The day every singles die-hard wrestling fan has been waiting for for a very long time! This was the very show that had been promoted every week in the media and on the shows for the last few months already. Not only was Smackdown finally going live for the first time in its seventeen year history, but WWE was finally bringing back the brand extension and this would mark the night they do the WWE Drafts. Before this we knew at least one thing: RAW would be running the Cruiserweight Division, so surely this would mean that Smackdown would have the women's division right? Well apparently not, but I will get to that later. I will give my overall impression of the show by the end of this review, so with that being said, "Let it roll, let it roll, let's rock n roll..."
Round 1 Drafts
I'm very happy that they actually started the night with the drafts instead of having a match first and then getting into it. This was the better move especially because this show is mainly surrounding the drafts. Here are the first five picks:
1) Seth Rollins (RAW) - I know a lot of people think that the very first pick should be the WWE Champion, however, if there is a chance that your pick will win the title and bring it to your show, it is perfectly ok to pick someone else. This is the case as, not only would Seth be fighting for the title later on Smackdown, but would still get a chance at Battleground to win it. Regardless, though, Seth would still be my number one pick - very well deserved!2) Dean Ambrose (Smackdown) - No surprise here. You would have to know that if Dean wasn't the number one pick for the one show, he would be number one for the other. The WWE Champion, regardless of who it is, always deserves the number one pick of either show.
3) WWE Women's Champion, Charlotte (RAW) - Oh boy! So, RAW gets both the Cruiserweight AND Women's Division? Is this even fair? I mean, I understand that RAW is three hours long, but this is ridiculous! I don't believe that RAW will do well with so many divisions on the roster, but at the same time I really want them to prove me wrong, so let's see what happens.
4) AJ Styles (Smackdown) - No complaints here, it's a really great choice although I expected this pick to be Sasha Banks after the previous pick.
5) Finn Balor (RAW) - so beforehand we knew that six NXT Superstars would be drafted, but we didn't know who was eligible (although we could make a pretty good guess). There was no doubt that Finn would be drafted and it was a really good pick. I would like to point out that he was drafted number five out of everyone on the roster, which really goes to show how high he is ranked to WWE Officials.
The first round draft picks were actually really good picks. I admit that, despite me not agreeing with her being drafted to RAW, it was a very big surprise to me to see Charlotte being drafted so high up.
Rating: 8
John Cena w/Enzo & Big Cass VS Luke Gallows w/the Club
This match was really nothing too special. Actually, I felt it really wasn't very well done which is unfortunate because I've come to really enjoy matches involving the Club. The ending was very strange as we saw both the Club and Enzo & Big Cass enter the ring and just stare at each other before the Club were thrown out the ring and Cena delivered the Attitude Adjustment for the win. I do hope to see better matches from Luke Gallows in future.
Winner: John Cena
Rating: 5.5
Round 2 Drafts
1) Roman Reigns (RAW) - I don't think I need to say how loud the boos were when this name was mentioned as the next pick. I suppose he would be one of the top picks, but it doesn't stop people, myself included, not liking the decision. I honestly hope Reigns just rebuilds himself when he makes his return because he needs to do that more than anything.
2) John Cena (Smackdown) - the face that runs the place finally got a draft pick! I'm actually ok with this pick as I think Cena will do very well on Smackdown. Added to that, it will be something fresh for him as he was mostly featured on RAW over the last ten years. He is also a guy that I have gotten to like again over the last year. While he does win the majority of his matches, there's no denying he works quite well with the younger talent.
3) Brock Lesnar (RAW) - Another superstar that would always likely be a top pick. It is just interesting how WWE will play things out with him considering he was tested positive with a banned substance.
4) Randy Orton (Smackdown) - This was a very interesting pick. Assuming that nothing happens to Lesnar before Summerslam, WWE is promoting the match with Lesnar VS Orton, so it is very interesting to see how they would build this match up heading into Summerslam with these two being on separate shows.
5) WWE Tag Team Champions the New Day (RAW) - While I was hoping Xavier Woods would be drafted as a singles competitor, there is no denying these three guys deserve a draft to RAW and being listed in the top 10 picks. There is still a chance of Woods going as a singles competitor on RAW especially with the Cruiserweight Division coming back to the show.
