Welcome to the Smackdown Review for February 27, 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
Desperation
John Cena came to Smackdown, true to his word. There was however, a glint of a man who is desperate. He wanted to be added to the WWE Championship match at Fastlane. He would be willing to fight for it. Shane Mcmahon and Danial Bryan decided that Cena would face AJ Styles in the main event. If he won, he would be added to the match at Fastlane. Cena might be on the verge of a character shift, as later he walked out and stared down Shinsuke Nakamura before his match. Could it be that we might finally see the heel turn?
Start a Riott
Ruby Riott faced Naomi as the leader of the Riott Squad looked to take down supporters of Charlotte. This match should have been earlier in the Riott Squad’s debut, as it showed that Ruby can get a win without the aid of her teammates. A faction should watch each other’s back, but the members must be able to get it down in the ring by themselves. Ruby has always been a great wrestler and her victory helps build excitement for her match for the Smackdown Women’s Championship at Fastlane.
Rivalry Renewed
The Usos and the New Day met in the ring to discuss their match at Fastlane. Any positive feelings both teams had for each other were gone as both teams took shots at each other. The Usos claimed that the New Day does not care about Championships, only being silly and having fun. The New Day countered that they were winning championships while the Usos just sat in the back. They might have come to blows if the Bludgeon Brothers had not interrupted. The winner of their match might have a mighty big test ahead of them.
Match of the Night
John Cena vs. AJ Styles (Cena wins by pinfall and is added to the Championship match at Fastlane)
Cena and Styles picked up right where they left off at the Royal Rumble. With only a few hours, they tore down the house, reminding everyone how good Cena is and how extraordinary Styles is. This match seemed to continue the theme of Cena acting heelish. With Cena on the ground, Styles stopped the referee counting and went to pull Cena into the ring. Cena thanked him by hitting a AA on him through the announcers table and then rolled into the ring. Cena will not win at Fastlane, and one has to wonder what this loss will do to him.
Mixed Match Challenge Week 7
Finn Balor & Sasha Banks vs. The Miz & Askua (Miz and Askua win by pin fall)
It was very smart booking to have these two teams collide, as all four are involved in stories over on Raw. The announcers made mention several times that a loss would be the end of Askua’s streak. This match was more about action, but all four had some great bits as well. The Miz mocked Sasha’s pose and later she mocked his catchphrase. At one point, Miz, Askua, and Sasha each tried to do the Yes kicks. All three missed the last one. The Miz one with a surprise roll up after Finn was distracted by Askua attacking Sasha. If the announce team says that a loss will be counted as Askua’s streak ending, I think Miz and Askua will go all the way.
Conclusion
Randy Orton confronted Bobby Roode, with Jinder Mahl nowhere in sight. Shinsuke Nakamura took down Aidan English. Josh Duhamel showed up on Fashion Files. Baron Corbin beat Sami Zayn.
