SMACKDOWN HIGHLIGHTS 1/22/15
Daniel Bryan/Ryback/Erick Rowan/Dolph Ziggler and the Wasted Arrows heard �round the world
Seeing Daniel Bryan open Smackdown the past two weeks has made me long for another brand split. With the loaded talent roster WWE has now, not to mention potential NXT call ups, a brand split could truly be best for business. Bryan is the perfect person to head up the B show, as a so called B player. Smackdown has always been home to superior wrestling, while Raw carries the sports entertainment load. Imagine a roster headed by Bryan, with guys like Ziggler, Harper, Cesaro and eventually Neville and Zayn joining him. Just a thought for another day.
I have to say the mic work in the segment was excellent all around. Bryan is no slouch on the stick, but it was the other players who really surprised me. Ryback's promos are rooted in truth and full of passion. Rowan has a great voice, but could've benefited from a few more lines and not enough pauses (the dreaded WHATS started to leak through). And what can be said about Ziggler? The man is bringing it 110% recently. As for the "complaining on podcasts" line that you have probably heard a thing or twenty about- it was subtle but awesome. Punk has to expect that there will be a few jabs taken at him after he buried much of the roster. Ziggler truly seems grateful to be in a WWE ring much like John Cena. Since Ziggler has a history of getting into trouble behind the scenes with his words, one can only hope that the �podcast' line was his attempt to win over the head honchos instead.
Seth Rollins is my current favorite main roster superstar. He's the total package and will be a top name for the next decade. If there is any flaw in his game it's his mic work. Hanging out with Triple H and trading barbs with John Cena has shown that he is not on the same level with promos, but he will undoubtedly learn from them. I have never once noticed Kane's mic work before tonight, but I have to say it was pretty solid, if not above average. Big Show was not in boring Big Show mood and his "aww look at little Dolph" line while Kane was talking actually made me laugh.
Wade Barrett vs Dolph Ziggler
A match with a ton of potential. Both guys brought it for a solid TV match. It's great to see Ziggler back in the ring. A nice win for Ziggler to qualify for the Rumble. He is sure to be one of the favorites to win, and he is my pick for Long Man of the match. I expect a great showing from Ziggler.
I want to take a moment to mention the once big difference I have seen already between Raw and Smackdown- the announce team. A few weeks ago I rejoiced when Jerry Lawler was moved to Smackdown because I was pretty much done with his terrible commentary on Raw. HOWEVER the announcing during this match was a terrific blend of storyline advancement and actual color commentary. I cringe during Raw at times because it reminds me of the old WCW. Remember when the announce team on WCW would talk about the nWo during most of the matches, no matter who was wrestling? I feel the Raw team falls into that routine sometimes (although they aren't talking about the nWo… which would be weird). Michael Cole is underrated when he is just calling a match and not trying to sell a product or character. Lawler played the role I wish he would've played on Raw- the veteran wrestler turned announcer who can speak on his experience. And Byran Saxton is the voice of WWE's future. He really brings a freshness to the announce team that I haven't heard since Matt Striker (man do I miss Striker on commentary.)
Roman Reigns promo
I am not against Roman Reign's descent to the top of the card. I am amongst the group who feels he isn't quite there yet and could benefit from a mid card title run, but his mic skills….. ugh. I know they are much maligned, and I don't want to sound like most of the memes on the internet, but Jesus listening to this dude makes me… uncomfortable. His delivery is just so awkward and unnatural. I got more upset with his promo skills when I heard him do an out of character interview on one of those Network specials. He actually sounded like a real person! I don't know… maybe he will improve… but whatever this "cool dude" gimmick he is going for is, it's not working. His promos just lack the intensity that he brings in the ring. It's hard for me to believe that is so cool and collected than a wild man in the ring. WWE should realize promos aren't needed to get someone over. How about just making him a Goldberg style badass? Just a thought.
Ryback vs Rusev
Is this a feud? A few weeks ago it looked like it was going that way. I even thought Ryback might be the first person to defeat Rusev, which I wasn't terribly upset at. I like the Rusev gimmick and winning streak, and I think his dominance will continue after it ends. Countout finish was the way to go, ensuring Ryback will also have a good showing at the Rumble. This was another good, longer match, that makes me hope their feud can continue.
Erick Rowan vs Luke Harper
Luke Harper wins here….?? Why wouldn't you have Rowan qualify for the Rumble? He has been a part of the top storyline the past 3 months, and now he won't be in the Rumble? Very strange. I am betting he finds a way in somehow, otherwise I really don't understand his booking.
Royal Rumble by the Numbers video packages are always awesome. They get me even more excited for the event every year.
There's a show called Wizard Wars on SyFy? I have to watch that!
Daniel Bryan vs Kane in a No DQ Match
My DVR tells me there is still 17 minutes left in the show when this match starts, so I am hopeful for a good TV match, which is what we get. A better match than there show opener on last week's Smackdown. Bryan doesn't look like he lost a step or changed his style like was rumored. Kane is a great foil for Bryan. Their size difference between the 2 makes for some fun table and step spots. Bryan wins by taking our Kane AND J and J security. Anyone who has been upset with Bryan's booking the past 2 years needs to watch this match. He single handily took on 3 men in a DQ match and won. Sounds similar to what Cena did to end Raw. Bryan looks strong and is clearly the number 2 face in the company.
The show ends well with a ring full of superstars to hype the Royal Rumble. Ambrose and Reigns get massive pops (although I think people just really like Reigns's music). We end the show with all the top candidates for the Rumble left in the ring- Bryan, Reigns, Amrbose, Ziggler, Ryback, Kane, and Big Show. I can't wait!
Overall a pretty solid Smackdown episodes. Only 5 total matches, but each had the right amount of time and everyone except Erick Rowan looked strong going into Royal Rumble. It should be a fun show. Until next week this has been SmackChat.
