SmackDown moves forward with the Draft taking effect!

Roman Reigns is STILL WWE Universal Champion, but now SmackDown has an influx of new faces thanks to the Draft! Will they all be aiming for his throne?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Open Challenge: Drew McIntyre VS Sami Zayn; McIntyre wins.
• Mansoor VS Mustafa Ali; Mansoor wins.
• Hit Row VS Dustin Lawyer & Danny Williams; Hit Row wins.
• Shinsuke Nakamura w/ Rick Boogs VS “Happy” Corbin w/ “Mad Cap” Moss; Corbin wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Roman Reigns is here!

Of course the Tribal Chief opens the SmackDown after Crown Jewel, as he is triumphant once again thanks to his Special Counsel. Paul Heyman carries the title for Roman, but Roman raises his finger for the pyro, much to Heyman’s confusion. They go to the ring, and Roman again cues pyro with his finger, not the belt. Fans duel between cheers and jeers and Roman takes it all in. Heyman has the mic, hands it over to Roman, and Roman asks, “Are you holding that title for me? Or for Brock?” Roman knows Heyman did the right thing tonight, but last night, Heyman just kinda threw the belt in the ring. “Shall we work on this?”

Roman holds out his hand, Heyman puts the belt in hand. Pretty easy, right? Roman puts the belt on his shoulder, and then says Heyman’s not great at his job. But Roman is! Roman can’t deny that he’s the best of the best! Roman has carried the WWE on his back for over a year and a half now. Roman’s the Tribal Chief! Roman’s the Head of the Table! Roman’s the greatest Universal Champion of all time. And wanna know why? Because he’s smashed everyone. The list is so long now, they can’t even go back to the beginning, so just start at Mania. Bryan and Edge? Smashed ’em. Cesaro? Smashed ’em. Finn Balor? Smashed ’em. John Cena? Smashed ’em!

And Heyman’s boy, Brock Lesnar. Well Saudi Arabia saw Roman smash ’em! But what did Lesnar say on social media? What’d he say? Hurry up, Paul. Heyman gets it on his phone to show Roman. Read it, then! “Brock Lesnar said, and this is Brock… ‘The moment I arrive at SmackDown, I will beat Roman Reigns senseless.'” Fans like the sound of that! Roman grins and then slaps Heyman’s phone out of his hand. “Man, I whooped Brock Lesnar so bad, he’s Tweeting now. Good God.” But fine! Roman runs SmackDown, he runs the WWE, he’s standing right here! And he’s not going anywhere!

Do the fans wanna see Lesnar tonight? He does, too! He doesn’t mind smashing Lesnar two nights in a row! If Wichita wants to see Roman whoop Lesnar, #AcknowlegdgeMe. He then hands the mic to Heyman and dares Lesnar to walk out to the ring. He looks to Heyman when Lesnar doesn’t show up. “Brock Lesnar must be scared of me, y’all. Alright, let’s make this very clear. I’m not leaving this ring until Brock Lesnar comes out here.” Roman puts Lesnar on the clock, will The Beast show up? SmackDown goes to break while we wait.

SmackDown returns and…

Roman says he can’t blame Lesnar for not showing up against the Greatest Of All Time. Take a picture: Lesnar fears Roman! We’ve been waiting and Lesnar’s a no show. Why’d he go run his mouth then not show up? Roman’s given the people far too much time. The Tribal Chief shows up, takes care of obligations on SmackDown, but Lesnar’s a no show. There’s nothing for Roman to do here. Fans chant, “We Want Lesnar!” and Roman lets us hear it by holding his mic up. Roman wants Lesnar, too, but Lesnar don’t want none, he’s scared! Roman’s smashed everyone, nobody wants it anymore. So this is where he and Wichita part ways. But now the music hits! Lesnar IS here!

Roman takes the belt off his shoulder as he stares down with Lesnar. Heyman gets out of the ring as Lesnar heads down the ramp. Lesnar then bolts into the ring, dodges Roman’s belt attack and CLOBBERS Roman! Then he clotheslines Roman out of the ring! Roman staggers about, but he and Lesnar brawl at ringside! Lesnar RAMS Roman into steel steps! Lesnar looms over Roman, looks over at Heyman, and heads Heyman’s way. Heyman is deer in a headlights but Lesnar pulls the steel steps apart. Lesnar RAMS Roman with the steps! Then he TOSSES the steps into the ring with ease! Lesnar pulls the announce desk’s hood off and stalks over to Roman.

