WWE SmackDown Live Results, Highlights, and Grades for March 12, 2019

Shane McMahon addresses his attack on The Miz

WWE SmackDown Live opened up with Shane McMahon, who viciously assaulted The Miz at WWE Fastlane two nights ago. Shane made his way to the ring without his happy-go-lucky dance, instead looking somber and serious.

In the ring, the trophy from his victory in the WWE World Cup at WWE Crown Jewel was on display. Before he began to explain, Shane McMahon demanded ring announcer Greg Hamilton hop into the ring to introduce him as “The Best in the World.” Apparently Hamilton’s execution wasn’t good enough, because Shane grabbed at him and insisted he do it the right way on two occasions.

After bullying his way to a better introduction, Shane McMahon got on the microphone to explain he’s fed up with other people always wanting to know what he can do for them. Shane continued his tirade about the selfishness of others before reminding everyone that The Miz works for him, and because of that The Miz has no choice but to receive another beating on the Grandest Stage of Them All. Shane McMahon revealed he will face The Miz at WrestleMania 35, and that he’ll “beat [Miz’s] ass” once again.

Grade: A, Shane McMahon’s transition from chilled out sneaker dude to selfish bullying authority figure is complete. It was easy to hate Shane here, and that bodes well for his clash with The Miz at WrestleMania.

Eight-Man Tag Team Match: Aleister Black, Ricochet, and The Hardys vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Rusev, and The Bar

WWE SmackDown featured tag team action next in what has become an increasingly crowded tag division. Aleister Black and Ricochet continued their dual-brand tour with the same level of impact and agility they’ve had week in and week out.

The Hardys were on a roll at times with Matt Hardy looking to be in great form since returning. Meanwhile, Rusev is apparently trying to find a way to a pay-per-view win as commentary pointed out he’s not won a pay-per-view match in over two years.

The match itself was solid at the start and got more and more chaotic as things went, with The Hardys coming very close to securing victory for their team on a few occasions. Before they could do so, The New Day suddenly came rushing down to the ring and tore through every team in the ring.

Looking to send a message because of what Vince McMahon has done to Kofi Kingston, but also get revenge for the actions of The Bar and Rusev & Nakamura at WWE Fastlane, The New Day laid waste to them. Big E sent people into barricades and steel steps. Back in the ring, a shining wizard from Xavier Woods and Trouble in Paradise from Kofi Kingston put the exclamation point on things.

Backstage after the attack, The Usos cut a short promo making it clear they’re ready to face any and all challengers to defend the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Titles.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1105627801548480516

Grade: A+, The match itself was great for an eight-man tag match, but it was The New Day’s attack afterwards that really ramped things up. It feels like WrestleMania season, and that’s very exciting.