WWE SmackDown Live – May 21, 2019 (Review)

The Best of SmackDown Live

Big E is Back!

Never before have I been so excited to see the return of someone who had only been absent for six weeks.

New Day have been wrapped up in an uncharacteristically serious narrative of late, with Kevin Owens posing a near existential threat to the stable. And that’s not a criticism. It’s provided a welcome change of pace for the goofy group, presenting Kofi Kingston as a serious champion ready to confront the violence and malice of his challenger head-on.

But the reintroduction of Big E brought with it a welcome return to the group’s origins. There was a Big E imposter hidden beneath a curtain, references to Big E’s fire Twitter game (and weird obsession with Becky Lynch’s attractive mom), and… armpit sniffing. I’m not delving into more detail on any of those.

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

The reunion was cut short first by Kevin Owens and then by Sami Zayn, who contrasted Big E’s reception after injury with his own (ignoring that Sami in fact received a tremendous ovation on return last month). But it all served a purpose of hyping up the contest between Sami and Kofi, set up for later in the night. There was a weird moment immediately after Zayn came out, where KO turned his back on his pal and marched off. These two only reunited last week, so to already sow the seeds of disfunction seems a bit premature.

Legally Blonde III

For those who missed Monday’s Raw, Mick Foley introduced the company’s newest championship, which can change hands anywhere at any time. As the stipulation may suggest, the 24/7 Title has already changed holders three times in its short lifespan. I can, however, already confirm unequivocally that R-Truth is the best 24/7 Champion we’ve ever seen.

On last night’s show, Truth was seemingly trying to keep a low profile by disguising himself as Nikki Minaj after a long night. In other words, he was wearing a cheap blonde wig. Carmella stumbled across him in the hallway and after some light comedy, agreed to help keep him safe for the night.

.@RuPaulsDragRace Season 12?

He's serving looks, henny. #SDLive @RonKillings @CarmellaWWE pic.twitter.com/ESglRP7QL9

— WWE (@WWE) May 22, 2019

This led to typical Truth / Carmella silliness, as Truth went ever further undercover – even donning a hat and bra. He then accompanied Carmella to her match against Mandy Rose. Because sometimes the best place to hide is in plain sight. And sometimes hanging around the ring with a belt that can be won at any time causes the entire undercard to storm out, forcing you to make a quick getaway with Carmella on your back. R-Truth then spent the rest of the night attempting to dodge people coming after his title.

I loved this. Every part of it was ludicrous, but I loved it.

Andrade vs Ali 

In a battle of the man who lost his surname against the man who lost his first name, Ali emerged victorious.

This match followed a similar pattern to Cesaro vs Ricochet from the night before, with Ali nursing a lingering back injury from Money in the Bank and Andrade looking to take advantage at every turn.

HASN'T HE BEEN THROUGH ENOUGH?!? #SDLive @AliWWE @AndradeCienWWE pic.twitter.com/X0yQ8X9LSd

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 22, 2019

This was a good encounter, as Andrade took the ascendency early and sought to wear Ali down. Just as things looked to be over for the former cruiserweight though, Ali rolled Andrade up with a small package to secure the pin.

Becky and Bayley vs Charlotte and Lacey

It was interesting seeing all of Raw and SmackDown’s top female talent in the ring together. And suitably, Becky, Bayley, Charlotte and Lacey Evans lived up to the hype. This was a decent tag match, with everyone getting their licks in.

Becky looked to have the match won with the Disarm-her on Charlotte, before Lacey clocked her with the Woman’s Right. Bayley then dispatched Evans before countering Charlotte into the roll-up pin for the victory. Everyone was made to look good and Bayley – as the newly crowned SmackDown Women’s Champ – continued to gather momentum with another win over Charlotte.

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WWE’s Video Editors

Triple H and Randy Orton apparently have a match scheduled for Super ShowDown, which has received absolutely no build whatsoever. In fact, I don’t even think it’s been mentioned until last night.

Well, enter WWE’s editing team, who stitched together an excellent video package covering the highlights of the pair’s on-again, off-again feud dating back over a decade. This was another example of excellent promo work, following a similar package that was put together ahead of Becky and Charlotte’s encounter at Money in the Bank. Really good work.

Elias vs Reigns II: Electric Boogaloo

Of all the possible Money in the Bank rematches, SmackDown chose Reigns vs Elias.

I have no idea why Elias merited a rematch after being decisively squashed by Reigns just two nights earlier, but trying to explain WWE’s booking choices is much like wrestling Roman Reigns: you’ll look good for about 90% of the way, but ultimately come out with a loss.

Either way, Shane was at ringside this time to try and further stack the odds against the ‘Big Dog’, who eventually managed to overcome the dastardly heels to pick up the win. He then superman punched Shane, before turning into a Claymore from the suddenly materialised Drew McIntyre. You should know that Shane always has another mid-carder up his sleeve.

Despite the questionable build-up, this match was largely fine and adequately served to advance Roman’s issues with Shane and McIntyre, leading to the Reigns / Shane encounter scheduled for Super ShowDown.

.@ShaneMcMahon's getting his money's worth with his new insurance policy, @DMcInytreWWE. #SDLive #RomansvsElias @WWERomanReigns pic.twitter.com/Vz0xeIhcJz

— WWE (@WWE) May 22, 2019

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