WWE SmackDown Live: Breaking Down The Gauntlet Match

The Gauntlet match this week on WWE SmackDown Live delivered on so many levels. Join us as we break down the match for the best bits and takeaways.

WWE delivered two great shows over the span of two nights. WWE SmackDown Live had a disappointing outing at Money in the Bank as Raw grabbed both briefcases. However, the show came back with a stellar outing that showcased a number of talents and storylines. Tuesday night allowed the WWE Universe to witness a gauntlet match to determine the new number one contender for AJ Styles’s WWE title.

The match can easily draw comparison to the gauntlet match from Raw earlier in the year. But in many aspects, the match from Tuesday night was much better than its counterpart for multiple reasons. For starters, it had clear stakes right from the beginning. When Raw hosted the gauntlet match, everybody praised the formula. But few hardly questioned the need for it. Had it been mentioned that the winner would enter the Elimination Chamber last, it would have made more sense.

But at the time it was already decided that Elias was the one who will enter the chamber last. But this was not the case with the match on Tuesday. A shot at the WWE title at Extreme Rules awaited the eventual winner. That right there is a huge plus point to SmackDown Live‘s gauntlet match.

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Then there is the case with the contestants. This has nothing to do with the level of talent among the participants. Raw had Rollins, Cena, Balor, Elias, Strowman and the Miz. That’s a lot of star power there. But SmackDown had Bryan, Samoa Joe, Rusev, Miz and Big E. The emotional connection these men have with the fans is tremendous. Especially with Bryan.

While Rollins was the heart and soul of the first gauntlet match, delivering an iron man performance, Bryan did the same last night. Additionally, the superstars that followed suit ensured the match maintained that same level of intensity and kept the fans invested all the while. By the time Rusev had won the match, people were literally on the edge of their seats. The Miz is such an awesome heel that he has the fans by the palm of his hands.

As I watched the final few minutes of the action, I was convinced that Rusev would finally succumb to the Skull Crushing Finale. But as fate would have it Rusev Day would finally fall on the first Tuesday following the Money in the Bank PPV. The emotion of the moment, the crowd chanting Rusev’s name frantically and then the champion himself making an appearance to congratulate his challenger, all added up to create something special. Moreover, Rusev acted like a babyface while Aiden English played the comedic relief/heelish persona brilliantly.

Now getting back to the match itself, every superstar was showcased nicely. Perhaps even better than what transpired on Raw a few months back. Even Big E who was first eliminated had a nice outing. Samoa Joe’s elimination showed Bryan’s class and craftiness more than anything else. The only thing I was confused about was the attack on Bryan by the Bludgeon Brothers. What was that all about?

Is Bryan going to be feuding in the tag division now? What was that all about? Apart from this one minor moment, the match and the entire outcome was just perfect, move for move. Miz once again proved himself to be one of the best heels in the WWE, matched only by Kevin Owens in my opinion.

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In short, the match showcased Big E’s in-ring abilities, Bryan’s heart and Samoa Joe’s unbelievable submission skills. Additionally, we witnessed the Miz’s ability to turn up the heel act as and when needed and finally, Rusev’s picture perfect portrayal of his babyface self. If there are more matches like this in the future, then am all in indeed. What are your thoughts on the Gauntlet match?