SmackDown After Crown Jewel, aka SmackDown UK, promises to address Shane O’Mac jumping in the WWE World Cup and winning it, plus Survivor Series!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• The New Day VS The Usos; The Usos win and are captains of the Tag Team Division Survivor Series Elimination Match.
• Becky Lynch VS Nikki Cross; Lynch wins.
• Rey Mysterio VS Andrade “Cien” Almas; Mysterio wins and is added to SmackDown’s 5v5 Survivor Series team.
• Bryan’s Pick, Jeff Hardy VS Miz’s Pick, Samoa Joe: Joe wins and joins SmackDown’s 5v5 Survivor Series team.

PLAY BY PLAY

It’s SmackDown Manchester!

And General Manager Paige heads to the ring! The Glampire feels right at home and the fans are excited to see her. She welcomes them to the show but won’t be out too long. She just needs them to help introduce “The Best in the World”, Shane McMahon! Fans boo for Shane O’Mac instead, because we all know he won the WWE World Cup under the shadiest of circumstances. The Miz was meant to represent SmackDown against Raw’s Dolph Ziggler, but as Ziggler brought up on Raw, there was some controversy. Drew McIntyre was ejected, The Miz attacked before the bell but then hurt himself during the brawl. Shane wouldn’t let the World Cup end on forfeit, so he took Ziggler on himself! Shane hit a Coast2Coast and won the cup! But did he deserve to?

Before Shane speaks, Paige wishes to have Shane pose with the trophy for photos. She brings the cup into the ring and presents it to Shane. Shane poses with it, and then returns the cup. Fans still boo as he greets Manchester. Shane thanks Paige for the “flattering introduction”, but to set the record straight, he will admit he doesn’t think he’s the Best in the World. That trophy shouldn’t belong to him, but it should belong to SmackDown. When Miz couldn’t compete, Shane’s instincts took over and he didn’t want SmackDown to not be the superior brand when it clearly is. Fans agree with that.

And speaking of superior brand, Survivor Series is coming to pit Raw against SmackDown. Once again, it will be Brock Lesnar VS AJ Styles! Then for the first time ever, Ronda Rousey VS Becky Lynch! And now we know, Seth Rollins VS Shinsuke Nakamura as well as The Authors of Pain VS The Bar. Then Captain Alexa will lead her women and Captain Corbin will lead his men in the traditional 5v5 Elimination Tag matches. Shane introduces the Blue Brand Men’s team captain, Daniel Bryan! The former GM and a highly decorated champion, Bryan is a natural choice to lead the team. Bryan thanks the fans for the ovation, and he thanks Shane for humbly acknowledging he’s not the Best in the World. And also, Bryan is honored to be chosen as Team Captain.

But wait, here comes The Miz! He has a limp in his step, but he’s still heading down the ramp. “Really, Shane? Really?” Daniel Bryan as captain? Miz disagrees, because Shane really is the best. And Miz isn’t angry with Shane. He’s just disappointed that after two great matches but suffering an injury, for Shane to heroically step in and save the day, no one has given Miz two-thirds of the credit. Fans actually agree. Miz and Shane together are the best in the world, Co-Besties. So is it like partial custody? Shane can hang out at Miz’s place. Shane says it was for the best that it worked this way, because Miz would’ve lost and been fired.

Miz says he’s never been so injured that he could never compete, unlike Bryan. The leg is fine, thanks for asking. Miz deserves to be team captain over Bryan. Fans are divided on that one. Shane thinks, and based on Miz’s performance, he should be captain, so he is. Miz rubs it in Bryan’s face with “YES! YES!” But Shane says that Bryan should also be captain. They will be co-captains of the Survivor Series team. What? How will that ever work? Bryan looks up for the challenge of working with a rival, but Miz doesn’t. Will this situation change before Survivor Series?

Miz and Bryan argue backstage.

