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WWE SmackDown Grades: Samoa Joe Takes A Big Step In The Right Direction

By Trace Johnson

Roman and Samoa Joe (R) battle during the WWE show at Zenith Arena on may 09, 2017 in Lille, France. / AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUEN (Photo credit should read PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images)
Roman and Samoa Joe (R) battle during the WWE show at Zenith Arena on may 09, 2017 in Lille, France. / AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUEN (Photo credit should read PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images) /
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2. Samoa Joe vs. R-Truth vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Andrade

It was a bit of an eyebrow-raising decision for the WWE universe when R-Truth was given the United States Championship a little over a month ago.  But unlike the previous few months of that championship, it felt like a bigger deal than it had in a while and Truth did plenty to help the title out.

His U.S. Open Challenge last week saw him successfully retain his title against Rey Mysterio and Andrade in a Triple Threat Match, making his childhood hero John Cena proud no less, but last night would be even tougher.  Truth issued another open challenge with the U.S. Championship on the line, but not only did Mysterio and Andrade come out, so did The Samoan Submission Machine, Samoa Joe.

These four competed in a Fatal 4-Way that was exciting and compelling from start to finish.  This was one of the better TV matches in a while in the WWE with all four men really showing up and impressing.  The U.S. Championship was teetering throughout, but a chaotic ending proved to be the difference maker.  After Mysterio hit Andrade with a 619 followed by a frog splash, Joe rushed in and took advantage by taking out both men before pinning Andrade to win the title.

This marks Joe’s first main roster championship in the WWE and it was a long time coming for one of the best the WWE has to offer.  Truth had a solid title run, but Joe could really take the U.S. Championship to another level if the WWE puts the effort into building the title up and making Joe seem like an even bigger force.  Only time will tell, but last night was a big step in the right direction.

The Samoan Submission Machine is U.S. Champion and the rest of the blue brand roster better be on notice.

Final Grade: A