4 Ups & 4 Downs From WWE SmackDown (23 May - Results & Review)
Ups...
4. Competitive Tags Go Competitive Singles
Finally, you're likely thinking, some positivity!
There is an upside to stars aplenty being posted missing. Those on the undercard get to step up, fill some important spots and produce the goods in lengthier TV matches. Put it like this: On a two-hour SmackDown that has the likes of Cena, Orton and Cody Rhodes, this Tommaso Ciampa vs. Chris Sabin match probably doesn't happen. It certainly wouldn't get 11 minutes.
These tag-teamers traded doubles action for singles, and it was a fun ride. The bout was something completely different for the pair, because they couldn't tag in and out with Johnny Gargano or Alex Shelley, and that was another thing Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett could chew over on comms. Simple storytelling is gold to a commentator.
Being able to spread his wings and show another side must've been thrilling for Sabin. He would've dreamed about working longer matches on WWE television many moons ago when tearing up TNA programming. What an enjoyable match, and there are no problems with Ciampa scoring the win by being a cheating so-and-so either.
Candice LeRae rushed out to poke her nose in and secure a win for Tommaso. Putting Candice with DIY full time again is the way to go with her too; her double act alongside Nia Jax had more than run its course anyway. LeRae's interference gives Gargano and Ciampa another tool to work with during their matches, so it's win-win for everybody.
Tidy work all round. Getting used to beard-less Ciampa is tough though. Bring back the fuzz, you coward! Ahem.