The John Report: WWE Smackdown Live 07/02/19 Review
Welcome to the WWE Smackdown Live Review right here on TJRWrestling. This is the first WWE Smackdown Live since Eric Bischoff was named the Executive Director of the show. Bischoff was at this show, but it is believed that he hasn’t fully taken over in the position yet. I think it’s more likely to happen after Extreme Rules. Bischoff revealed that he was planning to move near WWE’s home offices in Connecticut next week, so that’s probably when he’ll be more involved. Raw on Monday felt like a different kind of show (and one of the best Raw episodes this year) thanks to the influence of Paul Heyman as the Executive Director. Ratings for Raw went up nearly 10% this week, so that’s a good sign. Fans wanted change because the product was becoming stale and we’ll start to see those changes this month as well as in the months ahead. Here’s hoping it works to make Raw and Smackdown better shows.
Live from San Antonio, Texas, this is Smackdown Live for episode #1037. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport. Thanks to Melo Man for the banner up top. 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.
Smackdown began with a shot of the crowd in San Antonio. The announce team of Tom Phillips, Corey Graves and Byron Saxton welcomed us to the show. They showed a clip from Raw of Braun Strowman tackling Bobby Lashley through the LED boards on the stage and then there were explosives going off after that. They showed Lashley and Strowman being taken away in ambulances after Strowman tackled Lashley through the LED boards on Raw. They said Lashley was released from the local medical facility (hospital) last night while Strowman may have a ruptured spleen.
Analysis: It was a big moment from Raw, so it’s not a surprise that they addressed it here as well. The Strowman injury is just a storyline.
Kevin Owens Show
Kevin Owens entered for his talk show in the ring. There were three leather chairs along with a black carpet in the ring. Owens welcomed us to the Kevin Owens Show. He read stuff on the cards and it was funny as he would read one word on a card. He did it so that he would read “The” on one card and then “Undertaker” on the next card as if he didn’t know. Anyway, he introduced Shane McMahon and Drew McIntyre, who is from Raw as if the brand split matters, as his guests.
Analysis: Raw started with a match, which was a nice change from the normal routine. They didn’t feel the need to do the same thing for Smackdown, so it started with the usual routine.
When Shane got into the ring, he made ring announcer Greg Hamilton give him the “best in the world” introduction that he does so well. Graves said “well done Ham” for that. The three men sat in the three leather chairs with KO calling for footage from Raw. It was a clip of The Undertaker making his entrance, then Shane and Drew left through the crowd and there was no physical confrontation.
Analysis: That’s two Raw recaps in the first eight minutes of this show. When the brand extension actually mattered, they never showed Raw highlights. It takes up time that could be given for fresh content. That’s why I prefer WWE to actually enforce the brand extension.
Shane sarcastically said “spooky” in reply to that and said he’s not afraid of The Undertaker as fans chanted “Undertaker” at them. Shane said he’s on a hot streak since he ran through The Miz, Roman Reigns and they’ll go through Reigns again along with Undertaker at Extreme Rules. Shane informed Drew that it is now a No Holds Barred match.
McIntyre said that Reigns and Undertaker are stepping into the ring with the Best in the World and the most dangerous superstar in the world referring to himself. Drew said that everybody knows what they can do in a regular match, but now it’s No Holds Barred at Extreme Rules. McIntyre said that this will be a vicious, physical assault like nobody has ever seen before. Owens called for specific footage to be shown again. It was the part where Shane and Drew left the ring when The Undertaker made his entrance on Raw.
Owens said that look on Shane’s face made it look like Shane is afraid of The Undertaker. Owens claimed that he’s not afraid of him, there’s just a guttural reaction and it’s just a coincidence you end up in the fourth row. Shane told Owens to be a talk show host, do his job that they agreed upon and read the cards. Owens read the cards saying that Shane beat Roman at Super Showdown without anyone’s help…so then he read another card. Owens read a card asking Shane how it felt to return to WWE in 2016 after seven years and lose to The Undertaker. McIntyre and Shane got in KO’s face.
Dolph Ziggler made the interruption in a suit. Owens told Ziggler yeah it should have been him eight years ago, but it’s not going to happen and he told him to get over it. Ziggler said that everyone in this arena knows he should be WWE Champion right now, which led to boos. Ziggler said that he looked the part while Kevin looks like he should be entering hot dog contests. Owens said that if he entered the hot dog eating contest he would win it unlike Dolph in wrestling matches. Owens and Ziggler said they both wanted to be WWE Champion.
