Tonight’s episode of SmackDown Live gave us everything from bashed birthday cakes, weird protein shakes and even weirder hotel dates. This episode also gave us WWE’s first main event worthy classic Match of the Year contender in Andrade vs Rey Mysterio.
Most of us watching at home found ourselves scratching our heads at the discovery that Andrade “Cien” Almas has dropped both his last name and his nickname to kick off the show. By time his match with Rey Mysterio on WWE SmackDown went underway, we forgot all about it because there were more pressing matters at hand – matters regarding the wrestling clinic that these two luchadors put on in the ring.
At the ripe age of 44, Rey Mysterio moved around like he was 20 years younger, proving that he can still hang with the young guns after all these years. Alternatively, Andrade hung in there with a veteran in his best in-ring performance since he was last seen in NXT. Together, they had a phenomenal contest that truly deserves to be seen to be believed.
In the end, it would be the former NXT Champion who would come out on top. Granted, he did so with a slight assist from his manager Zelina Vega, but there is something bigger afoot than how he got the win. What’s more important is his performance and that he won. In regards to both, this match provided us a glimpse into what kind of year 2019 could have in store for El Idolo.
via WWE.com
Andrade has been a member of the main roster ever since he got called up after WrestleMania last year. Almost an entire year later, it would be an understatement to declare that Andrade’s run has been disappointment. He made a name for himself down in developmental for having amazing matches on a regular basis. Since arriving to SmackDown, Andrade has had his arms pinned to the mat more times than he’s had them raised high in the air. Even worse, he’s, at times, struggled to get air time.
Last week in his first SmackDown appearance of the new year, Andrade’s luck started to turn around after he took the pinfall victory in a tag team match with Samoa Joe against Mysterio and Mustafa Ali. One week later, Lady Luck remains on Andrade’s side.
via WWE.com
Tonight especially was a big deal for Andrade. Last week’s pinfall win over Mysterio was considered the biggest win of Andrade’s career. This week in his second win over The Master of The 619, it’s even more impressive to see it happen in one on one competition and in an instant classic match like that.
By defeating a former WWE World Heavyweight Champion in Rey Mysterio, Andrade feels elevated. In a span of two weeks, Andrade has gone from meddling in the midcard to being a believable main eventer. This leaves us to believe that Andrade is in store for a stellar 2019 and frankly, he should be.
Anyone with the level of charisma and in-ring acumen that Andrade displayed in his match with Mysterio deserves a place at the top of WWE’s totem pole. He truly has a future as one of SmackDown’s top heels if he continues to rack up huge wins like this. Only time will tell if Andrade continues to find success, but for tonight at least, he leaves a powerful impression that cannot be ignored.