What happens just half a day before Elimination Chamber?

While Elimination Chamber has a lot of gold on the line, SmackDown puts up the WWE Intercontinental Championship! Will Sami Zayn get back “his” title?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Sheamus w/ Ridge Holland VS Ricochet; Ricochet wins.
• Jey Uso w/ Jimmy Uso VS Ivar w/ Erik; Ivar wins, by disqualification.
• WWE Intercontinental Championship: Shinsuke Nakamura VS Sami Zayn; Zayn wins and becomes the new WWE Intercontinental Champion.

PLAY BY PLAY

Adam Pearce is in the ring.

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Friday Night SmackDown!” The four women we saw last week are going to have a tag team match at the Elimination Chamber event! But only if they all sign the contract. So please welcome the team of WWE official, Sonya Deville & the SmackDown Women’s Champion, Charlotte Flair! Sonya, arm still in a sling, makes her way out, followed by The Queen. Charlotte holds up her title before taking her seat with Sonya at the table. Next, Pearce introduces Naomi & the Baddest Woman on the Planet, Ronda Rousey! Naomi is out first, then Rowdy Ronda makes her entrance.

Ronda and Naomi are all smiles as they go to the ring and Naomi even rocks out to Ronda’s theme as they take their seats. Pearce says they just need four signatures, but Sonya interrupts. She knows how these work, she’ll sign. But then Sonya thinks to have things explained to Naomi & Ronda, since they don’t know how to follow rules. Ronda knows rule one is sign the damn contract. Naomi says rule two is to slap the taste outta Sonya’s mouth. Sonya says this is why she doesn’t like them. They have no respect for authority- Sonya, stop stalling and sign. Don’t tell Sonya what to do! Ronda asks if Sonya forgot how to spell her name. It’s B I T-

Oh haha. Why do they think this is so funny? Naomi lost to Charlotte last week. And Ronda’s never beaten Charlotte. But that’ll change. Don’t interrupt! Sonya wants them all to respect her but Ronda says to shut up! Just sign it, Sonya. Sonya does, and passes it to Charlotte. Charlotte signs her part, and even dots the I. Now, this is their last chance to back out. if Naomi or Ronda want to speak- Naomi says Sonya better stop stalling or she’ll flip the table over and use Sonya’s head as the pen. Charlotte hushes everyone, and then laughs. “The both of you need to listen to Sonya’s new stipulation.”

What now? See, this is what’s funny. Those two don’t listen, but Sonya was trying to tell them something. Ronda did an interview a few days ago, where she said she could win with one arm behind her back. So then Sonya thought, “What a badass idea! Ronda Rousey wrestling with one arm tied behind her back!” So the higher ups added here in the fine print, “Ronda Rousey will wrestle this match with one arm tied behind her back.” They can back out if they want. Nope, Ronda just signs her part, and does Naomi. Ronda says she could have no hands and still tap dance on Sonya’s head.

But this match is up tomorrow, and Ronda has both hands now. She throws the contract at Charlotte, then smacks her off the table! Naomi ROUNDHOUSES Sonya, then she and Ronda both flip the table onto their opponents! Sonya & Charlotte just felt humiliated, but will they #FeelTheGlow and the pain at Elimination Chamber?

Sheamus & Ridge Holland meet up backstage.

The Fella tells his protégé that it was a bit of a letdown last week. That insignificant flea, Ricochet, got the better of him. Sheamus explains to Ridge that he has never had a problem with Ricochet. Always knocked the snot outta him. But the fact Ricochet beat Ridge, that’s annoying. Ridge needs to give Ricochet a hammering he’ll never forget! Is Ridge retaining any of this? He is. Then what did he say? When they go out there, you tool up and get your head in the game. Ridge said that he wants to be great like Sheamy. So tonight, he will watch what Sheamus does when he takes Ricochet’s bleedin’ head off. It’s fight night, but will the Celtic Warrior win the fight?

Sheamus w/ Ridge Holland VS Ricochet!

SmackDown returns and the One and Only makes his entrance. The bell rings and Sheamus makes sure Ridge is watching. Ricochet dropkicks Sheamus! And again! And fires off in the corner! Sheamus shoves him away but Ricochet comes back, sunset flips out of the scoop, TWO! Sheamus knees low, CLUBS Ricochet, then EuroUppers him to ropes. Sheamus whips, Ricochet kicks back! Sheamus staggers, Ricochet dropkicks him outta the ring! Ricochet builds speed and DIVES for a somersault tope! Direct hit and Sheamus goes into barriers! Fans fire up as Ricochet KICKS Sheamus then gets him in the ring.

