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6 Takeaways From WWE SmackDown (3/13)

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Written by

Robert Lentini

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The March 13th, 2018 episode of WWE SmackDown Live aired live from the Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN. It was the first episode of SmackDown following WWE Fastlane. Here are 6 takeaways from this week’s show:

Shinsuke Nakamura Helped AJ Styles

WWE Champion AJ Styles made his way down to the ring to kickoff this week’s episode of SmackDown. AJ said that the odds were stacked against him at Fastlane and admitted that he was in trouble after John Cena delivered an Attitude Adjustment to him through the announce table. Styles got pumped up and said that he found a way to win and is still the WWE Champion.

Styles said that just a short time ago it would have been considered unbelievable for him to become the WWE Champion and go to WrestleMania. The crowd chanted “you deserve it!” and AJ Styles stopped the chant and stated “I earned it”. AJ stated that he has a ton of respect for Nakamura because they have similar paths to get to WWE. Styles added that the comparisons stop when it comes to the WWE Champion.

Shinsuke Nakamura’s music hit and the crowd sang along as Nakamura danced his way down the entrance ramp. Nakamura joined AJ in the ring and posed right next to him as Styles looked on. Shinsuke grabbed a microphone as dueling “Nakamura!” and “AJ Styles!”. Shinsuke stated that Styles is a champion and that everyone likes him, but everyone likes Nakamura too. Shinsuke said that he respects AJ and that dreams come true at WrestleMania. Shinsuke walked towards AJ and said that his dream was “knee to face and I become champion”.

Rusev’s music hit and he made his way down to the ring with Aiden English as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

Rusev faced AJ Styles tonight on SmackDown. AJ and Rusev had a staredown as the bell rang. The crowd chanted “Rusev Day!” as Rusev launched Styles to the corner of the ring. The two Superstars locked up as Nakamura was shown ringside watching the match. Rusev leveled AJ with a shoulder tackle and paced across the ring with a scowl on his face.

Dueling “AJ Styles!” and “Rusev Day!” echoed throughout the arena as Rusev decked AJ with a right hand to the face. AJ battled back and connected with a couple of chops. Rusev responded with a Clothesline that sent AJ crashing to the canvas. AJ got back up and delivered a Dropkick to Rusev’s face and then knocked him out of the ring with a Clothesline. AJ leaped out of the ring and hit a forearm to the face.

The action returned to the ring with AJ still in control. The crowd was into it and started up the “AJ Styles!” and “Rusev Day!” chants again. Rusev planted AJ with a Spinebuster and went for the cover but AJ kicked out at two as SmackDown went to a break. When SmackDown returned, Rusev was still in control and had AJ Styles perched up on the top rope.

Rusev joined him up there and went for a Superplex but Styles escaped through Rusev’s legs. Styles sweeped Rusev’s legs out from under him and Rusev fell face-first onto the top rope. AJ connected with a Splash in the corner and then lifted Rusev onto his shoulders. Rusev escaped and launched Styles in the air and connected with a knee to the midsection. Rusev followed it up with a massive kick to the side of AJ’s head for a two count.

Rusev geared up in the corner and went for another kick but AJ countered into a Pele Kick of his own. Styles followed it up with a Neckbreaker and then dragged Rusev back up to his feet. AJ went for the Styles Clash but Rusev escaped and went for the Accolade. AJ blocked it and countered into a Calf Crusher.

Aiden English hopped into the ring and attacked Styles and the referee called for the bell. Shinsuke Nakamura got up from his seat and got into the ring. Nakamura booted English in the face and then connected with a Kinshasa to Rusev. Shinsuke stared at Styles for a moment before his music hit and Nakamura exited the ring.

AJ Styles was shown backstage and he approached Nakamura. AJ said that he didn’t need Nakamura’s help at Fastlane and he didn’t need it tonight. Shinsuke stated that it looked like AJ needed his help tonight and told Styles that he will help every single time until WrestleMania. Nakamura added that he is going to defeat Styles with a knee to the face before walking away.

Opinion: AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura is one of those rare matches where there doesn’t need to be a heel and a face. It is a match that pretty much every wrestling fan is looking forward to at WrestleMania 34. It would be surprising if that doesn’t wind up being the match of the night on April 8th.

At this point, I’m hoping that Rusev and Aiden English are part of the Superstar Shake-Up following WrestleMania 34. I find it puzzling that aren’t involved in the SmackDown Tag Team Championship picture right now. The crowd clearly is behind them, yet they are being booked as heels and wrestling matches that really don’t mean anything against Styles and Nakamura. It has become abundantly clear that RAW’s tag division sucks right now. There are teams on both brands that could use a fresh start and I think Rusev & English could become stars on either brand if given the chance. SmackDown doesn’t seem to have any plans for them right now, so maybe switching to RAW would be the best thing for them.

