4 Ups & 5 Downs From WWE SmackDown (Nov 6)
2. More Uninteresting Survivor Series Fluff
Three of the five matches this week revolved around bids to qualify for Team SmackDown at Survivor Series, and that didn't lead to gripping TV. WWE must feel they have to do something to make the annual pay-per-view stand out from others, but this never-ending brand vs. brand stuff is seriously old hat.
No-one cares about it. Even the workers themselves look like they're going through the motions when they speak about brand loyalty or how much it'd mean to represent SmackDown. That comes across loud and clear, it needs a rethink and it's pulling the product's better stories down.
Basically, it sucks.
The main problem here is that nobody will be 'brand proud' after 22 November. That particular nuance will be put back in its little box until next November rolls around. This is rinse and repeat booking, and it's absolutely boring as feck.