WWE SmackDown Grades: Asuka Joins The Man And The Queen At TLC

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2. Jeff Hardy Celebration

Arguably no superstar in WWE history put his body on the line more for the business and the fans than Jeff Hardy.  The Charismatic Enigma is a no-brainer future hall of famer, but last night was dedicated to celebrating his 20th anniversary in the WWE.

It’s crazy it was 20 years ago that Hardy has been with the WWE, so what better way to celebrate than what took place last night?  The entire SmackDown roster stood on the top of the stage while Hardy came out to a big ovation from the WWE universe.  The video package shown to honor his career was exceptional as well and Hardy talked not as a WWE superstar, but as a humbled man.

This was a great celebration, but it took an abrupt turn when Samoa Joe came out.  Joe said he apologized for being late and that he wanted to come out and celebrate with champagne, but that probably wouldn’t be a good idea given Hardy’s past.  At that point, you knew where things were going.  Joe continued to take shots at Hardy’s past and said that video package was nice considering Hardy probably wasn’t coherent enough during those times to remember any of it.

Joe put Hardy on notice that he is coming for him, but The Charismatic Enigma didn’t let it get to him.  This is a feud that fans should be excited for and it could turn out to be a highly memorable one.  In terms of just this segment, this was fantastic from start to finish.  The tribute part was great, but the Joe part was maybe even better given how it jumpstarts a feud in the most personal way possible.

It didn’t make much sense having the SmackDown roster on the stage during Joe’s part, but overlooking that, this was a great segment.

Final Grade: A