For the longest time, SmackDown has been viewed by those within and outside of WWE as the company's "B" show. Former head of creative for the brand, Paul Heyman, went as far as to call it the b**** in the 2014 WWE Home Video release "Ladies and Gentlemen, My Name is Paul Heyman." And for good reason. The show has been treated as such by Vince McMahon and his crack creative staff. Nothing of note ever happens on Thursday nights, making the matches and segments on the show essentially meaningless. Why should fans care about anything that happens on SmackDown when the people put in charge of the creative end of the broadcast cannot be bothered to craft a show worthy of their attention or focus? And it is incredibly disheartening for the men and women who work hard to deliver a quality in-ring product. In fact, Superstars such as Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Dolph Ziggler, Sheamus and Rusev have turned in some extraordinary performances that have gone under-appreciated or unrecognized thanks to the fans who deem the SmackDown show unworthy of their time. So what can be done to fix the show? How can its importance be restored? What will make SmackDown destination programming for fans of World Wrestling Entertainment?
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
