WWE SmackDown – November 1, 2019 (Review)

A few days ago SmackDown advertised the tantalising prospect of New Day vs. The Revival, Nikki Cross leading a contingent against Bayley and two partners, and Bray Wyatt appearing on MizTV.

But that was an age ago. A different time. We’ve reached a new dawn. This is Day 1 P.S. (post Saudi). And in this new age, all plans are thrown out the window… and right onto the tarmac of the King Khalid International Airport.

Because in a twist worthy of the mind of Vince Russo, much of the SmackDown talent was left behind in Riyadh due to mechanical difficulty. Or Vince McMahon got into an argument with some official. At this point we simply don’t know.

The bottom line is though, while we naturally hope for the wellbeing of the affected wrestlers, WWE’s Friday night fight card suddenly had a few gaping holes in it. And that’s where things get interesting.

WWE is often criticised for a lack of creativity and imagination. But now their backs are against the wall. They have to get inventive with their show construction, at short notice too. And, while it’s always possible we could just get a long Brock Lesnar promo and an hour-long gauntlet match to fill time, there’s also the possibility we could see Kurt Angle as the impromptu third member of The Shield as part of a 3-on-5 TLC match! Or AJ Styles being a last-minute replacement to take on a mercifully non-pumpkin Finn Bálor.

In other words: perhaps we’ll get something unexpected, unannounced… and awesome.

There are rumours circulating that calls have already been placed to WWE’s developmental brand, NXT, to recruit late substitutes. One can only imagine the possible permutations of seeing the likes of Undisputed Era, Tommaso Ciampa, Keith Lee and Johnny Gargano on SmackDown. Or Io Shirai, Candice LeRae and Rhea Ripley putting on a cracking match.

It’s exactly the kind of shot in the arm Friday nights so desperately needs. And with any appearance likely being a one-off event, there’s little worry of the NXT stars suffering long-term damage. (For a change.)

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But in the end, we can only hope that SmackDown pulls a miracle out of the bag. More likely though they’ll just dust off Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair for another appearance. But, you never know…

Let’s get to the review.

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The Best of SmackDown

Nikki Gets her Title Shot

Two weeks ago, Nikki Cross became the number one contender to Bayley’s SmackDown Women’s Championship by winning a six-pack challenge. This week the two women were meant to square off in a six-person tag match.

What happened instead is that Nikki got her title shot in one-on-one action. As far as unexpected changes go, this one was definitely an improvement.

It has been ALL @NikkiCrossWWE so far in this battle for the #SmackDown Women's Championship. @itsBayleyWWE pic.twitter.com/KENjV2FaqB

— WWE (@WWE) November 2, 2019

It’s strange that the partnership between Nikki and Alexa Bliss seems to have suddenly been dissolved, with explanation. Especially after they commanded so much attention during the Draft. But if there’s one positive to be drawn, it’s that at least Cross gets to enjoy the limelight on her own.

And she fully merited it here, in a fun – if rather short – Championship bout. Cross was on top for most of the contest, until a slightly goofy finish put a damper on things. After Cross had beat up Bayley and Sasha at ringside, she rolled the SmackDown Women’s Champion back into the ring. The referee, having obviously graduated from WWE’s School of Incompetent Officiating, immediately became obsessed with checking on Bayley. This allowed Sasha to push Cross of the top rope, causing her to fly halfway across the ring.

.@itsBayleyWWE hits the elbow but @NikkiCrossWWE KICKS OUT!#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/rGom56ljK1

— WWE (@WWE) November 2, 2019

The referee saw the catapulted Cross land right on her face, but must have assumed it was the hand of God that sent her flying into his field of view. Then Bayley picked the challenger up and drove her headfirst into the canvass, akin to EC3’s finisher. It was weird.

But a tremendous showing from both women nonetheless.

The ‘Submission Magician’ Makes Bayley Disappear 

While Bayley was celebrating her title retention, Shayna Baszler emerged from the crowd to wreck everyone’s lives. And I mean she absolutely wrecked some people.

The Queen of Spades bounced Sasha Banks’ head off a ring post, tossed Nikki Cross out the ring, before laying out Bayley. All to the soundtrack of a raucous crowd yelling “NXT!” Her final knee strike, which left Bayley unconscious, was particularly awesome.

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The was perhaps the first salvo leading into Survivor Series – which we know will feature NXT this year. And I, for one, am intrigued.

Sami Gets Himself in Trouble

Sami Zayn ran into Keith Lee and Matt Riddle backstage. He tried to convince the pair that he still had a strong allegiance to NXT, before claiming to have forgotten his black-and-gold branded t-shirt in the car. The two developmental stars told Zayn that they would walk with him while he went to fetch it.

Instead, knowing the gig was up, Zayn bolted towards… of all places… the ring. Here was cornered and ultimately beaten up by Lee and Riddle.

