Reviews

The John Report: WWE Smackdown 05/07/21 Review

By John Canton • Published 7th May 2021

Welcome to this week’s WWE Smackdown review. Last week’s show was awesome thanks to that incredible Roman Reigns victory over Daniel Bryan, which means that Bryan is banished from Smackdown. Bryan lost because his WWE contract legitimately expired after last week’s Smackdown and we don’t know if he’s going to re-sign with WWE or head somewhere else. This week’s Smackdown is advertising a great match also with Cesaro facing Seth Rollins in a WrestleMania rematch.

From the WWE ThunderDome at the Yuengling Center in Tampa Bay, Florida, this is Smackdown for episode #1133. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport. Please visit TJRWrestling.net daily for our regular updates on the wrestling business featuring WWE news coverage along with reviews about wrestling’s past and present. Let’s get to it.

The opening video package featured some old-school WWF graphics and then the classic WWE logo. They weren’t using old Smackdown graphics. It was more like 1980s style graphics.

Michael Cole and Pat McAfee were at ringside with Cole wearing a jean-style shirt while McAfee was in a baby blue suit like a future billionaire in reference to Vince McMahon. Cole mentioned that it was a throwback weekend on Fox, so that’s why WWE is doing it. There was a graphic that showed the Smackdown fist, but they did not bring the fist back for the set.

They showed a replay of the first episode of Smackdown in August 1999 when Triple H beat The Rock to retain the WWE Championship thanks to an assist from corrupt referee Shawn Michaels. Good choice for an opening main event.

Let’s Hear from Roman Reigns

Roman Reigns made his entrance with Paul Heyman and Jey Uso with Paul carrying the Universal Title. Reigns had on an “Acknowledge Me” shirt as he held up the title before giving it back to Heyman. They had a Progressive Match Flo replay showing highlights of the great Reigns/Bryan match from last week’s Smackdown that Reigns won clean. Due to the loss, Bryan is “banished” from Smackdown.

Heyman said that Reigns has asked Paul to eulogize the career of Roman’s victim Daniel Bryan. Heyman called for a ten bell salute, but didn’t need the timekeeper’s help. Heyman said “ding” ten times while Reigns laughed about it.

Reigns said that he’s a man of his word because he did what he said he was going to do. Reigns said that you should acknowledge him, celebrate him and thank him because he always gives you what you want. Reigns said he gives Fox and Smackdown what they want and he even gave Daniel Bryan what he wanted. Reigns said he smashed ‘em, pinned him and got rid of him. Reigns said if Bryan wanted to be here then all he had to do was acknowledge Reigns, so then they got rid of him. Reigns said with Bryan’s absence, they replaced him with somebody who most certainly will acknowledge him.

Jimmy Uso is back! Great to see Jimmy back in action after missing one year with a torn ACL at last year’s WrestleMania. Jimmy hugged brother Jey, shook hands with cousin Roman and hugged him. Jimmy also shook Heyman’s hand as well.

Analysis: Welcome back Jimmy. I figured he would be back sooner because an ACL tear usually means about ten months out, but he missed over a year since last year’s WrestleMania. The Usos together again is a great sight although Jey did very well on his own.

Cesaro showed up with the interruption wondering if Reigns said that he replaced Daniel Bryan. Cesaro said that you can never replace Daniel Bryan. Cesaro said that he has no time for Roman because he’s got the match with Seth Rollins to focus on, so then Seth attacked Cesaro from behind.

Cesaro and Rollins got into a brawl on the ramp. It was broken up by referees along with officials like Shane Helms and Jamie Noble.

Teddy Long showed up to make an announcement since it’s throwback Smackdown. Long said he was given the authority from Adam Pearce with Long saying that if Cesaro beats Seth Rollins tonight then Cesaro will get to challenge Reigns for the Universal Title at WrestleMania Backlash.

Reigns knocked Cesaro out of the ring and then Rollins sent Cesaro into the steel steps. Rollins attacked Cesaro in the ring as well and they went to break there. That match is next.

Analysis: I thought they would save Rollins vs. Cesaro for the main event, but the advantage of going earlier is you don’t have to worry about time as much if it’s going to be a longer match. Nice cameo appearance by Teddy Long. Can’t have a Throwback Smackdown without Teddy there to make an announcement and hopefully set up a tag team match at some point too.

