Before I proceed with this review, I have a few words to say. It was on this day 15 years ago, that the world shook and the towers fell. Since that day, there have been many changes. It is only right that we stop, even just for a second, to acknowledge those that passed before and paved the way for all to walk. For there cannot be progress without sacrifice, and there cannot be freedom without perseverance. This is not a day for inequality; this is not a day for injustice. Remember always to treat others with compassion and dignity, with honor and respect. For the world did not shake because of pride, nor did the towers fall because of spite.
With this being the return of branded pay-per-views, many were pessimistic on this show. However, thanks to outstanding individual performances, fantastic booking(for the most part), and an overall fun show managed to overcome any fan anxiety.
The six pack challenge was my highlight of the night, as six women, three still fairly green, put on a very enjoyable show. They were given enough time to work, and all six managed to leave looking better than they went in, always a positive sign. Becky finally got to the top of the mountain, winning her first championship in the WWE, including NXT. The Usos' heel turn was a long time coming, and I thought it went pretty well. They delivered a solid performance, moving on to the final of the tag tournament.
The Miz and Dolph Ziggler, with really no build whatsoever, proved how good they can be, putting together a match of the night contender. Excellent psychology, great story-telling combined with solid in ring action, and given plenty of time to work, led to a fantastic match. The Miz's resurgence continues, and with his feud with Ziggler likely continuing, he should only continue to get better. The announcement that Randy Orton was not cleared to compete through a major wrench in the plans, and left Bray Wyatt with nothing to do. He had an okay match with Kane, but I question why a 50 year old is defeating Bray Wyatt, regardless of interference.
Heath Slater has been one of the biggest success stories of the brand split, and his tag title win with Rhyno got the biggest pop of the night. It's pretty astounding to see a guy go from a jobber to a champion in about two months, and he definitely deserves it.
It's main event time, and the crowning of a new champion. Dean had a fine run, but I think a good heel run is likely in his immediate future, and dropping the belt here was the right decision. AJ Styles continues to be the best wrestler in the world, pulling out the best that Dean had to offer, becoming a very worthy champion. AJ's win cemented a "New Era" on Smackdown, with three belts changing hands. Smackdown continues to deliver, leaving Raw very much in the dust.
9/10
That's all for now. See you at Clash of the Champions.
With this being the return of branded pay-per-views, many were pessimistic on this show. However, thanks to outstanding individual performances, fantastic booking(for the most part), and an overall fun show managed to overcome any fan anxiety.
The six pack challenge was my highlight of the night, as six women, three still fairly green, put on a very enjoyable show. They were given enough time to work, and all six managed to leave looking better than they went in, always a positive sign. Becky finally got to the top of the mountain, winning her first championship in the WWE, including NXT. The Usos' heel turn was a long time coming, and I thought it went pretty well. They delivered a solid performance, moving on to the final of the tag tournament.
The Miz and Dolph Ziggler, with really no build whatsoever, proved how good they can be, putting together a match of the night contender. Excellent psychology, great story-telling combined with solid in ring action, and given plenty of time to work, led to a fantastic match. The Miz's resurgence continues, and with his feud with Ziggler likely continuing, he should only continue to get better. The announcement that Randy Orton was not cleared to compete through a major wrench in the plans, and left Bray Wyatt with nothing to do. He had an okay match with Kane, but I question why a 50 year old is defeating Bray Wyatt, regardless of interference.
Heath Slater has been one of the biggest success stories of the brand split, and his tag title win with Rhyno got the biggest pop of the night. It's pretty astounding to see a guy go from a jobber to a champion in about two months, and he definitely deserves it.
It's main event time, and the crowning of a new champion. Dean had a fine run, but I think a good heel run is likely in his immediate future, and dropping the belt here was the right decision. AJ Styles continues to be the best wrestler in the world, pulling out the best that Dean had to offer, becoming a very worthy champion. AJ's win cemented a "New Era" on Smackdown, with three belts changing hands. Smackdown continues to deliver, leaving Raw very much in the dust.
9/10
That's all for now. See you at Clash of the Champions.
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