It was the very first episode of Smackdown Live for 2018. The reaction was great from the Orlando crowd in the opening segment for the veteran names like AJ Styles, Daniel Bryan, and Shane McMahon. However, it is to be noted that the storyline angle between the latterly mentioned duos is going nowhere, at this juncture.
No proper culmination is expected considering that Bryan is still not cleared to compete. Also, since Wrestlemania is more than two months away, this angle might be stretched unnecessarily so that a bigger perspective can be shown causing a match. But, nothing new is expected from these, for now.
That opening segment with AJ Styles, Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon is about just as scripted as you can get from #WWE right now, this overly scripted presentation is just so underwhelming from this company right now, I’m begging for at least one genuine promo #SDLive
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) January 3, 2018
The tag team title match was more than good with a twist in it. The crowd in awe to see that the challengers picking up the title via pinfall. However, the decision got reversed soon, and the champions were able to retain. But, there’s no denying that both the teams delivered to a big extent in their championship match. Benjamin and Gable are expected to keep their spot around the title picture, for now.
The returning segment for Becky Lynch was planned in a good way. She getting introduced to Smackdown Live received a very good reaction from the crowd, as the Riott Squad was taken out by Charlotte, Naomi, and Becky. Hopefully, the Irish Lass-kicker will be given the momentum needed by her side with the Wrestlemania season coming up.
Pretty good six women’s tag tonight, Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan didn’t stink it up in the ring for once so it’s nice to see some progress in that department, the return of Becky Lynch was also done very well #SDLive
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) January 3, 2018
The crowd reacted negatively with Xavier Woods picking up the win defeating Aiden English. Rusev Day is the hottest thing going around the WWE Universe, right now. But, the WWE officials are not at all interested to give them the needed wins, for now.
Very good main event tonight, quite the twist having Daniel Bryan book AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn at the #RoyalRumble with the #WWE Championship on the line, they really are planting an interesting seed with Bryan right now #SDLive
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) January 3, 2018
The main event between AJ Styles and Sami Zayn turned out to be a good one with the expected interference from Kevin Owens that led his friend win the contest. Later, the show was concluded with the blockbuster championship match announcement in a good fashion.
Overall, it was decent Smackdown to kick-off the year and here are the Twitter reactions:
Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn walking into #SDLive like… pic.twitter.com/Nl2Eq9CEAd
— NXTFanNation (@NXTFanNation) January 3, 2018
Vince: big things this year for u women on #SDLive don’t worry I have just the way to start 2018.
Lana: Rumble qualifiers?
Carmella: am I cashing in?
Nattie: meow.
Tamina: I don’t know why I’m here.
Charlotte: is Becky back?
Vince: shut it pal, 6 person TAG!!!#SDLive pic.twitter.com/S4gdpUMzbE
— Rachel??????? (@Its0nlyRachel) January 3, 2018
#SDLive They are going to Restart to match pic.twitter.com/sZN5ZV5STU
— Tay ❄️ (@DominqueBaby1) January 3, 2018
Glad to see #BeckyLynch back on #SDLive Hope they roll with this momentum on her return Maybe a Title Shot in 2018 pic.twitter.com/vWqKPxN1kM
— BluE_EaZY (@RealBluEEaZY) January 3, 2018
And y’all thought 2017 was locked down???? #SDLive is STILL in the #UsoPenitentiary and we holding the keys. #AndStill pic.twitter.com/GyPxjJVVSL
— The Usos (@WWEUsos) January 3, 2018
Let’s go @ShinsukeN @TozawaAkira !!!??#SDLive #205Live # WWE pic.twitter.com/GJ48XI5Koh
— KAIRI SANE⚓️ (@KairiSaneWWE) January 3, 2018
#RiottSquad you just felt the Queen, the GLOW, and the FIRE! We like to call it the #RoyalGlowFire ? ??I advise y’all to stay whereever y’all ran off too ? so good to have you back sis! @BeckyLynchWWE #sdlive
— Trinity Fatu (@NaomiWWE) January 3, 2018
#WoodsUSChamp @XavierWoodsPhD is one step closer to becoming #USChampion as he silences The #ShakespeareOfSong @WWEDramaKing in the #USTitle Tournament! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/bUxmaiYE2q
— WWE (@WWE) January 3, 2018
FEEL THE BURN, #RiottSquad!!!#SDLive @BeckyLynchWWE @YaOnlyLivvOnce pic.twitter.com/Q6PXn7SyPg
— WWE (@WWE) January 3, 2018
This is real #SQUAD goals.
Nothing like a good #LassKicking…huh, ladies? #SDLive #GlowFireFlair pic.twitter.com/tDgFGuEqY6— Charlotte Flair (@MsCharlotteWWE) January 3, 2018
Ummmm. It’s AJ Styles defending the WWE Championship at the #RoyalRumble vs Sami and KO in a Handicapped match #sdlive pic.twitter.com/K2KjxjqsYF
— TheWrestlingOutsider (@TWO_Sweeet) January 3, 2018