(Commercial)

They had Lord Alfred Hayes’ voice saying “promotional consideration” leading to an ICOPRO commercial for about five seconds. Love that! You’ve gotta want it, pal! That’s more of 1993 WWE. Some stuff earlier was from the 1980s. Teddy Long appearing is more 2000s era.

Cesaro vs. Seth Rollins

Jimmy and Jey Uso were watching from ringside. Rollins was aggressive early on with a Slingblade neckbreaker for a two count. Rollins tossed Cesaro out of the ring, then into the barricade and ring apron multiple times. Reigns and Heyman were shown watching on a TV in the dressing room. Heyman was actually staring at Reigns, which is funny. Cesaro went for a press slam, but Rollins slipped out of that and kicked the leg of Cesaro for a two count. Cesaro showed off some incredible power as he lifted up Rollins for a delayed vertical suplex. Cesaro with uppercuts, then two more running uppercuts and a discus clothesline for Brodie/Harper for a two count. Cesaro kept on going for pin attempts. Rollins avoided a Neutralizer, he sent Cesaro to the apron and Cesaro hit a forearm to the head. Cesaro went up top, Jey with a distraction, so Rollins popped up to the top rope and hit a superplex into a Falcon Arrow slam for a two count. Rollins has done that many times and it always looks impressive for a two count. Rollins was staring at the Usos standing outside the ring and the show went to break.

(Commercial)

The match returned with each man getting two counts. Cesaro took control with a Sharpshooter, Rollins crawled to the ropes and Cesaro went for a Crossface, but Rollins got out of it leading to a forearm to the back. Rollins with a spin kick to the face for a two count. Cesaro had Rollins on his shoulder and sent Rollins ribs first across the top rope. Cesaro went for a suplex off the ropes, Rollins landed on his feet and Rollins hit a Buckle Bomb, but Cesaro came back with a huge clothesline. Both guys were down selling for a bit. Cesaro worked over Rollins with forearms, Rollins used his legs to monkey flip Cesaro over the top to the floor near where both Usos were. Seth told Jey he didn’t need his help and told him that he isn’t Roman, so stay out of his business. Jey touched Rollins, so Rollins shoved Jey down. Jimmy hit a superkick on Rollins. Cesaro, who was in the ring during this, left the ring and knocked down Jimmy on the floor. Back in the ring, Cesaro hit the Neutralizer on Rollins for the pinfall win after 12 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Cesaro

Analysis: ***1/4 It was a pretty good match, but not as good as their WrestleMania match. This was more about the story of Rollins in control early, Cesaro came back and then the Usos involvement ended up costing Rollins the match even though they were there to prevent Cesaro from winning. That took away from the match a bit because the focus went on the Usos too much instead of the guys in the match. Anyway, good for Cesaro to win a match like that. Rollins put over Cesaro twice although this one wasn’t as clean as WrestleMania.

Cesaro celebrated the win to earn a Universal Title match. Roman Reigns was not happy as he watched in his dressing room. Jey and Jimmy left looking upset about what happened with Jey saying that Jimmy messed up.

(Commercial)

It’s official for WrestleMania Backlash on May 16: Roman Reigns defending the Universal Title against Cesaro. A replay was shown of what happened in that match.

Analysis: I expect Reigns to retain the title, but I’m happy for Cesaro getting that kind of push.

Seth Rollins was in Roman Reigns’ office with Seth saying that son of a bitch Jimmy cost him the match. Seth mentioned he goes back a long way with Reigns, but he didn’t like what happened. Reigns wasn’t happy either. Reigns said he needed Seth to understand where Roman is coming from. Reigns said that he’ll deal with Cesaro because that’s what he does and when it comes to his family, he’ll handle that. Seth said that we’re cool and said that Reigns better handle it or Seth will.

A classic Smackdown moment was shown from December 13, 2001 when Steve Austin beat up Booker T in a supermarket. “Price check on jackass.” Classic.

Analysis: That was one of the most fun non-wrestling segments ever. Austin and Booker were a perfect match for it.