There is no denying that all five of these picks are huge picks regardless of what the situation is with all of them.
Rating: 8.5
Zack Ryder & Darren Young w/Bob Backlund VS Rusev w/Lana & the Miz w/Maryse
A pretty decent match in my opinion. While it wasn't anything special, I felt like I got to see more from Darren Young in this match than I did on RAW. I thought it was a bit odd to see Young use the Crossface Chickenwing finisher on Smackdown instead of at the PPV, however it could very well mean that we could see him get an unfortunate loss at the PPV. We will have to wait and see.
Winner: Zack Ryder & Darren Young
Rating: 6.5
Bray Wyatt w/the Wyatts VS Xavier Woods w/the New Day
This was quite a disappointing match. I was really hoping that they would show quite a bit of offence from Woods and that WWE would give him the opportunity to breakout like Daniel Bryan did, alas it was not to be. Bray pretty much got all the offence and it wasn't a very long match.
Winner: Bray Wyatt
Rating: 6
Kevin Owens-Sami Zayn fight
What was originally meant to be a match between Kevin Owens and Kane turned into an all-out brawl between Owens and Zayn. This ended with a double chokeslam from Kane to both superstars. It was just really cool to see Owens and Zayn fight some more which is why I am even mentioning it.
Rating: 7.5
Round 3 Drafts
1) Sami Zayn (RAW) - So I was expecting this superstar to be drafted to Smackdown if I am absolutely honest, but am fine with him being on RAW - I think he could do very well on this show.
2) Bray Wyatt (Smackdown) - I would be lying if I said that I wasn't expecting Kevin Owens to be the next pick. I mean, surely that would make the most sense? Not only is Kevin Owens a fantastic competitor, but it would surely be a great way to shove it in Stephanie's face by taking away more future great rivalries. But anyway, this pick is also good. It's good to see Bray on the blue brand.
3) Sasha Banks (RAW) - The top two women on the main roster are property of the RAW Brand. I would have thought you would have had one on each show to each be the leader of the brand from a Women's Division, especially considering you later see that the women are split onto two shows.
4) Becky Lynch (Smackdown) - The first indication that the women's division are being split onto the two shows. Now I highly doubt that whoever is Women's Champion will go between shows especially because Stephanie said she wants to build the women's division on RAW. I don't remember how they did the women's matches on Smackdown ten years ago when they had the Women's Championship on RAW as well, but I do remember it wasn't viewed as highly back then. Unlike now where the women's division is viewed very highly and people want to see something big happen between all the women. So what I am hoping will happen is they have another women's title on the blue brand. I know that it seems like quite a lot, but unfortunately I see it as being the only way things will succeed on Smackdown with that division. The women on Smackdown can't just have rivalries on the show. Although they will have great rivalries and great matches, it is for this reason that they would need to find a way to reward the women - by giving them a championship.
5) Chris Jericho (RAW) - No surprise here, although I suppose I wasn't quite expecting him to be chosen at this spot. A well-deserved pick and the right brand to be.
Rating: 8
Sasha Banks VS Charlotte & Dana Brooke (2-on-1 Handicapp Match)
I think this match was to further show that Sasha does not have a tag team partner as of yet as well as to keep Sasha's tag partner a surprise until Battleground. My biggest fear in regards to whom Sasha's partner might be is that people could be very underwhelmed by who is actually is. For example, I know a lot of people are expecting it to be Bayley, but I feel like it could very possibly be someone like Paige, to which she could possibly be booed like Roman Reigns. Just a thought, and advice as to not get your hopes up too much. As for this match, I have to give massive props to Dana Brooke. The way I felt is that she seems to have improved a lot in the last week. I don't know what it was, but her match just felt completely different to what I've seen beforehand. Really looking forward to seeing her in action more in the future.Winner: Charlotte & Dana Brooke
Rating: 8
Round 4 Drafts
1) United States Champion Rusev w/Lana (RAW) - I was actually expecting the United States Championship to go to Smackdown, which it still could based on later drafts. I would just like to say something quick though: RAW now has the US, Women's, Tag Team and Cruiserweight Championships on the show. There is a high chance that the WWE Championship will also be a part of the brand after Battleground which means that RAW will have a total of five championships! I honestly can't imagine how RAW will be able to manage it, but I'm willing to give them a chance to prove themselves.
