Cody Rhodes VS Ludwig Kaiser
SmackDown kicked off this week with a match between Cody Rhodes and Ludwig Kaiser. Everyone knows Cody’s ability, that’s why he’s going to main event WrestleMania this year, but kudos needs to go out to Ludwig Kaiser. The German technician doesn’t get shine very often due to him being seen as Gunther’s “lackey”, but he showed in this match just how good he is and that he deserves a spot on this year’s WrestleMania card. In the end, though, he just couldn’t stop the momentum of the American Nightmare who picked up the win with the Cross Rhodes. After the match, Paul Heyman gave Cody a “proper introduction” before he told Rhodes that he would face one last hurdle in the form of Solo Sikoa on Monday Night Raw. That should be good fun, but no way is that match not ending in a DQ.
Grade: B-
Charlotte Flair promo, Rey Mysterio VS LA Knight, Dominik gets his wish
Charlotte Flair came out and cut a promo. The only thing I took from this was the SmackDown Women’s Champion was talking like a heel and she mentioned Sasha Banks. I think it’s fair to say that Charlotte as a face just doesn’t work. Rey Mysterio was then out next as he was about to go one-on-one with the Megastar LA Knight. It’s kind of crazy that both guys were getting cheered in this match, but that just speaks to how over LA is right now. Midway through the match, Dominik Mysterio made his way down to ringside and at the end of the match, he tripped his father’s feet which allowed Knight to get the surprise victory with a roll-up. That’s a huge win for LA Knight when you think of it, but the important part of this whole segment came afterwards. Rey once again rejected Dominik’s request for a match before he walked down the ramp. This gave Dom the opportunity to rip apart his mother (and sister) verbally and this finally made Rey snap as he punched his son in the face. Mysterio then told Evil Mysterio that he was on at WrestleMania. It’s absolutely mad to me that I’m actually invested in a Mysterio VS Mysterio match at the biggest show of the year. That speaks to how well Rey’s done, but more importantly, how well Dominik’s done. I’m intrigued to see who wins their match next weekend.
Grade: C+ for the match, B+ for the post-match angle
Natalya and Shotzi VS Lacey Evans and Xia Li, Intercontinental Championship Contract Signing, Gunther VS Butch
We then got a tag team match of Natalya and Shotzi VS Lacey Evans and Xia Li where the winner would earn themselves into the Women’s WrestleMania showcase match. This wasn’t the best in-ring action and the most notable part of this was Lacey Evans “accidentally” delivering the Woman’s Right to Xia Li. This match ended with Natalya submitting Li in the Sharpshooter. After the match, Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler announced that they’ve just been added into the match. I’m so confused. First of all, why are there qualifiers for the women’s showcase match and not the men’s? Also, you clearly don’t have to qualify if you’re deemed to have enough “star power”. I don’t like anything about this match, particularly as the rules for it make no sense. Tegan Nox and Natalya were a team 3 weeks ago!
Grade: D
Adam Pearce was then in the ring as Drew McIntyre made his way down to the ring for the Intercontinental Championship contract signing. Sheamus quickly arrived and he was not happy about his former “friend” trying to take what he desperately wants. Gunther then came out and he was furious with Adam Pearce for making this match before he signed the contract anyway. Gunther then shouted at Butch and this angered him to the point we got a match between two NXT UK legends. These two men have wrestled each other countless times (under different ring names) so they know each other well. It was a hard-hitting contest and there was quite a bit going on on the outside as Butch dropped Drew, Drew dropped Ridge and Sheamus dropped McIntyre. Whilst this was going on, Gunther was able to pick up the win with the Last Symphony. Drew McIntyre then hit the Ring General with the Claymore Kick that may well have been meant for Sheamus. The best thing about this feud is any of these guys could win at WrestleMania and I wouldn’t be too annoyed about it (I’d personally like Gunther to retain though).
Grade: C+
The KO Show: Featuring Sami Zayn
The Street Profits, Braun Strowman and Ricochet got into an argument backstage over being bald before it was time for the KO Show. Kevin’s guest this week was none other than his tag team partner Sami Zayn and the two went back and forth complementing each other whilst also talking about what they’re on the verge of accomplishing. KO then said he’s got Sami a new shirt before he revealed the new “KO Mania” shirt. However, that’s been demoted to the back of the shirt as on the front, it now says “WrestleZAYNia”. Whoever came up with that needs a raise cause that’s genius. After Zayn put on his new shirt, The Usos attacked from behind, and delivered double Superkicks to Owens before they left Sami Zayn laying with the 1D. This was effective in showing the “brotherly love” between Kevin and Sami whilst also giving the Usos their moment to stand tall.
Comments