WWE SmackDown Live – April 9, 2019 (Review)

The Worst of SmackDown Live

Kofi’s Coronation

Don’t misunderstand me, my default position is that more New Day is a good thing. And I did find Kofi’s title celebration – complete with festive ring decorations – to be a touching moment. Both Big E and Xavier Woods paid sincere tribute to their good friend and new WWE Champion, talking about the tears shed on Sunday and explaining how Kofi inspired them. Throughout this entire ordeal, they maintained that Kingston had what it took to be the blue brand’s champion, and they were proven correct.

But just as with Raw on Monday, the payoff to this entire segment was a bit of a disappointment. Ironically enough in fact, it was exactly the same disappointment we felt just a few nights ago, which makes me think that WWE is trolling us somewhat. Because who should interrupt this feel-good moment but The Bar, to set up a six man tag later in the night? I have no personal animosity towards Sheamus and Cesaro, but at this stage they’re just not exciting enough to merit the main event of the post-WrestleMania SmackDown.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwDe0KHhWHH/

And in case you were wondering who would team with The Bar to make up their quota in this six-man tag…

Drew Can’t Escape the Mid-Card Vortex

Drew McIntyre ostensibly made the jump from Raw (where he spent months bound to perpetual mid-carders, Baron Corbin and Bobby Lashley) to SmackDown (where he got to hang out with perpetual mid-carders Sheamus and Cesaro).

After seeming to finally find some long-overdue solo momentum in recent weeks by single-handedly taking out the Shield, getting sucked back into being the third member of a trio felt like a decided backwards step for the ‘Scottish Psychopath’. Plus his team lost, and Drew reportedly suffered an unfortunate injury. So all in all, not a good night for McIntyre.

#TheBar made a friend at #RAW…@WWECesaro @WWESheamus & @DMcIntyreWWE will join forces to take on #TheNewDay in #6ManTag action TONIGHT on #SDLive! #SDLiveAfterMania pic.twitter.com/Y3sbX51pQP

— WWE (@WWE) April 10, 2019

Directionless Angles 

Following the six-man tag pitting Ali, Ricochet and Black against Andrade, Rusev and Nakamura, Orton delivered an RKO out of nowhere to Ali. Then, seconds later, Kevin Owens hit a Stunner from the same location on Rusev. Presumably we’ll continue to see these two interfere in future matches, running in to hit surprise finishers on unsuspecting opponents, until the pair cross paths down the line. This just doesn’t excite me in the least.

In the very next segment, Samoa Joe interrupted the traditional R-Truth and Carmella comedy to choke the former out. This was perfectly fine, as Joe routinely shows up to put people to sleep quicker than a game of darts. It’s what happened next that left me a little shook.

Braun marched down to the ring and got into a little tiff with the United States Champion. Apart from the arbitrary brand hopping which became a consistent theme of the show – somewhat undermining the official Superstar Shake-up next week – why does Braun have beef with Joe? This unmotivated attack not only didn’t go anywhere last night, as Joe quickly skedaddled out of the ring, but unless one of them switch brands next week, this was all for naught.

WHAT IS THIS?!

The #MonsterAmongMen @BraunStrowman has come to #SDLive for a showdown with @SamoaJoe! #SDLiveAfterMania pic.twitter.com/bkYsFbxcdV

— WWE (@WWE) April 10, 2019

The Buzzard in the Box

This was the same bald puppet bird promo package we saw Monday night on Raw. It remained just as horrendously bad. The fact that it cut immediately to The IIconics’ beaming faces was extra jarring.

Bray Wyatt’s reintroduction to the main roster is off to a goofy start.

The Most Mediocre in the World

Shane McMahon took time out of his busy schedule to brag about throwing potatoes at Mr Potato Face (Mr Miz), show off a black eye and bully Greg Hamilton. I’ve really enjoyed the heel version of Shane recently, but this did nothing to advance his character in any meaningful way.

With that said though, Greg Hamilton did allude to having received threats if he continued to refer to Shane as “The Best in the World”. Could that perhaps be a tease of Shane’s next opponent?

CM Punk return confirmed!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwDmL6ihZcY/

Becky Two Promos

If Becky had little to say on Monday night, she was definitely running on empty by the time SmackDown rolled around. ‘The Man’ reminded us that she had beaten Ronda and Charlotte at WrestleMania and that she was ready to take on all comers. It was much the same as we heard on Raw in truth.

As she made her way back up the ramp, she was again decked by the right hand of Lacey Evans. At least Becky sold the punch this time, which was a welcome departure from the almost identical Raw segment.

Sami Za… Ah, He’s Not Worth It

Sami came out before the main event of the evening to waste some time before raising the microphone to his lips and telling the audience that they’re not worth it. Then he left… to louder cheers than most babyfaces get. Except he’s meant to be a heel. Shrug.

The New Day Keep Rolling

As mentioned above, the main event of the show saw the New Day take on The Bar and Drew McIntyre. It was a short match, which The New Day won. Then Kofi celebrated with his awesome kids. It was adorable, but ultimately meaningless.

• review
• WrestleMania
• Smackdown
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