by WWE Smackdown didn’t shy away from taking drastic measures this past weekend as they appear to be desperate for a ratings boost. They started off their program with perhaps one of the most controversial storylines in a long time. One so edgy, it cost their lead writer his job moments after it aired.
Elias was found laying on the parking lot grounds after being hit by a car. Shortly after going on air it was found that the car belonged to Jeff Hardy and there was alcohol found in the car as well. It was a direct knock on the past that Hardy has substance abuse problems.
It was clear that Hardy was set up by Sheamus as it wasn’t much longer after his arrest, that Sheamus won a battle royal taking Hardy’s place in the tournament for the IC Belt.
The gamble wouldn’t pay off for Sheamus however as Daniel Bryan would beat Sheamus, knocking him out of the tournament for the second time in two weeks.
Further proving that Hardy was set up was the fact Jeff showed up at the end of the night to confront the Celtic Warrior. While exciting and even riveting at times it doesn’t take away the poor taste this was done in. It also appears that entire storyline will have all of a two week, if that, payoff. Simply not worth it.
Lacey Evans and Sonya Deville ending in a double count out further proved the match made absolutely no sense to begin with. Zero build, zero payoff, zero reason to even have it. Honestly, it made no sense despite what could be a good feud if given the right amount of time.
Bayley once again volunteered Sasha Banks for a match. This time versus Alexa Bliss and it was done with the purpose to show the cracks starting to form in the relationship of Bayley and Sasha Banks.
Having Sasha continue to win also builds her respectability towards being a formable challenge to Bayley down the road. These two in the ring was the best part of the show by far. Two tremendous talents!
Mandy Rose and Otis were shown hanging out by the pool. This storyline continues to be fun to watch but it is getting harder and harder to believe the Mandy rose character would be with Otis. Yes, I realize it is scripted, but the stretch is getting just a tad bit thin when you have to watch them make out.
Over all the episode will be talked about for a while because of the beginning of it. The Universal Champion Braun Strowman didn’t wrestle. Both sets of tag champs, women’s and men didn’t wrestle and the re-appearance of the once released Drew Gulak wasn’t even mentioned.
It was nice to see the NXT trainees in the crowd however. They need to double the size moving forward if allowed.
