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6 Takeaways From WWE SmackDown (4/3)

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Written by

Robert Lentini

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The April 3rd episode of WWE SmackDown aired live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN. It was the final episode of SmackDown before WrestleMania 34 this Sunday. Here are 6 takeaways from this week’s show:

Shane McMahon & Daniel Bryan Hugged It Out

SmackDown GM Daniel Bryan kicked off this week’s episode and made his way to the ring to a chorus of “yes!” chants from the fans in the Bridgestone Arena. The chants transitioned into “Daniel Bryan!” as Daniel stood in the ring.

Bryan welcomed everyone to SmackDown Live and then welcomed back SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon. Shane danced his way down the entrance ramp to a great reaction from the crowd.

Shane grabbed a microphone and joined Bryan in the ring. The two shook hands as the crowd chanted “Shane-O-Mac!”. Shane thanked the crowd and complimented their energy. Shane stated that he wanted to correct Daniel Bryan from what he said last week. Shane said that Bryan was a role model because he fought for three years to get back in the ring. He then congratulated Daniel on getting cleared to do what he loves and what the fans all love to watch him do.

Shane added that he was very excited to be Daniel’s tag partner at WrestleMania 34. Shane listed the recent medical issues he has had and announced that he has also been medically cleared to give it everything he has got this Sunday.

Bryan admitted that he has made a lot of mistakes over the past 6 months, especially when it comes to Zayn and Owens. Bryan said that he let his 15 year friendship with them manipulate them and stated that Shane was right all along. Daniel apologized and Shane replied that there was no reason to apologize. Shane admitted that he has made mistakes as well and has been stubborn.

Daniel joked that he has never heard of a McMahon being stubborn. Shane laughed and then twirled the microphone around in his hand for a moment, which lead to an awkward silence. Bryan spoke again and said that he has learned a lot about the WWE over the past few years. Bryan added that when tag partners have their differences, there is only way to resolve it. The crowd chanted “hug it out!” and Bryan posed for a hug.

Shane said that he let his emotions get the better of him after Owens attacked his father. Shane extended his hand for a handshake and Bryan stated that he just shook Shane’s hand two minutes ago. Bryan asked the crowd if they wanted to see them hug it out and the crowd chanted “yes!”. Shane claimed that he was not much of a hugger but he appreciates it. The crowd chanted “hug it out!” again and the two finally shared a hug.

Shane said that worked and that they are definitely on the same page now. Daniel noted that now that they are on the page, that means bad news for Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. Bryan added that they are going to get payback for what they did to him and Shane McMahon. Shane thanked Bryan for reinstating Owens and Zayn because now they have the opportunity to rid themselves of Owens & Zayn at WrestleMania 34. Shave vowed that Owens and Zayn will never be seen on SmackDown Live again following WrestleMania 34.

Daniel Bryan asked the crowd if they were ready to them beat the hell out of Owens and Zayn at WrestleMania 34. The crowd chanted “yes!” as Shane and Bryan chanted along in the ring and shared another hug.

Opinion: The crowd was electric tonight during this segment. Daniel Bryan returns to the ring on Sunday and I cannot imagine the overwhelming crowd reaction he is going to get at WrestleMania 34 in New Orleans. It is going to be quite the WrestleMania moment this Sunday. Shane McMahon always gives it his all during his WrestleMania matches. Owens and Zayn are also tremendously talented, so this match should be highly entertaining in 5 days.

Asuka Confronted Charlotte

SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair faced Natalya tonight on SmackDown. Charlotte will be defending the SmackDown Women’s Championship against the undefeated Asuka at WrestleMania 34. Charlotte & Bobby Roode will also be facing Asuka & The Miz in the finals of the Mixed Match Challenge following this week’s episode of SmackDown.

SmackDown went to a break before the match and when it returned, Charlotte was in control and strutting around the ring. Natalya had a pissed off look on her face and dragged Charlotte to the canvas. Charlotte broke free and the two Superstars circled each other. Natalya took a break to pose and it almost cost her as Charlotte rolled her up for a two count.

