Smackdown Live! is over for the week. The Blue Brand of the WWE builds it’s roster towards the Royal Rumble. On this episode, we had John Cena face off against Baron Corbin as well as a Tag Team Championship Match between American Alpha facing off against The Wyatt Family. To top things off, we had an encounter between Dean Ambrose and The Miz. How did this week’s show fare?
The match that closed the show was Baron Corbin vs John Cena. I was a little worried about this match coming into it because I simply haven’t seen enough from Corbin to make me think he deserves the spot they’re giving him yet he ended up impressing me in the end. John Cena ended up winning the match which was the right call yet Corbin comes out looking better despite the loss.
I would recommend a couple things for his character however. One, he needs some major help on the mic. He has to be able to believably deliver the lines given to him which he currently isn’t doing. While the WWE shies away from it, if they see money in this guy, a manager would do him a huge favor by being the mouthpiece he needs now as well as being someone who can coach him on delivery. Second, I want to see more emotion from him in the ring. He gives no facial expressions which takes me out of his matches. If you’re building him up as a lone wolf who loves beating people, have him smile occasionally. Show him enjoying beating someone. He doesn’t have to have a goofy grin for the length of a match, just have him work someone over and give one brief smile. It would show some personality.
Overall, I would say the show was a lackluster effort this week. It wasn’t bad by any means. It just lacked a big moment that made this a show that you need to revisit.
