Welcome to the Smackdown Review for October 3, 2017. For both this and Raw, I will go over what the big talking points were, pick the match of the night, and look ahead to the next show.
Talking Points
Rights and Lefts
The Usos made their way to the ring, promising to read the New Day their “rights”. What followed was a passionate promo in which the Usos said that they were the best tag team on Smackdown. The New Day interrupted, talking about laying down some “lefts”. Thy talked about how they had left all other Tag Teams in the dust. They also said that their matches with the Uso’s were often the best matches on Pay-Per-Views. This did not get physical, nor did it have too. This was a showing of respect, while remaining in character, between two of the best teams in WWE history.
No Shortcuts
Ty Dillinger and Baron Corbin might have finally settled their feud. Corbin was more vicious, throwing Dillinger around with no regard. A mistake caught Corbin in a small package for the three count. Afterwards, AJ Styles appeared on the screen and talked how Corbin took shortcuts and blamed everyone else for his mistakes. There was something old school about Styles’s promo, harking back to the days of regional wrestling. The smart money might be on Styles retaining on Sunday, but all this talk about shortcuts makes me think that Corbin might have a trick up his sleeve.
Outta Nowhere
My hope is that Randy Orton and Rusev are given some time for their match at Hell in the Cell. These are two athletes that could steal the show given some time. What I love, however, is the match ending and quickness of the recent RKOs. It can happen at any time, and it’s really fun to try and guess when Orton is going to hit it. After Orton defeated Aiden English, Rusev tried to sneak into the ring, only for Orton to quickly fall on his stomach and stare him down. I hope this becomes a trend, much like Bray Wyatt’s Spiderwalk or Undertaker sitting up.
Match of the Night
Kevin Owens vs. Shane McMahon
This wasn’t even an actually match. Shane McMahon came to the ring and announced that his and Kevin Owens match would be Falls Count Anywhere. Owens appeared in the crowd and baited Shane to follow him. What happened was a fight that went through the entire Pepsi Center, with Owens looking like the stronger man. Shane would not quit and there were time that Owens looked concerned about what he would have to do to put the GM away. The action ended in the ring after a powerbomb and a head butt. This feud needed some more physicality and the match this Sunday is must watch.
Conclusion
This show had the feel of a little cool down before a stacked card on Sunday. Jinder Mahl attacked Shinsuke Nakamura with the Sing Brothers, reminding every one that Nakamura must beat three men. Natalya made Charlotte tap out. Three more cancer survivors were honored. And Shelton Benjamin and Chad Gable got the kickoff spot against the Hype Bros. There are a lot of matches that could steal the show on Sunday and I, for one, can not wait.