2) Intercontinental Champion the Miz w/Maryse (Smackdown) - Considering the previous pick, there was no surprise that this was the next pick. Smackdown had to pick the competing championship. Unfortunately, as I mentioned above, I think RAW will end up with the WWE Championship which means that the only title on the show will be the IC Championship. This will force Smackdown to have to create a new World Championship and Tag Team Championship as well as (as mentioned previously) a new Women's Championship.
3) Kevin Owens (RAW) - This, in my opinion, was a bad choice. Note I said choice and not pick. Because Owens is a fantastic pick and I'm surprised he wasn't picked earlier, but I do not agree with Owens being on the same brand as Sami Zayn. Their rivalry should end at Battleground, at least until perhaps Wrestlemania next year which would be able to heat up again from the Royal Rumble. That's my opinion, but there's nothing I can do about it.
4) Baron Corbin (Smackdown) - the fact that my guy was picked on the live show hopefully means that WWE have some big plans for him after Battleground. I am really excited to see where he goes.5) Enzo & Big Cass (RAW) - With the New Day being drafted to RAW and being such a big tag team, I was expecting the other big tag team to be drafted to the opposite brand. Unfortunately it seems not to be. However, this could possibly mean we see new tag team champions come Summerslam.
A lot of surprising picks, at least in the respect of where they went, but it made it that more interesting.
Rating: 8.5
Chris Jericho VS Cesaro
Winner: Chris Jericho
Rating: 8.5
Women's Brawl
When the show came back from ad break, it immediately showed Becky Lynch and Natalya brawling with each other. I'm not sure who Natalya was meant to face, but I really enjoyed seeing the brawl. It heated up their rivalry and makes you really want to see what happens in their match at the PPV. I have said this countless of times before, but I will say it again: I've never been a massive fan of Natalya's matches, but I believe this could be a really great one.
Rating: 8.5
Round 5 Drafts
1) Gallows & Anderson (RAW) - This indicates that the Club is broken up, but this is actually what I wanted to see. I want to see Anderson and Gallows work on their own as a team. There is a lot of speculation that Finn Balor could ultimately take over and officially form the Balor Club with them, but I honestly don't know if I would want to see this. It would be interesting to see Balor as a heel, but I don't quite know if I want to see him align with these two - although perhaps if they time it correctly I will be more accepting. Only time will tell.
2) American Alpha (Smackdown) - this was only the second pick to feature someone from NXT and I think having this team on the blue brand should hopefully indicate a new tag team championship being made for the show. American Alpha was probably the best team ever on NXT and I really look forward to seeing more of their work on the main roster.
3) Big Show (RAW) - With Big Show being a veteran in the company and often making younger talent look good, it was inevitable for him to be drafted on the live show itself.
4) Dolph Ziggler (Smackdown) - For me this was a very underwhelming pick mainly because I was expecting Cesaro. As I mentioned in my RAW review, Dolph Ziggler is the least promising superstar apart of this draft, at least in my eyes. He has barely been going anywhere over the last year and a half and I just don't feel motivated to get behind him. I would not have chosen Ziggler before Cesaro.
5) Nia Jax (RAW) - the third pick drafted from NXT. There is no doubt that Nia deserves to be on the main roster, she has tremendous talent for a woman her size. My biggest fear is that she will be mistreated and misused on the main roster. Vince doesn't have a tendency to treat big women correctly. Look at the likes of Chyna, Beth Phoenix, Kharma and Tamina. All four had great potential, but tended to be used on the males level instead of being put on the same level as the women. She is another women who I will have to wait and see if she is used the right way. I would love to see her go against Tamina to be honest.
Rating: 8.5
Round 6 Drafts
1) Neville (RAW) - With the Cruiserweight Division being a part of the RAW brand, it would make sense to make one of the more athletic superstars on the roster in Neville a part of this show to be able to lead it up. This is the first time Neville has been mentioned since his injury a few months back.
