WWE Smackdown WrestleMania XL Edition: Report Card

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WWE WrestleMania XL Weekend kicked off tonight with Smackdown at the Wells Fargo Arena in Philadelphia. A lot of grades will be getting handed out this weekend, so let’s get right to it!

The opening and ongoing segment of Randy Orton and Kevin Owens chasing Logan Paul

Grade – B

This was comical at times, but the ending of Paul getting beatdown, only assures me that he is winning tomorrow night. Also, I would have liked to see some physicality between Orton and KO at some point, it just doesn’t work with them being so chummy heading into a match that the WWE wants us to take serious.

The Andre The Giant Battle Royal

Grade – C

I feel as though I say it every year, they need to end this. I loved Andre The Giant, and ending this spectacle is not a knock on him, but they treat it as a bunch of tag teams and cast offs thrown together for a pointless match in which the winner gets a two week push that fizzles quick. This year was awful with Angel Garcia literally throwing himself over the top rope all by himself, just to get out of it.
I do hope that they decide to do something with Bronson Reed with this victory as I truly feel as though the right guy won. He was great in NXT in late 2020, can this be the kick in the pants he needs? Also, would have loved to see previous winner Bruan Strowman in this spot, but it appears he is staying put on the sidelines for a bit longer.

New Catch Republic Defeated A Town Down Under

Grade – C

Again, I feel as though A Town Down Under will win one of the Tag Championships this weekend, but tonight was not their night. Tonight was just a way to kill time.

Zelina Vega loses to Elektra Lopez

Grade – B

Two of the sexiest women on TV helped keep everyone’s interest while we killed more time until the Main Event and then Hall of Fame.

Jade Cargill, Bianca Belair and Naomi Send Final Message to Damage CTRL

Grade – F

I’m sorry, but this was awful. Belair and Naomi sounded awful and shouldn’t be talking unless they have too. They don’t have too! Jade tried to save it, but it came across awkward and clunky. Terrible!

Andrade replaced Dragon Lee for the spot tagging with Rey Mysterio at WrestleMania against Dom and Santos Escobar.

Grade A

Smart move here with everyone wanting the red hot returning Superstar Andrade to replace the already after thought in Dragon Lee. I still believe even with Andrade in the match, a heel turn against Mysterio is near.

Jey Uso and Solo Sikao battled to a No Contest

Grade A

One last blow off complete with Rhodes and Rollins gets everyone ready for the Showcase of the Immortals. Back in the day, it would end.