The Bludgeon Brothers Dominated Again

Big E was interviewed backstage about the attack by the Bludgeon Brothers at WWE Fastlane. Big E assured that Kofi and Woods will recover from their injuries and vowed to represent the New Day. Jimmy Uso showed up and said that Jey will be back soon. Jimmy stated that they were in the middle of putting on another classic match at Fastlane before the Bludgeon Brothers ruined it. Jimmy said that The Usos and New Day will meet again, but for now they need to put that on hold and take care of business. Big E agreed and the two bumped fists before walking away together. Big E and Jimmy Uso will take on the Bludgeon Brothers tonight in a tag match.

Big E and Jimmy Uso attacked Harper and Rowan as they were removing their jackets on the entrance ramp. Big E and Jimmy grabbed a couple of chairs and dared the Bludgeon Brothers to come in the ring. Harper and Rowan picked up their ridiculously sized mallets and got into the ring. The referee hilariously dived out of the ring as there was a stare down in the ring. Harper and Rowan knocked the chairs out of Big E and Jimmy Uso’s hands with their mallets. Big E and Jimmy hopped out fo the ring as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

When SmackDown returned, the Bludgeon Brothers were in control and had Big E trapped in the corner. Rowan slammed Big E to the mat and then walked across his midsection. Harper tagged in and continued the beatdown. Harper slapped Big E in the face and launched him to the corner. Big E jumped across the ring and tagged in Jimmy Uso.

Jimmy connected with a couple of kicks and climbed to the top rope. Jimmy flipped onto Harper and then blasted Rowan off the ring apron. Harper threw Big E out of the ring and Rowan launched Jimmy Uso into the steel steps. The Bludgeon Brothers them teamed up on Jimmy Uso and slammed him to the mat for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Harper rolled out of the ring and sprinted into Big E on the barricade. The Bludgeon Brothers got back in the ring and decided not to beatdown Jimmy Uso some more. Harper and Rowan then exited the ring, picked up their mallets and walked backstage.

Opinion: WrestleMania 34 is just a few weeks away and there hasn’t been a SmackDown Tag Team Championship match announced yet. All signs are pointing towards the Bludgeon Brothers getting an opportunity at the biggest PPV of the year. With Jey Uso out of action this week and Jimmy once again getting his ass kicked tonight by Harper and Rowan, it is looking like The Usos will be defending their titles at less than 100%. I’m hoping that this doesn’t turn into a match with several teams involved that finds it’s way onto the Kickoff Show at WrestleMania.

Asuka Made Her First Appearance On SmackDown To Confront Charlotte

SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair came down to the ring to a great reaction from the crowd. Charlotte said that you are a champion, you are always a target. Charlotte claimed she was excited when Asuka’s music hit at Fastlane because she knew what it meant. Charlotte stated that she wanted to come down to the ring to meet Asuka woman-to-woman.

Asuka made her way down to the ring and joined Charlotte. Charlotte welcomed Asuka to SmackDown Live and said be careful what you wish for. Asuka thanked Charlotte and then Charlotte stated that she is always asked what would happen if she ever faced Asuka. Charlotte said that we are going to get that answer at WrestleMania 34.

Charlotte stated that she wanted Asuka to pick her when she watched Asuka win the Royal Rumble. She added that this is going to be a once in a lifetime opportunity and that she has never faced anyone like Asuka, but Asuka has never faced anyone like me. Charlotte once again told Asuka to be careful what she wished for because she is going to end Asuka’s streak at WrestleMania and cement her legacy.

Asuka stated that she chose Charlotte because she likes a challenge. Asuka said that Charlotte was the Queen, but she is the Empress and she bows to no one. Asuka then shouted “no one is ready for Asuka!”. Charlotte and Asuka stared at each other before Asuka’s music hit.

Opinion: Much like Nakamura vs. Styles, this is another match that most wrestling fans are excited for. Tonight’s promo was just Charlotte and Asuka trading catchphrases and I was hoping for something more.

Bobby Roode Will Invoke His Rematch Clause At WrestleMania

United States Champion Randy Orton made his way down to the ring as Asuka and Charlotte were still staring at each other. Orton spoke about never being United States Champion until now and raised the title. Orton said that winning this title put him on the short list of elite WWE Superstars that are Grand Slam Champions. Randy noted that is a list that he actually cares about. Orton said that Bobby Roode earned his respect at Fastlane, but the US Title belongs to him now. Orton vowed to take the title to WrestleMania and nobody is going to stop him.

Bobby Roode’s music hit and Roode joined Orton in the ring. Bobby Roode congratulated Orton on his victory but stated that he had a rematch. Roode announced that he was going to invoke his rematch clause at WrestleMania 34 and when he gets his title back, it is going to be absolutely glorious.

Jinder Mahal interrupted and came down to the entrance ramp. Mahal mockingly congratulated Orton before vowing to defeat Bobby Roode tonight. Mahal told Orton to take a seat and watch him inflict carnage on Bobby Roode.

Mahal controlled the match early before Roode battled back with a couple of punches. Roode and Mahal bounced off the ropes and slammed into each other and both Superstars fell to the mat. Roode got back up and sent Mahal to the corner. Roode hit a Neckbreaker and then climbed up to the top rope. Bobby connected with a Clothesline from the top and went for the Glorious DDT but Mahal blocked it. Roode connected with a Blockbuster off the second rope for a two count.