Sheamus staggers up, swings but misses, and Ricochet ROCKS Sheamus. Ricochet springboards, Sheamus gets under and scoops Ricochet for a BACKBREAKER! Sheamus drags Ricochet to a corner, digs his knee in, but lets off at 4. Sheamus digs his boot in now, lets off again, and argues about the count. Ricochet kicks back from below, but Sheamus brings him up. Ricochet fires body shots, haymakers and CHOPS! Sheamus ROCKS Ricochet back, bumps him off buckles, then reels him in for a BIG back suplex! Ridge applauds his mentor and Sheamus wraps on a chinlock. Sheamus grinds Ricochet down but Ricochet endures.

Fans rally up, Ricochet JAWBERAKERS, then JUMP KNEES! Ricochet runs, and CROSSBODIES himself and Sheamus out of the ring! Ricochet then MOONSAULTS, but Sheamus catches him! Sheamus pops Ricochet around to FALL AWAY SLAM Ricochet over the announce desk! The Fella is still seething but standing tall as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Sheamus is up top! Ricochet stands, Sheamus leaps to FLYING CLOTHESLINE! Ridge wants Sheamus to finish this, and Sheamus drags Ricochet up on the apron. Sheamus CLUBS away for the Beats of the Bodhrain! Sheamus stops at 9, goes out, and he CLOBBERS Ricochet into the ring for 10! Ridge and Sheamus both ask, “Are you not entertained?!” Sheamus then goes inside, kicks Ricochet around and drags Ricochet back up to put him in a corner. Ricochet BOOTS back! Ricochet runs, tilt-o-whirls and DDTs Sheamus down! Ridge looks worried and coaches Sheamus up.

Fans rally, Ricochet slowly gets up and shakes out the cobwebs. Sheamus drags himself up the ropes, Ricochet bobs ‘n’ weaves and throws hands! Ricochet CHOPS, whips, but Sheamus reverses. Ricochet springboards to CROSSBODY! Ricochet springboards again, FLYING LARIAT! STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO! Sheamus sputters, Ricochet PENALTY KICKS him! Then LIONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Ricochet keeps cool, gets to a corner, and he wants Sheamus to stand. Ricochet goes to fireman’s carry, Sheamus elbows that away. Sheamus whips Ricochet, Alabama lifts, ALABAMA SLAM! Cover, TWO!!

Sheamus and Ridge are both frustrated that Ricochet is still in this. Sheamus slaps Ricochet down, goes back to a corner and climbs back up. Ridge cheers his mentor while the fans rally for Ricochet. Ricochet gets Sheamus’ leg but Sheamus CLUBS him down. Sheamus stands up, but Ricochet gets right up there with him! SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!! Sheamus survives and Ridge is relieved. Ricochet drags Sheamus into the drop zone and goes to the corner. Ricochet climbs, Ridge gets up on the apron to distract! Ricochet hops down, dodges Sheamus, Ridge almost gets the Brogue! Sheamus is upset, turns around, RECOIL!! Cover, Ricochet wins!!

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall

Ridge can’t believe he just cost Sheamus that match! Does the One and Only just have their number? Ridge gets in, apologizes to Sheamus, but Sheamus shoves him away. Sheamus argues with Ridge, then shoves him down! Ridge isn’t listening to his lessons! Ridge keeps trying to apologize, but will his mentor forgive him after he’s cooled off?

Backstage interview with Sami Zayn.

Kayla asks Sami about his Intercontinental Championship that he lost over a year ago. With Rick Boogs out of the picture because of “suspiciously faulty wiring,” how- Sami stops her there because he knows what she’s getting at. First and foremost, he had nothing to do with that and accepts no responsibility. But it’s cute how so much Kayla cares. Especially when she, and basically no one in the WWE Universe, has ever cared what happened to Sami. He lost? He did not. He was robbed of it, ousted, overthrown in a coup. And the WWE has done everything they can to keep him from getting it back, and done everything to embarrass Sami!

