I've been pretty down on the blue brand since about October if we're being honest, and not much about this event seems like it's going to be changing my mind. Part of that is the fact that it doesn't really seem like there's a whole lot of unpredictability in this card, aside from the men's ladder match. That said, this doesn't seem like a bad show as a whole, and there should be at least one or two decent matches.
Pre-Show- Hype Bros vs The Colons
My Prediction: Get Hyped
It's a real shame Mojo has been given nothing to do since winning the battle royal, but in SmackDown's defense, jobbers and mid-carders can't hold championships. Zack will likely turn heel eventually, which will be great for his character, but it probably won't happen here.
Becky Lynch vs Charlotte Flair vs Natalya vs Tamina vs Carmella
My Prediction: That's a F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S briefcase you've got there
"Hey!" said a dumbass. "The people are very unhappy with our product. They think our women's division is a mess and think we're devaluing our champion. But I've got an idea to fix it. We're going to add ladders!" And thus this match was born.
SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match- The Usos vs The New Day
My Prediction: Clap for your new tag team champions
The tag team division was in the dumps a few months ago, but credit to SmackDown for revitalizing it, while Raw's division starts to falter. The tag teams have been given a renewed focus and vigor, and it's been fun to watch. Although Jimmy and Jey have had a fine run as champs, they will have to be dethroned eventually. SmackDown has a love for quick pushes to the top, and I have a feeling that this will be another example.
SmackDown Women's Championship Match- Naomi vs Lana
My Prediction: Even Eva Marie is shaking her head
"Hey!" said another dumbass. "I know we've got this Naomi woman who's over with the crowd, has an insane entrance and is improving leaps and bounds, but what we really need to save our ratings is non-wrestlers, by the boatload! That'll teach 'em to enjoy our product". And thus, this match was born.
WWE Championship Match- Jinder Mahal vs Randy Orton
My Prediction: Jinder vs Bob Orton should main event 'Mania
Although I've been a bit harsh on him in this post, I do feel Jinder gets too much of the blame for SmackDown's failings. The heat he has is tremendous, and he's actually a pretty talented wrestler in his own right. But Jinder is a good example(Kevin Owens is another good one) of why a world champion that works every show isn't necessarily helpful. Their match at Backlash was fine, better than anything involving Orton and Bray Wyatt, and I do think there is some potential here.
Kevin Owens vs AJ Styles vs Baron Corbin vs Sami Zayn vs Dolph Ziggler vs Shinsuke Nakamura
My Prediction: The sound of motocycles intensifies...
This has to be the clear favorite for match of the night, featuring some of the best workers in the company. So just like at Extreme Rules, let's break it down. Dolph can be immediately crossed off, as it's Dolph Ziggler, along with AJ, who shouldn't be winning the briefcase. The gimmick normally works best with heels, so I'll cross off Sami and Shinsuke. That leaves Owens and Corbin. Both are good options, and I could see either winning, but I'm going with Corbin myself. I think KO could be a contender without the briefcase, while Baron needs it to add legitimacy to his character.
As always, be sure to enjoy the rest of your weekend, whether or not it includes Money in the Bank. Do be sure to check out my version at 1 PM PST tomorrow, and then join me tomorrow night for my recap of the show. Take care!
Pre-Show- Hype Bros vs The Colons
My Prediction: Get Hyped
It's a real shame Mojo has been given nothing to do since winning the battle royal, but in SmackDown's defense, jobbers and mid-carders can't hold championships. Zack will likely turn heel eventually, which will be great for his character, but it probably won't happen here.
Becky Lynch vs Charlotte Flair vs Natalya vs Tamina vs Carmella
My Prediction: That's a F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S briefcase you've got there
"Hey!" said a dumbass. "The people are very unhappy with our product. They think our women's division is a mess and think we're devaluing our champion. But I've got an idea to fix it. We're going to add ladders!" And thus this match was born.
SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match- The Usos vs The New Day
My Prediction: Clap for your new tag team champions
The tag team division was in the dumps a few months ago, but credit to SmackDown for revitalizing it, while Raw's division starts to falter. The tag teams have been given a renewed focus and vigor, and it's been fun to watch. Although Jimmy and Jey have had a fine run as champs, they will have to be dethroned eventually. SmackDown has a love for quick pushes to the top, and I have a feeling that this will be another example.
SmackDown Women's Championship Match- Naomi vs Lana
My Prediction: Even Eva Marie is shaking her head
"Hey!" said another dumbass. "I know we've got this Naomi woman who's over with the crowd, has an insane entrance and is improving leaps and bounds, but what we really need to save our ratings is non-wrestlers, by the boatload! That'll teach 'em to enjoy our product". And thus, this match was born.
WWE Championship Match- Jinder Mahal vs Randy Orton
My Prediction: Jinder vs Bob Orton should main event 'Mania
Although I've been a bit harsh on him in this post, I do feel Jinder gets too much of the blame for SmackDown's failings. The heat he has is tremendous, and he's actually a pretty talented wrestler in his own right. But Jinder is a good example(Kevin Owens is another good one) of why a world champion that works every show isn't necessarily helpful. Their match at Backlash was fine, better than anything involving Orton and Bray Wyatt, and I do think there is some potential here.
Kevin Owens vs AJ Styles vs Baron Corbin vs Sami Zayn vs Dolph Ziggler vs Shinsuke Nakamura
My Prediction: The sound of motocycles intensifies...
This has to be the clear favorite for match of the night, featuring some of the best workers in the company. So just like at Extreme Rules, let's break it down. Dolph can be immediately crossed off, as it's Dolph Ziggler, along with AJ, who shouldn't be winning the briefcase. The gimmick normally works best with heels, so I'll cross off Sami and Shinsuke. That leaves Owens and Corbin. Both are good options, and I could see either winning, but I'm going with Corbin myself. I think KO could be a contender without the briefcase, while Baron needs it to add legitimacy to his character.
As always, be sure to enjoy the rest of your weekend, whether or not it includes Money in the Bank. Do be sure to check out my version at 1 PM PST tomorrow, and then join me tomorrow night for my recap of the show. Take care!
Comments