Jinder booted Roode in the face and went for the cover but Roode kicked out at two. Mahal went for the Khallas but Roode reversed it into a roll-up for two. Roode followed it up with a Spinebuster for another two count. Sunil Singh hopped up on the ring apron and distracted Roode. Bobby shoved him down and climbed up to the top rope. Mahal shoved the top rope and Roode fell crotch-first on the top turnbuckle. Mahal connected with the Khallas on Roode for the pinfall victory. After the match, Randy Orton got into the ring and connected with an RKO to Mahal.

Opinion: Jinder Mahal picked up another victory tonight and it is reasonable to assume that he will be added to the United States Championship at WrestleMania 34. Thus, it will wind up being a Triple Threat match between Randy Orton, Bobby Roode & Jinder Mahal. I’m having a hard time getting excited about that because it features two Superstars that are much better as heels and Jinder Mahal.

Carmella Defeated Naomi

Naomi faced Carmella tonight on SmackDown. Naomi was in control early but Carmella hid behind the referee in the corner. Carmella used the distraction to her advantage and grabbed Naomi by the hair and launced her across the ring. Carmella continued to pry at Naomi’s hair for the next few minutes before taking a break to moonwalk across the ring.

Naomi used that time to regroup and connected with a Crossbody. Naomi then started to slap the hell out of Carmella as she screamed in the corner. Carmella ducked under three kicks but Naomi then caught her with a knee to the face. Naomi leaped onto the second rope but Carmella tripped her up and slammed her to the mat by her hair for the pinfall victory.

Carmella announced that she will be entering the Fabulous Moolah Battle Royal at WrestleMania 34. Carmella still hasn’t cashed in her MITB contract, which guarantees her a championship match at any time.

Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens Brutally Attacked Shane McMahon

Sami Zayn was interviewed backstage by Renee Young. Renee asked Sami who he blamed for his failure to become WWE Champion at Fastlane. Zayn said that he wanted to blame Shane McMahon, but instead blamed Kevin Owens. Zayn blamed Owens for Shane’s obsession with him and claimed that he was just guilty by association. Sami called Owens a self-absorbed egomaniac and that he knows him more than anyone. Zayn stated that his plan almost worked but his alliance with Owens cost him because Shane interfered. Zayn said that is a price he will never pay again for Kevin Owens on anybody.

Kevin Owens was interviewed later on the show about Sami Zayn blaming him for what happened on Sunday. Owens called Sami Zayn selfish for not realizing that he wasn’t the only one being screwed over. Owens said that Sami Zayn is a liar and delusional if he doesn’t realize that he is the one that should be WWE Champion. Owens went on a rant about Shane McMahon and questioned why he even needed to be ringside for the main event at Fastlane. Owens stated that if Zayn doesn’t realize that, he has no problem teaching him a lesson.

SmackDown Commissioner came down to the ring near the end of the show to make a WrestleMania announcement. Shane stated that he has a ton of issues with Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens and added that he was not here tonight to apologize for his actions. Shane brought up Kevin Owens’ brutal attack on Vince McMahon. Shane then brought up the match he had with Kevin Owens at Hell in a Cell and that Sami Zayn robbed him of getting his revenge.

Shane said that he had a conversation with SmackDown GM Daniel Bryan today and that Bryan will be returning next week. Shane stated that after tonight’s show, he will be taking an indefinite leave of absence. Shane announced that Kevin Owens will face Sami Zayn at WrestleMania 34.

Kevin Owens interrupted and wished Shane the best of luck in his future endeavors. Owens claimed that he could beat the hell out Sami Zayn any time he wants and he doesn’t have to wait until WrestleMania 34. Sami Zayn came down to the ring and said that Shane was just basing his decisions on what the crowd thinks. Sami and Owens then attacked Shane and beat him down. Sami delivered a Helluva Kick to Shane as Owens held him up. Sami then shoved Shane towards Owens and Owens connected with a Pop-Up Powerbomb.

A couple of referees came down to the ring and Sami and Owens attacked them. Sami grabbed a steel chair and set it up next to Shane McMahon. They then placed Shane’s head in the chair and slammed it into the ring post. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn dragged Shane McMahon backstage and Owens Powerbombed him on top of a storage crate. EMTs showed up as Owens and Sami Zayn walked away. Shane McMahon was in agony and EMTs said “hang in there Shane, you are going to make it” as SmackDown went off the air.

Opinion: Well, I’m guessing this will not wind up being Kevin Owens versus Sami Zayn at WrestleMania 34. Shane McMahon will obviously want to get some revenge for this brutal attack tonight. Shane McMahon sold the hell out of being slammed into the ring post and the Powerbomb backstage. SmackDown GM Daniel Bryan will be returning next week and I’m sure he will have something to say about this.

What did you think of this week’s SmackDown? Let us know in the comments below.

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