Teddy Long was backstage in the WWE Official office talking to Sonya Deville. Sonya said that Adam Pearce wasn’t there this week and now Teddy was there to work with her. Sami Zayn was excited about Teddy being there while noting there was a massive conspiracy against him. Sami said he was hoping Teddy would give him a match for the Intercontinental Title. Teddy said tonight you will go one on one with The Undertaker, but they laughed because Undertaker is retired. Teddy put Sami in a tag team match with Apollo Crews. Zayn said he didn’t want to tag with him. Teddy announced five guys on the other team, so Sami said that wasn’t fair. Teddy announced it was a 10-man tag team match for later, but he kept getting names wrong because he’s old and forgetful, so he said King Booker and Sonya said it was King Corbin. Anyway, there’s a 10-man tag team match later.

The Usos showed up to talk to Roman Reigns. Roman was mad at Jimmy for screwing things up. Roman said now he has to clean up Jimmy’s mess and Jimmy is making mistakes. Jimmy said you can’t talk to him like you talk to Jey and Jimmy told Roman that he ain’t nobody’s bitch. Jimmy left while Jey went to talk to his brother.

A commercial aired for Booker T’s A&E on Biography on Sunday night. I think I’ll review that on Monday on TJRWrestling.

(Commercial)

The Riott Squad duo of Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan were in the ring. Liv was wearing some very high heels to make her look a lot taller than she is. Carmella made her entrance. No boyfriend Corey Graves there to put her over. She looks pretty good in her “money” attire.

Carmella vs. Ruby Riott (w/Liv Morgan)

Riott with a shoulder tackle, then a kick to the gut and Carmella avoided a suplex leading to a head whip into the mat. Riott used her legs to drive Carmella into the middle turnbuckle. Riott with an armbar and then a legsweep takedown for a two count. It was more like an STO with McAfee saying it was like a Rock Bottom, but not really like that. Carmella superkicked Riott while Ruby was against the turnbuckle. Carmella tried a pin using the ropes, Morgan pointed it out, so Carmella kicked her off the apron. Carmella and Riott exchanged pin attempts, then Carmella put her legs around the throat for the Code of Silence submission hold and Ruby tapped out. It went about three minutes.

Winner by submission: Carmella

Analysis: * A short match to give Carmella a win since she hasn’t done much of late. It’s a way to remind the audience she is one of the main heel women on Smackdown. Ruby has potential for sure, but they just don’t get behind her that much either as a team or as a singles wrestler. I hope it happens for her some day.

A Smackdown history moment was next. They showed a clip from Smackdown on July 4, 2002 when Edge & Hulk Hogan beat Billy & Chuck to win the Tag Team Titles. The fans loved it.

Bayley made her entrance in street clothes. Bayley will challenge Bianca Belair for the Smackdown Women’s Title at WrestleMania Backlash on May 16. Bayley gets promo time after the break.

(Commercial)

A Smackdown history moment was shown from June 12, 2003. That was the night when Brock Lesnar gave Big Show a superplex and it imploded the ring. The fans went crazy for it. The show ended like that. It was a huge moment that is arguably the greatest moment in Smackdown history.

Let’s Hear from Bayley

Bayley said to be in a WWE ring, you have to be a superstar. Bayley said that just because you are a superstar doesn’t mean it makes you a great champion. Bayley pointed out her 380-day reign as the Smackdown Women’s Champion. Bayley said that she was there to pay tribute to some of their fellow Women’s Champions. Bayley wanted us to remember some of the women while pointing Alundra Blayze, who held the title for three years. Bayley mentioned Jacqueline as a Cruiserweight Champion and she held the Women’s Title twice while Bayley continued to put over herself. Bayley mentioned her childhood Lita, then Trish Stratus and the classic Ivory. Bayley also mentioned Beth Phoenix and the latest inductee into the Hall of Fame, Molly Holly. Bayley even mentioned the newest champion Bianca Belair. There were “EST” chants piped into the building.

Analysis: Thank you for not mentioning former Women’s Champion Harvey Wippleman.

Bayley said that Belair is so naïve and so blind to the world around her. Bayley said that Belair has no idea what she has in store for her. Bayley said that like all of those other women, Belair is not on Bayley’s level. Bayley said that she sees insecurity in Bianca’s eyes and Bayley said that she is going to beat Bianca at WrestleMania Backlash, so Bayley will show us that she was right about Bianca all along.

