Welcome to the Smackdown Review for October 10, 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
Respect
The Usos hobbled their way to the ring. Their talk was big, but anyone could see that they were still banged up from their fantastic match at Hell in the Cell. They called out the New Day and what followed was my favorite type of promo. While not breaking character, the two teams heaped praise on each other and acknowledged that their matches were the best in the Tag Team Division in recent months. This brought out ever other Tag Team (even Brezzedangio!) to lay claim to be the number one contender. Props to Xavier Woods for stopping the Usos from disrespecting Fashion Files. The Usos even admitted they were cool! A match was announced between all teams with the winner getting a shot at the Usos. Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin were the winners. The Usos better hope they take awhile to to challenge for their belts.
Kevin’s Paradise
Speaking of banged up, Kevin Owens looked worse for wear as he addressed the WWE Universe. Claiming that during the match, he had an experience with heaven and St. Peter, he brought out Sami Zayn. What followed was a brutal verbal take down of how Shane McMahon had lied to Zayn and that Owens was his brother. What made this heel turn particular effective was there was a lot of truth to Zayn’s words. He has been underutilized and there were some real anger behind his words. Time will tell if this new version will get any traction, but there were a lot less Zayn fans after he was done. I swung back and forth on Owen’s religious heel, but I think it will work if he does not let it get too out of control
Off the Chain
This final point has two parts, and both have to do with the women’s division. Natalya was craddling her Championship belt when Lana and Tamina approached. They were soon joined by Carmella. Only when Charlotte appeared did all hell break lose. The women were punching and throwing each other all around the room, Becky Lynch appeared to back up her friend. Lynch and Carmella had a match later and there was just something on about Lynch this night. She looked on fire and energized. Not even James Ellsworth could stop her from making Carmella tap out to the Dis-Arm-Her. If Charlotte can not face Natalya, perhaps the Irish Lass Kicker could step in.
Match of the Night
US Champion Baron Corbin vs AJ Styles (US Title Match) (Corbin wins by pin fall)
I was very curious how Baron Corbin was going to act in this match. Would he result to cheap tricks in order to keep his belt? The answer was no, as Corbin decided that the best way to keep his newly won belt was to become the toughest man in the match. He pounced on AJ Styles from the very beginning and did not let up. Even thrown across the announcers table, he still just kept coming. Credit must be given to Styles as well, as he hit Corbin with everything he had. Now that he no longer has the title, the Phenomenal One can set his sights on another title, one that is currently held by the Modern Day Maharaja.
Conclusion
If anyone tells you that wrestling is fake and no one gets hurt, direct them this show. The effects were on full display. Erik Rowan and Luke Harper had a promo were they are coming to hurt the WWE. Dolph Ziggler and Bobby Roode are not finished with each other. There is a long time before the next pay-per-view, so we might get the beginning of new stories next week.