But referees rush out, as do the Usos! The Usos save Roman from an F5 but they get knees and haymakers for it! Lesnar POSTS Jey, then TOSSES Jimmy into the timekeeper’s area! Then he tosses Jey in there to join him! Roman fires back but Lesnar RAMS Roman into the post! Management rushes out to talk Lesnar down but he grabs a cameraman’s camera! Then shoves the cameraman! Lesnar aims with the camera, but Roman ducks! The camera busts against the post! So Lesnar throws referees AND management around!

Adam Pearce empties the locker room! But they get clobbered by the Beast!! The Bloodline and Heyman regroup on the ramp but Lesnar has the title belt in hand! Lesnar says he is the rightful champion, but will he have to suffer the consequences for his actions before ever getting another title shot?

SmackDown returns again, and Adam Pearce speaks.

“No single individual can come out here and hold this show hostage, or cause the kind of chaos we just witnessed. Make no mistake, Brock Lesnar’s actions were completely unacceptable, completely irresponsible. And not just the property damage. He endangered our crew, he endangered our officials, he endangered his fellow superstars, and worst of all, Brock Lesnar endangered the WWE Universe, and that cannot happen.” Not on Pearce’s watch! Therefore, Pearce has the unfortunate duty to inform us that due to these actions tonight, Pearce is INDEFINITELY SUSPENDING Brock Lesnar! Fans boo but Lesnar storms back out from the back!

Pearce is a deer in the headlights now as Lesnar returns to the ring, saying he isn’t sure he heard Pearce right. Pearce tries to defend his decision but Lesnar grabs him by the shirt collar. “I’m not sure I heard everything. Am I crazy? Tell me again.” Pearce says he doesn’t have a choice, he has to suspend Lesnar indefinitely. Oh is that so? Lesnar puts Pearce in a corner, lets go of his shirt and smiles as he straightens it all out. Then he fireman’s carries and hits him with an F5! And then he gets Pearce up again and gives him another F5!! Lesnar then picks up the mic and says, “I can’t hear you. Tell me again, please?”

Pearce barely sputters so Lesnar leaves it at this. If this is what he did after being suspended, will the Beast even abide by the punishment the WWE handed down?

Sonya Deville tries to get things back in order.

She keeps Kayla from asking questions, but stops at Naomi stepping to her. Naomi says that was some bull last week, she wants a fair match with Sonya. Of course, make it about yourself, Naomi> But Sonya has other things to handle other than beating Naomi up again. So get out of her face, NOW. Naomi backs down but then Sonya turns around to see Drew McIntyre. How can she help? Well he is now on SmackDown and there’s chaos already> But that’s okay, he’ll do her a favor. He will issue an open challenge, with her permission or not, and he will take on whoever has the BALLS to face him. He puts the locker room on notice and then heads to gorilla!

Open Challenge: Drew McIntyre VS ???

The Scottish Warrior fell short against Big E for the WWE World Championship, but he and Angela the claymore are more than ready to go again! Who steps to the motivated McIntyre on this first SmackDown with a new roster?

McIntyre gets a mic to asks the fans, “Enough with the BS, who’s ready for a match already?” He doesn’t care if you’re a Viking or a Maharaja, someone get their ass out here so he can kick it! And the one to answer the challenge is… Sami Zayn! And his new theme song! But Sami says, “Oh, Drew, y’know, it’s so funny, I hear you back there rattling off the list the different kind of superstars. I couldn’t help but notice you left off ‘master strategist.'” But that’s okay, Sami’s used to being forgotten about. But here’s something people might not know, so shut your mouths. Sami is the longest tenured member of SmackDown. He’s a locker room leader, the gatekeeper, the elder statesman of SmackDown!

And McIntyre might be a former world champion, here on SmackDown, he’s just the new kid. But if McIntyre is looking for someone brave enough to accept the challenge, maybe everyone’s forgotten or holding Sami back, but he is the BEST superstar on SmackDown! So Sami accepts the challenge! And when he beats McIntyre, Sami will remain the best on SmackDown! McIntyre is all for it and Sami gets in the ring. The bell rings, Sami bails out. McIntyre is annoyed but Sami takes his time going around the way. McIntyre goes out, Sami slides back in. Sami then goes back out as McIntyre slides back in, his trolling strategy working well.

