3 Ups & 5 Downs From WWE SmackDown (Sept 16)
Downs...
5. Good Idea (But Flawed Execution)
Right, it's hard to slate Triple H for trying to showcase two young stars in a lengthy match on one of the top shows. That's a step in the right direction, but such decisions must be tempered with realism. SmackDown's offering between Solo Sikoa and Madcap Moss was a little too rough around the edges in parts.
Oddly, during an era when fans complain about companies running short matches, this one could've done with a few less minutes. Both lads worked hard, and yet they never really seemed to win over the live crowd (certainly not into Madcap's corner) or believably present him as someone who could take the North American Title.
That's another issue.
The secondary NXT prize will struggle to seem important on an overcrowded main roster. Time will tell on that one, and it'd be awesome if Sikoa managed to make it credible, but...the thing comes across as a throwback to the European strap.
Brighter days ahead? Hopefully.