Shane comes by and tries to sort it out. Miz isn’t questioning a decision, but why does Shane think this would work? He wants a team with urgency, with tension, and these two have that. Plus, these two bring the best out of each other, so that’s what Shane is counting on. Miz says Shane can count on him. Bryan says the same. Then by the end of the night, pick your three other members. Miz has his first pick: Shane McMahon! Shane doesn’t want Miz to kiss up to him. Be serious.

Bryan can’t believe it, but he actually agrees. Even Miz is shocked. But no one has more on the line than Shane. It just makes sense. In that case, Shane accepts. We have three members so far, and Miz is “nice” enough to give Bryan the next pick. Bryan is thankful, but both of them feel weird working together. Will these co-captains be able to coexist all the way to Survivor Series?

The New Day VS The Usos!

Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods and Big E didn’t win back the tag team titles, but they have a chance to lead their brand into battle! However, so do Jimmy & Jey, as the winning team of this match will be captains of the Survivor Series team! But don’t get confused, it’s for the WWE Tag Team Division match.

The teams sort out and the New Day goes with Kofi and Big E. Woods tosses pancakes as Kofi starts with Jey. Jey and Kofi circle and tie up. Jey gets a headlock but Kofi powers out, only for Jey to run him over. Things speed up and Kofi jumps, but Jey catches him! Jey back suplexes but Kofi slips out to dropkick! Jey is out, Jimmy runs in but is sent out. Big E tags in, Kofi bounces as Woods plays the trombone. Kofi fakes out Jey, and Woods adds some “laughter”. Big E runs Jey over! The New Day has control while we go picture in picture.

Big E drags Jey up and in, cover, TWO! E tags in Kofi, and they work together for a leap frog senton! Cover, TWO! Kofi keeps on Jey with an arm wrench and armlock. Woods flings more flapjacks to the fans while Jey endures. Jey gets up but New Day brings him around for a whip. Jey reverses but Kofi goes up, only for Jey to kick his legs out! Kofi goes down and Jey tags in Jimmy. The Usos stomp Kofi, then Jey brings Kofi up. Jimmy uppercuts, then chops Kofi in the corner! Tag to Jey, and Jimmy feeds Kofi to a lariat. Cover, TWO! Jey drags Kofi away, tag to Jimmy. Jimmy runs as Jey holds Kofi down, leaping headbutt! Cover, TWO! Jimmy wraps Kofi in a chinlock, but fans rally for Kofi.

Kofi gets up and fights back, but Jimmy keeps him from the corner. Jimmy whips Kofi into the Uso corner and Kofi hits buckles hard. Tag to Jey, and the Usos stomp a mudhole into Kofi. Jey backs his brother off for the hesitation dropkick! Kofi gasps and rolls to an open corner, but Jey is right on him. Jey whips Kofi corner to corner hard and Kofi hits buckle then the mat. We return to single picture as Jey takes aim from across the way. “Uce! O!” Jey runs into Kofi’s double stomps! Fans rally up while The Bar watch from backstage. Hot tags to Jimmy and Big E! Jimmy runs into Big E’s overhead belly2belly suplex! Then another, then another! Fans fire up and Big E swivels the hips. Big E runs, but into an uppercut! Jimmy runs in, but into the urenag-E! Cover, TWO!

Big E has the fans rally up with the “New! Day Rocks!” clap. He scoops Jimmy but Jey tags in. The Usos double kick Big E away, Jey climbs up, Uso Splash onto knees! Big E scoops, Big Ending! Cover, but Jimmy breaks it just in time! Fans duel as Big E gets up. He keeps his eyes on Jey as he rolls to the apron. Jey stands, Big E runs and Kofi tags in. Jey dodges the DIVE and Big E hits the floor! But Big E gets up to barrel Jimmy into barriers!! Then he goes after Jey, to scoop him and run! Jey slips off to send Big E into the timekeeper’s area! The Usos regroup but Kofi climbs up high, SUPER TRUST FALL!! Woods checks on his team, and gets them going. Kofi puts Jey in, covers, TWO! Somehow Jey lives, and this match continues.

