PWP Nation’s Caden Moran details five things we learned from the March 12th, 2019 edition of Smackdown Live
The post-Fastlane episode of Smackdown Live is in the books, and as always, it was a fun show.
It was a promo heavy episode of Smackdown Live, but it set up more matches for Wrestlemania and helped set up a huge show for next Tuesday. Smackdown Live is the show in WWE right now as it excels every week in and out. Here are five things we learned from last night’s episode.
#5 – The United States title finally means something
When Samoa Joe won the United States Championship last week, I instantly knew he would be the one to make it mean something once again. In the week Joe has been champion, the title has already felt more meaningful than it has in the past year.
His battles with R-Truth, Rey Mysterio and Andrade have been nothing short of spectacular, and the four appear to be heading into another major match for the title at Wrestlemania. The fans want to see the mid-card scene excel on Smackdown Live, and it appears to be doing so now.
If WWE does go with another fatal-four-way match at Wrestlemania, they should add an extra twist and make it an elimination match. Regardless, the United States Championship finally means something again, and that’s what’s important.
#4 – Heel Shane McMahon is best for business
Shane McMahon is a fun babyface, but a heel Shane McMahon is even better.
Since Shane returned to WWE in 2016, he has been the fan favorite and pandering babyface. It worked for a while, but now in 2019, there needed to be a change for Shane. At Fastlane, that change happened when he turned on The Miz and solidifying himself as a heel for the first time in a very long time.
Shane’s performance last night was a solid start for his new heel run as he ran down the crowd, The Miz, and even got aggressive with ring announcer Greg Hamilton. A heel Shane McMahon is a much needed refresher, especially during Wrestlemania season. I look forward to seeing where it goes.
#3 – Sonya Deville will make a solid babyface
I have always been a fan of Sonya Deville, and I feel as if something big is on the horizon for her. At Fastlane, there were signs of dissension between her and Mandy Rose. After Deville lost to Asuka on Smackdown Live last night, more signs were shown. It appears a split between the two friends is coming soon.
Personally, I think a tag team between Rose and Deville is the best idea for right now, but if they are planning a split, I think it would help out both women. Obviously, Mandy Rose is in for a big push in the future, but what about Sonya Deville? If there is going to be a series of matches between her and Rose, I think Sonya would make for a solid babyface character.
I think Sonya Deville can play off the underdog and likable babyface better than the arrogant and destructive heel. Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose are both in for big futures. Hopefully, they do it right with Sonya.
#2 – Randy Orton versus AJ Styles is a proper Wrestlemania match
The Smackdown Live side of Wrestlemania continues to look better and better as every week passes by. AJ Styles and Randy Orton made their Wrestlemania match official last night, and it was incredible.
The promo battle between the two veterans made most of the fans want to see the match and they made it feel like a true and proper match worthy of Wrestlemania. The feud is nothing else but personal. Each men traded words that they believe define each others careers as Orton questioned how Smackdown Live is the “house that AJ Styles built.”
Go out of your way to watch the promo between both of these men. It was a tense and fun moment to watch, and the match at Wrestlemania will be even better. Randy Orton versus AJ Styles. Don’t miss it.
#1 – Kofi Kingston will be as popular as possible before New York
Kofi Kingston will be having his moment at Wrestlemania. However, in order to officially get there, Kofi will have to survive another gauntlet next week against Samoa Joe, Randy Orton, The Bar, and Rowan. The obstacles continue to be set in front of Kofi, which is a good thing.
The more Kofi Kingston survives to get his match at Wrestlemania, the better it is for Kofi. He is in a very good spot, having a WWE Title match in front of him and being directly involved with Vince McMahon. Obviously, WWE is about to be all in with Kofi, and next week is just another reason that proves that. When Kofi wins the gauntlet and earns his match, he will be the most popular guy in WWE, if he isn’t already.
The story around Kofi Kingston has been incredible and it can only get better as we move toward Wrestlemania in New York.
Smackdown Live was once again a fun show to watch, and next week should be even better. We are only 25 days away from Wrestlemania. Are you ready?
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