of Imperium wasn’t ideal…but who knows if that doesn’t get fixed.

Jobber of the Night:

I kind of want to say Sonya Deville and Natalya.

They won the last chance match, and just a short while later, lost to Raquel and Aliyah.

If not them…I don’t know.

Upset of the Night:

Non-match: Street Profts, upset at Maximum Male Models for tagging their bus (thanks to Los Lotharios).

Match-wise:

Holy Sh** Moment of the Night:

Had to see it coming, but New Day suckered The Viking Raiders in.

Now, those of us watching on TV had to figure out there was a ruse…I mean, how else does Xavier Woods get into the ring with a wheel chair, unless he wasn’t wheeled in…

But…it was still fun.

Botch of the night:

Woods tossed Kofi his kendo stick, and it was not a clean hand off at all.

Sonya called Megan “Morgan”. It might have been a botch, it might have been purposely bad.

LOL Moment of the night:

As much as some (not many lately I suppose) don’t like the super long run by Reigns…he, and Zayn and the Bloodline…have been gold.

Including, in this case, comedy gold.

Though, Cole reacting to McAfee kissing up was pretty funny too.

source: @wwe, twitter, screenshot

Noteworthy Moment:

Next week, we get the celebration of Reigns being champ for two years.

Now, it’s going to end eventually…but how much longer before it does?

Overall lowlights:

It was not as good as other recent shows. They cannot all be exceptionally outstanding.

I blame some of this on WWE cramming this and next Friday’s show into one evening.

However, it was not horrible.

Worst of the night was how the women’s tag matches were handled. Specifically the last chance four way.

Overall highlights:

Sami Zayn and The Bloodline segment? Gold.

source: @wwe, twitter, screenshot

Drew’s video package, chased by Karrion Kross and Scarlett? Also gold.

It will be nice to see Kross in the ring again…and I am looking forward to seeing what comes next for Maximum Male Models and Hit Row…and Street Profits too.

After the final bell:

I don’t think Sami Zayn will ever hold a WWE world championship…but if he gets a chance, I think he will do great with it.

By the time next week’s show airs, Roman Reigns will have held the big belt for two years. Crazy to think…and who knows when it ends…or who ends it?

By the time we write next week’s Nutshell, well…odds are you will have read the spoilers, with next weeks being taped right after this one.

But, we will be that much closer to Clash at the Castle, and that is exciting.

Mentioned in this article:

More About: