Reviews

The John Report: WWE Smackdown Live Review 03/20/18

By John Canton • Published 20th March 2018
TJR Wrestling

There’s some big news on the blue brand this week because WWE announced earlier on Tuesday that Smackdown General Manager Daniel Bryan has been medically cleared to wrestle for WWE again. Bryan retired due to suffering too many concussions in his wrestling career that started about twenty years ago. Bryan, who will turn 37 years old in May, wrestled his last match in April 2015, then he did a retirement speech in February 2016 and ever since then he has done everything he could to get cleared again. Bryan has undergone treatments that have worked to help him, he went to the best doctors around the world and was recently given the green light to compete again. Bryan tweeted about it earlier this afternoon and Triple H chimed in before Smackdown as well.

https://twitter.com/WWEDanielBryan/status/976195696180318208

The news about Bryan being cleared was shared by WWE on their website at around 3pm, which was five hours before Smackdown aired. They could have waited until Smackdown started to have Bryan announce it, but I think it was smart to announce it in the afternoon. It allowed WWE to break the news before other outlets and also got people excited about this week’s show. My website was really busy with traffic and social media like Twitter and Facebook had a lot of excited fans. Bryan is one of the most beloved wrestlers of his generation, so just thinking about him back in the ring wrestling the likes of AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura, Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, Seth Rollins, Finn Balor and so many others is something worth getting excited about.

Bryan’s return probably means that he will be in a match at WrestleMania and likely wrestle regularly after that. I don’t expect him to do a full-time schedule working live events, but the occasional TV match and PPV matches seem possible. It will probably be a schedule similar to what Bryan’s first trainer Shawn Michaels did during his comeback in 2002 that took him all the way until 2010 as a part-timer. Bryan is around the same age as Michaels was. Here’s hoping Bryan can wrestle into his mid-40s like Michaels did. I’m excited, the wrestling fans around the world are excited and now I want to see what happens on Smackdown. Let’s get to it.

Live from Dallas, Texas (for the second night in a row), this is Smackdown Live for episode #969. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport. Thanks to Melo Man for the banner up top.

The show began with highlights of Daniel Bryan’s retirement speech on Raw in February 2016 along with clips of some of Bryan’s greatest accomplishments in his career. They added in a clip of Renee Young making the announcement that Bryan has been medically cleared to return to wrestling.

Let’s Hear From Daniel Bryan

Daniel Bryan, the Smackdown General Manager, made his entrance to a thunderous reaction with the Dallas crowd chanting “yes” for him like usual. There was a shot of the announce team at ringside joining the crowd in giving Bryan a standing ovation. Bryan was in a sport coat, shirt and jeans. No wrestling gear yet.

Bryan spoke about how there was something awful that happened on Smackdown last week to Shane McMahon, but the two men he needs to talk to aren’t there yet (Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn). Bryan said he’ll deal with that later, so he has to talk about something.

Bryan talked about how over two years ago he was forced to retire and he spoke about how he was grateful, which is a word he used a few times in his retirement speech. Bryan spoke about how when he was depressed about not being able to wrestle, he had a great family, friends and fans that supported him. Bryan talked about his wife (Brie Bella) and he looked emotional talking about how Brie told him to fight for his dreams. Bryan said that Brie was the one that encouraged him to go see specialists, then he would get good reviews and she would encourage him to go see other specialists. Some fans chanted “thank you Brie” for that. Bryan said that Brie told him to fight for his dreams. Bryan added that when he was depressed he wasn’t just grateful, he decided to fight and there was a time when he wanted to quit and instead of walking out, Bryan said you fight for your dreams and if you fight for your dreams, your dreams will fight for you. Bryan spoke about how over for the last two months he asked WWE to look at his case. Bryan said they sent him to the best neurologists and every one them said the same thing: “You are cleared.” Fans let out a “yes” chant.

Bryan said that there was a time when being cleared to compete in a WWE ring seemed impossible, but now it is real. Bryan said he had a lot of “thank you’s” to say right now. Bryan thanked WWE and their doctors. Bryan thanked them for looking at him as a person not just a wrestler and he’s forever grateful. Bryan also thanked every single person here and every single person watching at home because we have supported him for this entire time. Bryan got emotional again as he thanked Brie and said we don’t understand how much she supported him, so for that he’s incredibly grateful.

Bryan moved on to the “fun stuff” while adding that he doesn’t know when or where he will get back in this ring. Fans pointed at the WrestleMania sign and started a “WrestleMania” chant as Bryan stared at the sign. Bryan asked the fans if that sounded like a good idea leading to the easy “yes” chants. Bryan talked about how he doesn’t know for sure if that’s going to happen, but will he compete in a WWE ring again? Bryan led the crowd in “yes” chants. Bryan’s music played and he left.

Analysis: That was a great speech from Bryan. They gave him the floor for about 12 minutes to say what he wanted to say about his fight to get cleared again and he spoke from the heart. Bryan’s message was that you need to fight for your dreams and if you fight for your dreams they will fight for you. Bryan is very easy to like because he’s a smaller guy that doesn’t appear to be a gimmick playing a character. It works for him and those “yes” chants certainly help. Bryan held it together well except when he mentioned his wife Brie, who played an incredible role in his comeback because of how much she encouraged him to try to return to the ring. The crowd was loud for this segment, as expected.

Still to come: Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn’s reward or repercussions for attacking Shane McMahon and Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Rusev up next.

(Commercial)

There was a shot of Bryan walking backstage. Referee Charles Robinson was there to congratulate him. Bryan told Charles to let him know when Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens arrive. Dolph Ziggler showed up to tell Bryan he can’t wait to beat him. Bryan told him he could try. Ziggler left.

Analysis: Bryan and Ziggler have had plenty of great matches together in the past. I’m happy to see it again. I’m happy to see Bryan against anybody!

Rusev and Aiden English were in the ring. No pre-match song? That’s a shame. AJ Styles was seated beside the commentary team of Tom Phillips, Corey Graves and Byron Saxton to check out Rusev’s opponent.

Shinsuke Nakamura made his entrance with the crowd humming along to his song like usual and a great ovation for him. Nakamura challenges Styles for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania.

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Rusev (w/Aiden English)

They exchanged kicks and forearms early on. Rusev took control wit ha spin kick that got a two count. That led to a break one minute into it.

(Commercial)

Back from break, Rusev with a knee to the gut as he remained in control. Nakamura ran the ropes leading to a running kick. Nakamura with kicks to the chest followed by a roundhouse kick to the head. Nakamura hit the running knee lift up against the turnbuckle. Nakamura charged, Rusev took down Nakamura and hit a roundhouse kick to the head for a two count. Nakamura avoided a kick, he went for a kick, Rusev avoided it and Nakamura slapped on an armbar. They rolled around the mat a bit and Nakamura turned the armbar into a pin. Nakamura kept Rusev down long enough to win by pinfall. It went about seven minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Shinsuke Nakamura

Analysis: ** The match was okay, but not at the same level as their Fastlane match. There was no doubt who would win because WWE is smart enough to build up the WWE Title contender in Nakamura. The finish was interesting because normally Nakamura wins with the Kinshasa, so the pinfall after the armbar attack was a unique way to end it. They have good chemistry with a lot of strikes and they both sell their moves well. Rusev is a possible winner of the battle royal at WrestleMania. It would help him a lot.

Post match, Rusev and English double teamed Nakamura with kicks and punches. Styles slowly got out of the chair, but Nakamura managed to get rid of Rusev and English with kicks. Nakamura smiled at Styles as if to say he didn’t need his help at all.

Analysis: Styles was off weekend live events due to some injury, but he’s expected to be fine for WrestleMania. We don’t know what the injury was. I was told not to worry about it, so let’s just hope AJ gets better in the next three weeks. There’s nothing wrong with taking a bit of a break to let the body heal up.

A video aired about Asuka since she is challenging Charlotte Flair for the Smackdown Women’s Title at WrestleMania.

Charlotte was shown watching the Asuka video in the locker room when Natalya walked up to her. Natalya said that she can tell that Charlotte is afraid. Charlotte said that Asuka will be her biggest challenge yet. Natalya said she is better than both of them while Natalya claimed that Asuka is only undefeated because she has yet to face Natalya. Charlotte told Natalya she won’t face her at WrestleMania, but she will face Natalya tonight. Natalya said good and left.

Analysis: It was a basic backstage segment to set up a match for later. There’s no reason why wrestlers can make their own matches, but WWE does that occasionally. Charlotte and Natalya always have good matches together.

Still to come are Owens and Zayn whenever they arrive.

(Commercial)

The video aired about WrestleMania taking place in 19 days. I’m still happy with not going to the show because I have other travel plans this year, but Daniel Bryan returning to wrestle will make me miss it a bit.

Styles was shown walking backstage with the WWE Championship on his shoulder. Nakamura walked up to Styles and Nakamura told Styles he didn’t need his help. Styles said he saw because he was out there. Nakamura let Styles know he was going to beat him at WrestleMania with a knee to the face.

Baron Corbin made his entrance for a match against Tye Dillinger, who was already in the ring.

Tye Dillinger vs. Baron Corbin

It was mentioned by the announcers that both men are in the battle royal at WrestleMania. Corbin was in control early with a punch followed by a whip into the corner. Corbin left the ring, ran back in and Dillinger knocked him out of the ring. Dillinger with a kick to the ribs while they were on the floor. Corbin went for the End of Days, but Dillinger held on or something went wrong. Corbin sent Dillinger out of the ring. Corbin sent Dillinger back in and this time hit the End of the Days for the pinfall win after about three minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Baron Corbin

Analysis: 3/4* Easy win for Corbin in a nothing match that had a mistake in there at the finish. I don’t know if Dillinger slipped or what happened. Corbin didn’t look happy about it. No surprise that Corbin won.

Charlotte Flair entered for her match.

(Commercial)

Natalya entered for the match against Charlotte. There was a reminder that Charlotte defends the SD Women’s Title against Asuka at WrestleMania.

Charlotte Flair vs. Natalya

This is not for Charlotte’s Smackdown Women’s Title.

There was a nice takedown early on by Natalya. Charlotte came back with a takedown of her own. Natalya took control with a kick to the gut followed by a forearm to the back. Charlotte got a bridging pin for a two count and went for another pinfall. Charlotte wrapped her legs around Natalya’s neck and flipped her over three times for a two count. Natalya told the fans to shut up to try to rile them up. Charlotte nailed a neckbreaker followed by a kick that sent Natalya out of the ring. That led to the break.

(Commercial)

Back from break, Natalya worked over Charlotte against the turnbuckle by sending her back first into the turnbuckle and stomping on her. Charlotte did a sweet kip up after Natalya stomped on her back and hit a clothesline. The crowd came alive for that spot. Charlotte hit Natalya with multiple chops to the chest. Charlotte hit an overhead release suplex, but Natalya came back by sending Charlotte into the turnbuckle. Natalya went for her spinning clothesline and Charlotte countered with a boot to the face. Natalya avoided the Figure Eight attempt, but Charlotte came back with a backbreaker and sent Natalya face first into the turnbuckle. Charlotte went up top, Natalya tripped her up and Natalya hit a spinning sitout Powerbomb for a two count. Natalya slapped on the Sharpshooter. Charlotte managed to crawl to the bottom rope to break the hold. Natalya with a slingshot that sent Charlotte into the middle rope. Discus clothesline from Natalya connected for a two count. Inside cradle by Charlotte got two. Natalya kicked Charlotte out of the ring. Natalya went after Charlotte, but Charlotte nailed Natalya with a Spear to take her down. Back in the ring, Charlotte slapped on the Figure Four Leglock, but Natalya rolled over to counter it and they held onto the hold all the way to the apron. Charlotte went up top, Natalya recovered and went after her with a superplex that looked impressive. Carmella’s music hit and she ran down to the ring with a referee along with her Money in the Bank briefcase. Charlotte recovered and hit Carmella with a kick to the face before Carmella could officially do the cash in because the bell never rang for it. Natalya did the ROLLUP OF DEATH~! on Charlotte to win the match. The match went 13 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Natalya

Analysis: *** Good match as usual from them. I liked some of the spots they did like Charlotte’s kip up counter and also the superplex was impressive. The Figure Four spot they did was something they’ve done in past matches. The result surprised me because Charlotte rarely loses and I didn’t expect her to lose less than three weeks until WrestleMania. The dreaded ROLLUP OF DEATH~! was used on Raw and here it is on Smackdown as well, so somebody in WWE must have really loved it this week. Good to see Natalya getting a win since she hasn’t been featured that much this year after she got a push last year.

Post match, Natalya celebrated the win with Phillips noting that this may have been a plan from Natalya and Carmella since they have worked together in the past.

The announcers talked about Shane McMahon’s throat injury after the attack from last week.

Jimmy Uso vs. Harper is up next.

Promos aired about the teams in the semifinals in the Mixed Match Challenge: Asuka and Miz vs. Bliss and Strowman.

(Commercial)

There were images shown from different news outlets covering Daniel Bryan’s return to the ring.

The Usos, Smackdown’s Tag Team Champion, made their entrance. Jey had some tape on his arms to sell the attack from Fastlane. Images were shown from Fastlane 9 days ago showing the Bludgeon Brothers destroying The Usos and New Day during their championship match.

Jimmy and Jey Uso did a promo talking about the Tag Team Title match at Fastlane. Jey said they were putting on another classic with The New Day and the winners of that match goes to WrestleMania as the Smackdown Tag Team Champions and Jimmy noted that was until the Bludgeon Brothers got involved. Jimmy said that they were out to put a beating on them and Jey said it’s all good because they are still here. They held up their titles. Jimmy said that they don’t know how to back down and Jimmy added that all they know how to do is survive, go on and be the best tag team that WWE has ever seen. Jimmy said that he’s going to go one on one with Harper. They welcomed the Bludgeon Brothers to the Usos Penitentiary to end it.

Analysis: Good promo from the Smackdown Tag Team Champions like usual. I liked their heel promos more, but this was still effective in terms of getting their point across that they are fighting champions.

The Bludgeon Brothers duo of Harper and Rowan made their entrance as the show went to break.

(Commercial)

The match began during the break.

Harper (w/Erick Rowan) vs. Jimmy Uso (w/Jey Uso)

Harper worked over Jimmy with punches outside the ring. They went back in the ring with Harper still in control with hard chops to the chest. Jimmy came back with chops on Harper, but Harper overpowered him with a punch to the throat. Harper with a chop to the chest followed by a running splash in the corner. Harper went for a running attack, Jimmy ducked and Harper went over to the top to the floor. Jimmy sent Harper shoulder first into the LED board on the ring apron. Back in the ring, Rowan was on the apron. Jey hit Harper with a superkick behind the ref’s back and Jimmy hit a superkick for two. Good nearfall. Harper kick to the gut. Jimmy up top, Harper kicked him down and Harper sent Jimmy face first into the ring post. Harper hit the spinning clothesline for the pinfall win after four minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Harper

Analysis: *1/2 It was another one of those matches where I say it’s a good match for the time given. It’s hard for the talent when they get under five minutes, but they made the most of it. I liked the spot they did with the Usos hitting superkicks and Harper almost losing. That was well done. I’m not surprised that Harper won.

The ring announcer Greg Hamilton said Luke Harper even though WWE dropped the “Luke” part. Post match, The Bludgeon Brothers stood tall in the ring while The Usos left without getting attacked.

Analysis: The Smackdown Tag Team Title match isn’t known for WrestleMania. Nearly everything else on the card is set, so that’s something WWE has to announce over the next three weeks.

Jinder Mahal was shown walking backstage with Sunil Singh because they are up next.

(Commercial)

Let’s Hear From Jinder Mahal

Jinder Mahal was in the ring in a suit with Sunil Singh, who introduced Mahal as the next United States Champion. The US Title match at WrestleMania is Randy Orton vs. Bobby Roode vs. Jinder Mahal.

Mahal did a promo talking about how great he is and ripped the fans for disrespecting him. Mahal talked about how a man like him could be the biggest superstar in Bollywood. Mahal said he should be our hero and we should be worshipping the ground he walks on. Mahal said all we care about is maintaining the status quo with men like Randy Orton…and here’s the interruption from Bobby Roode.

Bobby Roode made his glorious entrance in a robe. The graphic on the screen let us know the US Title match. Roode said the only hypocrite in this arena is Jinder. Roode talked about how Mahal said people don’t want to give him respect and Roode said it’s a two way street while adding that Mahal doesn’t deserve any respect. Roode said the only thing Mahal deserves at WrestleMania is Roode beating Mahal in the middle of the ring and winning back his United States Title. Roode tried to finish, but here’s the interruption from Randy Orton.

Randy Orton walked out with the US Title in his hands. Good pop for Orton like usual. Mahal tried to get fired about Orton being a Grand Slam Champion and Orton told Mahal to shut up. Orton told Mahal that he is not a great champion because without the help of his little stooge Singh, Mahal sucks. Fans chanted “You Suck” at Mahal. Mahal shoved Sunil into Orton and Mahal left the ring.

Orton grabbed Sunil and hit him with a Draping DDT off the ropes. Roode grabbed Singh and hit him with a Glorious DDT. Roode went for a Glorious DDT on Orton, but Orton slipped out and went for a RKO only for Roode to slip out. Orton and Roode had a staredown. Mahal was on the floor pointing at the WrestleMania sign as Orton’s music played to end it.

Analysis: It was a typical promo for a triple threat match similar to what the Raw guys did for the IC Title match last week. The difference is Raw is one hour longer, so they get way more time to get through the promos whereas this promo felt rushed a bit. Mahal escaping to avoid the attack is a heel thing to do. Nobody got the advantage this week. I think Orton should retain the US Title at WrestleMania, but if he lost it then Mahal is a good choice.

Becky Lynch and Naomi were shown walking backstage for a tag match against the Riott Squad up next.

(Commercial)

Next week on Smackdown: Randy Orton and Bobby Roode vs. Jinder Mahal and Sunil Singh.

The women already made their entrances for the tag match. They are all in the women’s WrestleMania Battle Royal.

Naomi & Becky Lynch vs. Liv Morgan & Sarah Logan (w/Ruby Riott)

Naomi worked over Morgan with kicks. Lynch tagged in as the announcers were going crazy talking about making history. We get it, WWE. Women in WWE always making history. The heels managed to isolate Lynch as Logan nailed a running knee on Lynch. Logan slapped on an armbar on Lynch. Lynch sent Morgan over the top to the floor to create some space and Riott sent Logan back in the ring to prevent a tag because Logan punched Naomi off the apron. Lynch came back with a Disharmer, Morgan into the ring, Naomi hit the Rear View on Morgan and Logan tapped out to the Disharmer for the loss. It went three minutes.

Winners by submission: Naomi & Becky Lynch

Analysis: * An easy win for the veteran faces. There wasn’t much to the match. It would have been better with a hot tag to get Naomi in there, but I’m fine with Lynch getting the win too. It’s all about “building momentum” for the battle royal.

Daniel Bryan was shown talking on the phone thanking somebody for something. A guy in a suit walked up to Bryan saying that Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens have arrived. Bryan told him to tell them he will meet them in the ring.

(Commercial)

The WrestleMania moment video sponsored by Snickers showed highlights of WrestleMania 1. Read my reviews of every WrestleMania here.

Main Event Promo Time with Bryan, Owens and Zayn

Daniel Bryan was in the ring for a promo. Bryan talked about how it was a big night, but there’s something that they still have to do. Bryan introduced Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn since they arrived to the building.

Owens and Zayn made their entrance to KO’s music. They each hugged Bryan.

Owens said that they weren’t going to be there because they knew Shane was unable to be there. Owens said then they got the notification that Daniel Bryan was cleared to return, so they drove there even though they were late by a dumb cop because they were speeding. Owens ripped on Texas saying “everything’s dumber in Texas.”

Zayn spoke about how Daniel Bryan was fair with them even though the rest of the Smackdown locker room was not. Zayn complained about Shane McMahon while mentioning again that Bryan was fair to them. Zayn was excited about Bryan being cleared to compete again. Zayn spoke about how any show with Owens, Zayn and Bryan on it sounds like the A show and Zayn said the three of them sound like the dream team.

Bryan said he appreciates that, but that’s not why he brought those guys out there. A clip aired from last week showing Owens and Zayn brutally destroying Shane McMahon with the chair spot that sent Shane into the ring post. They also showed the spot with Owens hitting a Powerbomb on Shane against the metal casing in the backstage area. Owens and Zayn laughed about it.

Bryan asked them if they thought it was funny. Zayn said he knows that looked extreme, but they think that Shane deserved it. Bryan told them it’s not a small thing. Bryan told them it’s a big deal. Bryan said that honestly from the bottom of his heart he thinks they are two of the very best performers of this generation. Bryan admitted that when Shane talked about how he was living vicariously through them, Shane was right and Bryan noted that he has known them for 15 years. Bryan talked about how they did more than get carried away because they assaulted their boss last week.

Bryan said that they won, Shane admitted he was wrong to them, Shane gave them a singles match at WrestleMania and Bryan asked them to imagine the three of them in the armory 10 years ago fighting in front of 300 people. Bryan said that Shane gave them what they wanted because Shane left and they still felt the need to assault their boss. Bryan told them that Shane was right and they really don’t want to have to do this…crowd made noise at the thought of what was coming. Bryan told them he has been fired from this company twice and he came back a better man. Bryan told them they can learn and grow. Bryan said he hates that he has to do this. Bryan: “But Sami…Kevin…you’re fired.” The crowd cheered and started the “yes” chant.

