WWE SmackDown Grades: Fastlane Card Taking Shape
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2. Kevin Owens vs. Dolph Ziggler
Last night’s opening segment featured AJ Styles, Baron Corbin, and Kevin Owens cutting promos on each other. But Owens’ night would turn to in-ring competition quickly after his choice words directed at The Phenomenal One and The Lone Wolf.
Just as Owens was speaking, Shane McMahon came out and announced that Owens would be in a match immediately against Dolph Ziggler. Given how both are extremely talented performers, it was easy to imagine they would put on a solid match regardless of how much time they got.
And that prediction would ring true as KO and The Showoff had an impressive match. Both individuals got in some impressive moves and counters with some solid drama. But much like the past few months, Owens’ guardian angel Sami Zayn intervened and distracted Ziggler, allowing Owens to get the win after a kick to the head of Ziggler.
The match itself was stellar, but the shady finish took away the possibility of this match being graded higher. It made sense in terms of the storyline, but in terms of just the match itself, it took away some of what it could have been.
Regardless of an imperfect finish, the match was impressive and showcased both Owens and Ziggler greatly.