But then McIntyre fakes Sami out, then catches him off guard to throw him into barriers! McIntyre smirks and says, “Oh, I’m gonna hurt you.” Fans fire up and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Sami stomps McIntyre down. Sami goes up the ropes and drops an ax handle! Cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Another cover, ONE!! Sami gets frustrated but he sits McIntyre up to throw hands. “You’re on my show now, punk!” Sami throws more haymakers, McIntyre gets up and RAMS Sami into a corner! McIntyre fires off stomps and haymakers, then clinches to OVERHEAD Belly2Belly suplex! McIntyre seethes and runs to CLOBBER Sami with clotheslines! McIntyre whips, and hits another OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Then a NECKBREAKER! McIntyre kips up and fires up, then aims from the corner.

Fans fire up and McIntyre runs, but Sami bails out! McIntyre grabs at Sami and drags him up the apron but Sami hotshots! Sami gets in to reel McIntyre in, but McIntyre’s too big for a Blue Thunder Bomb! Sami throws elbows over and over on McIntyre’s head and shoulders, then brings him back up, BLUE TH- NO! McIntyre slips out to GLASGOW KISS! Sami falls into a corner, McIntyre runs in, Sami dodges and McIntyre POSTS himself! Sami drags McIntyre up to POST him in the other corner! McIntyre is down, Sami aims from a corner! Sami mocks the countdown! But he gets a CLAYMORE!! Cover, McIntyre wins!

Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall

And that’s how you put a roster on notice! Is SmackDown going to be Claymore Country once again?

The New Day is here!

The ring crew prepares the scene for a coronation! Kofi Kingston heads out first, as we’re all about to celebrate the true crowning of KING Xavier, after the break!

SmackDown returns and after a recap of how Woods won over Finn Balor, Greg Hamilton introduces Kofi, and Kofi says, “Hear ye! Hear ye! We are gathered here today, we are gathered here today, for the grandest of coronations! Please join me in showing your adoration, your admiration, your adulation for our NEW King of the Ring! King Xavier Woooooods!” And with that, King Xavier makes his entrance with a brand new and very regal tron. But he still plays his trombone. Kofi says, “Your Majesty, allow me to bestow upon thee thy cloak.” This cloak will represent the protection Woods shall place over his kingdom! Fans chant, “You Deserve It!”

And then, Kofi wishes to bestow upon Woods his scepter that represents the power he shall wield over his kingdom! Woods holds the scepter up high, but of course, Kofi shall bestow upon Woods the crown, which represents the respect Woods has earned and will receive until the end of time as king! Long live his reign! Kofi puts the crown upon Woods’ head and fans cheer as the regal music plays. Woods takes the mic and cannot express how much this means to him. He knows the fans have shown him so much love, and they helped him turn a dream into a reality! He thanks us, but guess what? While his reign will be fun, it will be fair. There will be opportunity.

So then let’s give the the fine people who are part of his kingdom, the fine people in Wichita, a chance to hear “the king’s gospel.” ALL HAIL KING XAVIER WOODS, FIRST OF HIS NAME! BRINGER OF NEW DAYS AND YOUR NEW KING!! “HAIL! KING WOODS!” Woods holds up the scepter and Kofi makes the cape flap in the wind! Will Woods be the greatest King of the Ring yet?

Becky Lynch speaks.

“This title is still drenched in history from last night. Let me remind everyone, I never did lose that Raw Women’s Championship.” So instead of a title exchange, #BeckyTwoBelts makes a comeback? Is The Man going to change the WWE’s plans and take the title from Charlotte Flair rather than be handed it?

SmackDown, prepare for Xia Li!

The first Chinese born female superstar in the WWE, and she has sharpened herself to a deadly edge! Who will be the first on this brand to taste her brand of brutality?

Mansoor VS Mustafa Ali!

Victorious in Saudi Arabia, but still eager to prove himself, Mansoor will gladly take on Mustafa Ali again! Will this rematch put a pin in the animosity between them? Or will The Beacon us this as both redemption and revenge?

SmackDown returns and Ali makes his entrance. The bell rings and Ali runs at Mansoor! Mansoor dodges and Ali’s dropkick crashes into the corner! Mansoor fires off, bumps Ali off buckles then CHOPS! Ali CHOPS back but Mansoor CHOPS again! Mansoor whips corner to corner then back drops Ali away! Ali gets up but Mansoor clotheslines him out! Fans fire up, Mansoor goes out and chases Ali back into the ring. Ali drops an elbow but Mansoor dodges! Mansoor then dumps Ali out of the ring, drags him up and throws forearms! Ali gets in the ring, Mansoor climbs up and leaps to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!

