SmackDown brought another pair of championship matches, kicking off WWE’s Bash in Berlin festivities on this week’s show. In addition to the title matches, the episode kept a championship vibe that matched the crowd’s raucous energy and you could feel the buzz in the air. WWE has been planning their overseas PLEs perfectly, and the fervor is notched up again for this weekend.
Streetfight Chaos but it’s Tiffy Time?
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If any fans were wondering why Nia Jax wasn’t defending the WWE Women’s Championship at Bash in Berlin instead of SmackDown, tonight’s main event answered that question by giving us a vicious painful-looking streetfight. Michin seemed, perhaps, like the division’s fiercest competitor in this weapons-laden streetfight for the title. Michin had the upper hand and Jax was down but Tiffany Stratton’s music popped and she came to the ring, hit Michin repeatedly with the Money-in-the-Bank briefcase, and teased cashing in on Jax. Stratton attempted to attack Michin from the top rope, but Bailey appeared and chased her off. Jax recovered, eventually trapped Michin in a trash can, and then hit the Anhil-Hate-Her in the corner to retain.
Could it become the European Championship?
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La Knight, as he said he would, issued an open challenge in front of the Berlin crowd but little did he suspect that WWE Monday Night Raw superstar and hometown favorite, Ludwig Kaiser would answer the call. SmackDown can often feature superstars from the other brand since everyone is in town this weekend for Bash in Berlin.
Kaiser said he would take Knight’s title and make it the European Championship. The crowd, while still popping for Knight, was firmly behind Kaiser. Knight bested Kaiser using the BFT, but Kaiser competed admirably and had a few near falls in this short but effective United States Championship match. Many of the live fans booed when Kaiser lost. Great way to stir up the Berlin crowd!
Are you in Championship Shape, Cody?
Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes were shown in the ring where they continued their program foreshadowing the next night’s Undisputed WWE Championship match and this segment could have been the highlight of the night. Friendships often lead to massive betrayals in the WWE when contesting for the greatest prize in wrestling. The two competitors are teasing that this could be happening yet again over a title.
Owens is finally expressed as to why he is angry with his championship past, but he’s also beginning to sew mistrust between him and Cody. Owens accused Rhodes of obtaining a knee injury on this European tour but also demanded that he wants Cody to be at 100% so there are no excuses when he beats him. Cody, refuting all of this, including that Owens can beat him, asked: “When it’s over, can they still be friends”? Owens whispers something inaudible in Rhodes’s ear before walking off. Intrigue is brewing.
Additional Highlights
Andrade vs Carmelo Hayes: Hayes in a long match, that survived two commercial breaks, against Andrade emerged victorious using the Nothin’ But Net. The victory ties the series at 2 -2. Where do they go from here? Hayes doesn’t care… he won!
Baron Corbin and Apollo Crews vs Legado del Phantasma: The second match of the night was filler. The highlight of the match was Legado del Phantasma’s finishing move, perfectly executed on Crews.
Giovanni Vinci video package: Vinci’s video was very well received by the crowd due to the European influence. Vinci looks great and will debut on SmackDown next week.
SmackDown Review
Cody Rhodes vs Kevin Owens Build: B
WWE had an uphill battle in trying to build any palpable tension between Rhodes and Owens, but tonight’s segment started to achieve animosity between the two. Rhodes called out the potential sneak attack from Owens from last week, while Owens accused Cody of being hurt. There is something here. What they do at Bash in Berlin remains to be seen but the stage is set as best it can be for now.
LA Knight vs Ludwig Kaiser: B-
Kaiser often deserves a better grade for his matches, as there was nothing wrong with the performance of either superstar in this outing. The match was not given enough time for a major WWE title and it didn’t feel like Kaiser was going to win at any point. Give him another shot, Triple H!
The Bloodline Segment: B-
Solo Sikoa again said that he is going to face the winner of whoever wins the Undisputed WWE title, whether it be Owens or Rhodes. Next week, however, The Bloodline in their entirety will face DIY and the Street Profits in an eight-man tag match.
Baron Corbin and Apollo Crews vs Legado del Phantasma: C-
This match was little more than filler. All four superstars are good in-ring competitors but with no direction and no real story, one has to ask why are these guys competing? Crews took the pin.
Andrade vs Carmelo Hayes: B+
We knew that we would get another great contest between these two competitors, but maybe not this long of a match. The action was great and these two are equal currently in what they bring both to the ring and their persona to the fans. WWE has thoroughly convinced us that they are even….now what do they do?
Nia Jax vs Michin: A
Not a long build was provided leading up to this street fight for the Women’s WWE Championship. It was not needed, however, because Michin brought the brutality using weapons repeatedly on Jax. Kendo sticks, garbage can lids, and tables were all incorporated into the mayhem which made for a highly entertaining main event. Due to the stipulation, the challenger had a real chance to win. Unfortunately for Michin, the real story was the end involving Tiffy Time and the emergence of Bayley.
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