WWE Smackdown kicked off on a different note with that promo by Paige. Every time she comes to speak out, it looks somewhat strange due to her facial expressions. But, the opening match managed to wipe out all of that. There’s nothing wrong that The Miz can do while being in a match. Rightfully, he was inserted into the MITB contest from Smackdown.
That opening promo by Paige was so cringeworthy (I blame the writing) but the match between The Miz and Jeff Hardy was the opposite. The Miz continues to look good against anyone and Jeff (despite the loss) came out looking sharp. Solid opener to #SDLive.
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) May 9, 2018
The WWE Champion and his rival were not present in person, on the show. It looks like the officials are still trying to continue the already stretched feud. The crowd is not likely to get into the feud, anymore. Hopefully, it will be presented in a different manner if another match gets arranged between the two.
I think I’m done with the AJ Styles and Nakamura feud. While Shinsuke has grown into the heel role, I’m just not feeling the feud anymore. What I am liking are Carmella’s promos. They really are money lately. Would like to see her hold on to the title. #SDLive
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) May 9, 2018
Meanwhile, Carmella is gradually turning to be a strong heel especially after defeating Charlotte Flair at Backlash. Her promos look solid. Also, the IIconics are way better heels than the other female superstars on the roster. Despite Peyton coming up short against Charlotte, she managed to impress the fans.
Two entertaining matches to kick off #SDLive. I continue to be impressed by the IIconics. I liked the commentary teasing Charlotte’s left knee. Iiconis much the bigger (ans better) heela rhan The Riott Squad and Absolution.
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) May 9, 2018
A shocker happened on Smackdown Live when Mandy Rose defeated Becky Lynch. The surprising thing was that Sonya Deville was not present by her side at the ringside. Despite this, she was able to pick up the win which means that there might be a push in-store for her in future. On the other hand, Lynch continues to put over superstars.
Surprised they pulled the trigger and had Rusev defeat Daniel Bryan. Winning the Money in the Bank could be what Rusev’s career needs right now. And a clean win at that (if you disregard Aiden English pulling Rusev to the outside). #SDLive
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) May 9, 2018
The main event also came as a major surprise win since Rusev picked up a clean win over Daniel Bryan. There were no interferences from either Aiden English or Lana. This came as a major good news for Rusev, the most ‘over’ superstar on Smackdown. Hopefully, this win leads to an elevation on the roster.
Three very good matches, one meh and one surprise ending to #SDLive. After attending last week’s show live (and it being a bad one), good to see the blue brand bouncing back.
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) May 9, 2018
Overall, it was a pretty good effort from the creative team of Smackdown Live. Check out the Twitter reactions from the show,
#RusevInTheBank pic.twitter.com/uYC8CzXVAG
— Aiden English (@WWEDramaKing) May 9, 2018
#MITB #SDLive pic.twitter.com/zYfLEFYPxm
— Charlotte Flair (@MsCharlotteWWE) May 9, 2018
We are coming to PURGE #SDLive #UnitedWePurge #SANITY https://t.co/lMDVES9FhC
— Killian Dain (@KillianDain) May 9, 2018
MARK YOUR CALENDARS. JUNE 17. @WWE #MITB is RUSEV DAY!@RusevBUL kicks his way to victory over @WWEDanielBryan on #SDLive… pic.twitter.com/Md0wq7HlYC
— WWE (@WWE) May 9, 2018
Thanks for stopping for a selfie @XavierWoodsPhD just before @WWECesaro made your face look like a pancake. #SDLive #TheBar pic.twitter.com/qxTO3xUL5g
— Sheamus (@WWESheamus) May 9, 2018
So glad to see all these female athletes trying to be Ms. #MITB, trying to win that contract, and trying to be ME! ?? #MellaIsMoney #SDLive
— Smackdown Womens Champion (@CarmellaWWE) May 9, 2018
He learned English, but now he’s forgotten it. What’s so hard to understand, @ReneeYoungWWE?!#SDLive @ShinsukeN pic.twitter.com/gL6MH7p9zX
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 9, 2018
“PANCAKES?! I HATE PANCAKES!” – @WWESheamus#SDLive pic.twitter.com/PpVkNTznlw
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 9, 2018
There’s 1 thing I do better than anyone else and that’s…GLOW! #sdlive pic.twitter.com/mlIWxB8idr
— Trinity Fatu (@NaomiWWE) May 9, 2018
Just realized that @WWE_MandyRose won her debut match on Raw as well as her debut match on #SDLive tonight. #Greatness pic.twitter.com/h2pmM9sHe6
— MJ (@BlissTwisted) May 9, 2018
Looking at your bank balance three weeks after payday like… #SDLive pic.twitter.com/x3wU0ecD1x
— Laugh Wrestling (@LaughWrestling) May 9, 2018