They’ve blocked Sami’s documentary from releasing. He has been shocked, arrested, put in a wheelchair. It has been the worst year of his life. But none of that matters because tonight will be the best night of his life! He’ll regain HIS Intercontinental Championship! And respectfully, Kayla, please get away so he can center himself. There’s still a lot of time before the main event, will the Great Liberator “center” himself enough to be ready for the King of Strong Style?

The Undertaker is entering the WWE Hall of Fame!

Finally, his legendary career will be given the one honor yet to be given! A truly special superstar, a mythological character in the flesh, a truly larger than life Phenom! A 30 year career, transformation and reinvention again and again, a WrestleMania streak that’ll never be replicated, and the respect of everyone, both wrestlers and fans. A true icon that crossed over into the world of entertainment outside of pro-wrestling, perhaps even the greatest of all time. #ThankYouTaker, #YouDeserveIt!

Roman Reigns talks with the Usos in his suite.

Whatever it is he is saying, Jimmy & Jey are having a good laugh. But will the Tribal Chief be anything but smiling after tonight’s face-to-face with GOLD~BERG?

Jey Uso w/ Jimmy Uso VS Ivar w/ Erik!

The SmackDown Tag Team Champions made one Viking Raider look like a chump when it was Jimmy VS Erik, and then they got the jump on both Viking Raiders and took their headdresses from them! Will things continue on that trend now that we’re seeing the other halves go 1v1? Or will the War Beard bring the raid?

SmackDown returns and the Viking Raiders make their entrance. The bell rings, Jey dodges Ivar to mule kick! Jey storms up to throw body shots in the corner, then haymakers, but lets off as the ref counts 4. Jey taunts Erik but Ivar ROCKS Jey with haymakers and back hands. Ivar whips Jey to a corner, Jey goes up and over and rolls, to come back into a SEATED SENTON! Ivar covers, TWO! Ivar stalks Jey to the ropes, drags him up by his hair, and whips him to scoop and SIDEWALK SLAM! Ivar keeps moving, but Jey avoids the splash! Jey SUPERKICKS Ivar down then covers, TWO! The Usos are annoyed but Jey keeps focus.

Jey throws down haymakers then clamps on a chinlock. Ivar endures but Jey throws crossface forearms. Erik rallies the fans with “RAID!” and Ivar fights up. Jey slips off the fireman’s carry but Ivar cartwheels around him! Ivar blocks the kick, but Jey DRAGON WHIPS through! But then Ivar comes back to LARIAT! Ivar gets up, catches his breath, and he rallies with the fans. Ivar runs corner to corner, BRONCO BUSTER! Ivar goes up top and fans fire up! VIKING SPLASH!! Cover, Jimmy attacks using the headdresses!

Winner: Ivar, by disqualification

Erik ROCKS Jimmy, then takes the headdress to CLOBBER Jimmy! Jimmy & Jey are still on the losing end of this one, but will they win when the gold is on the line?

Drew McIntyre heads to the ring!

The Scottish Warrior, his sword in hand, is ready for his Falls Count Anywhere match with Mad Cap Moss. But what will he have to say about that match here tonight? We’ll see, after the break.

SmackDown returns and McIntyre has the mic. “In this job, I’ve gotten to travel to some cool places, live in some cool places, and I used to live in Mandeville, just over the bridge.” He used to hang out in New Orleans all the time, back in 2010 when the Saints won the Super Bowl. The Bourbon Street was wild! The only people that can keep up with Scots when it comes to drinking, is New Orleans. McIntyre ended up in a police car, it wasn’t his fault, but luckily someone recognized him and had him party with them all night long! And McIntyre’s been thinking, reflecting on his career and life. It almost ended because of “Happy” Corbin & “Mad Cap” Moss.

Footage replays from Day One’s attack backstage, where Corbin nearly crushed McIntyre’s throat. McIntyre says that he wanted to play that not for anyone but his benefit. He wants to remember how he felt during that moment, during rehab and how he was told he wouldn’t make it back to WrestleMania. Last year, McIntyre was champion This year, it is personal! But Mad Cap, it is anything goes! McIntyre do whatever he wants! He can beat Moss up in the ring, up the ramp, in the crowd, go backstage, flush his head, take him to the desert, drown him in the Red Sea! The ideas are unlimited! Hell, give McIntyre some help coming up with more!