Fans rally up as Kofi brings Jey around. Jey breaks free but runs into SOS! Cover, TWO!! Both men are down but so are their partners. Jey hits Kofi to a corner but Kofi boots him away. Kofi quickly goes up and leaps, crossbody! Cover, TWO!! The New Day are frustrated but still in control as we go to break.

SmackDown returns as Kofi goes after Jey at the ropes. He kicks and punches away, then drags Jey up for a whip. Jey reverses but Kofi holds ropes, so Jey runs in. Kofi dumps him out, but Jimmy tags in! Jey hits Kofi, and then the Usos double suplex Kofi! Kofi fights his way out, Big E SPEARS Jey!! They both go down and Kofi hits Jimmy with Trouble in Paradise! Kofi drags Jimmy in for a cover, TWO!? How?! Kofi gets back up and brings Jimmy up. He headbutts Jimmy to a corner, then CHOPS. Kofi hoists Jimmy up top and climbs up to join him. Kofi wants the superplex, but Jimmy resists. Jimmy fights back, and headbutts Kofi down. Jimmy adjusts, but Kofi comes back, SUPER STEINER– Blocked into a powerbomb!!

Both men are down but Manchester is fired up. Woods tries to coach Kofi up as Jimmy climbs. Uso Splash! Cover, Usos win!

Winners: The Usos, Jimmy pinning; are now Team Captains of the Tag Team Division Survivor Series Elimination Match

The Usos prove they’re that good and that determined. They give The New Day props over their endless tag team wars. There is no SmackDown Tag Division without both teams. And as the new captains, the Usos want the New Day to be the first recruits to represent. The five of them shake on it, and the team is forming! Who else will join this massive 10v10 tag team match?

The Miz is on the phone with someone.

We’re a week away from his new release, Marine 6. So what talk shows will he be on? None of them? Why not?! Because they want Becky instead!? Well, he’ll have to call his agent back, because Bryan has returned. Has Bryan made his pick for the Men’s 5v5 team? Yes he has. Rey Mysterio. Really? he’s a future hall of famer, sure, but his return hasn’t done much of anything. But Mysterio beat Shinsuke Nakamura, Randy Orton, and The Miz. In a fluke, just like Bryan over Miz! But fine, if Rey impresses in his match with Andrade “Cien” Almas, he’s on the team.

In that case, let’s move tot he last pick. Bryan and Miz will each pick a person, and those two compete to be the fifth and final person. Miz likes that idea! And they feel weird again… But who will each man choose as a potential fifth team member?

Becky Lynch heads to the ring!

The Relent-Lass Straight Fire has a new mindset as she is “The Man” of all WWE right now! But she’s heading towards a fight with the Baddest Woman on the Planet at Survivor Series. Ronda gave Becky a warning about that match, but Becky is here to respond. “Ronda Rousey, you told me that you were the last woman on Earth that I should provoke.” Well who the hell is Ronda to tell Becky anything?! True, Ronda holds a championship, but she’s not a champion. Not yet. Champions will themselves through adversity, through injury, through doubt. But Ronda hasn’t been tested, yet. Becky is The Man, which is why she’s a champion and Ronda isn’t. Winning comes so easily to Ronda, that when she finally meets The Man at Survivor Series, that “titanium body will be let down by your weak mind.”

Becky has been ground down and built back up more times than she can count. She has made history. She has been tested daily, weekly, monthly, yet she is the most relentless person Ronda has ever met. Ronda was on Raw and mocked Becky for the long road she traveled and the jobs she took to pay her way to this point. So no, Becky wasn’t hand picked, yet here she is. Fans are on Becky’s side with that one. Becky wasn’t meant to be the main event, but here she is. She wasn’t meant to be the talk of the entire industry, but here she is: the only champ. But Ronda says Becky should be happy because she has Ronda’s respect. Well come Survivor Series, it won’t be respect but her arms that Becky has! And Becky doesn’t’ care if you’re a bad bitch, because you’re gonna be Becky’s.

