solo sikoa debuts seattle
source: @wwe, twitter, screenshot

It’s another SmackDown in a Nutshell, and this week, Solo Sikoa debuts in Seattle.

Technically, Sikoa debuted for the main roster at Saturday’s Clash at the Castle.

However, this week, Solo Sikoa debuts in the ring in Seattle.

And, he is going to have himself quite the first opponent: One very ticked off Drew McIntyre.

Beyond that, eyes are looking ahead toward Extreme Rules next month.

It’s a long way from Seattle to Philadelphia, but the journey starts now.

Meaning, we can expect some hype already, and perhaps at least one match will be made.

We have a Fatal 5 Way tonight that should give us Liv Morgan’s challenger at the October event.

Beyond that, it’s anyone’s guess. But with that out of the way, it is time for…

SmackDown In A Nutshell: Solo Sikoa Debuts In Seattle

solo sikoa debuts seattle

source: @wwe, twitter, screenshot

Let’s crack open this Nutshell and see how things go!

Best Match of the night:

Going strictly off of fan reaction? The six man tag match, and it wasn’t especially close.

The Brawling Brutes, fresh babyfaces, taking on Imperium.

A match the old boss probably never would have given us, or not given it the time to breathe?

It delivered a great brawl and fans were into it.

McIntyre and Solo was good, even if the ending wasn’t with Sikoa.

Worst match of the night:

I don’t love the semi-pointless 8 man tag. Good to get Superstars TV time, but it wasn’t even like it was all four teams in Monday’s #1 contender’s match.

source: @wwe, twitter, screenshot

And while it was not a bad match…the women’s Fatal 5 way was, I think, a touch too short.

I get the idea of selling Rousey as such a dangerous talent that she can take anyone out in a blink…but a few more minutes would have been OK.

Crowd Chants of the Night:

No chants, but they were a hot crowd.

Star of the Night

Give me the Brawling Brutes and Imperium.

solo sikoa debuts seattle

source: @wwe, twitter, screenshot

Honorable mention to new #1 contender Rousey.

Spot of the Night:

I suppose the closing spot of Karrion Kross choking Drew McIntyre out.

source: @wwe, twitter, screenshot

Only remark though? Drew was either not selling it well, or they were allowing him to fight it a lot more than most.

Like, show us its a killer move, but also that Drew is such a warrior that he’s hanging in a lot longer than normal? Maybe.

Had they let Top Dolla take that leap? No doubt that is on this list.

Jobber of the Night:

For this evening, I have to say it was Otis and Chad Gable.

No match, but they got to go out and get squashed by Braun Strowman.

On one hand, I get it…we need to be rapidly reminded that Strowman is a monster (but…do we really need to be?).

However…this is the second time in a week that Alpha Academy got sacrificed. Is their reward the spot in the #1 contender match on RAW?

Or is it becoming the #1 contenders for the belts?

Upset of the Night:

Nothing tonight.

Holy Sh** Moment of the Night:

While I probably should have seen it coming, I actually thought the main event would have finished without Kross getting involved.

But, he did…and I am going to guess this gives Drew his next program, while clearing Reigns for Kevin Owens perhaps.

Botch of the night:

During the intros for the 8 man tag, the truck put the Los Lotharios chyron up for Maximum Male Models.

Minor oops.

Commentary of the night:

Graves and Cole isn’t bad. But I miss Pat McAfee.

I am waiting to see if we roll in someone different each Friday, or if it’s just going to be Graves.

We could perhaps see Booker T…but honestly, I would not mind seeing Wade Barrett get a chance either.

Or…could WWE bring in someone like…former commentator Mauro Ranallo? Doubtful, but…everyone else is coming back…

LOL Moment of the night:

Sami is just on a different level now. Just funny.

Noteworthy Moment:

Rousey and Baszler are setting the foundation.

source: @wwe, twitter, screenshot

Either for a union, or a future clash. Or, perhaps eventually both.

Only thing perhaps holding them back? Neither is superb on the mic.

Perhaps pair them with a Heyman or MVP type…

Overall lowlights:

My gripes for the night:

-Women’s #1 contender match was too short.

-8 man tag was semi-pointless.

-The announced 4 team match for the next tag title challengers? It’s a lot of the same.

I like Alpha getting another crack, except they’ve been doing jobs. Los Lotharios could be something…but no Hit Row, no MMM, no mystery team even.

Like, we do not need New Day and Street Profits in there for the millionth time. Heck, hot new heels Viking Raiders-dominating the New Day-don’t even get a shot.

I get it, no heels versus heels…but still.

-Mace and Mansoor should not wear short shorts…

-Love the new look Kross…except for the changing the screen to black and white or grayscale or whatever. I hated it when we had the ring bathed in red for Fiend matches, same idea here.

For his entrance? I don’t love it, but it’s temporary.

Otherwise, pass.

Overall highlights:

Overall, I enjoyed yet another SmackDown.

Solid matches top to bottom, with some great action.

And, while Solo Sikoa’s Seattle debut didn’t go completely to plan…it was a good night.

After the final bell:

Pretty good show, and some building blocks laid down as we are now on the road to Extreme Rules.

Next week is Anaheim. By then, we should know who is challenging Jimmy and Jey for the titles.

What else will we know about Extreme Rules by then? Stay tuned!

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