And today, that means a hashtag! #MadCapMauling! Send McIntyre all your ideas on how he can inflict pain! He’s got a lot of time on the flight to Saudi Arabia! But here comes Corbin & Moss! Corbin wants to stop this. This is ridiculous. McIntyre is coming up with a hashtag to bully Moss, talking about drowning him in the sea! McIntyre, what kind of role model are you to little Scottish kids? Moss hopes McIntyre packs a good neck pillow. From what Moss hears, McIntyre isn’t near 100%. But he’s right about one thing: tomorrow, they can fight all over the place. But the joke’s on McIntyre. And like any good comedian, Moss is great at using the environment.

And after Moss finishes what started on Day One, he and Corbin will be laughing all the way home. And here’s one more joke: “What does Drew McIntyre’s bad neck have in common with a popular breakfast cereal? They both go snap, crackle, pop!” McIntyre says this is actually rather sad. Moss, aside from your terrible jokes, you have all the talent in the world. Yet he aligns with a piece o’ crap like Corbin, and then went after McIntyre. At Elimination Chamber, McIntyre will hurt Moss, end him, and make this Saturday the night laughter died! Will McIntyre do anything and everything he wants to finally shut Moss up?

Backstage interview with Shinsuke Nakamura.

Kayla lets him know Sami’s vowed to get the title back. But what’s his plan without having Boogs here? The plan is to kick Sami in the face. He does enough talking. But he thinks he can win the Intercontinental title, so Sami but be InZayn! The King of Strong Style heads out, will he deny Sami the “justice” he’s been seeking?

WWE Intercontinental Championship: Shinsuke Nakamura VS Sami Zayn!

SmackDown returns and Sami makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the Master Strategist has a legitimate way to take the title back.

The two circle at the bell, feel out the grapple, but then Sami goes to ropes for defense. Nakamura is annoyed but he backs off. Sami comes back, circles with Nakamura again, and feel out the grapple again. Nakamura kicks but Sami manages to get back to ropes. Fans rally behind Nakamura as Sami cools off. They circle, tie up, and Sami waistlocks to a headlock. Nakamura powers Sami to a corner but Sami turns it around. The ref counts, Sami lets off with a cheap shot! Then a haymaker! Sami throws more hands, stomps Nakamura down, then whips Nakamura corner to corner. Nakamura comes back to DYNAMIC DROPKICK!

Fans fire up as Nakamura KICKS and KICKS, but Sami blocks! Nakamura ENZIGURIS! Nakamura throws KNEES into Sami’s head ‘n’ shoulders! Nakamura has Sami in the corner for some Good Vibrations! Or is it bad? Nakamura puts Sami up top and throws body shots. Nakamura then runs in for the TOP SHELF KNEE! Sami flops down to the apron, Nakamura slides out and brings Sami further out. Nakamura runs to KNEE LIFT! Then Nakamura goes up, GUILLOTINE KNEE misses as Sami moves! Nakamura hits the floor and clutches his knee as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Sami rains down rights on Nakamura’s head! Sami then throws crossface forearms before clamping on a chinlock, even trapping an arm. Nakamura endures and fans rally up. Sami squeezes tight, leans on the hold, but Nakamura gets his arm free. Sami leans all his weight, then pushes Nakamura down for an elbow drop. Cover, TWO! Another, TWO! Another, TWO! Sami is frustrated but he kicks Nakamura around. Fans rally up for Nakamura and Sami mocks their applause. Sami brings Nakamura up to CHOP him! And CHOP! And CHOP! Sami runs and LARIATS Nakamura down! Cover, TWO!

Sami looms over Nakamura, rains down elbows right on Nakamura’s head, then clamps on the chinlock. Nakamura flails, fans rally up more, and Nakamura gets up. Nakamura arm-drags free, then spins around for an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Sami flails, moves around, makes it a cover, TWO! Sami is free, but Nakamura counter punches! And again! Nakamura fires off a strike fest, then the AX KICK! SLIDING KNEE! Sami flounders to a corner, Nakamura bumps him off buckles. Nakamura goes corner to corner but blocks knees. He puts Sami in the ropes, CLUBS him, then runs to SLIDING GERMAN!

