Last night’s SmackDown Live was the WWE’s return to live shows. WWE Chairman Vince McMahon started off the show by welcoming the fans back. The atmosphere was electric as fans filled Houston’s Toyota Center. Whether the crowd was cheering or booing, it was just amazing to have live reactions once more.
As has become the case with SmackDown, Roman Reigns came out with Paul Heyman to get the night started. The Usos soon joined their cousin in the ring to await their opponents. The Mysterios soon came out on the ramp and were soon joined by their partner Edge. Edge usually gets a pop either way but the audience being live in attendance just made it better. Once the match got underway, The Tribal Chief’s arrogance was on display throughout this match. Jey Uso was able to get the victory when he rolled Mysterio up following a brutal attack by Reigns. Trying to get an advantage ahead of Money in the Bank on Sunday, Jey immediately tried to attack the Mysterios. Edge quickly made the save before Reigns put him down with a Superman punch. The Rated R Superstar managed to get back up and eventually get the last laugh. Backstage, Edge was speaking of doing all he can to defeat Reigns on Sunday before Seth Rollins made an appearance. Rollins patronized Edge but let him know that he will try to cash in, if Edge wins.
Next up, Sami Zayn came out and cut a promo. He maintained that there is a conspiracy against him, which is why he was not in the men’s MITB match. Finn Balor’s music played marking his return from NXT. The crowd loved it and engaged with the entrance. Zayn tried to get a fast one on Balor but The Prince quickly countered and delivered the Coup de Grace. The segment did run a bit on the short side (and Balor didn’t even speak) but still proved a great way to get a pop from the crowd.
Shotzi and Nox next took to the ring, once again looking to prove their worthiness of a Women’s Tag Team championship opportunity. Their opponents were to be the champions themselves. Liv Morgan and Zelina Vega were on commentary and constantly bickering, ultimately leading to a confrontation between the two. The chaos outside of the ring distracted Natalya, who was about to lock in the sharpshooter. The distraction allowed Nox to get a small package roll-up victory.
SmackDown women’s champion Bianca Belair was ready to defend her title against Carmella. The EST took control early on in the match but Carmella managed to turn the match in her favor. Carmella tried to use Belair’s ponytail for leverage but it ended up playing against her as Belair whipped her with it. Belair delivered the KOD to secure the victory.
Cesaro and Otis were set to clash but, following a Chad Gable interference, Cesaro won via disqualification. Cesaro locked in the swing on Gable and took him for a few rounds of swings before Otis stepped in. The segment ended with Cesaro on the floor after Otis’ splash off the top rope.
Baron Corbin made his way to the ring, hoping the live attendees at the Toyota Center would assist him financially. Corbin had even made a Corbin FundMe site. Kevin Owens made his way to the ring, clearly tired of Corbin’s antics. Corbin insulted Owens, which led to the former King being dropped with a stunner. Big E joined in the ring and it wasn’t long before Shinsuke Nakamura and Seth Rollins rounded out the field. This was a hard-hitting match from start to finish. Owens and Nakamura both were taken out following a top-rope elbow drop off the ladder from Owens. Rollins made use of the opportunity and delivered a stomp into the ladder to Big E, leading to the pinfall victory. The night ended with Rollins atop the ladder – perhaps a spoiler for Sunday?
It was great to have the fans back in attendance. The fans always enhance the product a bit more and allow the wrestlers to also play more into their storylines. You could tell that the wrestlers missed live audiences, and the audiences also missed the wrestlers. Now, all eyes look to Money in the Bank this Sunday…
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