2) Natalya (Smackdown) - I was actually getting really worried before this point as I almost thought Becky would be the only woman on the roster. This was not to be at this pick was made - you have to wonder if the rivalry between her and Becky will continue after Battleground.
3) Cesaro (RAW) - finally! A pick for Cesaro! In my opinion, he more than deserved a higher pick than this, and it actually should have been on Smackdown. I don't know what it is, but I feel like Smackdown is the brand for him as I almost feel like he would do better here.
4) Alberto del Rio (Smackdown) - I will admit that this would not have been my final Smackdown pick. Nothing against del Rio, he is a tremendous athlete, I just haven't been able to see that side of him since his return to WWE.
5) Sheamus (RAW) - So the very last pick for the drafts is...Sheamus? Much like the previous pick, absolutely nothing against him, he is a great talent that has been underused, but he would not have been my final pick. A bit underwhelming in my opinion.
Rating: 7.5
Dean Ambrose (C) VS Seth Rollins (WWE Championship)
I will admit that when I first saw this match advertised, the very next night after they last fought for the title, I was quite worried that this match would be too much and would be disappointing. I am very happy to say that they proved me wrong. There match here was almost as good as the night before and they did an incredible job keeping us excited. I will admit that I was very surprised to see Ambrose get the win, but that could be because I was expecting him to lose. The way he executed his finish was really great too. Unfortunately this will be the last time we see these two compete one-on-one for a long time as they are now on separate brands. Will be interesting to see how the triple threat match plays out at Battleground.Winner: Dean Ambrose
Rating: 8.5
Drafts after the show
1) Golden Truth (RAW) - I honestly thought that if the Golden Truth were going anywhere it would be Smackdown, so I'm really interested to see what role they play on the RAW brand.
2) The Usos (Smackdown) - Sigh. Was really hoping these two would be split up and get a fresh start, but oh well. Let's hope that American Alpha make the Usos up their game.
3) Titus o Neil (RAW) - I don't know. I just either want proof that Vince has gotten over this stupid situation with Titus or I want to see Titus leave the company. I know that Titus won't leave until his contract expires though because he's that kind of guy.
4) Kane (Smackdown) - makes sense really. With Big Show on RAW, you need another older guy on the opposite brand to make the younger talent look good.
5) Paige (RAW) - They really seem to be filling up this roster with the top women. I hope that with Becky being on Smackdown that they will create a new title and Becky will be the top star on that show.
6) Darren Young w/Bob Backlund (RAW) - So this is a strange one because Young is fighting against Miz for the IC title at Battleground, but the Miz is on Smackdown. Perhaps Young will win and bring the belt to the RAW brand?
7) Kalisto (Smackdown) - Really good choice, I'm glad to see him a part of the blue brand. It hopefully means that WWE have big plans for him considering he is a great highflier and would have done well in the cruiserweight division.
8) Sin Cara (RAW) - YES YES YES! This pick means that finally both Sin Cara and Kalisto most definitely will be going their separate ways and competing as singles competitors, although I see Sin Cara being a big part of the cruiserweight division.
9) Naomi (Smackdown) - good to finally see another woman on the blue brand. It seems like the women who were underused previously are being put on this brand. Let's hope that this means something big for the women's division on Smackdown.
10) Jack Swagger (RAW) - very, very curious as to how Jack will be used on the RAW brand.
11) The Ascension (Smackdown) - This makes the third tag team to be drafted to the blue brand. Keep in mind that there is also the possibility of more teams being formed on the show. But this could mean we finally see some major development with this particular team. Am excited to see how the tag division develops, as long as it isn't going to be that the Tag Champions can go between brands. Each brand needs their own tag division.
12) The Dudley Boyz (RAW) - Since their return, this team has just become glorified jobbers. I'm interested to see what develops for them on this brand.
13) Zack Ryder (Smackdown) - As mentioned previously with Darren Young, we could very well be seeing the same for Zack. We could very well see two titles change brands in one night as Zack could win the US championship from Rusev who is on RAW.
