WWE SmackDown Live Results, Highlights, and Grades for March 26, 2019

The New Day calls out Mr. McMahon

SmackDown Live opened with the familiarly excited voice of Big E addressing the Mohegan Sun Arena to remind them not to be sour. It was a moment that initially dispelled the question of whether The New Day would appear tonight, but once in the ring it was clear they hadn’t quite made up their minds about leaving WWE.

The New Day first thanked the crowd for their support and the ride they’ve been on from “New Day Sucks” all the way to #KofiMania. Xavier Woods and Big E both talked about how poorly Kofi Kingston has been treated over the years. They talked about the “power of positivity,” and the ways Kingston has embodied it over the years.

Finally, before making a decision about quitting, Big E and Xavier Woods said they first needed some answers from Mr. McMahon. Without hesitation, Vince made his way to the ring. He began to address Kingston, but was interrupted by WWE Champion Daniel Bryan who stepped out onto the ramp with Rowan at his side.

Daniel Bryan continued his interruption by screaming about Kofi Kingston being a “B-Plus Player” and calling The New Day a novelty act. He even implied three people could be called up from NXT to easily replace The New Day as an even more popular group, really driving home their replaceability in his view.

The champion then turned his talk to Mr. McMahon, saying the boss’s instincts were right about The New Day and Kofi Kingston, and imploring him not to listen to the fan support of them. Xavier Woods fired back, calling Bryan a hypocrite who had become everything he once fought against.

Mr. McMahon eventually got fed up with the back and forth, shouting at everyone to “shut up.” After poking at The New Day and his belief they never really considered quitting and that it was just a tactic, Mr. McMahon told Kingston yet again that he sees him as nothing more than a “B-Plus Player.” Mr. McMahon then stated while Kingston wouldn’t get any more opportunities, he did have an opportunity for Big E and Xavier Woods to see if they’re simply a “B-Plus Tag Team.”

Mr. McMahon announced that Big E and Xavier Woods will compete tonight in a tag team gauntlet match. If they are able to win, Kofi Kingston will get his shot at the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 35. Bryan looked furious, but The New Day accepted the challenge and will try to earn Kofi his shot later on in the night.

Grade: A+, A fantastic opening segment and great work by The New Day. Daniel Bryan was also on point as the heel trying to dodge Kingston. The hype is real for tonight’s tag team gauntlet.