Welcome to the Smackdown Review for March 27, 2018. 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
Four is Better
Randy Orton and Bobby Roode faced off against Jinder Mahl and the surprise addition of Rusev. Through out this match, it was clear that Orton and Roode were not on the same page. From Orton stealing moves to casually coming in the ring slowly, it was clear that Orton cares more about his title then his partner. It was this that led to the decision in thew final moments. Rusev pushed Roode into Orton to break up a pin which led Orton giving an RKO to Roode. This was all Rusev needed to hit the kick for the win. Mahl was happy, but it was quickly replaced with anger when Rusev declared that he would be joining the Triple Threat Match at Wrestlemania, turning it into A Fatal 4-Way.
Opportunity
Daniel Bryan was moving a little slowly as he addressed the WWE Universe. Stating the creed that Smackdown was the land of opportunity, Bryan gave one last one to Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens. They would face him and Shane McMahon at Wrestlemania. If they win, they would be rehired. If they don’t, they would remain fired. Bryan then let some of his rage come out, stating that he did not fight for three years just to have Owens and Zayn take his dream away from him. He also hinted that his days as General Manager were coming to an end. A fired up Bryan is amazing to watch.
The Enemy of my Enemy
All three members of the New Day returned to try and get some revenge on the Bludgeon Brothers. After a quick start, The Brothers began destroying the New Day. They would have probably won by pin fall if Jimmy and Jay Uso hadn’t attacked them, earning the disqualification. The New Day were not happy about this as they argued with the Usos. All five members jumped out of the ring as the Brothers came after them with their hammers. It was announced later in the show that a match was booked for Wrestlemania. While it seemed that the Usos would fight the Brothers, it is now a Triple Threat with the New Day.
Match of the Night
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Shelton Benjamin (Nakamura wins by pinfall)
Both men had partners in there corner, Chad Gable for Shelton Benjamin and AJ Styles for Shinsuke Nakamura. This match, a dream match by any standard, was all about who was the better wrestler. At one point, Gable tried to interfere, and Styles pulled him down. Benjamin tried to out wrestle Nakamura, but the Artist was simply too much. After the match, Nakamura told Styles he did not need his help and he would win at Wrestlemania. Gable and Benjamin tried to attack Styles, but Nakamura fought them off. It looked like Nakamura would attack Styles, but he stopped and patted him on the head. Styles is getting angry and who knows what will happen next week.
Mixed Match Challenge Week 11
Finn Balor & Sasha Banks vs. Bobby Roode & Becky Lynch (Roode and Lynch win by pin fall)
Charlotte was out with an injury, so Becky Lynch took her place. This match was awesome, as the men did not seem to have a real problem with another. Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch did have a problem with each other, steaming from how Banks and Bailey fought on Raw. This match showed a lot more male and female action. Lynch broke up Balor’s pin attempt and Banks flew from the ring onto Roode. Banks desire to prove herself was her undoing, as Lynch got a surprise roll up to win. Charlotte will return next week for the finals, but Lynch was straight fire.
Conclusion
Dolph Ziggler and Breezedangio are heading to the Andre the Giant Battle Royal. Lynch pulled double duty, beating Ruby Riott on Smackdown. Next week is the last show before Wrestlemania.
