With the WWE creative ship in limbo and many superstars and fans feeling unsure on which direction the company will go, WWE had their first Smackdown after Wrestlemania last night and it was a step in the right direction. This looked firmly like a Triple H booked show with plenty of intriguing Bloodline storytelling throughout the episode. Let’s look back at the top moments throughout the show.
5: Triple H Announces WWE Draft:
Chief creative offfier Triple H came out for a promo, just as he did on Raw, and announced that the annual WWE draft would be taking place in a couple of weeks. The King of Kings got a big reaction with the crowd happy to see him after the unclear direction of WWEs creative strategy.
4: Good Night For The Judgement Day:
The entirety of Judgement Day came out for a promo halfway through the show and that was the start of a solid night for the heel group. All members got their turn on the stick, with Dominik still getting nuclear heat from the crowd and new Women’s Champion Rhea letting everyone know that she’s going to dominate the division in the years to come. Priest and Dominik then knocked off Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar in a competitive tag match.
3: Sheamus Gets Modicum Of Revenge:
After the incredible triple threat at Wrestlemania for the Intercontinental Championship, The Brawling Brutes and Imperium clashed in 6 man tag team action to open the show. The 6 delivered their usual solid match, and a big win for Sheamus after he gave Vinci a Brogue Kick. This rivalry is far from over.
2: Solo Vs Riddle On The Horizon?
After Riddle’s long overdue comeback on Raw this past Monday, the OG Bro, made his return to Smackdown, saving Sami Zayn from a viscous beat down at the hands of Jey Uso and Solo Sikoa. Solo took out Riddle last year and he hasn’t been seen since his return on Monday night, so the two have a natural story to fall back on. Solo was certainly featured heavily throughout the show and really presented as The Bloodline’s muscle who can get things done. As he also took out Kevin Owens backstage just before the main event. With the story still maintaining heat, we’ll see what’s next for the Bloodline and band of babyfaces that are trying to stop them.
1: Bloodline Story Dominates The Show Again:
This show certainly seemed like a Triple H booked show after some odd moments on Raw, this past Monday. Solid storytelling throughout involving The Bloodline, made the show a fascinating watch from start to finish. The main focus this week was the potential change of heart from Jey Uso, who was first told by Paul Heyman to get the job done against Sami Zayn or Solo would have to do his dirty work. The show also showed Sami trying his best to get through to Jey who has clearly been manipulated throughout the storyline. Jey got the big win in the main event after Solo’s interference, but then appeared to stop Solo’s beat down of Zayn. Only for a couple of moments though as Jey then continued the assault on his own terms. Clearly, seeds are being planted for a potential Jey Uso babyface turn.
Match Ratings
Brawling Brutes def Imperium 3*
Ricochet def Ivar 2.5*
Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez def Natalya & Shotzi 1.25*
Dominik Mysterio & Damian Priest def Rey Mysterio & Santos Escobar 2.75*Jey Uso def Sami Zayn 3.25*
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Author: Alex Bakothanasis
Photo Credit: WWE
One Stop Wrestling 