Natalya brought Charlotte back to the mat and instructed the crowd to shut their mouths. Natalya once again posed in the ring and this time got booed out of the building. Charlotte knocked Natalya to the mat and went for a cover but Natalya kicked out. Charlotte slammed her back to the canvas, went for another cover but once again Natalya powered out at two.

Charlotte went for a roll-up but Natalya escaped at the last moment. Charlotte applied a side Headlock in the middle of the ring and transitioned into another unsuccessful cover. Charlotte brought Natalya to the corner and stomped on her a few times. Charlotte dropped Natalya back to the mat for another two count. Charlotte wrapped her legs around Natalya’s neck and slammed her face into the mat three times before transitioning into a Figure Four Headlock.

Charlotte used her leg strength and slammed Natalya to the mat a few times. Charlotte posed in the ring as Natalya rolled out of the ring in frustration. Charlotte followed her out there and connected with a coupe of chops. Natalya responded by launching Charlotte into the ring post. Natalya posed with a big smile on her face as SmackDown went to another commercial break.

During the break, Natalya remained in control and brought Charlotte back to the ring. When SmackDown returned, the action had spilled outside the ring and Natalya launched Charlotte into the barricade. Natalya sat on top of the barricade and posed yet again. Natalya threw Charlotte back into the ring and booted her in the ribs.

Natalya applied the Abdominal Stretch, but Charlotte quickly reversed it in the middle of the ring. Natalya broke free and connected with an Arm Drag. Charlotte went over the ropes to the ring apron and then made her way up the turnbuckle. Natalya caught her and planted her with a Body Slam off the top for a two count.

Charlotte battled back with a few chops as the crowd chanted “woo!” at every impact. Charlotte followed it up with a Neckbreaker and a boot to the face. Charlotte regrouped against the ropes before attempting a cover but Natalya kicked out at two. Natalya connected with an elbow and then applied a Sleeper Hold.

Charlotte ran with Natalya on her back and then dropped her to the canvas to break the hold. Flair once again climbed to the top and went for a Moonsault but Natalya was able to get her knees up. Both Superstars were on the mat and Carmella’s music hit. Carmella frantically ran to the ring with a referee to try and cash in her MITB contract. Charlotte booted the briefcase out of Carmella’s hands and out of the ring.

Flair then booted Carmella in the face and Carmella rolled out of the ring. Just like two weeks ago, Natalya rolled up Charlotte from behind, but this time Charlotte was able to kick out at two. Charlotte then locked in the Figure Eight for the submission the victory.

After the match, Asuka’s music hit and the Empress of Tomorrow danced her way towards the ring. Asuka posed on the turnbuckle as Charlotte stood with the SmackDown Women’s Championship. Asuka grabbed a microphone and stood right across from Charlotte. Asuka said that at WrestleMania, the Queen will bow down to the Embress because no one is read…

Charlotte grabbed the microphone from Asuka and stated that she was ready. Charlotte got in Asuka’s face and asked if she was ready. They both glanced at the WrestleMania sign above the ring and had a stare down as Charlotte’s music hit.

Opinion: This is another match I cannot wait to see on Sunday night. We will get a preview of Charlotte versus Asuka tonight during the Mixed Match Challenge. The Miz and Asuka will most likely win the match, simply because it would be absurd for Asuka to not head into WrestleMania undefeated. Carmella keeps showing up on SmackDown and failing at trying to cash in her MITB contract. I wouldn’t be surprised if she makes another cameo during the match at WrestleMania 34.

Orton Planted Rusev With An RKO Out Of Nowhere

Jinder Mahal faced Rusev tonight on SmackDown as Bobby Roode joined commentary. Randy Orton will be defending his United States Championship against Roode, Mahal & Rusev in a Fatal 4-Way match at WrestleMania 34 this Sunday.

