Welcome to the Smackdown Review for February 20, 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. And since the Mixed Match Challenge has started, I will review who won this weeks match up.
Talking Points
Still Friends?
Kevin Owens faced Dolph Ziggler in the opening match of the night. As Fastlane grows closer, the five men evolved int he championship match should have plenty of opportunities to mix it up before the pay per view. It seemed that Ziggler was going to pick up the win, but Sami Zayn appeared to cause a distraction that allowed Owens to win. Later in the night, Zayn told Owens that they were in this together and they would destroy ever other man in the match. When they were down, Zayn will lay down for Owens. Zayn might be back in the friendship state of mind, but the look on Owen’s face says the might not trust his “best friend”.
For the US
It seemed that after what happened last week, Jinder Mahl would be the next challenger for Bobby Roode. Mahl instead tried to play some mind games, telling Roode that he voted for himself in the Top ten list and that Randy Orton was not on it. Roode didn’t shy away, but also said he never believed that he was better then Orton. Orton came out and Mahl tried to play each man against the other. The two ejected Mahl from the ring, but then proceeded to beat on each other. Mahl was not done, and at the end of the segment was the last man standing again. Orton and Roode will fight for the US Title at Fastlane, but Mahl will not be too far away.
One More Time
The New Day took on Shelton Benjamin and Chad Gable with the winner earning a shot at the Usos Tag Titles at Fastlane. While Benjamin and Gable have taken some huge leaps forward in regards to the characters, they are not quite there yet. The New Day were able to score a pin fall which will set up another show stealing match with the Usos. You won’t find me complaining, but who ever wins will have a huge test ahead of them. The Bludgeon Brothers are waiting and the time is coming when they will demand their own shot.
Match of the Night
Charlotte, Becky Lynch and Naomi vs. The Riott Squad (The Riott Squad wins by pinfall)
The biggest criticism of the Riott Squad, and Absolution on Raw, is that while their characters are interesting, they have not posed a threat to the women’s roster. They seem to lose more then they win. This match, which was a fantastic one, showed that the Riott Squade has a little more bite. While the other wrestlers might join up to face them, the Riott Squad is a faction and they work well together. When Ruby Riott pinned Becky Lynch, she mocked Charlotte and her quest to destroy all three members. Charlotte and Ruby Riott will meet at Fastlane, and the Riott Squad is gaining momentum.
Mixed Match Challenge Week 6
Nia Jax & Apollo Crews vs. Charlotte & Bobby Roode (Charlotte and Roode win by pin fall)
I expected this to happen, what I didn’t expect was how much fun it was going to be. Moments such as Charlotte teaching Roode to strut, Nia Jax wanting nothing to do with Titus Worldwide, and Jax telling Roode to “shut your old ass up!” As we had seen in previous weeks, it was the ladies doing the heavy lifting, and Jax against Charlotte is a match that would be awesome if one of the ladies switches brands. The match showed that Jax is a monster, and she should always be taken seriously. Roode and Crews had some good moments, and Roode picked up the pace late in the match. The first round is now over and we move on to the next round.
Conclusion
AJ Styles beat Baron Corbin, and the Lone Wolf took out his frustrations on an invading Owens and Zayn. The matches are starting to come together for Fastlane and the last show before Wrestlemania might be a surprise hit if booked correctly.