Shane said that he’s not giving them a WWE Title match, but he will make them team up tonight against Heavy Machinery. The winners of that match will be added to the Smackdown Tag Team Title match at Extreme Rules. Shane and Drew left. Owens argued with Ziggler about it, then Owens called for his music to play and he walked away.
Analysis: The way that segment was handled made it seem like Owens will be a babyface. When Owens returned to WWE earlier in the year he was a face, then they turned him heel post WrestleMania mainly because they didn’t have other heels and now it appears as if he’s going to go back to being a face. Owens was really good here in the way he interacted with Shane as well as his rant at Ziggler about how annoying Dolph has been of late. This segment was typical for an opening segment because it set up a match for later.
Daniel Bryan and Rowan were walking backstage with Kayla Braxton showing up for an interview. Bryan said that Shane has been making unpopular decisions while complaining about a third team being added to the Smackdown Tag Team Titles match at Extreme Rules. Bryan said that he and Rowan are going to walk in as the Planet’s Tag Team Champions and walking out as the champions. Bryan and Rowan left with Bryan in a match after the break.
(Commercial)
There was a plug for a Roman Reigns feature article on GQ website.
Big E and Xavier Woods were interviewed by Kayla Braxton in the Gorilla Position. Woods talked about how they are always ready for a fight, so at Extreme Rules they will take back what is theirs while Big E said they will become the Tag Team Champions for the sixth time. Big E did the New Day intro to start his match and they made their entrance. Saxton said it was more exhilarating watching Big E do it live. It does look cool to see him do it. No doubt about that.
Daniel Bryan, who is one half of the Smackdown Tag Team Champions, entered to boos with his tag team partner Rowan joining him at ringside.
Daniel Bryan (w/Rowan) vs. Big E (w/Xavier Woods)
Bryan tried to take down Big E, but Big E caught him with an abdominal stretch followed by some ass spanking. Bryan tried to get some momentum and then he was stopped by a clothesline from Big E. Commercial here in Canada while it was split screen in the US.
(Commercial)
The match returned with Bryan kicking the left knee of Big E while the leg was against the ropes. Bryan with a running dropkick into the left leg. Big E made the comeback with two belly to belly suplex, but Bryan blocked another attempt leading to Bryan kicking the left of Big E. Bryan worked over Big E with kicks to the chest and there’s the belly to belly side suplex by Big E followed by the running splash for a two count. Big E charged at Bryan on the apron, Bryan moved and Big E bumped all the way to the floor. When Bryan charged, Big E hit Bryan with a forearm. Rowan shoved Big E into the ring post and Rowan decked Woods with a forearm. Bryan hit a running knee to Big E and pinned him for the victory after eight minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Daniel Bryan
Analysis: *** Good match that was a reminder of how awesome Bryan is in singles matches as he worked over the leg of Big E and Rowan was a difference maker that helped his partner get the win. Big E did a good job of making the comeback. The crowd was into it. Bryan remains the best wrestler in WWE even though he’s not featured in singles like he used to be. Perhaps that will change in a few months.
R-Truth, the former 24/7 Champion, was interviewed by Kayla Braxton. She wanted to show what happened on Raw, he said no and then they showed the clip of Drake Maverick beating Truth for the 24/7 Title thanks to a luggage attack to the back. Truth said he remembered when he went on his honeymoon, then he said he never got to do it and he kept on rambling. Truth informed us that Hornswoggle (Drake) and his wife were having their honeymoon right here in San Antonio, so he’s going to find them. Truth said he wants to be the 7/11 European TV Champion again, he’s coming for Drake and he wants his “baby” back.
Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross were shown walking backstage. She told Cross to host the “Moment of Bliss” talk show. Bliss said that Cross deserved it while Cross told her that she can’t do that. Bliss said she believed in her. Bayley is the guest on Moment of Bliss again.
(Commercial)
A Moment of Bliss hosted by Nikki Cross
Nikki Cross was excited to be the host of the talk show. The two white chairs were on the stage. Cross started with a hello to San Antonio. Cross thanked somebody she admires the most: “I love you, Alexa Bliss.” She said it was a special edition of A Moment of Bliss hosted by Nikki Cross. She said that some of you may know that she’s from Glasgow, Scotland with a bit of an accent, so she’s going to talk slowly to be the best host she can be. She introduced Bayley.
Bayley, who was the Smackdown Women’s Champion, was the guest. This is the third time in the last month that Bayley has been on this “talk show” since she was the guest on June 4 and June 18. I guess every two weeks, Bayley must be on this show? It’s very repetitive. Bayley was in her ring gear.
Bayley said she was impressed that Alexa is giving Nikki a little bit of the spotlight. Cross said that Alexa is more generous than Bayley thinks and Bayley told her that she didn’t have to do Alexa’s bidding. Cross said that she is hosting Alexa’s show and she is here to ask the tough questions. Cross asked Bayley why did she call Bliss a liar? Bayley said she did it because Bliss is a liar. Cross said that’s not the Alexa that she knows and after everything Bliss has done for this division, it’s unfair when Bayley drags her name through the dirt. Bayley pointed out that Cross defeated Bayley last week and she beat Carmella on Raw. Bayley asked why is she facing Alexa at Extreme Rules and not Cross? Cross said she didn’t know. Cross challenged her to a match right now, Bayley accepted and then Cross ran into the ring to start the match.
Analysis: It was just okay. This was the second talk show segment in the first hour, which is too much. One per show is more than enough. It just feels repetitive when they do two of them in an hour. These women are adults in their 30s, yet they talk like they are children because I guess that’s who WWE is catering to. It felt awkward hearing Bayley and Cross delivering some of those lines.
(Commercial)
The bell rang to start the match.
Bayley vs. Nikki Cross
This is not for Bayley’s Smackdown Women’s Title even though Cross beat her clean last week.
Bayley with a suplex. Cross went to the floor for a break, then back in the ring and Bayley hit a back elbow to the face. Saxton mentioned that when you beat a champion you usually get a title shot after when talking about Extreme Rules, so what about this match? They didn’t mention that. Bayley with a running back elbow against the turnbuckle, Cross jumped on Bayley’s back and Bayley slammed her down. Cross tossed Bayley out of the ring followed by a kick. Back in the ring, Cross went up top and hit a cross body block for two. Cross with two clotheslines, a corner splash and a bulldog out of the corner. Bayley countered the neckbreaker into a backslide pin for two. Cross with a forearm, she wanted a Tornado DDT, Bayley blocked it and Bayley hit the Bayley to Belly side slam for the pinfall win after about three minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Bayley
Analysis: ** Decent match. Bayley got her win back after putting over Cross last week. It’s nice to see a singles champion win a non-title match like that. Cross is a pretty good worker that has a lot of experience, so when she gets time to have a match like this, she does well. Bayley is an above average women’s wrestler too. I thought Alexa Bliss may show up to try to help Cross win, but there was no sign of her, so it was just an easy win for Bayley.
Kofi Kingston was shown walking backstage with the WWE Title around his waist as he tossed pancakes in the hallway. He’s up next for a face to face with Samoa Joe.
Analysis: Too much talking in the first hour. Not enough action for my liking.
(Commercial)
Ali was out on the street doing a promo talking about how he wants to bring change. He said that he’s going to be the one to change your mind when he becomes WWE Champion. He said that when the billboards and posters have his face on it, that’s going to change your mind. Ali said that the change will continue, the lies will be exposed and he ended it saying let the change begin.
Analysis: That was an interesting promo. I like Ali a lot, he came very close to getting that massive push earlier this year and then a concussion cost him some time. It will be interesting to see if he gets a significant push soon.
Face to Face: Kofi Kingston and Samoa Joe
Kayla Braxton was in the ring to conduct this Face to Face interview. Kofi Kingston, the WWE Champion, made his entrance alone. Highlights were shown of Samoa Joe attacking Kingston on Raw last week, which led to Joe becoming the WWE Title challenger. This week on Raw, Joe put the Coquina Clutch on Kingston and won the tag team match for his team. Samoa Joe made his entrance. I’m surprised they didn’t book a contract signing here instead of simply a “Face to Face” segment. Joe told Braxton he suggests that she gets out of the ring, so she left.
Joe said that was an act of generosity and benevolence, which he knows Kofi is familiar with. Joe said that he knows Kofi walks around acting like he’s everybody’s friend while Joe said that Kofi is using people just like him. Joe said that in a couple of years, maybe Xavier Woods will be his hype man or his butler. Kingston said that at WrestleMania, he beat Daniel Bryan by himself, he beat Dolph Ziggler by himself, he beat Kevin Owens by himself and at Extreme Rules, he’ll beat Samoa Joe by himself. Kingston said that by himself, Joe lost the US Title to Ricochet. Kingston asked what happened to the old Samoa Joe that used to take on all comers head on, but now he’s sneaking around and hiding like it’s a big ol’ game of hide ‘n seek. Kofi told Joe that his ass is too big to be playing hide ‘n seek.
Joe said that Kofi always has something ready. Joe talked about how at WrestleMania, when Kofi won the WWE Title, Kofi had his son celebrate with the title and wears a new shirt to sell it to all the dumb fans. Kofi said he understood why Joe was doing it because he’s jealous – he called him “Jealous Joe” leading to a “Jealous Joe” chant. Kingston said he knows why Joe is jealous because he knows that Joe won’t have a moment like he had at WrestleMania to share with his kids.
Joe said no matter what he says, there are ignorant people and Joe told Kofi he wanted him to shake his hand. Joe reminded Kofi that when he put him to sleep, Kofi realized that Joe would be the next WWE Champion. Joe said that he guarantees the safety of Kofi and all the people he holds dear all the way to Extreme Rules, so all Kofi has to do is shake his hand. Joe asked if Kofi was the man that he pretends to be. Joe: “They can all be safe.” Joe extended his hand, he said there were five seconds left and then Kofi can beg him to shake his hand. Kingston looked at Joe’s hand, Kofi smiled at him and Kofi put the middle finger in Joe’s face. They did not show the middle finger because the camera was behind Joe’s head, so Joe’s head blocked the shot. The screen went black for a moment. Joe was pissed off, he charged and Kingston hit the Trouble in Paradise kick. Kingston stood over a fallen Joe and he left to a nice pop from the crowd.
Analysis: It was the third talking segment of the show and it was the best of the three. Joe is fantastic as a serious heel that tries to make all of his rivalries personal, but Kingston was there to stand up to him. The spot with the middle finger was interesting because you don’t see that in WWE anymore (not since the Steve Austin days). I think they did it because on Raw we saw some edgier angles, so this was a continuation of that. Kingston standing tall was the right move since Joe had the advantage during their previous interactions. I don’t expect Joe to take the WWE Title from Kingston, but if he did, that would be cool with me because I’m a big fan of Joe. I just think WWE is going to keep it on Kingston until at least SummerSlam.
The Heavy Machinery duo of Otis and Tucker were interviewed by Sarah Schreiber, who speaks like a robot. They were excited about their big opportunity tonight. Tucker said that Ziggler and Owens have a combined 18 championships in WWE while Otis said that Owens/Ziggler have not won as a team. Sarah was impressed by Tucker mentioning the 18 titles, Tucker said that they scout their opponents. Otis said that they are going to become Smackdown Tag Team Champions.
Apollo Crews was shown walking down a hallway for a match against Andrade. Abby the Witch from Firefly Fun House was in the background.
(Commercial)
There were highlights shown of the Strowman/Lashley angle again. The story is that Strowman’s injuries were worse than what happened to Lashley. It’s all a work likely to give Strowman some time off to recover from some minor injuries.
A video was shown from Bobby Lashley’s Twitter account. Lashley said that Braun got what he deserved. Lashley complained about Braun knowing exactly what he was doing and he didn’t care. Lashley said that he’s all beat up, bruised up, but Braun got the worst of it as he should. Lashley said the next time he sees that “son of a bitch” he’s not going to send him to the hospital, he’s going to send him to the morgue.
Analysis: The “son of a bitch” line continued the theme that WWE wants to be a bit edgier.
Andrade and Crews were already in the ring as the match began.
Andrade (w/Zelina Vegan) vs. Apollo Crews
Andrade attacked early with a double knee attack against the turnbuckle. Crews powered out of a move leading to a slam followed by a clothesline over the top to the floor. Crews with a moonsault off the apron onto Andrade. That got a two count for Crews leading to break here in Canada while it continued split screen in the US.
(Commercial)
Crews was in control with a leaping clothesline with Saxton said that this was Apollo’s first official match on Smackdown since the Superstar Shakeup, which was three months ago. Andrade with a kick, but Crews came back with a jumping kick while Andrade was on the apron. Crews with a press slam followed by a standing moonsault for a two count. Crews went for a slam, Andrade slipped out and hit a spinning back elbow to the face. That sounded brutal. Crews to the floor, Andrade jumped into his arms and Crews slammed Andrade into the side of the ring apron. Vega with a headscissors that sent Crews into the announce table. Andrade tossed Crews into the ring for the Hammerlock DDT that was good for the pinfall win after six minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Andrade
Analysis: **1/4 It was an okay match with Crews on offense for most of it. They had Crews pull off a lot of his cool moves, but then he lost the match, so that made him look weak. I didn’t love the finish because it put over Vega way too much because Andrade barely got anything done on his own. An interfering manager is fine, but the 100 pound Vega was able to do more to Crews than Andrade was, so I would have rather seen Andrade get some more offense in the match. Other than that, it was fine. I don’t know if Crews will ever get a push, though.
