WWE News: Dark Matches before and after SmackDown Live
What's the story?
On this week's episode of SmackDown Live, the match between Shinsuke Nakamura and Baron Corbin was interrupted by Randy Orton. "The Viper" came out of nowhere to hit first Nakamura, and then Corbin, with RKOs. Nakamura won the match disqualification, and this saw Orton and Corbin face each other on the Dark Main Event of SmackDown Live.
Before SmackDown Live started, there was a dark match that took place between hometown star Mojo Rawley and Tye Dillinger. Neither man featured on the night's actual card for SmackDown Live.
In case you didn't know...
This week's SmackDown Live took place in Washington, DC. The night had its moments, and during a match between Shinsuke Nakamura and Baron Corbin, Randy Orton decided to interfere. He made a statement by hitting both stars with an RKO, sending out a message that it was each man for himself in the Royal Rumble.
All three men are to be involved in the Men's Royal Rumble match.
Each week there are dark matches put on by WWE performers to entertain the crowd before and after the show.
The heart of the matter
Hometown hero, Mojo Rawley faced Tye Dillinger who has been acting like a heel in Live Events recently. Rawley, though a heel, won the match in front of his home crowd and was cheered on by the fans. The fans loved the win and took to Twitter to talk about it.
After SmackDown Live and 205 Live went off the air, the dark main event took place between Randy Orton and Baron Corbin. Orton was the victor in a quick match. Fans were less than enthused by the prospect of a dark main event between Corbin and Orton and did not shy away from saying so.
What's next?
Baron Corbin, Shinsuke Nakamura and Randy Orton are all announced for the Men's Rumble match on this coming Sunday's Royal Rumble pay-per-view. While neither Rawley or Dillinger has officially confirmed their participation, both men may make an appearance in the Rumble.
Author's take
The Dark Main Event is scheduled after 205 Live takes place so that people stay back for the Cruiserweight's show. Putting in a match that no one is interested to watch in that slot makes the entire process pointless.
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