WWE SmackDown Live Review: Results, Analysis and Grades for Sept. 27

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Final Thoughts

The most exciting storylines on the blue brand recently have been around their two oldest titles: The WWE World Championship and the Intercontinental Championship. Tonight’s show continued to excellently build both rivalries.

Before tonight, the thought of another Miz-Ziggler match for the IC title was met with a low level of excitement. While it’s always going to be a technically good match, it had been seen too many times. Tonight managed to change that narrative by adding another layer.

Having Ziggler put his career on the line makes sense in line with his current character arc. He’s a desperate man trying to prove he is not a loser; if risking his career is the only way he’ll get another shot then so be it. How will this play out now? It’s a much more intriguing storyline now.

The main championship continues to have an interesting dynamic. Styles is the cocky heel who believes himself to be the greatest wrestler on the planet. Cena is a hungry babyface challenging for title number 16 in order to become the greatest of all time. Ambrose is the tweener, desperately trying to get his title back that he feels wrongfully free of.

WWE would be smart to go with any of these strong narratives, but the Era of Styles is still just beginning. Having him remain champion for even longer, frustrating Ambrose and delaying the satisfaction of Cena’s chase will make it that much better.

All in all, another tremendous episode of SmackDown Live. What did you think of this week’s show? Let us know in the comments below.