Bryan told them that it doesn’t mean they are gone forever. Bryan told them they are gone for now. Bryan said they know how much they mean to him. Bryan extended his hand for a shake. Zayn shook Bryan’s hand. Owens reluctantly shook Bryan’s hand.

Owens ran at Bryan and decked him with a forearm. Zayn worked over Bryan with punches as the crowd booed. Bryan fought back by tripping up Zayn and punched him. Bryan drove Owens into the corner and kicked him in the chest. Bryan hit a German suplex on Zayn. Bryan hit running dropkicks on both guys in the corner with the crowd going wild for it. Bryan worked over Owens with YES kicks to the chest, but Zayn got back with more punches for Bryan. Owens hit a superkick on Bryan while Zayn held Bryan. Owens held up Bryan in the corner and Zayn hit the Helluva Kick. Zayn tossed Bryan out of the ring. Owens picked Bryan up and hit the Powerbomb on the side of the ring apron with Bryan’s back hitting the apron. The crowd was booing loudly.

Owens and Zayn were in the aisle as EMT’s ran down to the ring. They put Bryan on the stretcher with the crowd screaming about everything that happened. That’s how Smackdown ended right at 10pmET like usual.

Analysis: That was excellent. It was a firing angle that turned into one of the better angles of the year because of how intense it was. The crowd was on fire for Bryan when he was kicking ass and they were all over Owens and Zayn kicking his ass. Really well done. It was a terrific angle when you think how Daniel Bryan was cleared to compete for the first time in over two years and he got his ass kicked after firing Owens and Zayn. They could have easily booked this to have Bryan get the upper hand, but instead Bryan is the sympathetic face that has to come back from an incredible beating and try to get revenge on these guys.

Where is it leading? A likely tag match at WrestleMania with Bryan and Shane McMahon against Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens. It’s not like the firing angle is going to last. Shane and Bryan had their difficulties, but now they have a common enemy in Zayn and Owens. That will be one of the hottest matches of the night at WrestleMania. I’m excited about it.

What a way to come back for Bryan. He’s as hot as ever and the most popular guy on either show just like when he was the top guy four years ago. It’s great to see him back in action again. The crowd was hot for all of it too, so that always helps.

Here’s a tweet from Shane McMahon shortly after Smackdown ended.

Somebody alert Teddy Long and make it a tag team match at WrestleMania. That’s where it is going.

Three Stars of the Show

  1. Daniel Bryan
  2. Kevin Owens
  3. Sami Zayn

Shoutout to Charlotte and Natalya for their good match too.

The Scoreboard

7 out of 10

Last week: 5.5

2018 Average: 5.96

Last 5 Weeks: 5.5, 6, 6.5, 6.5, 6

2018 High: 7.5 (January 23)

2018 Low: 4.5 (January 2 and January 9)

Final Thoughts

It gets a 7 out of 10.

The highlights of the show were the main event segment that was absolutely on fire and Bryan’s opening promo. I also liked Charlotte vs. Natalya a lot even with the cheap ending. The work was good in that match.

Everything else the show felt average or rushed in some cases. If it had another really good match or hot segment then maybe this would be a 8 out of 10 type show, but it was still a very good 7 out of 10 show.

The next WWE PPV is WrestleMania 34 on April 8. Here’s what we know so far.

Universal Championship: Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns

WWE Championship: AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

Triple H and Stephanie McMahon vs. Kurt Angle and Ronda Rousey

Smackdown Women’s Championship: Charlotte Flair vs. Asuka

Intercontinental Championship: The Miz vs. Finn Balor vs. Seth Rollins

United States Championship: Randy Orton vs. Bobby Roode vs. Jinder Mahal

Raw Tag Team Championships: Sheamus & Cesaro vs. Braun Strowman and ???

Raw Women’s Championship: Alexa Bliss vs. Nia Jax

Andre the Giant Men’s Battle Royal

WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal

Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn (It’s on the card for now, but I think they will be in a tag team match.)

Cruiserweight Championship: Cedric Alexander vs. Mustafa Ali

John Cena vs. The Undertaker is expected as well, but not official yet. The only other thing missing is the Smackdown Tag Team Title match because we don’t know what it will be yet.

—

That’s all for now. Go Toronto Raptors and Toronto Maple Leafs.

My contact info is below. Thanks for reading.

John Canton

Email mrjohncanton@gmail.com

Twitter @johnreport

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