14) Summer Rae (RAW) - I was really surprised to see Summer drafted to RAW, but this will hopefully mean some great rivalries for her.
15) Apollo Crews (Smackdown) - Someone I was quite surprised not to see drafted on the live show. Has WWE perhaps given up on him? We will have to wait and see I suppose.
16) Mark Henry (RAW) - I will be blatantly honest by saying I didn't even realise Henry was still eligible for the draft. I honestly thought he was just about getting to hang up the boots, but maybe WWE have some small plans for him.
17) Alexa Bliss (Smackdown) - the fourth person from NXT to be drafted. I will admit that this was a bit of a surprise, but I am happy to see her on the main roster as well as the blue brand - very well deserved!
18) Braun Strowman (RAW) - Now this was a big surprise for me. Not only is Strowman drafted to the opposite brand of Wyatt, but we find out later he's also drafted to the opposite brand of Eric Rowan. You have to wonder if this means WWE are going to entrust him with a big singles run. While I mentioned on RAW how much weight he has lost, something I didn't mention was how much he seems to have improved in the ring. WWE must be happy with his in-ring performance and are ready to give him a good run.
19) Breezango (Smackdown) - While I did want these two to break up, I hope that if they create new tag team titles (which I really hope they do) that these two will be recognised as a formidable tag team in the division.
20) Bo Dallas (RAW) - If I am correct, this is the only time a team has been eligible to be drafted and has been drafted individually. This is cool to see and am interested to see where this goes.
21) Eva Marie (Smackdown) - I know that a lot of people absolutely hate Eva Marie, but I honestly think she could really do something on Smackdown. Also, I don't know what it is, but there's something about her that I just really like.
22) the Shining Stars (RAW) - Does this mean this team will stop with all those damn vignettes? I sure as hell hope so!
23) the Vaudevillians (Smackdown) - Much like the other teams on this brand (besides American Alpha) I hope this team is taken seriously and shown in a better light as a new tag division is hopefully created.
24) Alicia Fox (RAW) - I personally would have much rather seen her on Smackdown, but let's see what happens.
25) Erick Rowan (Smackdown) - Does the separation of Braun and Eric mean a possible Luke Harper return? While Luke harper is great on his own, I would like to see Harper and Rowan back together.
26) Dana Brooke (RAW) - While I understand that WWE want to keep Dana and Charlotte together for the time being, I honestly feel it would have been so much better to have her on Smackdown on her own where she would be able to feud with the likes of Becky Lynch and Naomi.
27) Mojo Rawley (Smackdown) - the fifth pick from NXT. I really do wonder if Zack will lose at Battleground and form a team with Mojo again, or if perhaps Zack will win the title and then Mojo will attack Zack thus turning heel and feuding with him. Either way, I'm looking forward to seeing him compete on the main roster.
28) Curtis Axel (RAW) - We were so close to possibly seeing Bo Dallas go it alone on the Red brand, but alas it was not to be. It looks like two members of the Social Outcasts are reunited.
29) Carmella (Smackdown) - great, great choice for Smackdown! I'm looking forward to seeing what she brings to the table on this show.
30) Heath Slater (Undrafted) - So they ended with Heath not getting drafted anywhere. You have to assume he is on RAW though with his other two Social Outcast members.
And that's it! Wow that was a long one to do, so let's hope I don't have to do one like that again! I will have to admit that the show on a whole just felt like a normal show that we have seen before. However, I'm not going to be so quick to judge it just yet. It won't be great again overnight. I honestly reckon we will start getting a sort of good feel about it once the brands get to do their own PPVs again. Some of the picks the shows made I don't fully agree on, but I am interested to see where they go with it then. One thing I do not want to see from either brand is champions being able to compete on either brand. For example as I've mentioned already, I do not want to see the tag team or women's champions being able to compete on either show. I don't think it will be able to build proper storylines and personally feel it would defeat the purpose of having separate brands. Each show should have their own division and their own championships. Despite this being a long one, I really hope you have enjoyed it. Keep an eye out for more posts in the future.
This is Stuverro signing out. PEACE!
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