Welcome to the Smackdown Review for November 14, 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
The Underdog
I thought that no one could match the Paul Heyman promo from last night. Daniel Bryan introduced AJ Styles and then proceeded to cut a promo just as good as Heyman. While not disputing anything the Advocate said, Bryan instead pushed up the fact that Brock Lesnar had never fought anyone like Styles. He also mentioned that Lesnar has a tendency to quit, a position I thought should have been brought up a few weeks ago. Bryan showed a great piece of promo work and the WWE should use him more in this manner.
Day Oneish
I firmly believe the Usos are now babyfaces. The reaction from the crowd was solidly for them as they cut a promo on the Bar. I like this version of Jimmy and Jay, it feels more true to who they are in real life. Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin might be moving toward heel territory, their attack last week right out of a heel’s playbook. The two tag matches this Sunday might steal the show and I am looking forward to seeing what all seven men do in their respective matches.
The Final Shot
The time had come for the red brand to make an appearance on Smackdown. As Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, and The New Day were in the ring, the call sign blared out through the aerna. The Shield appeared, wearing a half Shield/ half Raw shirt. As they brawled in the ring, more members of the Raw locker room took down any Smackdown wrestlers who came to help. Eventually, Kurt Angle called for the monster, and Braun Strowman ran over anyone. This attack seemed more vicious then Smackdown’s and showed that the Raw Survivor Series team has a lot more power.
Match of the Night
WWE Women’s Champion Natalya vs. Charlotte ( WWE Women’s Championship match) (Charlotte wins by tap out to become the new WWE Women’s Champion)
I love moments like this, moments that sometimes only professional wrestling can give us. Natalya and Charlotte had another fantastic match, but it was the knowledge that this was Charlotte’s hometown that made it extra special. After she won, Charlotte was crying as the crowd chanted “You deserve it”. Promising to beat Alexa Bliss on Sunday, Charlotte walked to the stage, only to be greeted by her father, Ric Flair. This was awesome, a feel-good moment that had me smiling through the rest of the show.
Conclusion
The attack by Raw capped off a fantastic show. Baron Corbin beat Sin Cara to keep his match with the Miz on Sunday. There might be some discord between Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan. What will the landscape look like after Survivor Series?
