Best & Worst of WWE SmackDown this week - Massive spoiler for Bash in Berlin, Cody Rhodes' next challenger after Kevin Owens revealed
Triple H delivered an action-packed show on the final edition of WWE SmackDown before Bash in Berlin, where top stars stole the spotlight. The episode featured two title matches, and while none of the championships changed hands, the respective bouts worked wonders for the storylines of those involved.
Here, we look at the best and the worst from WWE SmackDown before Bash in Berlin. So, without further ado, let's begin.
#1 Best on WWE SmackDown: Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes in a brilliant promo segment
One of the best segments on the SmackDown before Bash in Berlin saw Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens engage in a fiery promo war before they locked horns for the Undisputed WWE Championship at the upcoming premium live event. KO brought up Cody's apparent knee injury sustained during the live tour, while The American Nightmare refused to acknowledge the same.
Cody's decision to compete despite not being at his best visibly ticked off Owens. If the latter loses, he could feel insulted by the fact that his friend beat him despite not being at his best. There have been speculations over KO's potential heel turn since this match was booked, but now the creative team has added substantial reasons for Kevin Owens to betray Cody Rhodes after their match at Bash in Berlin.
#2 Best on WWE SmackDown: Ludwig Kaiser answers LA Knight's open challenge
The latest edition of the Friday Night Show saw United States Champion LA Knight declare an open challenge for his title. While there were several speculations over who could be his next challenger, WWE fans were pleasantly surprised to see RAW Superstar Ludwig Kaiser walk out to a massive pop on the blue brand. Both superstars locked horns in an epic title match where the Imperium member pushed the champion to his limits.
The match ended with Knight successfully retaining his gold, but Kaiser certainly made a statement of intent in his performance. Gunther must move to SmackDown if he loses his World Heavyweight Championship to Randy Orton at Bash in Berlin. If The Ring General is to arrive on the blue brand, he will most probably be accompanied by Kaiser, and the latter did well to establish the groundwork for his promising future on WWE SmackDown with his latest bout against LA Knight.
#3 Best on WWE SmackDown: Austin Theory teases face turn
Austin Theory and Grayson Waller have had an entertaining run together. Their last two feuds have seen their opponents note how Waller is using Theory, and for the first time today, the former United States Championship questioned his tag team partner's intentions. He was seen noting how the A-Town Down Under is falling apart on SmackDown, planting seeds of their split.
Fans have long waited to see Austin Theory turn face and engage in a compelling feud with Waller. Both superstars could benefit from this rivalry on the blue brand, potentially setting them up for competing in the title picture down the line as they look to elevate their positions on the roster. It will be interesting to see if Waller will snap and attack Theory as early as SmackDown next week.
#4 Worst on WWE SmackDown: Solo Sikoa sends a warning
Before Cody Rhodes handed a championship opportunity to his friend Kevin Owens, Solo Sikoa had demanded a rematch against The American Nightmare. His last title opportunity at SummerSlam ended in shambles after Roman Reigns returned and destroyed the new Tribal Chief. However, The Bloodline leader is determined to bring the Undisputed WWE Championship back to his faction.
He declared himself next in line immaterial of who wins between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens at Bash in Berlin. However, SIkoa must not be the next challenger for the world title unless it will set up Roman Reigns' return. It would be better if Owens and Cody had a rematch at Bad Blood following a betrayal. In contrast, Sikoa should take on other top names to build credibility for his inevitable war against The Original Tribal Chief.