PWP Nation’s Caden Moran details five things we learned during the February 5th, 2019 edition of Smackdown Live
The February 5th edition of Smackdown Live is officially in the books, and it was a very fun episode.
After Monday Night RAW’s atrocious performance this past Monday, it was nice to see the blue brand flourish. Smackdown Live is so much easier to digest and tolerate. From the hot opening segment involving Triple H and Becky Lynch to the chaotic ending, Smackdown Live was a fun two hours of wrestling.
We learned a few things last night, and unlike Monday Night RAW, we learned a lot more positive things. Here are five things we learned from last night’s episode of Smackdown Live.
#5 – Rusev & Shinsuke Nakamura Can be a Threat
Rusev & Shinsuke Nakamura have not had the roles for WWE that they should probably have been having. However, last night’s tag team win against Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson proved that this could be a turning point for both men.
Smackdown Live obviously has the better tag team division, and with the possible addition of Rusev & Nakamura, it could get a lot better. Both men are ruthless with their in-ring style and only want one thing: success.
With this shared ambition. and with the assistance of Lana at ringside, the duo of Rusev & Nakamura can be a threat on Smackdown Live. There is always room for new and interesting tag teams in WWE, and “The Bulgarian Brute” and “The King of Strong Style” could easily be that next team.
#4 – Smackdown Needs More Women’s Tag Teams
Speaking of tag teams, Smackdown Live is lacking on the women’s side. In fact, the blue brand lacks true women’s tag teams so much that none of the true teams had to qualify for the Elimination Chamber.
Even with Smackdown Live’s great tag team division on the men’s side, there is room for improvement when it comes to the women. Right now, the Women’s Tag Team titles are bound to go to a RAW team. If Smackdown ever hopes of having the new belts on their show, they need more tag teams.
The random pairing of Naomi & Carmella just goes to prove that. Smackdown Live has only two true women’s tag teams with The IIconics and Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville. That is not enough. Hopefully, we see more true pairings on Tuesday night’s in the future.
#3 – Mustafa Ali Can Hang With the Big Dogs
Mustafa Ali just keeps getting better.
One of Smackdown Live’s newest additions went toe-to-toe with Randy Orton in an incredible match. Early in the match, Orton accidentally stomped on Ali’s head which led to a nasty shiner on “The Heart’s” left eye. Even with one of his eyes closed, Mustafa Ali held his own against one of the all-time greats.
Even in a losing effort, at the expense of an amazing RKO, Mustafa Ali continues to prove that he can hang with WWE’s big dogs. Going from an alternate in the Cruiserweight Classic to being a focal point in the WWE Championship picture, Mustafa Ali is going to be great for years to come.
Whatever happens in Ali’s career, one thing is for sure. He is one of WWE’s very best, and given more opportunities, he will continue to prove that.
#2 – Charlotte Flair Will be Added to Lynch vs Rousey
At this point, we as the fans just have to accept this as a reality. Charlotte Flair will be added to the RAW Women’s Championship at Wrestlemania.
The opening segment was highly entertaining from start to finish. Even if it was not officially announced, all the signs were there that Flair will inevitably be added to the Wrestlemania main event. With Becky Lynchs’ “injury” and her continuation of defying WWE’s authority, it will not be long until WWE sets the internet on fire.
I fully expect social media to go up in flames when Flair is officially put in the match, but it needs to happen, and it will. Some of us may not want to accept it, but the signs are becoming much more clear as the weeks pass. It is not something that we may not want at this moment, but I can assure you it will all work out in the end.
Accept it now. Flair vs Lynch vs Rousey will happen at Wrestlemania 35.
#1 – Smackdown Live is Simply the Better Show
Does this really need to be said? Smackdown Live is easily the better show among the two brands.
First off, two hours is the perfect length for any wrestling show. Also, Smackdown manages to fill those two hours with fun, action packed entertainment. The same can not be said for Monday Night RAW. It feels like almost everyone has a role on the show, and they all get to showcase what they can do.
Daniel Bryan‘s heel work, promos, and championship run continue to steal the show. New stars are getting opportunities, and they manage to make everything feel special and important. Smackdown Live continues to be the “A-show”, and is not even close.
As we build towards Wrestlemania, the blue brand proves to be the show to watch. Tuesday nights continue to get better and better each week, and I can not wait to see what else they have in store.
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