Kevin Owens walked up to Dolph Ziggler in the locker room. Owens told Ziggler to stand in the corner and look pretty while Owens wins the match to get them the title shot. Ziggler told Owens to just stand there, don’t eat hot dogs and he’ll win. Owens said that they’re both good on their own, so maybe they’ll do well together. Ziggler said fine, they shook hands, Ziggler said no hot dogs, Owens said after the match and Ziggler said fine to that.
Ember Moon was shown walking backstage for her match. Carmella went up to her to wish her luck. Moon is against Mandy Rose.
(Commercial)
Aleister Black was in the darkened room for a promo. Black said that last week there was a knock on his door, then he opened the door and there was no one there. Black said now they are fighting on a spiritual plane. Black said he wants this man to show up at Extreme Rules, so if they are going to meet in purgatory then fighting they shall. Black said that he finds himself invigorated. He said that if you are man enough to knock on his door and then he should fight him at Extreme Rules.
Analysis: There are a lot of possibilities on Smackdown and even some names on Raw. I know there are have been rumors about Randy Orton since he wrestled Black at some live events.
No entrances for the women in this match.
Ember Moon vs. Mandy Rose (w/Sonya Deville)
Moon with a spinning forearm on Rose, then Rose countered a kick and hit a side slam for two. Rose worked over Moon with punches followed by a knee to the back of Moon while Moon was against the ropes. Rose with a hard whip into the turnbuckle followed by the running knee for two. Moon came back with a double knee attack to the face (like a Codebreaker) and then she went up top with the Eclipse stunner on Rose for the pinfall win after two minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Ember Moon
Analysis: * A quick win to put over Moon, who only needed two moves to get the win. The Eclipse is one of my favorite finishers in WWE. It looks great and Mandy sold it well. I would like to see Moon become a champion in the second half of this year.
Post match, Moon smiled about her win while Deville checked on her friend Rose.
Shelton Benjamin was shown backstage when he was asked who he thinks is going to win the WWE Championship at Extreme Rules. Benjamin moved his eyes around as if he was looking at something, then he smiled and walked away. No answer.
Analysis: I have no idea where they are going with that. Benjamin hasn’t been on Smackdown in a long time, so hopefully, it’s the start of some angle for him. Your guess is as good as mine for that one.
Dolph Ziggler and Kevin Owens were shown walking backstage because their match was next.
(Commercial)
Big E and Xavier Woods were at the New Day commentary table for at ringside for this match. Daniel Bryan and Rowan were at the Smackdown announce table as well although Rowan did not have a headset on.
The team of Owens and Ziggler made separate entrances. Heavy Machinery was up next with Otis doing the Bushwhacker walk. Bryan complained about Heavy Machinery and New Day in the match.
Heavy Machinery (Tucker and Otis) vs. Dolph Ziggler and Kevin Owens
Ziggler tried to take down Otis while Bryan put over Heavy Machinery as great athletes, but he criticized them for not being focused. Otis grabbed Ziggler until Ziggler broke free with a dropkick. Otis with a running splash on Ziggler against the turnbuckle. Owens pulled Ziggler out of the ring. New Day attacked Bryan and Rowan at the commentary table. Big E drove Rowan into the barricade at ringside. Bryan with a running knee on Big E and then Woods followed up with a dropkick on Bryan. Rowan with a clothesline on Woods. Rowan cleared off the pancakes on the New Day announce table. Rowan grabbed Woods and gave him the Iron Claw slam through the New Day announce table.
Analysis: They went to commercial and restarted the match after a break, so this was another booking move to stop the action during the commercial. On Raw, they had Styles pin Ricochet with Ricochet’s foot under the ropes, so that stopped that match. It’s going to become annoying very fast as long as WWE keeps doing this.
(Commercial)
The match restarted with New Day and Bryan/Rowan removed from ringside.
