WWE SmackDown Grades: Sami Zayn Makes Big Fastlane Statement
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3. Opening Segment
Last night’s SmackDown kicked off in a different way than it usually does and it turned out to be an important moment for a feud that needs more traction. Charlotte Flair will defend her SmackDown Women’s Championship against Ruby Riott at Fastlane, but last night the two opened up the show with an interview.
Ever since The Riott Squad debuted on Tuesday nights in late-2017, the trio’s attention has been set on Charlotte along with her friends Becky Lynch and Naomi. But last night’s interview between Riott and Charlotte gave more insight as to what the leader of The Riott Squad really thinks of The Queen.
Riott said she assembled The Riott Squad to help overtake Charlotte and said how Charlotte has had everything handed to her in her career because of her last name. The Queen responded by saying she hasn’t been handed anything and has had to work hard for everything she’s gotten. Charlotte also said because of her last name, she is held to a higher standard than most and has no choice but to be transcendent.
The segment was abruptly ended when it appeared like The Riott Squad was about to attack Charlotte, but Bobby Roode made his entrance and essentially chased them off. The ending was a bit of a buzzkill, but the segment was very good for the most part. It gave the feud a more personal feel heading into Fastlane, which was lacking up until last night.
Charlotte and Riott should put on a show at Fastlane, but despite its imperfect ending, last night’s segment was very solid and did a lot for both individuals.