But now Becky’s all fired up, she wants a fight! Is there any woman brave enough to step to Becky and get an arm mangled in Manchester? The open challenge is answered by… SAnitY!? Eric Young, Alexander Wolfe & Killian Dain return from obscurity, because they FINALLY have their Twisted Sister! It’s NIKKI CROSS!! And she’s ready for a fight, too! She runs to the ring, and runs wild like she does on NXT! Becky isn’t sure what to make of the Loony Lass as she thrashes her own jacket around. Who does Nikki think she is to step to– She takes the mic from Becky!? “I’ll play with you, Becky. Let’s play, Becky! You wanna play? Play with Nikki! Let’s play! Let’s PLAY!” The challenge is issued back. Becky don’t play, Becky fights. And that fight, is after the break!

Becky Lynch VS Nikki Cross!

The Relent-Lass meets the Loony Lass in Crazy Cross’ SmackDown debut! Will Becky get the fight she wants? Or will Nikki use Becky for a bit of playtime?

SmackDown returns as the bell rings. Nikki grins as Becky glares. The two circle and tie up. Becky gets the waistlock and slam, cover, ONE. Nikki hits her with a forearm! Nikki runs into another waistlock and slam, but gets away. Becky pushes Nikki down and around, then stomps her to a corner. Nikki gets up and eggs Becky on! Becky kicks low, then whips. Nikki comes back with a tilt-o-whirl headscissor. Nikki walks into a yank and she gets sent out of the ring. Becky goes to the apron but ends up in a skirt trap! Nikki fires off on Becky until she’s down on the ground! Nikki stops at 4 to kick Becky behind the apron. She puts Becky in but Becky bails out. Nikki pursues but Becky trips her up.

Becky brings Nikki up to throw her into barriers left and right. She then kicks Nikki into the LED panel, and puts her in the ring. Cover, TWO! Becky keeps on Nikki with a chinlock and thrashes her around. Fans rally up and Nikki gets up. Nikki fights out but Becky scoops. Nikki slips out and rolls up, TWO! Becky calf kicks Nikki down, covers, TWO! The Man grows frustrated but she drags Nikki up by her hair. She jams Nikki’s face while fans duel. Becky throws Nikki with the Becksploder, but Nikki is right up. Becky runs her over with forearms, covers, TWO! Now Becky toys with Nikki, but Nikki fights back. Becky kicks Nikki down, Nikki comes back with forearms. Nikki hops on for a sleeper hold! Becky fights her off but runs into a kick and then forearms. Becky hits back, but runs into boots. Nikki rallies!

Nikki fires up, runs in, big clothesline to bulldog! Becky is down, but Nikki goes up top. Nikki leaps at Becky with a crossbody! Cover, TWO! Nikki keeps that wild grin as she wrenches Becky into an inverted DDT! Cover, TWO! Becky rolls away and now Nikki grows frustrated. Nikki stomps a mudhole into Becky, but the ref has to pull her off. Nikki comes back, but Becky throws her into ropes! Then Disarm-Her! Nikki taps, Becky wins!

Winner: Becky Lynch, by submission

This was definitely a fight, but one The Champ still found a way to win. Becky will have an even bigger fight on her hands with Ronda, can she still overcome adversity?

The Miz takes selfies backstage.

Bryan photobombs! Instagram together! But anyway, Bryan has his choice for the team: Jeff Hardy. Oh wow, another World Cup competitor that everyone loves, a great choice. However, can he be better than Miz’s choice. Bryan knows from experience how clutch this guy is. It’s Samoa Joe. Joe says “May the best man win.” Will the Destroyer destroy the Charismatic Enigma and join Team SmackDown?

Shinsuke Nakamura talks.

He feels bad for Seth Rollins. His life is “burning down.” Roman has a disease, Ambrose has issues. But at Survivor Series, Nakamura will cheer Rollins up and help him forget all his other problems. He’ll get a special gift only found in the United States of Nakamerica, a #Knee2Face.

