5 Ups & 4 Downs From WWE SmackDown (23 Oct - Results & Review)
Raw problems come to SmackDown for Sami Zayn; 'Last Man Standing' grudge match set.
All systems are go on Blake Monroe's WWE push...finally!
The blonde bombshell defeated Giulia in a spirited 'Street Fight' on this week's SmackDown, but Friday was also a big night for the likes of Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Michin, B-FAB, Chelsea Green, Roxanne Perez and Trick Williams. How's that for a Survivor Series team?!
Seriously though, WWE booking does feel a little so-so overall right now due to the tepid PLE known as Crown Jewel. Nobody really gives much of a toss about the token belts they hand out on that show, meaning the writers have to find ways to keep top champs busy and spice things up on the midcard.
Opinions will vary on how well they're managing that on the blue side of the fence. However, this week, we got a 'Last Man Standing' announcement for Saudi Arabia, confirmation on CM Punk vs. Kevin Owens, a title change, a Money In The Bank cash in tease, a cracking title defence and even one of Raw's top names coming over to lend his star power.
Penta really does feel like he's been elevated since MITB, and there's a clear bid to get Trick Williams to that sort of level too.
Overall, this was a much improved edition of SmackDown compared to last week. That sagged. The jury's still out on how well Danhausen's comedy will fare as he hosts a spooky Halloween episode next time out, but here's all the good and bad from WWE's latest to tide you over until then.