Heavy Machinery (Tucker and Otis) vs. Dolph Ziggler and Kevin Owens – Part two
Tucker ran over Owens with a running shoulder tackle. Tucker avoided an Owens charge followed by a dropkick, which was impressive for a 300 pounder as Saxton put over Tucker and Otis as being accomplished amateur wrestlers. When Tucker ran the ropes, Ziggler pulled the rope down, so Tucker bumped over the top to the floor. Owens hit a standing splash on Tucker for a two count. Ziggler tagged in with a neckbreaker followed by Owens hitting a senton for a two count for Dolph. Ziggler slapped on a headlock on Tucker. Owens mocked Otis, Tucker with a back elbow and a cross body block off the middle ropes. Otis got the hot tag, clothesline on Ziggler and a headbutt. Otis with a spinning body slam on Ziggler followed by an overhead suplex across the ring for two. Ziggler came back with a jumping DDT on Otis. Owens tagged in, kick to the chest of Otis and Otis tossed Owens out of the ring. Otis with a running splash on Ziggler against the turnbuckle. Otis with the Caterpillar into the elbow drop on Ziggler. Owens was back in the ring with a superkick on Otis. Owens wanted a Stunner, Otis powered out of it, Ziggler with a superkick attempt, Otis moved and Ziggler kicked Owens by accident. Tucker with a clothesline on Ziggler to send him out of the ring. Otis picked up Owens, Tucker ran the ropes and they did the Compactor double team move with Otis covering Owens for the win after six minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Heavy Machinery
The win by Heavy Machinery means that at Extreme Rules it will be Daniel Bryan and Rowan defending the Smackdown Tag Team Titles against New Day (Big E and Xavier Woods) and Heavy Machinery in a triple threat match.
Analysis: **3/4 The regular tag team beat the random tag team as it should be. The mistake from Ziggler and Owens cost them the match with Heavy Machinery taking over from there. The action picked up when Otis got the hot tag because he knows how to get the crowd into it. It was a simple story that worked well.
Post match, Ziggler went up to Owens, who got back up and hit a Stone Cold Stunner on Ziggler. Owens celebrated. Owens: “This is my show.” Owens stood tall in the ring to end Smackdown.
Analysis: Based on KO’s promos earlier in the night, plus the Stunner on a heel Ziggler, this week’s Smackdown was likely the face turn of Owens. I assume that was the point of all this. I guess we’ll find out next week how he acts and if he’s in the face role going forward. I can see WWE adding Owens vs. Ziggler to the Extreme Rules card as well.
Three Stars of the Show
1. Daniel Bryan
2. Kevin Owens
3. (tie) Kofi Kingston
3. (tie) Samoa Joe
The Scoreboard
5.5 out of 10
Last week: 6
2019 Average: 6.72 (Raw is 5.63)
Last 5 Weeks: 6, 7, 5, 5.5, 6
2019 High: 8.5 (February 26)
2019 Low: 5 (January 15, June 11)
Final Thoughts
I give this week’s Smackdown a 5.5 out of 10.
It was just an average show with too much talking for Smackdown. I guess that’s going to be something we should get used to since they have stopped having matches during commercials. The main event storyline with Owens/Ziggler wasn’t that interesting. It felt like a midcard angle, yet they were given the main event slot. I don’t think that was a strong way to end the show or to keep casual viewers watching.
There were three long talking segments. I really liked the Kofi/Joe face off with each guy making some great points and Kofi getting the advantage. The opening promo went on too long, but Owens was funny. The Cross/Bayley interview wasn’t that interesting at all. Bayley was the guest on “A Moment of Bliss” for the third time in the last month. It’s not fresh. Lazy booking.
My question is this: If you can book a 15-minute talking segment as they did in the opening of this show, why not book a match for 15 minutes without a break? It’s not that hard to do.
Roman Reigns wasn’t on Raw or Smackdown this week, which was a surprise. I guess he was busy doing other stuff.
The next WWE PPV is Extreme Rules on July 14 in Philadelphia. Here’s what we know so far.
No Holds Barred Match: Roman Reigns and The Undertaker vs. Drew McIntyre and Shane McMahon
Extreme Rules Match for the Universal and Raw Women’s Championships: Seth Rollins (c) and Becky Lynch (c) vs. Baron Corbin and Lacey Evans
WWE Championship: Kofi Kingston (c) vs. Samoa Joe
Smackdown Tag Team Championships: Daniel Bryan and Rowan (c) vs. New Day (Big E and Xavier Woods) vs. Heavy Machinery (Tucker and Otis)
Smackdown Women’s Championship: Bayley (c) vs. Alexa Bliss
Aleister Black vs. ???
Cruiserweight Championships: Drew Gulak (c) vs. Tony Nese
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John Canton
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