WWE SmackDown Live Review: Results, Analysis, and Grades for November 1
Follow along with our review of Tuesday’s episode of WWE SmackDown.
Following a rather average episode of SmackDown Live last week, WWE looks to shake things up before Survivor Series. Here are the main talking points heading into the November 1st episode:
Now that RAW has started to formulate their women’s team for Survivor Series, expect SmackDown to reply back. Team captain Nikki Bella will be looking to complete her squad, and with very few names to choose from these next few picks are critical.
Last week, Randy Orton shocked the world when he RKO’d Kane during his match against Bray Wyatt. Although Orton provided a brief explanation for his actions last week, it’s likely that point will be expanded upon tonight. Also, we’ll be able to gain a better insight as to how this Orton and Wyatt alliance will come to benefit both men. For now this turn seems purely for shock value, but perhaps this is the beginning of something special.
After leaving SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch down on the canvas last week, Alexa Bliss looks to continue her upward momentum. While no match has been announced for either competitor yet, expect Lynch and Bliss to once again come to blows tonight.
James Ellsworth has found himself in some unfriendly waters following his incident on SmackDown last week. Costing Dean Ambrose a shot at the WWE World Championship is no laughing matter, and you can bet that the Lunatic Fringe will retaliate tonight. As for the current champion AJ Styles, he finds himself without a number one contender to feud with. Although logic would indicate that Ambrose is the man for the job, wouldn’t it be something if Ellsworth fought for the title? Just a thought to think about.
So without further ado, here is the SmackDown Live coverage for the November 1st episode.
WWE.com
Randy Orton vs. Kane
Result: Randy Orton defeats Kane via pinfall.
Rating: 1.5 out of 5 stars.
As soon as the bell rings, a brief brawl brings the action to the outside before Kane brings out a chair. Before the action can pick up, Wyatt and Harper make their appearance at ringside. Kane is able to momentarily hold them off, but the numbers game eventually allows Orton to hit the RKO for the win. Harper and Wyatt hit their signatures on the Big Red Machine as well to end the segment.
For those of you that were hoping for an explanation from Wyatt or Orton, prepare to be disappointed. If anything, this cohesion between Orton and the Wyatts seems to forced rather than a natural alliance. That’s fine if the reasoning is expanded upon, but right now the encounters appear awkward at best.
WWE.com
Alexa Bliss and Carmella vs. Becky Lynch and Nikki Bella
Result: Alexa Bliss & Carmella defeated Becky Lynch and Nikki Bella via pinfall.
Rating: 3.0 out of 5 stars
When we come back from break a promotional video featuring Baron Corbin airs. As is usually the case with the WWE production team, it was very impressive. The video certainly helps to make Corbin credible as he ascends the SmackDown ladder.
When the cameras return to the ring we can see that Bliss and Carmella are already inside the ring. Out first is Nikki Bella followed by Becky Lynch, who is about to compete in her first televised match in quite some time. Lynch and Bella were able to gain control early on, and they remained in control throughout the break. Bliss managed to get the pinfall and some big momentum heading into her title match next week. Following the match the reporter at ringside attempts an interview with winners, but they decided to handle it themselves. They took turns insulting the RAW Women’s division before hyping Bliss’s match next week.
Although the match itself was nothing special, the promo work by both Carmella and Bliss showcases the potential of SmackDown’s women’s division. It’s especially impressive how much hype there currently is for Bliss’s title match next week. Both women could use the big win, but don’t be surprised to see Lynch carry on her reign for a while longer.
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Survivor Series Tag Team Qualifier MatchAmerican Alpha vs. The Spirit Squad
Result: American Alpha defeated The Spirit Squad via pinfall.
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
In the back, Bryan and Shane tell Naomi that she will be the final woman to represent SmackDown at Survivor Series. Natalya makes her presence felt, and she is given the honor of being the coach for the women’s team.