Bianca Belair made her entrance as the Smackdown Women’s Champion. Belair said she was living her best life and it’s only going to get better at WrestleMania Backlash. Belair said that she is not insecure. Belair said that it is her confidence that bothers Bayley, so she thanked Bayley for her “concern” and said that Bayley should be worried about herself. Belair said that she is on her way to becoming the longest reigning Smackdown Women’s Champion. Bayley laughed to cut off Belair from saying more. Bayley tried a takedown, but Belair tossed Bayley across the ring and then Belair kicked Bayley repeatedly. Belair tossed Bayley across the ring and hit a dropkick. Bayley kicked the leg of Belair and pulled on the earring. Bayley stood on Bianca’s hair and stomped on her. Bayley hit her finishing move sending Belair face first into the mat. Nobody tried to break it up. Bayley left standing tall.

Analysis: This was solid. Belair is getting better at promos every week while Bayley is always good at them. Bayley is an egotistical heel that kept putting herself over while Belair always has a lot of confidence. I think they’ll have a good match at WrestleMania Backlash.

Jimmy Uso was in a hallway with Jey going up to Jimmy asking Jimmy if he thinks Jey is Roman’s bitch. Jimmy said that they are the best tag team in WWE. Jimmy said that Roman Reigns is the champion because of Jey. Jey said that Roman is family that takes care of all of them. Jimmy told Jey that he needs him and they need eachother. Jimmy said that if you want to talk about family then picture this: Roman Reigns as Universal Champion and The Usos as Tag Team Champions – that’s representing the family. Jimmy left while Jey had to think about it.

Analysis: I like how they are booking this angle. Jimmy is supporting his brother, but he wasn’t ready to buy into what Roman is doing yet and that’s fine because it should take time to get everybody on the same page.

Rey Mysterio entered with his son Dominik. Rey faces Dolph Ziggler after the break.

(Commercial)

The next classic Smackdown moment was from June 27, 2002 when John Cena debuted against Kurt Angle with the “Ruthless Aggression” promo. After the match, The Undertaker told Cena he did a nice job.

The Smackdown Tag Team Title match at WrestleMania Backlash will see Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode defending the gold against Rey & Dominik Mysterio.

Dolph Ziggler made his entrance with Robert Roode. Ziggler said there are no better two throwbacks than the Dirty Dogs. Ziggler said that he can go toe to toe with Rey all night long while saying that Dominik didn’t really belong there. Ziggler said that Dominik doesn’t deserve in this ring or this company because he is just Rey Mysterio’s little kid. Ziggler told Dominik to get the hell out of his ring. Dominik told Rey that he’ll take the match instead.

Dominik Mysterio (w/Rey Mysterio) vs. Dolph Ziggler (w/Robert Roode)

Ziggler shoved Dominik, so Dominik shoved back and Ziggler slapped him in the face. Dominik came back with his own slap followed by a dropkick out of the ring. Dominik to the apron, Ziggler tripped him up and hit a body slam on the floor. They went back into the ring with Ziggler kicking the knee and then a neckbreaker for two. Ziggler with a body slam. Dominik countered a suplex with an inside cradle for a three count. It went two minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Dominik Mysterio

Analysis: * A quick match to put over Dominik since Ziggler talked trash about him. I liked the finish because it was better than the ROLLUP OF DEATH~! we usually see in a match like that. Typical WWE booking to have a champion lose a non-title match to build up to the PPV match.

They showed a clip of Tamina and Natalya beating Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax in a non-title match last week. On Talking Smack, Tamina delivered a fired up promo: “Do you feel my passion?” Tamina did a good job there.

Kayla Braxton has some big throwback hair look and she interviewed Reginald, who is in a match. Reginald did a promo saying that next week, Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler will beat Natalya & Tamina to remain the Women’s Tag Team Champions. Reginald entered with Jax and Baszler for Reginald’s match up next.

(Commercial)

There was a promotional consideration video featuring Hacksaw Jim Duggan promoting WWE ice cream bars. Classic!

It was time for a classic Smackdown moment. They showed Smackdown on November 11, 1999 when Arnold Schwarzenegger was presented with a WWE Title. Arnold also did a backhand to Triple H and then some punches.

Roman Reigns was in his office telling Paul Heyman to bring him his cousin. Paul asked which one, Roman just stared and Paul said he understood.

Tamina made her entrance with Natalya. The Women’s Tag Team Title match is on Smackdown next week with Jax/Baszler defending the titles against Natalya/Tamina.

