5 Botches, slip-ups, and outrageous moments from WWE SmackDown LIVE (April 11th, 2017)
Another episode of SmackDown Live has come to a close and just as promised, the rosters have been thoroughly shaken up. United States Champion Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and Charlotte were among the more notable names to switch to the blue brand and up and down the card, SmackDown fared pretty well in this roster shake-up.
In addition to the lineup issues that needed to be tended to, a couple of stellar matches were put on. Both the Tag Championship as well as the main event triple threat could be considered four-star matches. Great in-ring bouts always make for a great show.
There was plenty to like about this night of wrestling but as always, there were moments that stood out. In this edition of this article series, Mojo Rawley almost takes out a referee, the American Alpha get robbed out of a three count, and the JBL/Mauro Ranallo drama affects the on-screen product.
It was interesting to see how WWE handled the bullying issue. So without further delay, here are the 5 botchiest and most outrageous moments from this April 11th episode of SmackDown Live.
#5 A slightly different JBL
John Bradshaw Layfield and Byron Saxton have always had a special relationship... and by special I mean that JBL incessantly picks on the purposefully dorky Byron. It’s never been very entertaining to watch but since the WWE is so intent on having heel and face announcers who interact with each other, instead of calling the matches like fans actually want, it’s always been just an issue to deal with and accept.
But then, JBL’s years of bullying and the very recent debacle of Mauro Ranallo leaving allegedly due to his treatment by his co-announcer has forced a new dynamic at the announce table.
JBL never once said a cross word to his usual target. The worst reaction he directed at Byron was when Saxton was absolutely giddy about the announcement of New Day coming soon to SmackDown. It was then that John said, “Byron, you’re having a conniption!” His tone wasn’t even hateful when he said it...it was very un-JBL of him.
This might’ve been an outrageously strange vibe brought on by very serious real life issues of bullying and mental health concerns, but this was a gigantic upgrade to the normal announcing that these three might offer. This trio mostly called the matches and spent very little time concerned with each other.