The following editorial was written by Tyler Treese and does not reflect the views of WrestleZone as a whole. Feel free to chime in on our SmackDown Live review in the comments below.
SmackDown Live Review
Tonight’s episode of SmackDown Live was a jam packed one full of interesting events. To help you digest the episode, check out our six takeaways from the latest episode that showcased the blue brand in our SmackDown Live review for the November 20, 2018 episode.
Charlotte’s Trash Talk Falls Flat
Boy, what a disappointing start to the episode. Talking a ton of trash on Ronda Rousey after the beating at Survivor Series makes a lot of sense…if she didn’t come out smiling and quickly defended her title on Monday. The gloating made no sense, even for a delusional heel, and the opening segment was just awkward in general with Paige fining Charlotte in the least threatening way possible. It almost sounded as if she was joking, but WWE has played the fine straight online.
The IIconics Look Like Jokes
The #IIconics are experiencing a new side of @MsCharlotteWWE tonight…
Is @BillieKayWWE in for a royal beatdown from #TheQueen? #SDLive pic.twitter.com/lebukrJNU9
— WWE (@WWE) November 21, 2018
Similar to how disappointing the Riott Squad has been booked on the main roster, it’s really difficult to take Peyton Royce and Billie Kay seriously on SmackDown. Both of the Australian athletes are fun to watch in-ring and on the mic, but they’ve been turned into a complete non-threat. The IIconics losing to Charlotte Flair to kickoff the show didn’t make Flair look incredible, it just made both of them look even weaker than they already were. They really deserve to be used better as they can’t really put anyone over if they’re never viewed as credible.
All that said, seeing Flair demolish them after the matches was great to see. I really like how Flair is being used at the moment, and while every aspect isn’t a home run, more if it is a success than not.
I Stan The Co-Besties
?Here comes the money(maker) ?@mikethemiz + @shanemcmahon = #SDLive's newest dream team? #MizTV pic.twitter.com/yR2DmNM9Km
— WWE (@WWE) November 21, 2018
Miz TV was simply incredible. From The Miz telling Shane that he’s a “Shane stan” to them adorably being the co-best in the world, the entire segment was great. Even the match against The Bryant Brothers was hilarious as Miz’s hubris backfired and saw him lose to a small package. I can’t wait to see more of this tag team.
Feeling Festive
https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1065064547361452032
While The Bar vs. New Day match was undeniably a filler segment, it was one hell of a good time. This is the type of goofy fun that belongs on a holiday show, and getting to see Sheamus get clocked with a turkey is one of the greatest finishes I’ve ever seen to a professional wrestling match. What a fun match from start to finish!
The New Daniel Bryan
.@WWEDanielBryan does not accept failure.@WWEDanielBryan chooses to fight.@WWEDanielBryan sits in hyperbaric chambers.#SDLive pic.twitter.com/O4noudYZRR
— WWE (@WWE) November 21, 2018
I know not everyone loved that they turned Daniel Bryan heel, but how can you not be excited for the future after tonight’s promo and the match with Lesnar at Survivor Series? Bryan is done with the yes movement, and now all he cares about is winning & keeping his championship. It’s a logical next step.
Randy Orton Rules
HOW DID HE DO THAT?!? #SDLive #MysteriovsOrton @RandyOrton @reymysterio pic.twitter.com/bRg7tUueF6
— WWE (@WWE) November 21, 2018
Can we talk about how amazing it was when Rey Mysterio slid out of the ring into the RKO? My lord. What an incredible moment. Also, his sinister look after taking Mysterio’s mask? Terrifying. What a great villain. I hate him so much. For all of the great recent heel turns, none can match Orton.
Feel free to give your own SmackDown Live review in the comments below!
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