Ali crawls to ropes, Mansoor storms after him, but Ali throws him into ropes! Ali goes up, leaps and sunset flips, but then rolls to get Mansoor up for a SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Ali kicks at Mansoor, slaps him around and talks trash. Ali drags Mansoor up, reels him in and turns him, but Mansoor turns neckbreaker into waistlock. Ali fights but Mansoor chicken wings for a TIGER SUPLEX! Ali is all folded up but Mansoor isn’t done! He drags Ali up but Ali throat chops! Ali dodges Mansoor but Mansoor LARIATS on the return! Fans fire up with Mansoor but he runs into a BOOT! Ali goes up again and leaps to sunset flip, only for Mansoor to sit on it! Mansoor wins again!!

Winner: Mansoor, by pinfall

Ali is furious that he lost, and even faster than yesterday! Has this proven that Mansoor is ready for the big time?

The newest members of SmackDown speak.

“I’m Ridge Holland. And if you’d told me as a little lad, fighting, scrapping on the streets of Yorkshire, that I would end up on Friday Night SmackDown, I would’ve said, ‘I believe ya.'” Will Northern Grit crush all in his way?

“My name’s Aliyah. And I’m gonna give this place a makeover! SmackDown is about to get a whole lot more bougie.” Will Bougie Bad make sure SmackDown looks good on Friday nights?

Humberto Carrillo and Angel Garza fist bump before Garza says, “Remember these names.” They are the hottest tag team. When you look this good, winning is so easy!

And Sheamus says, “I don’t need to introduce meself to anybody. Because no one delivers in the ring like the Celtic Warrior. And everybody knows I deliver banger after banger after banger after banger… after banger.” Will the Fella bang out hit after hit with that Brogue?

Hit Row heads to the ring!

B-Fab has the music cut because we all know that y’all done heard about Hit~ Roooow~. That’s three MC’s, one producer. Three beasts, one beauty. Ashante “Thee” Adonis, and honestly, the details are crucial. This is the ritual: R-I-C-H-U-A-L. When money speaks, nobody checks grammar. That’s why this is Top Dolla, cuz that’s what he’s worth. Pay him, he shows up. Bank account’s robust. Swerve Scott ’bout to go nuts! Isaiah’s been around the world, changing the game, winning championships, streaming numbers doing silly, and he’s your worst nightmare. This is B-Fab. Every time you see her, she be fab! She needs a big bag, that’s why they big mad.

They’re a really big team who needs really nice things. We all know Adonis is pretty from afar. Swerve is a ring vet and B-Fab’s the star. They all know that Dolla’s the silliest with the bars! But the WWE Universe just got for bright new stars! And if you didn’t know, now you know! And speaking of that money, Swerve’s about to earn some in his SmackDown in-ring debut! Who gets an education that doesn’t just make sense, it makes dollars?

Hit Row VS Dustin Lawyer & Danny Williams!

SmackDown returns, the bell rings, and Swerve KNEES Dustin down right away! Swerve brings Dustin around, bumps him off buckles, throws uppercuts then goes up. Dolla tags in, Swerve hits the FALLING UPPERCUT! Dolla drops the BACK SENTON! Cover, but Danny Williams breaks it! He thinks he’s smart but Dolla looms over him! Two-hand pop up to a fireman’s carry! Dustin jumps into Dolla’s arms! Dolla talks some smack before he asks, “Who hotta than Top Dolla?” DOUBLE SLAM! “NOT NADA!” Dolla kicks Danny out then drags Dustin over. If you didn’t know, now you know! Tag to Swerve, Dolla scoops Dustin, HOUSE CALL SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, Hit Row wins!

Winners: Hit Row, by pinfall

NXT knows and now so does SmackDown! Now that Hit Row is here on Fridays, is it only a matter of time before it all belongs to them?

Kayla Braxton waits by the doctor’s room.

She’s waiting for an update on Adam Pearce’s condition but Sonya Deville walks out. Kayla asks Pearce’s status and Sonya says he will be okay, eventually. he’s a bit fragile, and not a spring chicken. Unfortunate, too, because Sonya said she’d be the one to give the suspension, but Pearce insisted on doing things his way, and well, we saw how that went. But the show must go on. Tonight we have Charlotte and Becky exchanging titles, which also could be pretty combustible. That is now on Sonya to handle alone. But he remains in her thoughts. Is Sonya going to be able to handle the pressure? Or will she have her own chaotic situation to handle soon enough?