The flip-flops are OFF and it's NOT looking good for @SamiZayn on #SmackDown!@RealKeithLee @SuperKingofBros #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/0vzHq76f8v

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) November 2, 2019

Admittedly, I have no idea why either NXT star would care whether Zayn still wore his branded t-shirt anymore, nor why they thought the appropriate punishment was an assault in the ring. The whole thing makes no sense whatsoever, beyond possibly foreshadowing a full-scale NXT invasion?

Despite that, however, Zayn is such a compelling heel character. The way he tried to slip Matt Riddle’s flip-flop back on after he had kicked them off, as if that might somehow negate the beating he was about to take, made me truly laugh out loud. He’s such a slimy little weasel – and I love it!

A True “Dream Match”

Daniel Bryan was walking backstage when he came face-to-face with Triple H and Shawn Michaels. Some tense words were exchanged leading to Bryan challenging the COO to a fight. Triple H said that he wouldn’t be competing but that he knew someone who would be.

At that moment, Michaels removed his jacket, teasing that it would be him. But he quickly realised it was cold in Buffalo in November and so immediately put it back on. I chuckled at this clever misdirection.

🚨🚨🚨🚨

.@WWEDanielBryan will battle @AdamColePro for the #NXTChampionship TONIGHT on #SmackDown! pic.twitter.com/J78VW2YVXC

— WWE (@WWE) November 2, 2019

No, it was Adam Cole (BAY BAY) who emerged from suspiciously nearby. I’m surprised Bryan hadn’t seen him sooner frankly. Regardless, a match was set. And it would be for Cole’s NXT Championship! I almost needed to take a cold shower after this match was announced.

Bryan vs. Cole for the NXT Title? What universe is this? My only hope is that we don’t get a screwy finish.

SmackDown is Undisputed

Even in times of triumph, this show can’t help but infuriate me. Not only did Adam Cole make his entrance unannounced (meaning we didn’t get the traditional “BAY BAY” on the ramp), but Renee Young couldn’t shut up while the NXT Champion was performing his theatrics in the ring. One of the most impressive aspects of Cole’s gimmick is witnessing the entire crowd enthusiastically yell “boom!” and “Bay Bay!” when prompted. Instead all I could hear was Young prattling on about WWE Backstage.

Also, I would’ve preferred to have seen the entirety of Undisputed Era accompany Cole to the ring, as opposed to merely Roderick Strong. But that’s a minor complaint.

The SPEED of @WWEDanielBryan!#NXTChampionship @AdamColePro #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/fPP7JSdijf

— WWE (@WWE) November 2, 2019

In reality, this was an incredible affair, as we all knew it would be. Both men wrestle with such precision, as every move – every sequence – seamlessly bled into the next. And with each counter (and counter-move), it became increasingly unclear who would emerge victorious.

Adding even more drama was the presence of Triple H and Shawn Michaels at ringside, overseeing their NXT charge. Ultimately Daniel Bryan overcommitted himself. In attempting a Running Knee, he ran into a superkick.

A Panama Sunrise and Last Shot later, and Adam Cole had pinned the former multi-time champion in the middle of the ring, clean as a whistle.

PANAMA SUNRISE. LAST SHOT. @AdamColePro is STILL #NXTChampion!#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/PPig73UKMR

— WWE (@WWE) November 2, 2019

I could’ve done without what followed though, as all of the NXT wrestlers took to the ring. Among the sea of unfamiliar faces stood Adam Cole, Shayna Baszler, Tegan Nox, Rhea Ripley, Matt Riddle, Keith Lee and Tommaso Ciampa. It’s entirely out of continuity for those people to be peacefully sharing a ring, given their violent feuds on Wednesday nights. But Survivor Series (and grounded planes) take precedence, I guess.

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The Worst of SmackDown

Brock Quits SmackDown

Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman appeared on SmackDown to recap Lesnar’s successful title defence against Cain Velasquez at Crown Jewel. As if anyone could forget, the ‘Beast’ submitted Velasquez in about two minutes and then got battered by a chair-wielding Rey Mysterio.

Brock Lesnar was insistent on getting retribution against Mysterio. But when he confronted Vince McMahon, he was told that apparently there was a brand split now. For super-duper serious this time. Meaning that Raw stars couldn’t appear on SmackDown, and vice versa.

WHAT?!?!

The #WWEChampion @BrockLesnar just QUIT Friday Night #SmackDown to go to #Raw with his sights set on @reymysterio! pic.twitter.com/Of6y8G2Qtl

— WWE (@WWE) November 2, 2019

So, Paul Heyman found a cunning workaround. He encouraged Brock to quit SmackDown in order to free him appear on Raw on Monday. Because that’s apparently how WWE contracts work. Don’t like the brand you’re currently on? Forget waiting for the Draft! Just quit and then show up on another night.

