3 Ups & 5 Downs From WWE SmackDown (Feb 12)
Seth Rollins returns and WWE get predictable on SmackDown's road to Elimination Chamber.
Stunner! Stunner! STUNNER!
That was the end scene for this week's SmackDown. Kevin Owens ran in out of nowhere to rock everyone in sight with some 'Stone Cold' tributes, then spent 15 minutes lapping up cheers from the ThunderDome masses as the timekeeper tossed him endless cans of beer. OK, that last bit didn't happen (if only), but the rest did.
WWE are firmly on the road to WrestleMania 37 now, and they busily set up some more of SmackDown's half of the upcoming Elimination Chamber card. That 21 February pay-per-view is a speed bump on the path to 'Mania, but it's usually a fun show. Unfortunately, the company got way too predictable with some of the qualification booking, and a bit too lazy with the rest.
Only one man could save it from punishing mediocrity: Roman Reigns.
Reigns has competition for the preachy heel leader role now that Seth Rollins has returned though. His comeback was one of the brighter moments on Friday night, and it should lead to some in-ring belters soon enough.
Here are all the 'Ups' and the 'Downs'...