Rey Mysterio VS Andrade “Cien” Almas!

It’s a first-time-ever right here on SmackDown TV! The King of Lucha Libre goes against the Original Ungovernable to earn Miz’s approval onto Team SmackDown! Can Mysterio dial it up? Or will Almas force him to tranquilo?

SmackDown returns as El Idolo makes his entrance. He enters the ring and the bell sounds. Almas gets the arm and wrenches the wrist. Mysterio rolls and flips but Almas throws him down. Mysterio comes back with headscissors but Almas kicks him low. Almas CHOPS Mysterio, then whips. Mysterio kicks and headscissors Almas down! Almas gets to a corner but Mysterio is on him with a whip corner to corner. Almas reverses but Mysterio goes up and over. Mysterio keeps moving but runs into the boot feint and back elbow! Almas stomps away on Mysterio, but backs off at the ref’s orders. The ref checks on Mysterio but he’s okay to continue. Almas runs in to knee Mysterio, then whips him corner to corner. Almas runs in for another big knee! Cover, TWO!

Almas keeps his cool as he brings Mysterio up. He puts Mysterio in a corner then runs in, but misses the knee! He tumbles out to the floor, and Mysterio goes to the apron. Mysterio leaps, but is caught, and swung into the barriers! Almas takes control as we go picture in picture. Almas puts Mysterio in, covers, TWO! Mysterio gets to ropes, but Almas is on him with stomps. Almas drags Mysterio up and wrenches the wrist. He clubs the arm then gives it an armbreaker. He wrenches the arm again, but Mysterio endures. Mysterio gets up but Almas shifts to a hammerlock to ground him. Mysterio gets up and fights back, then goes up to rebound and arm-drag Almas off! He keeps moving, but Almas turns the wheelbarrow into a facebuster!

Both men are down but Almas sits up first. The referee checks on Mysterio, but he’s okay to continue. Almas stalks Mysterio as he gets to a corner. We return to single picture as Almas runs in, but Mysterio dodges Cien Knees! Mysterio runs in but is put on the apron. He swing kicks back, then springboards for the seated senton! Things speed up, Mysterio goes around the world to headscissor Almas! Fans fire up as Mysterio runs, but into a boot! Almas hops up, flying sunset but Rey rolls through to buzzsaw! Cover, TWO! Mysterio keeps his cool and calls for the number. Fans chant for the 619 as Mysterio climbs up top. Almas trips him up!

Almas CHOPS and then climbs up to join Mysterio. He wants the superplex but Mysterio holds on. Mysterio fights Almas off, then sunsets. Almas lands on his feet, CIEN KNEES! Then MORE Cien Knees! Cover, TWO!! Almas can’t believe Mysterio survives, but fans know “This is Awesome!” Mysterio stirs but Almas shakes his head. Almas shoves and gets Mysterio in a tilt-o-whirl backbreaker. Almas climbs up top, moonsault, lands on his feet to moonsault again but Mysterio gets his knees up! Both men are down as Almas gasps for air. Fans call for it, Mysterio dropkicks Almas onto the ropes, but Almas still denies the 619. Almas lifts Mysterio in an electric chair but Mysterio headscissors him out! Yet Almas still has Mysterio! Almas spins, Mysterio headscissors him into the apron! Then Mysterio runs, to slide for a tornado DDT!

Manchester is thunderous for the lucha legend and his innovation. Mysterio puts Almas in the ring at 6, then climbs in at 7. Mysterio springboards, flying headscissors to put Almas on ropes! Then 619!! Springboard, splash! The dime drops, cover, Mysterio wins!

Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall

The King conquers the Idol, but has he impressed Miz? Randy Orton RKO outta nowhere!! The Viper strikes when you least expect it, and he leaves Mysterio down and out. Orton won’t let Mysterio enjoy his celebration, but will he pay for it later?