When we return from break the Spirit Squad are in the ring. Before they can begin their promo American Alpha makes their way to the ring. Before the match begins it’s announced that the winning team will go on to represent SmackDown at Survivor Series. After a brief display by both teams, American Alpha managed to defeat the competition and earn a spot on Team SmackDown.
A video package hyping Goldberg’s RAW appearance and upcoming match with Lesnar is shown, before it’s announced that MizTV will begin after the break with special guest Daniel Bryan.
WWE.com
Miz TV with Daniel Bryan
Bryan announces Orton, Corbin, Wyatt, Ambrose and Styles as the five men who will represent SmackDown at Survivor Series. Suffice it to say Miz wasn’t happy in the slightest, and he berated Bryan for what he considers to be unfair treatment. Bryan explains that the reason why Miz wasn’t selected was because he’s “afraid to fight”. He brings up Miz refusing Dolph Ziggler’s title opportunity last week as a prime example of why he wasn’t selected. Once again Miz belittles Bryan and how his wrestling days are behind him. This time however Bryan has had enough, and after talking down his former NXT pro he announces that Ziggler will defend the title in an open challenge after the break.
All in all, this was a strong segment which sold Miz’s heel run while also hyping up the importance of the Intercontinental Championship. It’ll be interesting to see where things progress for Bryan in this situation, because it’s no surprise that his in-ring return is out of the question.
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WWE Intercontinental Championship MatchDolph Ziggler (c) vs. Curt Hawkins
Result: Dolph Ziggler defeats Curt Hawkins via pinfall
Rating: 1.0 out of 5 stars
Curt Hawkins makes his entrance following the break to answer the open challenge, during which he hypes up himself and degrades Ziggler. As soon as the match begins Ziggler knocked out Hawkins’ lights out. Dolph then finishes his night by challenging any star from RAW to attempt to take his championship.
It’s honestly sad to see just how far Curt Hawkins’ stock has already fallen in WWE. The man seemed to be on the brink of a solid lower-card act, but tonight’s loss put everything in perspective. SmackDown’s two-hour format doesn’t allow for many people to shine, and its talents like Hawkins that pay the price. If one positive could be taken from this segment, it’s that
Backstage Ambrose is being interviewed, but before long Ellsworth shows up and asks to come to ringside. This time Ambrose refuses, and before we head to break it’s announced the Headbangers will face the Usos next.
Before we go back to the ring, Wyatt and Harper are conversing with Orton backstage. Wyatt questions the treacherous nature of Orton, but he welcomes him to the family regardless and Orton accepts. He calls Wyatt a god before the camera has Orton’s eye flash gold light, ending the segment.
Survivor Series Tag Team Qualifier MatchThe Usos vs. The Headbangers
Result: The Usos defeated The Headbangers via pinfall
Rating: 2.0 out of 5 stars
The Usos pick up the win via pinfall in a quick one-sided encounter. They now join the Hype Bros, American Alpha, and Beauty and The Man Beast as members of Team SmackDown.
AJ Styles gives an interview backstage where he mocks Ellsworth and Ambrose. Following that, Ambrose and Ellsworth converse about the match tonight yet again. Just to be safe Ambrose ejects Ellsworth from the arena before making his way to the ring.
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No. 1 Contender’s Match for the WWE World ChampionshipAJ Styles vs. Dean Ambrose
Result: Dean Ambrose defeats AJ Styles to become the No. 1 Contender to the WWE World Championship.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Control shifted back and forth throughout the match, but it’s the closing moments which will be remembered most. Once again Ellsworth made an appearance at ringside, and he nearly cost Ambrose another shot at the title. This time however it would be Styles who would make the grave mistake, choosing to assault Ellsworth rather than capitalizing on a prone Ambrose. One dirty deeds later and we have a new number one contender, and now momentum has shifted in favor of the challenger.
A solid main event match concluded what was an average episode of SmackDown. Where Ellsworth goes from here is anyone’s guess, but his story is far from over. The man has a very unique relationship with the fans, and WWE would be wise to keep him around. If he sticks around it’ll be interesting to see how he will continue to fit in the feud between Ambrose and Styles.
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