Sunil Singh came down to the entrance and started singing to poke fun at Aiden English. Jinder Mahal clapped for Sunil’s horrendous singing and made his way down to the ring. Aiden English harmonously cleared his throat and stood on the entrance ramp as the crowd chanted “Rusev Day!”. English rapped a bit and poked fun at Sunil Singh. English sang that today is Rusev Day as Rusev came down to the ring.

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Rusev locked up with Mahal to start off the match. They battled to the corner of the ring and the referee broke it up as Randy Orton was shown watching the match backstage. Rusev went for the Accolade early but Mahal escaped out of the ring as SmackDown went to a break.

When SmackDown returned, Mahal connected with a Clothesline for a two count. Roode was asked if he had any jitters before his WrestleMania match. Roode stated that he was excited and that Sunday will be the biggest moment of his career. Bobby vowed to walk out of WrestleMania 34 with the United States Championship once again.

The crowd chanted “Rusev Day!” as Rusev began to battle back. Mahal cut his momentum short with a knee to the chest as WWE aired a video promo for Lesnar versus Reigns during the match. Rusev went for the Accolade again but Mahal scampered to the ropes to break the hold.

Mahal connected with a boot to the face for a two count. Rusev battled back and kicked Sunil Singh off the ring apron. Mahal went for a roll-up but Rusev kicked out. Rusev then planted Mahal with the Machka Kick for the pinfall victory. Aiden English hopped into the ring and raised Rusev’s hand. Rusev got on the turnbuckle and pointed at the WrestleMania sign suspended in the rafters.

Randy Orton got into the ring and delivered an RKO to Rusev. Aiden English attacked Orton as Bobby Roode took his headset off and slowly crept towards the ring. English leaped off the turnbuckle into another RKO from Randy Orton. Bobby Roode got into the ring and grabbed the United States Championship. Bobby handed Orton the title and had a stare down with him. The two glanced at the WrestleMania sign as Orton’s music hit.

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Baron Corbin Vowed To Win The Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal Once Again

Mojo Rawley, Baron Corbin, Dolph Ziggler and Primo faced Zack Ryder, Fandango, Tyler Breeze and Tye Dillinger in an 8-man tag match. This match was a preview of the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.

Everyone got thrown out of the ring besides Corbin and Breeze. Baron launched Breeze onto everyone else outside the ring. Fandango hopped into the ring and was greeted by an End of Days by Baron Corbin for the pinfall victory.

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After the match, Corbin approached the Andre the Giant trophy outside the ring. Corbin said that he was going to become the first Superstar to win the Battle Royal twice at WrestleMania 34.

Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn Threatened To Obliterate Daniel Bryan At WrestleMania 34

Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn rushed the ring and stood on the announce table before the main event. Owens claimed that this was still the Sami and Kevin Show. Sami Zayn stated that they will not be sorry for what they are going to do to Bryan at WrestleMania.

Sami brought up Daniel’s wife Brie and his daughter Birdie. Sami said sorry that Daniel’s daughter will not grow up with fond memories of her father’s heroic WrestleMania comeback. Sami apologized to Brie for the man that is going to home following WrestleMania because this time, all of her love and support is not going to be able to put Daniel Bryan back together.

Owens and Zayn then mocked Daniel Bryan’s “fight for your dreams” speech a couple of weeks ago when he announced that he has been medically cleared to return to the ring. Zayn said that it was their dream to obliterate Daniel Bryan and that is exactly what they are going to do this Sunday. Owens added that destroying Daniel Bryan will be their WrestleMania moment.

Zayn tried to start a “we deserve it!” chant as Shane and Bryan were shown watching backstage. Shane stated that they deserve more than that and Bryan stated “lets go”.

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Owens continued his rant until his microphone was cut off. Sami and Owens smiled as security escorted them over the barricade. Owens and Zayn made their way up the arena steps as Shane and Daniel came down to the entrance ramp.