Tamina (w/Natalya) vs. Reginald (w/Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler)

Tamina went for a superkick, but Reginald did a backflip to avoid her and get out of the ring. When Tamina went for clotheslines, Reginald did another flip to avoid Tamina. There was a spot where Tamina grabbed his head, but then Reginald landed on his feet again. Tamina tossed Reginald into the turnbuckle. Reginald went to the top of the ring post, then Tamina charged and Reginald jumped over her. Reginald celebrated that, so Tamina hit a superkick on Reginald. Baszler grabbed Tamina and Jax also got involved so it was a DQ. This went two minutes.

Winner by disqualification: Tamina

Analysis: 1/4* Bad match where Reginald isn’t allowed to do anything to Tamina, but she can hit him and she did one move.

Post match, Jax and Baszler attacked Tamina and they sent Natalya out of the ring. Baszler stomped on the right arm of Tamina. Jax put Tamina on her shoulders and then Jax gave Tamina a Samoan Drop into the barricade. Jax told Tamina not to disrespect Reginald like that.

Analysis: The heel champions get the advantage going into the title match next week. I think Tamina and Natalya should win the titles on next week’s Smackdown.

Apollo Crews, the Intercontinental Champion, did a promo saying he would lead his team to victory tonight. Crews was standing by with King Corbin, Sami Zayn, Chad Gable, Otis and then Commander Azeez was there as well.

The five man babyface team of Big E, Shinsuke Nakamura, The Street Profits and Kevin Owens stood together. They mentioned it was Kevin’s birthday (he is 37 years old). Nakamura said that “we want the smoke” so they were all excited. The ten man tag team match is next.

(Commercial)

The ten guys were all at ringside to start the match, so no entrances were shown.

Apollo Crews, Sami Zayn, King Corbin, Chad Gable & Otis (w/Commander Azeez) vs. Kevin Owens, Shinsuke Nakamura, Big E, Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins

Dawkins started with Gable with some good mat wrestling including a flapjack. Ford tagged in with a dropkick on Gable for two. Gable with a two hand thrust to the throat of Ford. Crews with a body slam on Ford, Zayn tagged in and worked over Ford with punches. Zayn choked Ford against the middle rope. Zayn did a backflip to get free and then he hit a dropkick. Big E tagged in, so Corbin battled the big man with Big E hitting a shoulder tackle and then Corbin hit a clothesline. Big E with a running elbow to the face. Corbin sent Big E into the heel corner, the heels got in some cheap shots on Big E, so then Owens went after the heels and after Zayn on the floor. Owens hit a Frog Splash off the apron onto Zayn on the floor. The other guys were brawling around the ring, so it was time for a break.

(Commercial)

Otis was in control of Owens with a chinlock. Otis sent Owens into the heel corner and then hit a running splash. Crews tagged in, Owens with an atomic drop and a step-up enziguri. Gable tripped up Big E on the apron, so then Otis ran over Big E with a body attack on the floor. Owens came back with a spinning kick on Crews. Nakamura tagged in against Zayn with a jumping kick to the face, a kick to Gable and then Nakamura with a spin kick on Zayn. Nakamura hit the sliding German Suplex on Zayn for a two count. Nakamura jumped off the ropes with a jumping kick to Zayn for two. Corbin sent Nakamura out of the ring. Big E with a belly to belly suplex on Corbin, Crews with a German Suplex on Big E, Owens with a Stunner on Crews. Otis went after Owens on the floor, but then Gable hit a German Suplex on Owens on the floor. Dawkins ran over Gable, Otis knocked down Dawkins and Ford hit a somersault dive over the top onto Otis. Corbin tagged back in, Nakamura didn’t see and Corbin hit the End of Days slam on Nakamura for the pinfall win after about 11 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Apollo Crews, Sami Zayn, King Corbin, Chad Gable & Otis

Analysis: ***1/4 This was an entertaining match with a lot of action towards the finish, which is typical of WWE tag team matches these days. I was a bit surprised that it was Corbin pinning Nakamura in the match since they’re not really in any storylines right now, so if it was Crews pinning Big E or Owens it would have furthered those stories along. It’s not a major complaint, though. Corbin has nothing going on and really hasn’t had that much to do this year, which is why it surprised me that he won, but I think it’s a case of the creative team likely thinking that Corbin needed a win. I liked the match overall.

