SmackDown Quick Takes 1/8/21

Reigns talks about Kevin Owens and about how he respects him but calls out Adam Pearce for not respecting him. Jey Uso pacing back and forth behind Pearce was a great element of danger added to the segment. Having an official appearing on television is always risky but Adam Pearce is a highly respected individual who slowly introduced himself to the wwe universe over the covid era. Pearce has been instrumental to the success of both Raw and SmackDown during the covid era. Pearce’s acting is 99 percent facial expressions and it’s better than almost anyone on the roster. When Roman expressed his interest in facing Pearce in the ring, things got very intriguing.

Big E [c] vs Apollo

Great first title defense for Big E. This is the type of match that elevates both guys because Big E is at the exact level he needs to be to do that. Everyone that faces Big E will be elevated.

Apollo has never sounded better, the intensity was the most we’ve ever seen out of him. Refusing to take the draw and demanding a rematch, even slapping the IC champ. The match was fast and furious but it was one hell of an outing. Big E talked his shit afterwards too.

Tag titles on the line

Why did they wear pink and green like AKAs?

I was prepared to talk shit about how Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode were just spinning their wheels however, they won the tag titles with a beautiful tag move, a spinebuster into a ZigZag. I’m stunned. I understand that Ford was supposed to be hurt but the titles changing hands is literally the last thing I think anyone expected.

Gauntlet

Corbin, Rey, Bryan, Zayn, Nakamura and Adam Pearce are the participants. Rey and Sami kick things off with Rey quickly defeating Rey in a joking manner. Shinsuke beats Rey, Corbin and Bryan on an unbelievable streak when the Tribal Chief struts out, forcing Adam Pearce to compete.

Roman Reigns said at the top of the show that he should be able to pick his own opponent at the Royal Rumble and he picked Adam Pearce. Shinsuke gets jumped and Pearce is forced to pin him after being attacked himself. Some hate it but those who understand the story love it.

Honorable mentions

1. Sonya Deville wants to put the past behind her by bringing it all up.

2. Bianca is interrupted by Bayley

3. Carmella reminds us who she is

4. Billie bugs the Riott Squad

Final take

I thought this episode wasn’t going to be good because I couldn’t see where the story was going but I’m as interested as anyone else right now. SmackDown has me hooked.

#adamPearce #RomanReigns #ShinsukeNakamura #smackdownonfox