Rick Boogs is on stage!

The rockin’ bard makes the introduction for the Intercontinental Champion, Shinsuke NakamurAAAAAAA~~! The King of Strong Style makes his entrance, and he once again faces Baron Corbin for the first time since Baron’s roller coaster ride from down in the dumps to cracking up like a chump! Will Corbin get a semblance of revenge as well as get on track towards the title? We find out after the break.

Shinsuke Nakamura w/ Rick Boogs VS “Happy” Corbin w/ “Mad Cap” Moss!

SmackDown returns and Corbin makes his entrance, Moss jogging up behind him. The bell rings, the two circle and tie up. Corbin pushes Nakamura away then throat chops! Corbin gets Nakamura up and ROCKS him with a right, then puts him in the corner. Corbin throws body shots, brings Nakamura around and runs, into a KNEE then a ROUNDHOUSE! Nakamura runs and basement dropkicks! Cover, TWO! Nakamura rams knees into Corbin over and over, then stands Corbin up to snapmare for a knee drop! Cover, TWO! Moss coaches Corbin but Nakamura bumps him off buckles. Nakamura throws forearms, Corbin ROCKS Nakamura back!

Nakamura fires off a strike fest, KNEES Corbin into the corner, then fires off haymakers! Fans fire up and Nakamura brings Corbin up again for more knees. Corbin flounders to ropes, swings but misses and Nakamura throws kicks! Nakamura knees again, puts Corbin in the corner and gives him GOOD VIBRATIONS~! Boogs rocks out as he does, and Nakamura joins in on the air guitar! Nakamura runs corner to corner but Corbin dodges! Corbin blocks Nakamura’s boot and dumps him to the apron! But Nakamura hits back, takes aim, and grins as he goes to superplex! Corbin blocks and THROWS Nakamura down! Boogs checks on Nakamura as SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns again and Corbin grinds Nakamura with a chinbar and half nelson. Nakamura fights up, throws body shots and is free, but Corbin shoves him to the corner. Corbin runs in, Nakamura dodges so Corbin slides out then back in and LARIATS Nakamura down! Moss is fired up as Corbin covers, TWO! Corbin rains down fists, but then he grins as he lets off. Corbin drags Nakamura up, scoops, but Nakamura slips off and dodges Corbin to DYNAMIC DROPKICK! Nakamura waits for Corbin to get up and he says, “C’MON!” Corbin swings but into the strike fest! KICK after KICK but Corbin blocks, only for Nakamura to ENZIGURI!

Nakamura whips, Corbin reverses but Nakamura dodges in the corner! ROUNDHOUSE to the back, then he puts Corbin up top! TOP SHELF KNEE! Cover, TWO! Nakamura aims from the corner and Corbin slowly rises, Nakamura runs in but Corbin catches him! Nakamura slips through End of Days to kick, but Corbin gets under to ripcord SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Boogs rocks out to rally the fans to give Nakamura power. Nakamura stands, Corbin choke grips but Nakamura KNEES free! Roundhouse misses but the WINDMILL KICK hits! Nakamura goes to the corner, but Moss goes after Boogs’ guitar! That’s not cool! Boogs shoves Moss, Nakamura BOOTS Moss down!

Nakamura talks trash but Corbin throws Nakamura into steps! Moss does the same to Boogs! Corbin puts Nakamura in and reels Nakamura in, END OF DAYS!! Cover, Corbin wins!

Winner: Baron Corbin, by pinfall

Corbin and Moss have the last laugh! Will they be even happier when Corbin gets to go for the gold?

Charlotte Flair speaks.

“Becks, of course you’re not going to hand over the title. Just pretend it’s my suitcase you spent half your career carrying, and hand over the title.” The Queen is still talking down to The Man, but will things not go Charlotte’s way?

It’s time for the Championship Belt Exchange!

Big Time Becks goes to the ring first, holding her SmackDown Women’s Championship up high. But with what she said earlier, will it be so easy for her to let go the belt she won a Triple Threat to keep? We find out, after the break.

SmackDown returns and Sonya Deville has joined Becky in the ring. Charlotte makes her entrance now, then she gets a mic. Sonya says they’re gathered here for a special transaction. Becky is SmackDown Women’s Champion but is heading to Raw. Charlotte is Raw Women’s Champion but is coming to SmackDown. As number one, let’s not forget. Sonya says they are going to trade the titles so that they will go to their respective new brands as the champions. Sonya gives the signal but Becky holds onto her belt while Charlotte still wears hers. Fans chant, “Becky Two Belts!” but Sonya gets Charlotte to take off her belt.

