WWE SmackDown - Best and Worst - Randy Orton injured; potential heel turn; problem with the Women's US Title segment
Tonight's episode of SmackDown was historic for multiple reasons. Among them was the official reunion of the original Bloodline, as Roman Reigns, The Usos, and Sami Zayn finally joined forces. However, it wasn't a perfect show.
Let's take a look at what exactly happened on SmackDown. From potential heel turns and career-threatening injuries to brand-new titles, here are the biggest positives and negatives from tonight's show.
#3. Best: We are so back
SmackDown started and ended with Bloodline business. The opening segment saw Sami Zayn pour his heart out to Roman Reigns in a bid for him to rejoin the group. It wasn't all plain sailing, as the former Honorary Uce walked away after The OTC refused to properly apologize to Jey Uso.
Zayn was then "revealed" as the fifth member of Solo Sikoa's WarGames team, only to turn on him again. That Helluva Kick to the new Tribal Chief restored the feeling, as all four members of the original Bloodline raised their ones to the sky.
It's a loose alliance so far, which makes sense from a story perspective. At least the willingness to team up against the new Bloodline is there. Roman Reigns has accepted that he needs The Usos and Sami Zayn more than they need him.
#2. Worst: Two SmackDown teams sacrificed?
If things don't change between Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa, SmackDown's tag team division could take a major hit. The storyline of DIY not being on the same page is an interesting one, only as long as the two eventually sort out their differences.
Ciampa aggressively teased a heel turn, bemoaning Gargano for being friendly with the Motor City Machine Guns. The Blackheart completely squashed Pretty Deadly on his own. This might lead to a split if Johnny Wrestling doesn't change his ways.
Meanwhile, the treatment of Pretty Deadly on SmackDown wasn't ideal. Such a storyline would only work if DIY ends up sticking together and turning fully heel. Also, The Street Profits getting a WWE Tag Team Title shot without any build might not bode well for their future. Is an abrupt split coming?
#2. Best: KO is deranged
Kevin Owens has been one of WWE's most interesting figures since turning heel and on SmackDown, he has gotten even better. It came at the expense of Randy Orton, though, with The Viper leaving the arena in an ambulance.
An in-ring brawl between the two ended with Owens hitting a piledriver. With Orton's history of back injuries, this was a particularly dangerous move. What happens next with KO after this forbidden move remains to be seen.
A match against Cody Rhodes at Survivor Series seems likely. The American Nightmare accompanied Randy Orton to the hospital, while Kevin Owens was nowhere to be seen for the rest of SmackDown.
#1. Best/Worst: The Women's US Title is announced
A women's midcard championship has been much needed in WWE for a long time. So, when Nick Aldis finally announced the Women's United States Championship, the wrestling world rejoiced. However, there was one problem.
Such a big moment should have taken place live in front of the fans instead of in a video package. The reaction would have been great, making the Women's US Title an even bigger deal than it is. Unfortunately, that's not what happened.
This introduction could have easily set up the match Bayley and Candice LeRae had on SmackDown. Hopefully, this championship will be treated better in the months and years to come.