Roman Reigns was shown in his office talking to Jey Uso saying that they have put in hard work and Jey was there for him. Reigns said that they do it for the family, he loves Jey and he loves Jimmy, so he wants to give him the same opportunities to rise to the occasion. Reigns said he needs to know where Jimmy stands. Roman said we’ll find out right now and they left.

(Commercial)

There was a Smackdown history video when Eddie Guerrero gave Vince McMahon a ride in the lowrider.

Let’s Hear from Roman Reigns

It was main event promo segment time with Roman Reigns in the ring with Jey Uso and Paul Heyman. Reigns said this was not how he envisioned the night going. Jimmy’s music played to end it.

Jimmy Uso joined his family and Heyman in the ring. Jimmy asked Jey where is he standing? Jimmy said when Jey fought Reigns, it was an “I Quit” match and Jey wouldn’t say “I Quit” for nothing. Jimmy noted that cousin Roman Reigns gave him the Guillotine and choked Jimmy out. Jimmy said that Jey quit for Jimmy because he loves Jimmy and didn’t want Jimmy to get hurt. A video package aired of the Roman/Jey match at Hell in a Cell from last October. Good drama there.

Jimmy told Jey don’t get hot (mad) at him for this and Jimmy said if it was him, he would never say “I Quit” to Reigns, no matter what.

Reigns said that Jey and Roman have moved forward. Reigns said he is not going to go back and forth with Jimmy. Reigns told Jimmy to fall in line, stand with them and acknowledge Reigns or you can take your ass home. Reigns said that when you turn on the TV, explain to your kids why you are sitting with them watching the Tribal Chief and THE Uso (Jey). Jimmy backed out of the ring and walked up the ramp, but then he stopped himself. Jey went up to Jimmy on the floor, Jey said that he should just acknowledge Reigns and then they can go back to doing their thing.

Cesaro attacked Reigns in the ring, Jey went into the ring to try to help Reigns and Cesaro beat up Jey as well. Jimmy went into the ring, Jimmy punched Cesaro, but then Cesaro hit Jimmy with an uppercut. Cesaro hit the Neutralizer on Jey Uso. Cesaro delivered the Neutralizer to Reigns as well. Cesaro left the ring while Reigns and his cousins were down in the ring. That was the end of the show.

Analysis: There were more seeds of doubts from Jimmy Uso since he wasn’t sure about helping Reigns and Jey until Cesaro showed up with the attack. Jimmy tried to help at that point, but Cesaro looked strong here as he managed to hit his finisher on Reigns and Jey along with a huge uppercut on Jimmy as well. It was effective in terms of putting over Cesaro in a way that shows that he could be a threat to Roman’s Universal Title. I don’t expect Cesaro to beat Reigns for the Universal Title, but they should have a great match.

Three Stars of the Show

Cesaro
Seth Rollins
Jimmy Uso/Roman Reigns – Welcome back Jimmy.

The Scoreboard

7 out of 10

Last week: 8.5

2021 Average: 7

Final Thoughts

It was a good episode of Smackdown in terms of solid in-ring action, a lot of promos that were delivered well and an easy show to get through as usual. It wasn’t at the level as last week’s outstanding show, but Smackdown continues to be a well-booked show from top to bottom. Everything that happens usually makes sense. The opening match with Cesaro beating Rollins and the 10-man tag team match were the best matches.

Cesaro was featured a lot since he interrupted the Roman Reigns promo to start, then Cesaro beat Seth Rollins and then Cesaro attacked Reigns during the Roman promo segment in the main event. I was happy to see Jimmy Uso back after missing the past year with a torn ACL knee injury. Jimmy did not “acknowledge” Reigns yet, but I think that’s where it is headed.

The “Throwback Smackdown” concept wasn’t that big of a deal. There were some clips from the past, some different kinds of graphics and a Teddy Long cameo. It certainly could have been more, but they didn’t do that much in terms of throwing it back to the past. There was stuff going back to the 1980s, then the 1990s and into the 2000s as well. If you went into the show with high expectations for the “Throwback Smackdown” idea then you might be disappointed. I had low expectations for it, so I wasn’t mad about it.

The next WWE PPV is called WrestleMania Backlash on May 16th. Here’s what we know so far.