PWP Nation’s Caden Moran details five things we learned from the January 29th edition of Smackdown Live
The post-Royal Rumble episode of Smackdown Live is in the books and once again, the blue brand delivered. Although there were a few negatives and questionable moments, Smackdown Live is in a good place. As we head towards Wrestlemania, new questions emerged while some were answered. We learned a few things during Smackdown Live. Here are five of the most important things we learned from last night.
#5 – The United States Championship is a Joke
What a night it was for the United States Championship. After Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Rusev at the Royal Rumble to reclaim the United States title, he was set to defend it against R-Truth on Smackdown Live. In a controversial finish, R-Truth shocked “The Artist” and won the blue and red belt. However, Rusev came out immediately and challenged R-Truth for the title right then and there. I can not make this up.
R-Truth went on to retain against Rusev, who is once again a heel, and Truth absolutely deserves it. However, the hot potato of the once prestigious United States Championship has turned the belt into a complete joke.
The United States Championship has not felt important ever since John Cena held it back in 2015. If the US title is continued to be treated the way it is, it will not be long until it is forever erased from WWE’s existence.
#4 – Andrade is Exactly What WWE is Looking For
Although I am not a fan of the name change, I am a huge fan of Andrade.
Andrade has taken Smackdown Live by storm over the last few weeks at the expense of Rey Mysterio, and he is not done. Andrade is everything the WWE has been looking for in terms of a fresh, new Mexican superstar. After both experiments with former WWE star Alberto Del Rio failed, WWE finally has their guy with Andrade.
Andrade’s work against Mysterio continues to prove that he is set to be an important figure for a very long time. He is capable of drawing heat and he has all the talent in the world to be on top. Also, with Zelina Vega at his side, the sky is the limit for the Spanish duo.
#3 – Smackdown’s Tag Team Division Matters
Even though there are things that need to be worked out, Smackdown Live’s tag team division matters. Unlike the red brand’s division, it feels as if Smackdown is where tag team wrestling reigns supreme.
Smackdown Live makes their tag team division mean something. With important matches with implications, Smackdown Live shows that they care about their tag teams. Unlike Monday Night RAW, where we see not only the same matches, but meaningless matches. Not only that, but Smackdown Live continues to define their division with new teams (McMahon & Miz, Nakamura & Rusev, & Heavy Machinery).
Smackdown Live is the place to be for tag team wrestling. However, Smackdown Live could utilize teams like Gallows & Anderson, SAnitY, and others better. They are not perfect, but they are miles ahead of Monday Night RAW.
#2 – Charlotte Flair Should Not be Added to Becky vs Ronda
If WWE were to ever make their biggest mistake, it would be adding Charlotte Flair to the RAW Women’s title match at Wrestlemania.
No disrespect to Flair, but the main event of Wrestlemania needs to solely be Becky Lynch vs Ronda Rousey. Adding “The Queen” into the match to make it a triple threat would be, in my opinion, the biggest mistake WWE has made in a long time. Becky Lynch is red hot right now, much like Daniel Bryan was in 2014. Nobody, not even Charlotte Flair, should be taking “The Man’s” moment to shine away from her.
Charlotte Flair’s time in the Wrestlemania main event will come, I am sure of it. However, this is the year of Becky Lynch. Adding Flair to the equation would just be one of the most tone deaf decisions on WWE’s part. I hope they do not screw it up.
#1 – Daniel Bryan is WWE’s Best Champion in a Long Time
Daniel Bryan is on fire. I can not give “The New” Daniel Bryan enough credit for his new attitude and character. Not only is Daniel Bryan the “Planet’s Champion”, but he went the extra mile to create a new WWE Championship belt.
Daniel Bryan unveiled his environmental friendly WWE Championship last night, and it is not half bad if I am being honest. Made from “100 percent sustainable, organic hemp”, the WWE title is officially what it needs to be: important. This is all thanks to the incredible work from Daniel Bryan.
It has been quite a while since we have had a great WWE Champion. For the past couple of years, the most prestigious championship in the world felt non-important. Now, it finally does once again. Daniel Bryan’s new persona and his new, eco-friendly title belt have made it feel important once more.
Smackdown Live was a solid, and weird, show once again this week, and much like the red brand, it will continue to be great as we enter Wrestlemania season. It was a very exciting Royal Rumble season and I am looking forward to what follows.
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