WWE SmackDown - Best and Worst - Roman Reigns fights everyone; major reunion involving real-life Bloodline member
The WWE SmackDown after SummerSlam felt important, if only for one specific reason. Roman Reigns is back now, instantly making the blue brand much bigger.
However, The Original Tribal Chief's return was far from the only notable thing on the show this week. The rest of it was a mixed bag, with some good moments and some questionable ones. So, let's get into tonight's episode of WWE SmackDown and break it down. Here are the biggest positives and negatives from the show.
#3. Best: KO gets awkward on WWE SmackDown
WWE SmackDown began with Cody Rhodes offering a title shot to Kevin Owens at Bash in Berlin. He refused it, citing his poor win-loss record this year, but The American Nightmare wouldn't take no for an answer. Owens looked somewhat offended that Rhodes was seemingly giving him a handout.
While things got awkward, it makes sense for KO to initially turn the offer down. He is an honorable babyface who has lost most of his big matches recently. Despite that, Nick Aldis made the match official after threatening to give Roman Reigns a title match at Bash in Berlin.
This seems to be the first step to Kevin Owens becoming The Prizefighter once again. His potential heel turn will be fantastic; a much-needed boost for a former world champion who has to regain his edge.
#2. Worst: No Jacob Fatu
While it seemed inevitable since SummerSlam, Jacob Fatu's injury seems to be legitimate. It has caused him to miss some time, although it still isn't clear how long The Enforcer will be out for. WWE SmackDown tonight provided a concerning sign that Fatu won't be around for a while.
Cody Rhodes brought up his injury, blaming Solo Sikoa for it. Jacob Fatu's absence was also telling, in that Tonga Loa seems to be one-half of the WWE Tag Team Champions now. It may not have been the company's plan, but the Freebird rule is now in effect for them.
Considering Loa's recent in-ring form, this isn't a great sign for The Bloodline's tag team title reign. We can only hope that Jacob Fatu recovers quickly and is back on WWE SmackDown soon.
#2. Best: The Big 3 reunites on WWE SmackDown
It would have made more sense to see some struggle, but the reunion was inevitable. Ever since Blair Davenport aligned herself with Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn, the clock was ticking on Naomi helping out her two friends. Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair needed backup against The Unholy Union, and they have it.
The Big 3 have officially reunited, following Cargill's short win over Fyre on WWE SmackDown. This feud could help Naomi remain at a high level, as she continues to share the ring with the former Women's Tag Team Champions. However, it will be interesting to see how Belair and Jade Cargill end up splitting.
#1. Worst: Momentum lost
While the match between Andrade and Santos Escobar on WWE SmackDown was excellent, it seems like the wrong person won. El Idolo had momentum on his side, having beaten Carmelo Hayes twice. He should have earned the first shot at LA Knight's United States Championship, leveling up in the process.
Instead, Andrade is back to feuding with Hayes. It can only go downhill from this point. WWE steered away from 50/50 booking in this rivalry, only to walk right back into it. Hopefully, he can get back to this spot and challenge Knight for the US Title soon.
For now, The Megastar will have to fend off Escobar and Legado Del Fantasma. Them getting some spotlight on WWE SmackDown is a positive, but it has come at the cost of Andrade's push.
#1: Best: Wreck everyone and leave
Roman Reigns' return to WWE SmackDown was a hit. While many expected him to talk straight away, we could be getting a slower story than anticipated. That might be a good thing, as The Original Tribal Chief can flesh out his actions without giving everything away.
Tonight, Reigns beat up Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa. He and Solo Sikoa brawled too, with The Big Uce getting the upper hand. However, Solo escaped with the Ula Fala and challenged Roman Reigns to take it from him. It looks like he will take up the offer, following a complete beatdown of the WWE Tag Team Champions.
This segment did a great job of showcasing Reigns' fire as a babyface. He hit multiple great Spears on the Tongans, as the crowd went nuts for him. But, following that ending to WWE SmackDown, it must be followed up with an equally compelling angle next week. Expectations are high. We shall see if they are met.