Welcome to another episode of Smackdown, courtesy of the USA Network. Once again, much prodding and “planting the seeds” for the Royal Rumble were evident on this show. Today, we were treated to a main event and opening segment that directly links potential happenings for the PPV, and nothing stood out as shocking, unbelievable or relevant, outside of “just” the PPV.
The opening segment once again revolved around Chris Jericho; which spurred into our first contest for the evening. The segment evolved into a six man tag team match. The bout featured Dolph Ziggler and the Usos versus all three members of the New Day, Kofi Kingston, Big E and Xavier Woods. Furthermore, where are they going with Ziggler? When was his last big push; and what creatively can they do with him regarding character evolution and or a title to elevate his status?
Entirely, this whole segment was odd; and out of place. Seemingly everyone is able to see (and predict) that it’s Reigns who will win and overcome the odds. Here’s why: It ruins the “comeback and overcoming adversity, strength” credibility and story for Reigns; unless an interim champion is crowned and Roman can get the hurrah moment and win the belt back at Wrestlemania. Seems like a lot to do though, and not enough time to build a viable contender. The only other “realistic” options if its booked right, is the dark horse in Bray Wyatt, or the super-favorite and imposing Brock Lesnar- (if Roman doesn’t regain).
The point here is: This opening segment, even for fluff or as a distraction of sorts does not connect well with the fans. Why wrongly promote or falsely promote a guy who isn’t a likely source to win? It’s like saying by sports comparison that the Miami Marlins will win the World Series, and the Cleveland Browns will win the Superbowl. Nothing personal, against any of those teams, players or persons. However, on all these accounts, they have one thing in common: banter, and not being credible.
Chris Jericho for his accomplishments and career will not win the Rumble; and Creative trying to drum it up as he “possibly” could, lacks the steam and believability. Jericho has just returned as a surprise, and hasn’t been a mainstay as of late to create wins or the appearance of racking up credibility into 2016, and lead up into the Rumble. Furthermore, what has Creative done (outside of the segments, and promos) to really build Chris Jericho, the wrestler and performer?
Miz TV was the next segment and his guests were Kevin Owens and Dean Ambrose. The two men will do battle on Sunday January 24th at the Rumble.
In action for Smackdown, Becky Lynch continues her strong run by defeating Alicia Fox and Lynch goes on to face Charlotte for the title at Rumble. Bray Wyatt despite his “dark horse” booking wins a competitive yet storyline meaningless bout versus Ryback. Titus O’Neil gets another victory in this one-sided feud that seemingly has no culmination or legit issue, over Stardust.
In the main event of Smackdown has Roman Reigns as the current champion winning over all four members of the League of Nations. Reigns defeated Sheamus, Wade Barrett, Rusev and Alberto Del Rio in this four on one handicap match. Reigns is the number one entrant in the Rumble, and can he outlast 29 other men and regain the belt? Even with shenanigans present and some curveballs, what has been done to suspend disbelief and make other people think (outside of Lesnar) that Reigns will lose? They have been booking Reigns in an invincible manner, while protecting to ensure he doesn’t lose critical bouts, which would hurt credibility. Ironically, the ending was two-fold. It makes Reigns as a superpower who can overcome the odds, but also weakens the four man stable. How strong or viable as legit contenders, much less a powerful faction can they be, when they are beaten by one man?
In closing, we are awaiting to see the Rumble, although it is sandwiched by the NFL Playoffs. Realistically, if these games lapse and cut into the PPV time; how many people via the Network or live PPV will be watching the WWE Royal Rumble?
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