Bryan sees this backstage.

And he questions if The Miz put Orton up to sabotaging their fourth man. Miz doesn’t want to talk to Orton after the RKO from last week. But what happened with the match? Didn’t he watch it himself?! Miz is just messing with Bryan, of course he saw. Mysterio won, Miz saw it all. Up until the RKO, Mysterio was impressive. Mysterio is on the team. How dare Bryan accuse Miz of sabotage? What if Bryan does the same? He won’t, because he knows Hardy will win. If he doesn’t, hopefully Bryan puts emotions aside and is the bigger man about it. Miz chuckles at his veiled insult. Mysterio is on the team, but who will join as the fifth and final member?

AJ Styles speaks.

The WWE World Champion says that life as a wrestler is unpredictable. He defended his title twice on two different continents. But where did that reign start? Here in Manchester. And what is Styles’ reward? Going two years in a row against Brock Lesnar, who is truly a Beast, unlike any opponent Styles has ever faced. Styles gave it everything he had, from the 450 Splash to the Calf Crusher to the Phenomenal Forearm. Yet it wasn’t enough. Most think it’ll go that way again. But being a wrestler is unpredictable. So Styles vows here and now to defeat Brock Lesnar. “That’s not a prediction, that’s a spoiler. Because I am the Phenomenal AJ Styles!”

Paige is back in the ring.

We have two weeks until the Women’s 5v5 Elimination Tag Match. And seeing how things went down at Evolution, things will be combustible. And so, let the introductions begin! First, the FABULOUS Carmella! And she has her Mixed Match Challenge partner, R-Truth, with her! Manchester, say what’s up! Second, #FeelTheGlow with Naomi! Third, put your hair up and square up with Sonya Deville! Fourth, no one is ready for Asuka! The Sole Survivor for Raw last year is a perfect choice for SmackDown this year. And last but certainly not least, Charlotte Flair! But, wait, where is The Queen? Instead, the Golden Mandy Rose appears. She tells everyone that this wasn’t the blonde we expected, but surprise~, “obviously an upgrade.”

Paige says Mandy is not taking Charlotte’s spot, sorry and thank you. Okay but why did Mandy get snubbed but Sonya is in? Mandy is happy for her friend, obviously, but Mandy eliminated Sonya at Evolution. So she’s just concerned about Paige’s choices. Asuka isn’t Empress of Tomorrow, she’s Yesterday’s News. Mella is Money, but those dance breaks were like her title reign: short and meaningless. Carmella points out she at least had a title reign. Naomi, Mandy didn’t forget about you. But is anyone feeling the glow? Manchester is. How about her husband, Jimmy? Them’s fighting words. And a fight breaks out! Naomi tackles Mandy and the others scramble to separate them. Sonya gets her “friend” Mandy out of there, but now these two argue. Fans want another fight, but Mandy backs down. Will Mandy still be friends with Sonya? And what of Charlotte no-showing?

Bryan’s Pick, Jeff Hardy VS Miz’s Pick, Samoa Joe!

The Goat likes the Charismatic Enigma while the A-Lister likes the Destroyer. Who joins Team SmackDown in the battle against Raw’s biggest and baddest?

Co-captains Miz and Bryan join commentary to watch this match very closely. They’re still surprised they’ve put together a team so quickly and so cleanly, but this main event could change some of that.

The bell rings and Joe goes right at Hardy! He throws jab after jab in the corner, then trash talks Bryan over making Hardy his choice. Bryan says of course Hardy is his choices, because Hardy is tough and a great tag team specialist. Joe whips Hardy corner to corner but Hardy elbows Joe back. Hardy climbs, Whisper in the Wind hits! Cover, TWO! Miz blames that very move for his horse voice. Fans chant “DELETE! DELETE!” as Hardy stalks Joe. Joe bails out, but Hardy wrecks him with a dropkick and a jumping ax handle. Hardy drags Joe and puts him in the ring. Hardy clubs Joe then stomps away. He runs, but Joe runs Hardy over! Miz likes what he sees! Joe looms over Hardy as we go to one last break.

