WWE News: What happened before Smackdown Live went on the air?

Mike Kanellis competed in a tag team match before Smackdown went on air — Mike Kanellis competed in a tag team match before Smackdown went on the air

What’s the story?

Tonight’s edition of Smackdown Live was certainly a star-studded show featuring the likes of Randy Orton, Rusev, Becky Lynch, and Shinsuke Nakamura—who competed in the main event of the evening in a one-on-one match against Shelton Benjamin—and following his win, had an altercation with WWE Champion AJ Styles.

However, as noted, tonight’s episode of SD Live kicked off with a tag team dark match featuring four of Smackdown’s most notable Superstars.

This is @therealmichaelbennett in a dark match before #smackdownlive tonight, a week before our baby girl is due, 3 weeks after moving into our new house, 6 months after being on the road without me, almost 9 months after getting clean from a prescription drug addiction, and a year after signing a contract with @wwe Most people would not consider a non-televised match a huge success but I do. He survived addiction and stayed clean even while going through the most stressful year of his life. Mike’s story has not been covered on WWE TV or a reality show. But, Mike has talked about it on social media and YouTube and has built an army of supporters. We are so incredibly thankful for the amazing fans that have supported us on our journey this past year. We have so much to be thankful for and we are so excited for the future. We can not wait to hold our little girl! We can’t wait to see what this next year holds with our careers!! Thank you to our family, fans and to @Wwe for the opportunity to grow and continue building the #poweroflove #freddiemoonbennett #wwe #mmwonderland

A post shared by Maria Kanellis-Bennett (@mariakanellis) on Mar 27, 2018 at 6:41pm PDT

In case you didn’t know…

Since making his WWE debut in 2017, Mike Kanellis’ journey in the company has not been easy.

Despite not featuring regularly on pay-per-views or on WWE’s weekly television episodes, there is no doubt that Kanellis has certainly put in a lot of work and effort over the past few months in order to recover from his demons.

The heart of the matter

Following his lengthy hiatus from WWE TV, it looks like Mike Kanellis has certainly been making a lot of progress in his road to recovery and as it was noted earlier today, the man once known as “The Miracle” competed in the dark match before tonight’s edition Smackdown Live.

Also, as noted, Kanellis was seen teaming up with Mojo Rawley in their tag match on Smackdown Live as the duo went toe-to-toe with the team of Tye Dillinger and Zack Ryder; Dillinger pinned Bennett for the win.

In addition, Bennett also received a great ovation from the WWE Universe in Pittsburgh earlier in the day and he tweeted the following on the reaction he received from the crowd:

This year has been an absolute roller coaster ride. The highest of highs and the lowest of lows. But Pittsburgh, that reaction you gave me tonight, sure as hell makes it all seem worth it 🙏🏻 #PowerOfLove
— Mike Kanellis (@RealMikeBennett) March 28, 2018

What’s next?

It looks like Mike Kanellis is closer to a return to WWE TV. The former Ring of Honor Tag Team Champion will also look forward to the birth of his daughter, with wife and WWE Superstar, Maria Kanellis.

Author’s Take

Mike Kanellis’ journey to recovery is certainly inspiring, and I wish him the best on his road to recovery.