WWE SmackDown Smacks/Downs: Bray Wyatt remains fascinating

-Smack: wrestlers as commentators

When Samoa Joe was commentating on RAW while recovering from injury, fans gravitated even more towards him because of the perspective and knowledge he brought to the show.

I made a similar comment about Cody on this week’s Dynamite.

Not every wrestler-as-commentator has to follow that mold, though. Take Nikki Cross.

I wouldn’t say she was necessarily there to add commentary on the technical acumen of either competitor. Rather, she brought a much need energy and enthusiasm that is lacking in an empty-arena environment.

Her interactions with Cole were funny and heartwarming as well. “I didn’t invite you,” from Cole was a great line.

Zayn falls somewhere in-between. He loves to describe the artistic and technical brilliance of both Nakamura and Ceasro (and himself), but he also brings a tremendous enthusiasm and humor in a more serious yet hyperbolic manner. Just go watch his reactions anytime Bryan and Gulak have pinned Nakamura and Cesaro.

The Miz and Morrison were fine. They played their parts as they should have, and were obnoxious heels. Check and check.

Smack: the main event tag match

You might be thinking, “Wait, didn’t you just spend the last slide disliking this match?” Kind of: I only disliked the ending.

As we’ve come to expect anytime The New Day and The Uso face off, this was another good match. There was fast-paced action with serious stakes (a chance at the Tag Team Championship).

These two teams have chemistry like no other teams in WWE the last decade. I would argue only The Revival and American Alpha had similar chemistry with each other.

Beyond the chemistry, these teams seem to have an inherent trust of the other team. How else could we have had all their classic matches, including matches like Hell in a Cell where their bodies are at the whim of their opponents? They truly are a joy to watch, and here’s looking forward to what they accomplish at WrestleMania.

Last night’s show presented the highs and lows of taped shows: the ability to edit spots, but also the inability to make changes when things change after tapings. It will be fascinating to watch the next few taped SmackDowns to see just how exactly WWE is able to (if they are) make a smooth transition from Reigns to whoever replaces him.

Stay safe everyone. See you next week!

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