Bryan told them to stop and instructed cameras to roll on Zayn and Owens. Daniel asked everyone to turn their cellphone cameras towards Owens and Zayn because this was the last time Owens and Zayn will be on SmackDown Live. Shane then started singing “na-na-na-hey-hey-goodbye” and the crowd sang along as Owens and Zayn got pissed off. Owens and Zayn made their way up the steps as Bryan and Shane waved goodbye to them.

AJ Styles Got Some Revenge On Shinsuke Nakamura Heading Into WrestleMania 34

AJ Styles had a backstage interview and brought up Nakamura patting him on the head last week. Styles said that Nakamura is not in his head and that his emotions are not his weakness, they are his strength. Styles stated that Nakamura’s weakness is that he takes him too lightly. AJ noted that he is the WWE Champion and that they are far from the Tokyo Dome. Styles stated that while this is a dream match, we are in reality and that the reality is he is going to defeat Nakamura at WrestleMania 34. AJ Styles will team up with Shinsuke Nakamura tonight to face Chad Gable & Shelton Benjamin.

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Later during the show, a backstage interview with Shinsuke Nakamura was shown. Nakamura stated that he knows AJ thinks that he is playing games and he is right. Shinsuke said that he takes this game very seriously and that he came to America for one reason, WrestleMania. Nakamura added that he doesn’t take Styles lightly and that he knows AJ Is very emotional. Nakamura claimed that AJ’s emotions will cause him to make a mistake and when he does, he will hit him with a knee to the face to become WWE Champion at WrestleMania 34.

Styles and Nakamura battled Gable and Benjamin in the main event of this week’s SmackDown. Gable and Nakamura started off the match and went back and forth. Gable tripped up Shinsuke and applied an Arm Bar. Nakamura countered into an Arm Bar of his own and backed towards the corner. Shinsuke tagged in Styles by patting him on the head.

AJ got into the ring and started arguing with Nakamura. Gable and Benjamin took advantage and attacked them from behind. Benjamin threw Nakamura out of the ring and Gable stomped on Styles in the corner as SmackDown went to a commercial break.

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When SmackDown returned, AJ was still trapped in the ring. Styles connected with a Dropkick and made his way towards the corner to tag in Nakamura. Benjamin tagged in at the same time and Shinsuke greeted him with a flurry of kicks. Nakamura kneed Benjamin in the ribs and Gable tagged in. Gable held up Nakamura in the corner and Benjamin kneed Shinsuke in the face. Gable connected with a Moonsault off the top rope ofr a two count.

Gable applied a Chin Lock to Nakamura in the middle of the ring as WWE aired a video package for Asuka versus Charlotte at WrestleMania 34. Benjamin tagged in and continued the beatdown on Nakamura. Shelton brought Shinsuke to the canvas and applied another Chin Lock. Nakamura battled free and started crawling towards the corner.

AJ tagged in and leveled Gable with a Clothesline. Styles followed it up with a Pele Kick to Benjamin that knocked him out of the ring. AJ connected with a Neckbreaker over his knee to Gable and walked towards the corner. Styles hopped on the ring apron next to Nakamura and delivered a Phenomenal Forearm to Chad Gable for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Styles grabbed the WWE Championship and shouted “that is why I am the champ” at Nakamura in the ring. Benjamin attacked Nakamura from behind and started beating him down as AJ watched from the entrance ramp. Nakamura knocked Benjamin out of the ring as AJ hopped up on the ring apron. AJ went for the Phenomenal Forearm but stopped short, just like Nakamura last week. AJ then patted Nakamura on the head and exited the ring. Nakamura was pissed off as AJ raised the title once again on the entrance ramp as SmackDown went off the air.

Opinion: I am looking forward to AJ Styles versus Nakamura the most at WrestleMania 34. I was hoping that it would go on last because I find it hard to believe that any match will top this one on Sunday. WrestleMania 34 has a stacked card on paper, I’m hoping that the show lives up to the hype. Styles versus Nakamura has the potential to be an all-time great match this Sunday and I cannot wait to see it.

What did you think of the final episode of SmackDown before WrestleMania 34? Let us know in the comments below.

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