Becky grabs at the Raw title but Charlotte drops it. Sonya makes Charlotte pick it up and hand it over to Sonya. Becky wants to grab the Raw belt first but Sonya refuses. So Becky throws the SmackDown belt at Charlotte! Sonya hands the Raw belt to Becky, Charlotte holds up the SmackDown belt. But wait, Becky wants to be Becky Two Belts, right? Then what about a match tonight? Fans like the sound of that! But wait, here comes Sasha Banks! The Boss is also here on SmackDown through the Draft, and she was the one woman not in the decision at Crown Jewel!

And she says let’s make one thing clear, The Boss, the Standard, the Blueprint runs this blue brand. If Charlotte thinks she can just show up and take over, “Bitch, you’re out of your damned mind!” Sasha goes right into the ring but Charlotte says this is PG, that wasn’t nice. But aw, is she feeling left out? Becky says she’ll just go to Raw and see someone at Survivor Series. Becky leaves, Sasha asks if Charlotte is jealous. Fans still cheer for Becky, Sasha says bye to her, and says Sasha Banks is the star of any show she’s on. Title or no title, she’s still The Boss. Fridays are #BossTime! Oooh~, Sasha~! Charlotte mocks the move, and asks if anyone even remembers Sasha’s reign!

Sasha DECKS Charlotte! Charlotte gets out of her robe and the two brawl! Sasha avoids a boot, but Charlotte avoids the backstabber with a butt bump! Charlotte bails out of the ring, Sasha goes to the apron and leaps, METEORA! Direct hit! But Sonya returns to separate these two! Charlotte scrambles up the ramp to get away, but Sasha dares her to come back. Will Sasha make sure the SmackDown Women’s Championship is #LEGIT once more? Or will the Queen still reign all the way to Survivor Series?

My Thoughts:

This is a rare case where a SmackDown after PPV is a bit of a letdown. For one, as many dreaded, it was just a title swap between Raw and SmackDown in the women’s division. I do appreciate that Becky and Charlotte were both dressed in ring gear and they directly teased #WinnerTakesAll, but sadly they did it with barely any time left on the show. If they’d managed to do all this at even a quarter ’til, it would’ve been more believable. Sasha getting in on things was also a sign they were just moving on to Survivor Series. Charlotte VS Sasha 2021 could go either way, and we know either one makes a great match-up for Becky come Survivor Series.

Maybe they’d have more time if they were faster about the Roman and Lesnar stuff. Roman questioning Heyman was fairly logical, there was a lot of ambiguity at Crown Jewel so Heyman still has to dig himself out of this one. Lesnar going wild and getting suspended works, too, since we all know Lesnar is a part-time kinda guy. At the same time, Lesnar could surprise us and “ignore” the suspension by showing up more and wreaking more havoc. But it still feels like we’re heading for Big E VS Roman at Survivor Series, so it’s not like Lesnar is going to cause so much destruction that he earns a title match. That will have to wait until after, at the Royal Rumble.

We did get a great match out of McIntyre VS Sami, which was a great follow-up to the promo heavy stuff with Roman and Lesnar. As I said for Crown Jewel, McIntyre is certainly on the list of contenders for Roman, he might get his shot at WWE Day One, the New Year’s Day PPV WWE is giving us instead of TLC. Which I would’ve preferred because then we could get Roman VS McIntyre in a TLC match. The Mansoor VS Ali rematch was alright, not as good as Crown Jewel’s, and not really needed. At least, not tonight. We could’ve gotten slightly more out of Hit Row or even a match out of one of the other call-ups like Ridge Holland or Aliyah to get them going already.

Speaking of, Hit Row did very good on the mics again, and Swerve teaming with Dolla was not what I expected, but maybe Hit Row can be a Freebird Rules kinda tag team like the New Day. Woods’ coronation segment was good, though I’m not sure what more they could’ve done other than have someone “interrupt” it, and that wasn’t going to happen since this was a well-deserved moment for Woods. I could also see Woods trying to get in on the Universal title match scene now that he’s king, but maybe he and Kofi have a tag team feud while they wait on things. And I should’ve figured Corbin and Nakamura have a new feud now that they both have sidekicks. The match was good but I really hope Nakamura wins. I can’t even stand the idea of Happy Corbin and Mad Cap having that belt.

My Score: 8/10