IThe Return of Jericho
Much to the pleasant surprise of EVERYONE, Chris Jericho returned to WWE on Smackdown Live and got his rematch against Kevin Owens for the United States Championship. The only caveat is that AJ Styles was looking for one of his own. Kevin Owens would defend it against both in the main event, something Shane McMahon created at the beginning of the night.
Fast forward to the main event and it was really good. Jericho, who is coming back from a few months off, kept pace and was the lynch pin in an explosion from Styles and Owens. Superkick, Pele Kick and a spinning heel kick were executed in succession by all three men. As they were all down, Jericho attempted a Lionsault and connected. The offense did not stop in this solid 15 minute main event, when Owens planted Jericho with a Pop-up Powerbomb and a devastating Frog Splash. As he went for the pin, Styles threw him out of the ring and stole the United States Championship back, only 48 hours after losing it at WWE Battleground.
I do not love the idea of a title change this many times, but it made sense to have Jericho invoke his rematch clause and give us an excellent Triple Threat Match. Also, there was no DQ or count-out, which happens too much on RAW and Smackdown Live. Those two factors are huge in my rating because the match was excellent. It was booked strategically and continues a feud that has been hot since it started. Does this mean Jericho is back for good or is he used this one time to help transition into another United States Championship match between Kevin Owens and AJ Styles. I am just happy that this was an actual surprised and not ruined by many spoilers. Good stuff from Jericho, as always.
Charlotte and Becky Lynch defeat Lana and Tamina
Here is the good about Lana: she gets a reaction, the crowd loves her (Even though they chant you can’t wrestle) and she is still very fresh to the audience from a potential superstar standpoint. The negative is always going to be those stupid chants, but they do ring true. The fans will cheer and boo her in a matter of seconds, but a reaction is what she gets. Look at Tamina, who is a decent wrestler but gets no crowd reaction at all and the fans could care less. Lana is cared about, even if it is in a negative way at times.
Charlotte and Becky win in underwhelming fashion. The match was nothing special and these two women have empty date cards for SummerSlam. What about a RAW vs. Smackdown Live Women’s Tag Team Match? Challenge Sasha and an opponent of her choice. Maybe she chooses Nia Jax? Maybe Asuka?
