6 Ups & 2 Downs From WWE SmackDown (May 12)
WWE books a major heel turn; The Bloodline boils over; AJ Styles books his place.
Edge won't become World Heavyweight Champ at Night Of Champions.
The legend tugged at fan heartstrings with a brief social media promo this week, but it's AJ Styles who wrestles Seth Rollins for the big gold belt in Saudi Arabia on 27 May. Being honest, it's hard to begrudge AJ that spot, especially when watching his heroics on the latest episode of SmackDown.
Styles entered back-to-back belters to bookend the show, and he's a worthy opponent for Seth at NOC. No, it still doesn't make sense that SmackDown workers are vying for a Raw championship, but at least the in-ring quality is high eh? There were other brand-related grumbles elsewhere too.
Bianca Belair vs. Asuka II is all-but-confirmed, albeit with a twist. The latter turned heel on Friday's edition, and she'll now try to seize Belair's Raw Women's Title. The whole thing is a bit messy, and not just because Asuka sprayed some mist about the place.
This was a really good episode of SmackDown generally though. WWE introduced some fresh faces, delivered top in-ring action by putting on matches with high stakes, and Roman Reigns cut a killer promo.
Hell, even the Women's Tag-Team Title division soared. That's when you know it's a good week!