6 Ups & 4 Downs From WWE SmackDown (8 Nov - Results & Review)
Sami Zayn reunites with Roman Reigns during an action-packed WWE SmackDown.
The history books will speak of one Helluva Kick that changed everything.
Sami Zayn's story has been one of wrestling's most fascinating 'will he/won't he' narratives recently. On SmackDown, WWE pushed the tale forwards and set up WarGames for Survivor Series. It was nice to have that clarity a few weeks out from the PLE, and it's even better that Triple H will apparently keep things 4v4 then drip-feed more Bloodline members onto TV after Survivors.
This was a stacked show in terms of story momentum. That was true outside everything Roman Reigns, Sami, Solo Sikoa and The Usos achieved too. Kevin Owens put old pal Randy Orton in the hospital during an angle that was sold magnificently but could've been even better, and there was enough time to tease a slow-burn heel turn for DIY. Keep an eye on what Tommaso Ciampa is up to if you recall his NXT run fondly.
Elsewhere, Nick Aldis announced a brand new title for Friday nights. It's a women's one too: WWE's new Women's United States Title will give midcard stragglers outside the core title scene something to fight over, but it remains to be seen if adding yet another strap to wrestling's already-bursting trophy cabinet is a good idea. The GM's reveal will make headlines, if nothing else.
As always, SmackDown was a flurry of activity in terms of promos and stories, but there were a few nifty matches on offer too. One female tag, in particular, lit up Buffalo's KeyBank Center and reminded everybody just how effective Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill are as a duo. They're like something you'd only see in a WWE video game.
Here's all the good and bad!