Best and Worst of SmackDown Live - 16 January, 2018
Remember how we'd mentally fast-forward through RAW immediately following the brand split, and just wait for WWE SmackDown Live to hit our TV screens? Those days are far behind us.
As RAW goes from strength to strength with Braun Strowman at the helm, SmackDown Live seems like a shell of its former self. By that, we do not mean that it lacks talent or superstars. Somehow, the show has become repetitive, drab and generally, quite lacklustre indeed.
Take this week, for instance. There was only one major angle that played out for the entirety of the show, and while it certainly wasn't bad per se, when WWE SmackDown Live was over and done, we felt a tad underwhelmed.
In any case, here's our analysis of what worked this week and what did not...
#1 Best: Brand new United States Champion
Anyone who has followed Bobby Roode during his TNA run knows just how talented the man truly is. Now, he's no spring chicken considering that he's 40 years old. WWE decided to take a chance with him on SmackDown Live. And we're truly glad for the same.
When we look back at this episode, maybe a few years down the line, this will be the only talking point that we will remember. This episode was honestly little more than a build-up to Bobby Roode's moment of fame. It's difficult not to root for the man.
Let's hope that his run is just as good as his crowning moment was. The title does not make the man, as The Miz has proved with the Intercontinental Championship; the man makes the title.
We'll try and remain optimistic for the rest of this article, but this was honestly the only real 'Best' from the whole show.