WWE SmackDown Live Results: Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for April 11
By Grant Mannis
Randy Orton vs Erick Rowan
Result: No-Contest
Rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars
Our first match of the night features WWE Champion Randy Orton battling against Erick Rowan. From the opening bell, both men exchanged control of the match before Rowan gained control. His assault wouldn’t last long, as the Viper eventually recovered and damaged his opponent with strikes and stomps. Rowan bought himself some time to recover by rolling out of the ring, but it didn’t stop Orton from keeping control.
The middle-rope DDT was delivered by the WWE Champion a few moments later, and he seemed poised to end the encounter with the RKO. Right as he went to hit the finisher, the lights went out in typical Bray Wyatt fashion. Once power was restored, Rowan was outside of the ring and Wyatt was present on the titantron. Issuing a warning to the Viper that their paths are set to cross once again, he delivered his usual laugh to end his appearance.
Finally realizing that Rowan was waiting on the outside, Orton tried to continue the fight. His opponent had other plans, using the steel steps to draw the no-contest. Losing the match mattered little to Rowan, as he continued to batter the defenseless champion. The segment ended with Rowan standing tall over Orton, absorbing one of the biggest moments of his career.
When Bray Wyatt left SmackDown Live, it was hard to predict what was next for Rowan. A big moment like the one he received tonight is crucial to build up this talent moving forward. He isn’t main event material, but he is certainly capable of performing in the midcard.