Fans fire up with Nakamura as he gets back in. Cover, TWO! Sami shakes out the cobwebs but Nakamura is on him with a chinlock of his own. Nakamura drags Sami up but Sami fights the clinch with elbow after elbow after elbow! Sami tries now, but Nakamura returns those elbows! And then a knee! Nakamura runs, but Sami scoops for a MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Nakamura survives! Sami hurries but Nakamura flops out of the ring. Sami knows he can only win the title in the ring, so he goes out the side, runs in, DAREDEVIL BOOT from Nakamura! Sami tried to go back in time but flops to the floor!

Nakamura refreshes the ring count, takes aim, but Sami sends the Kinshasa into the steel steps! Nakamura is clutching that knee again as SmackDown goes to another break!

SmackDown returns yet again, and Sami lets off in a corner, but then stomps away on the bad leg again! The ref counts, Sami lets off at 4, and then he SLAPS Nakamura. Fans chant, “Sami Sucks!” as Sami puts Nakamura up top. Sami climbs and stands Nakamura up, but Nakamura fires off elbows! Nakamura knocks Sami down, Nakamura hits a FLYING KNEE! Cover, TWO! Nakamura is growing frustrated while Sami sits up in a daze. Nakamura stands him up, Sami ducks one kick but not the WHEEL KICK! Nakamura goes to the corner, takes aim, “YAO~!” But Sami dropkicks the legs out! Then gets Nakamura up, BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!!

Sami looks to the ref in frustration but he accepts the count. Nakamura drags himself to a corner, Sami storms over and fires off hands. Sami boxes Nakamura, stomps him, but the ref gets him to stop. Sami mocks Nakamura, “C’MON~!” Sami stomps Nakamura more, but Nakamura gets up and has the leg! Nakamura ROCKS Sami with fast hands and knees and kicks! Nakamura has Sami on the ropes, kicks him more and more while hearing the count, and lets off at 4. Nakamura then tells Sami, “C’MON~!” Sami get sup, into a ROUNDHOUSE! Sami staggers, Nakamura pushes him down to kick him more and more.

The ref counts again, Nakamura again stops at 4. Nakamura aims and powers up, “YAO~!” KIN- NO, Sami bails right out! Nakamura stops and is frustrated again, but he reaches at Sami from the ropes. Sami trips Nakamura and SLAMS the leg against the post! And again! And again! The ref reprimands but Sami just slams the leg over and over and over! Sami finally lets off, slithers in, and catches the kick to BOOT the other leg! Cover, SAMI WINS!

Winner: Sami Zayn, by pinfall (NEW WWE Intercontinental Champion)

No one can believe it! A deep leg hook finishes Nakamura off! Sami had a master plan all along, and it worked out in his favor!

WWE celebrate Black History Month.

Booker T visited the For Oak Cliff Community Center in the Oak Cliff Dallas area. For Oak Cliff was founded by Taylor Toynes and Xavier Henderson, two young men who grew up in the area and even worked as teachers before founding the organization. They want to build the community up through their four pillars: education, advocacy, community building, and art. They serve all ages, and have served more than 30 THOUSAND community members, and have distributed 4 MILLION pounds of food.

Aliyah congratulates Ricochet backstage.

She’s very impressed with that huge win over Sheamus. She’s never seen anything like that! He thanks her for that, and it felt good. Sheamus is a former US Champion, WWE World Champion, and for some reason, he’s just been trying to make Ricochet miserable. But after winning, Ricochet realizes Sheamus’ past could be his future. This was one step forward, so yeah, it was good. Ricochet leaves, but Sami walks over and says if they wanna talk about big wins, what about the Intercontinental Championship? He just won it back! Talk later! Sami asks people around if they want autographs and pictures. Will Sami’s big win just inflate that ego?

Roman Reigns heads to the ring!

The Tribal Chief, with Paul Heyman carrying the belt for him, is a 536 DAY WWE Universal Champion, the longest reigning world champion of the last 35 YEARS in the WWE. He holds up that title and the pyro goes off. Then he and Heyman continue towards the ring, Heyman of course holding the title up as a banner. The Head of the Table will have one more face-to-face encounter with the Icon, GOLD~BERG, but will it be civil? We’ll see, after the break.

SmackDown returns and Roman is in the ring, and he holds up the belt to cue more pyro. Heyman has a mic in hand, and he passes it to Roman. Roman smiles, and says, “New Orleans… Acknowledge me.” Many of the fans seem happy to, but others still refuse. Roman hears the chants for his name, but also the chants for “GOLD~BERG!” Roman wants “The Wiseman” to celebrate him. Heyman speaks, “Ladies and gentlemen, this is the best part of my day, because I know none of you understand what it’s like to stand this close to true greatness, but I? I find it spiritually orgasmic.