This was derivative and insulting. With the reward of a meeting between Brock and Rey – as logical as it is – not nearly compensating for how cumbersome the buildup is sure to be.

Ciampa Crashes MizTV

The Miz made his way to the ring, ostensibly to interview himself after The Fiend became indisposed.

So the A-Lister spent a few seconds prattling on about Shayna Baszler’s appearance and the beatdown Sami Zayn had suffered at the hands of Keith Lee and Matt Riddle.

And then Tommaso Ciampa showed up!

"You. Me. Right here. RIGHT NOW." – @mikethemiz

The A-Lister battles @NXTCiampa NEXT on #SmackDown?!?!?!? pic.twitter.com/tDRFqUHTSm

— WWE (@WWE) November 2, 2019

He derisively spat his words at Miz, claiming that he represented all the ills of SmackDown. For while Ciampa busted his back in NXT, Miz played make-believe talk show host on Friday Nights. In short, as Ciampa put it, Miz played the part while the former NXT Champion was the part.

Truthfully, seeing the imposing, chiselled Ciampa across from Miz – a guy wearing a shiny, leather headband around his dome – it was hard to argue with him. Miz is a bit of a goof. A fun, mostly entertaining goof, but a goof nonetheless.

This led to a match between the pair, with Renee Young frantically trying to suggest that Miz deserves more respect. God, I forgot how little I missed her on commentary.

.@mikethemiz is NOT about to be shown up on #SmackDown by @NXTCiampa. pic.twitter.com/AqAyNHyfDs

— WWE (@WWE) November 2, 2019

If I had to describe the match, it would be that Miz got way too much offence and then Ciampa w0n. People wonder why NXT stars don’t get over – it’s because they get locked in challenging matchups with career mid-carders.

Fire & Desire Get Flattened

Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville were set to face Carmella and Dana Brooke in tag action. But before the latter pair could make their way to the ring, backstage cameras revealed them being blindsided by Bianca Belair!

The invasion continues! And all Renee Young could muster was a disinterested: “Gee.” I like you as a person Renee, but you don’t make this interesting.

.@RheaRipley_WWE & @TeganNoxWWE_ make short work of @WWE_MandyRose & @SonyaDevilleWWE as #WWENXT continues to make a STATEMENT on #SmackDown. pic.twitter.com/xhnb2FHx4R

— WWE (@WWE) November 2, 2019

This brought out pairing of Rhea Ripley and Tegan Nox, a rather bizarre combination but I suppose they’re both… foreign? Weirder though was their presentation. I appreciate that Rose and Deville are heels, but none of Belair, Ripley or Nox felt like babyfaces here. They orchestrated an attack on Brooke and Carmella, before savaging Fire & Desire.

Tegan Nox in particular should not be introduced as a heel. She’s so naturally likeable and given her talent, could be a top babyface on the main brand.

The Women’s Revolution is so Beautiful and Progressive!

Stephanie McMahon introduced a video package highlighting how “monumental” and “historic” the women’s match had been at Crown Jewel.

I wonder if WWE ever strains a muscle patting itself on the back?

Triple H as the Leader of the Invasion

The show finished with Triple H announcing that Survivor Series would see Raw and SmackDown align to combat an invading NXT. He made it clear that WWE’s third brand was preparing to go to war and that he had, for that purpose, assembled an army.

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What was less clear, however, is why Triple H was suddenly the General of that army. I fully understand that he has in recent times become more associated with NXT. But seeing the COO of the company – someone who up until a couple of months ago was the “authority” on both main brands – suddenly and inexplicably lead the charge for NXT was a bit jarring.

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Overall Rating for the Show (From best to worst: SmackDamn, SmackTastic, Smack Bang in the Middle, SmackDowner and A Smack in the Face)

Well, that was a bonkers show, wasn’t it? And yet, incredibly eventful.

Built more around surprises than actual substance, last night’s SmackDown was aided by the fact that felt more like an NXT show than WWE’s usual main brand offering.

It’s hard to say how much of the black-and-yellow invasion was pre-planned and how much was enforced by the travel difficulties. As a result, some aspects could’ve been improved. For example, seeing Triple H lead the incursion is slightly odd given his history and Tommaso Ciampa should’ve faced a more appropriate opponent.

With that said though, given the short turnaround time SmackDown had to cobble a show together, this was an incredible job. It was erratic, bizarre and utterly compelling. I couldn’t turn away, as it was impossible to predict what (or who) would come next.

On another night, I might’ve been tempted to knock the rating down a notch. But considering the prevailing circumstances and the rushed manner in which this incredible card was assembled, I can’t possibly criticise the show. For that reason, last night’s SmackDown was SmackDamn.

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