Randy Orton changes the direction of his feud with Bray Wyatt, team members are decided for Survivor Series, the tag titles are on the line, and James Ellworth attempts to help Dean Ambrose in his match with AJ Styles in a good episode of SmackDown.
James Ellsworth gets the chance of a lifetime when he challenges AJ Styles for the World Title in an okay episode of SmackDown.
AJ Styles picks his next opponent, the Wyatt Family is (mostly) back together, The Miz isn’t done with Dolph Ziggler, and more on a packed and entertaining episode of SmackDown.
This year’s No Mercy was pretty good, with the good matches being very good. The placement of matches seemed odd, but that didn’t hurt the show too much.
A big eight-man tag match featuring American Alpha, Hype Bros, The Vaudevillains, and The Ascension served as a good warmup for the second SmackDown Live PPV.
On the last stop before No Mercy, this SmackDown was packed with stuff, though it felt a lot like a glorified promo for the PPV. Which I suppose it kind of is.
An overstuffed show with a few really good segments.
A decent episode of SmackDown that fared better in the first half of the show than the second half.
Heath Slater officially signs with SmackDown, The Miz puts himself in the main event, the new “champ that runs the camp” has a hard time finding a friend, Swagger switches brands, and more on a show that was heavy on talk and light on action.
The best of Backlash wasn’t as good as the best of Summer Slam, but this was an enjoyable show and a good start to the brand exclusive PPVs.
A good kickoff with a surprisingly good match between Baron Corbin and Apollo Crews.
The Usos make a statement in an okay episode of SmackDown.
A fine show made better by the return of The Headbangers!
Two new titles are revealed, a tag title tournament starts, Carmella makes people notice her, and a new number one contender for the World Title is named is a good episode of SmackDown.
This year’s Summer Slam was entertaining, though for the matches that delivered on the hype, there were others that didn’t quite live up to expectations.
Sheamus and Cesaro start their best-of-seven series in a match that highlights a nice warm-up for Summer Slam.
A pretty good show that does well to build (or at least maintain) some interest in Summer Slam, specifically the big matches.
A pretty good show that feels like a minor curve in the road towards Summer Slam.
Ziggler wants to prove himself, American Alpha debuts, and a number one contender is decided for the IC Title in this pretty good edition of SmackDown.
SmackDown Live’s debut didn’t live up to the standard set by RAW, but it was a mostly enjoyable show.