“If you never got a chance to see, in his prime, Michael Jordan. If you never got to see, in his prime, Wayne Gretzky. If you never got a chance to see, in his prime, Drew Brees, then you didn’t miss a damn thing cuz he played for the Saints.” But if you never got to see Tom Brady in his prime, then does Heyman have a gift for you. But the fans chant, “Who dey? Who dey?” Heyman and Roman wait it out. The 11th Commandment on the Island of Relevancy, “Thou Shalt Not Interrupt the Wiseman’s Promo.”

But 14 hours from now, it is your opportunity to see, in his prime, at his best, in the ring, doing what he does to continue to cement his GOAT status! YOUR Tribal Chief, YOUR Head of the Table! The End All Be All, the Undisputed Universal Heavyweight Champion, Roman… Reigns! Fans do cheer for that. But here comes GOLD~BERG! He has his security detail through the hallway before he walks out on stage for his pyro. Goldberg then gets in the ring, gets himself a mic, but then drops it! Roman smirks at that, and says, “I was going to give you one last chance to acknowledge me, but…” Goldberg steps closer. And then closer.

Fans are fired up and chanting “GOLD~BERG!” as loud as they can. Goldberg smirks now, and takes one more step closer. Roman doesn’t want Goldberg crowding him. Roman runs things around here, so Goldberg is either here to fight or talk. Which is it? Roman hands Goldberg his mic, and Goldberg says, “Tomorrow, 12 o’clock, I gotta apologize in front of all these wonderful people in the entire world, I was wrong. You’re not next. When it comes to the Universal Championship, I’M NEXT!” Goldberg has said his piece, but will he be leaving Elimination Chamber in one piece? Or will Roman force Goldberg to acknowledge him?

My Thoughts:

This episode was about the same as last week’s episode, so it was like we got two subpar go-homes in a row for SmackDown. Only three matches, a lot of recaps to fill time, but I did really like that Undertaker vignette to officially announce his Hall of Fame induction. We got a pretty good contract signing segment for the women’s tag we’re getting at Elimination Chamber. Ronda & Naomi were giving Charlotte & Sonya some real good sass, and it does kinda play in the twist Sonya revealed about Ronda having one arm restrained. That’ll make for an interesting match, but I feel like Ronda & Naomi still find a way to win, and I bet Sonya takes the loss.

The Viking Raiders finally get going with Ivar’s win over Jey, but they still don’t look likely to win the tag titles. They should’ve been given much more in this build but Vince doesn’t like tag wrestling as much these days, and he has been doing all kinds of things to try and hinder Erik & Ivar, such as renaming them Erik & Ivar. If only they got to be War Raiders, Ray Rowe & Hanson. We got a pretty good promo segment out of McIntyre, Moss and Corbin, and honestly, Moss’ joke here was the best joke he’s ever told. But I like that McIntyre wants some fan interaction to hype this match, and I hope their Falls Count Anywhere really does explore the arena quite a bit.

Sheamus VS Ricochet was very good, and it was a good move for Ricochet to win. There’s tension between Sheamus and Ridge now, and I would think at some point, those two split up. Ridge should really be the one to dump Sheamus, he shouldn’t have even needed to be in this role in the first place, and this is probably his chance to strike out on his own on SmackDown. Aliyah congratulating Ricochet made me think they were bringing Mustafa Ali back into things given how those three were interacting when Aliyah first showed up. Instead, Sami gloats about his own win. Sami VS Nakamura was a great match, but could’ve been even better if there weren’t recap fillers.

Honestly, there’s a way the face-to-face of Roman and Goldberg could’ve been shorter. I get it’s all in Roman’s character to take his time, but in case you didn’t know, this wasn’t actually a live episode. This was recorded with last week’s episode in New Orleans, because how else could the SmackDown team make it to Saudi Arabia in time? They didn’t need a commercial break during Roman’s entrance, and honestly, Goldberg could’ve been defiant by interrupting things and just getting to that final line. Then whatever time that would’ve saved can be given to Nakamura VS Sami.

My Score: 8.2/10