WWE SmackDown Results, Highlights, Grades For May 15, 2018

Daniel Bryan Response

Daniel Bryan opens the show after an introduction from Renee Young, and the reaction to his entrance was absolutely thunderous. Young had to press through discussing Bryan’s recent matches, because the crowd was chanting “Daniel Bryan!” so loudly. Bryan yelled “Feel that!” at Young, referring to the crowd’s incredible response to Bryan’s presence.

Bryan declared that he will become the WWE Champion again, and it’s clear that WWE is pressing for a long-term story of Bryan re-capturing gold.

He is, however, interrupted by Big Cass, who isn’t finished feuding with Bryan. Although Cass lost to Bryan at Backlash, he cut a promo after SmackDown Live last week about how his post-match beatdown of Bryan costed the leader of the “Yes!” movement his Money in the Bank opportunity against Rusev.

Cass’s promo was rather disastrous. Even though he’s improved on the mic, nothing he said here made sense, and that’s more on the creative team than anything else. He said that he tapped out at Backlash in order to get back up as quickly as possible to beat Bryan down into the ground. So….wait…he doesn’t care about winning the match? Stupid.

That said, the crowd really hates Cass, and his delivery on the mic (particularly the hilariously exaggerated voices) is quite good. But WWE, please give this guy lines that make sense.

Cass then rehashed an old John Cena-feud line, telling Bryan that he needs to let Brie Bella “wear the pants” in his family. Bryan heard enough, attacking Cass viciously, focusing the majority of his attack on Cass’s previously injured knee.

On top of that, Bryan forced Cass to tap out to a heel hook, mortifying the seven-foot tall heel. We need to see more babyfaces portrayed as smart competitors, relentlessly attacking the weakness of their foes.

Segment Rating: C, pretty average overall, though it was satisfying to watch Bryan beat up Cass. That made it worth watching.