WWE SmackDown - Best and Worst - Triple H gets in a verbal altercation with major star; Roman Reigns reacts to The Usos' reunion
SmackDown tonight was absolutely huge. The Crown Jewel card got a huge kick up the backside, while we saw some massive moments involving Triple H and The Bloodline.
A lot happened on the show, from great in-ring action to an emotional ending. So, with that in mind, let's look at the biggest positives and negatives from tonight's episode of SmackDown.
#3. Best: Triple H gives Randy Orton what he wants
SmackDown kicked off with an intense segment that saw Randy Orton call his boss to the ring, hoping to secure a match against Kevin Owens at Crown Jewel. Triple H came out and tried to talk The Viper out of it, only to be convinced to give him the match.
The Game stated that he was trying to protect Orton from Owens, who seems to be a completely different version of himself. This was an intense segment that did well to sell KO as a threat while bringing up Randy Orton's recent career-threatening injury.
However, Kevin Owens needs to win at Crown Jewel to ensure this new character is a success. For now, it's going well. Triple H's own high praise for KO on SmackDown is a loose guarantee that he will be taken care of creatively.
#2. Best/Worst: Great segment, but not a worthy prize
The promo between Cody Rhodes and Gunther on SmackDown was pretty hot, with both stars trying to make their feud work. The WWE Crown Jewel Championship may not be more prestigious as a result, but there is a believable issue between the two world champions.
The Ring General took multiple shots at The American Nightmare, suggesting he was a "gutless" people pleaser. Rhodes ended up firing the first shot and kicked off the brawl, only for Ludwig Kaiser to help Gunther gain the advantage.
Randy Orton ran out to stop them from further attacking the Undisputed WWE Champion before he picked up the belt from the mat. He had an interesting look at it before giving it back to Cody Rhodes. So, there was more to this segment than meets the eye.
And, while the ultimate prize isn't that exciting, there is enough hype for Rhodes and Gunther to go and have an in-ring classic following SmackDown. It's just a shame the stakes aren't exactly high, especially for a premium live event main event.
#1. Worst: Nobody wins
Seeing Game Seven between Andrade and Carmelo Hayes end without a winner was quite disappointing. It did lead to something positive, but LA Knight ruining the match after a mild inconvenience was a heel move.
Hayes and Andrade had been going at it on SmackDown for the past two months, so the least that could've happened was one of them winning their feud. Hopefully, after their Triple-Threat United States Title match at Crown Jewel, Andrade will face Carmelo Hayes in one final singles bout.
#1. Best: An Ucey ending to WWE SmackDown
Starting from the electric tag team match between DIY and The Motor City Machine Guns, all the way to The Usos' emotional reunion, SmackDown ended with a bang. This will be remembered for a long time.
MCMG picked up an impressive win over the former WWE Tag Team Champions before the current titleholders made their way to the ring. Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley were challenged to an impromptu title match by The Bloodline, which they gladly accepted. The universe ended up rewarding them for their courage.
Jimmy Uso and Roman Reigns came out to brawl with Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu during the bout. Meanwhile, Jey Uso attacked Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa, leaving them for dead as the Motor City Machine Guns got the win. This was only their second week on SmackDown, but what a moment it was.
The chaos continued, as Jimmy returned to the ring to share a hug with his twin brother. Roman Reigns looked on from the stage, with emotions running high. The next chapter in the Bloodline saga is being written and it promises to be glorious.