SmackDown returns again, and Joe jabs away at Jeff again. Fans duel between them as Joe brings Hardy out for more strikes. Hardy hits back with haymakers, then whips. Joe reverses, and hits the back elbow to Pele! Cover, TWO! Joe grows frustrated but he goes after Hardy. He brings Hardy up and snapmares him into a neck wrench. Hardy endures and fans rally up. Hardy gets up and fights out, but Joe throws him out. Joe goes out to fetch Hardy, and whip him into barriers! Bryan cheers for Jeff as he and Miz argue about being better leaders. Joe whips Hardy but Hardy uses that to get on the apron and leap for a lariat! Bryan likes that risk-taking, and Hardy keeps on Joe with haymakers.

Hardy whips but Joe reverses, only for Hardy to run him over. Atomic drop to leg splitting leg drop! And dropkick added, cover, TWO! Bryan and Miz calm down on commentary as Hardy gets up. Hardy says “DELETE! DELETE!” He kicks low but Joe denies the Twist, to put on the Coquina! But Hardy jawbreakers, to the Twist of Fate! Joe is down, Hardy takes off the shirt before going up top! Bryan is fired up but Miz is panicking, Swanton Bomb meets knees! Coquina Clutch! Hardy taps, Joe wins!

Winner: Samoa Joe, by submission; is the fifth and final member of SmackDown’s 5-Man Survivor Series Team

Joe rubs this victory in Bryan’s face, but Miz wants Bryan to keep his emotions in check. Joe gets right up in Bryan’s face, those emotions boil over! Bryan hits Joe, Joe puts Bryan in the ring, but Joe gets caught in the Yes Lock! Miz pries Bryan off Joe and asks what he’s doing. So Bryan hits Miz! The truce is over. Shane runs in, but Bryan throws him out of instinct! Fans are on Bryan’s side with this one, but will Bryan still be a co-captain after this?

My Thoughts:

Again, SmackDown is Raw but better! They didn’t need to stretch things out, we have our Men’s and Women’s teams already! And we’ve got great stories going into each part. Charlotte refusing to show is a good addition to her “crisis of confidence” because now she doesn’t even seem to think she’s worthy of being on the team. Mandy Rose questioning each choice but particularly Sonya Deville is a good bit of story for the duo formerly known as Absolution. That team doesn’t have much going for them, but Mandy and Sonya going solo, and possibly with Sonya going face, could make for some interesting and fresh stories going into the end of the year.

I’m surprised Raw didn’t say a thing about the return of the 10v10 Tag Team Survivor Series match, but I suppose they could only do so much while selling the Men’s and Women’s teams. Usos make a natural choice for team captain, and the New Day are a natural choice to join them. Of course, there are only so many tag teams on either brand, even with SAnitY returning, making choices won’t be that hard. I like the idea of Shane making Miz and Bryan co-captains despite the combustibility, and it was a really great part of the show. Of course, it’s still odd Shane hasn’t done much with the World Cup other than say he won it not for himself but for SmackDown. Maybe his air of humility will turn into one of arrogance because he’s so insistent on being humble.

Mysterio VS Almas was a great match, but Orton attacking might be a sign that his new target is Mysterio. That feud might be pretty good, at least on nostalgia. Becky VS Nikki Cross was outstanding, even with Nikki losing her debut match. Now that SAnitY is at 100%, they might finally start making some moves as a unit. Regardless of who wins in Becky VS Ronda, Nikki could make a great case for being Becky’s challenger come TLC. And speaking of, after that promo, Becky could totally surprise us. She tore it up on the mic, and this was set up as a fresh take on a familiar concept in WWE, like we’ve seen in Cena VS Styles, or we will see again in Lesnar VS Styles. At the very least, Becky needs to be the one to push Ronda to her limits or it’ll all be for naught.

My Score: 8.5/10