WWE SmackDown Live – July 2, 2019 (Review)

The Worst of SmackDown Live

Shane McMahon

Before delving into the creamy centre of this week’s SmackDown Live, I’d like to take a second to deal with a Shane McMahon-shaped migraine I’ve been suffering. Because – and admittedly I’m perhaps a little late to the party here – it just occurred to me that McMahon’s assumed title of “best in the world” has become utterly meaningless. It no longer factors into any of his feuds. The Miz hates him because he struck his dad. He’s feuding with Roman because the ‘Big Dog’ punched his father. And The Undertaker is looking to take him out because… I’m still not entirely sure on that one actually. I think it has to do with falling ratings and ‘The Deadman’s worrying addiction to souls.

.@FightOwensFight's introduction didn't do it for @shanemcmahon. Take it away, @GregHamiltonWWE! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/CPooI2wk8V

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 3, 2019

So why is the moniker still loudly recited by Greg Hamilton every time Shane steps into the ring? Sure, it draws some heat from the crowd, but it’s clear that the roster doesn’t much care. In fact, it’s just widely become accepted that Shane is indeed the best in the world. Drew McIntyre, The Miz and The Undertaker have each openly acknowledged the title in recent weeks. So why then is it still employed as a mark of vanity by the Chairman’s son? It’s just who he is now.

Anyway, he announced that the match against Roman Reigns and Undertaker at Extreme Rules would now be contested under a No Holds Barred stipulation.

Face / Heel Flip Flops

Speaking of Shane McMahon, Kevin Owens invited him and Drew McIntyre onto The KO Show, and then proceeded to openly antagonise them. Owens insisted that Shane was scared of ‘The Deadman’ (using clips of last night’s Raw as evidence) and harkened back to McMahon’s loss to ‘Taker at WrestleMania 32.

He then outright dismissed Dolph Ziggler when the bleach blonde Beavis once again crashed a segment he had no reason to be involved in. Both men demanded a shot at Kofi Kingston’s WWE Championship, but Shane instead announced that KO and Ziggler would be pairing later in the evening to take on Heavy Machinery, with the winner earning a spot in the tag team title match at Extreme Rules. So both men get to partner with someone they despise, to be in a match they don’t care about, for an opportunity at a championship they’re not interested in. That sounds fun.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzby-ebBicF/

All of this is to say that presumably Owens is just a face again now. For absolutely no rhyme or reason, the reset button has once more been pushed on his character, as the former WWE Champion has gone from cheerful pizza eater to cowardly villain to righteous crowd favourite in less than six months.

The collateral damage here is perhaps Sami Zayn, who’s best moments have come as one half of the comedy heel act alongside Kevin Owens. What happens to him? But then KO was back to being distinctly heelish during the night’s main event, before again reverting to babyface status by show’s end. So what do I know?

Let Ali In

Unless you happen to be Bray Wyatt, it’s likely not a good sign if you’re shooting more vignettes than you are competing in matches. But that’s precisely where Ali finds himself, wandering around the inexplicably empty streets of Chicago rambling about heart, perseverance and hope. I don’t mean to devalue the merits of Ali’s self-belief, but it all just sounded like a bootleg Tony Robbins DVD to me unfortunately.

Regardless, these short self-made video packages are just one short jump away from complete obscurity. And Ali is far too talented for that to happen.

How The Mighty Have Fallen

If you conducted a poll to determine the most underused talent on SmackDown, I’d wager that Andrade would finish pretty high up the list. The extraordinary former NXT Champion, with a history of five-star matches in his resumé, has every right to feel shortchanged in his current role. On ability alone, he should be in the upper mid-card or main event scene – not toiling away in meaningless filler matches.

Look at @Zelina_VegaWWE go! 😱 #SDLive @WWEApollo https://t.co/lpeZ8nHwWH pic.twitter.com/z8ZrkHXu4U

— WWE (@WWE) July 3, 2019

As if to underscore his current futility, this week saw Andrade being comprehensively beaten by Apollo Crews until Zelina Vega ran some timely interference. He’s so much better than this.

There’s No-one at the Goddamn Door!

Because of course there bloody isn’t! I can only assume that those in charge figured that Aleister Black’s dark room promos were too dynamite to abandon after only three months (or however long it’s been).

After finally receiving the long-awaited knock on his door last week, the ‘Dutch Destroyer’ yesterday revealed that when he went to open it, he discovered no-one there. This never-ending angle has gone from strange to frustrating to farcical. I just want it to end.

Whoever dares pick a fight with @WWEAleister can reveal themselves at #ExtremeRules. #SDLive pic.twitter.com/eVCkH9KaSa

— WWE (@WWE) July 3, 2019

Thankfully, Black challenged his mystery guest to a match at Extreme Rules. So, barring any further curveballs, we should be seeing him in the ring soon.

Returning the Favour

A week ago, Sonya Deville defeated Ember Moon in convincing fashion. Last night, Ember did the same to Mandy Rose. Once again, nobody gets over. The status quo is invincible!

Shelton Benjamin Needs a Doctor

Sarah Schreiber asked Shelton Benjamin who he thought would win the WWE Title at Extreme Rules and he looked like he had a mild stroke.

Interviewer: Shelton Benjamin, who do you think will win the #WWEChampionship at #ExtremeRules? #SDLive @Sheltyb803: pic.twitter.com/u0FIHtIKAS

— WWE (@WWE) July 3, 2019

What in the name of Terry Funk was that?

No Mention of the Kabuki Warriors

I dealt with this in the introduction, but it deserves to be pointed out again. The Japanese pairing seemingly earned a Tag Team title shot against the IIconics this past weekend… it was never addressed on last night’s show.

• review
• Extreme Rules
• Smackdown
• wwe

Share this article with friends