SmackDown Quick Takes 5/21/21

Parade of champions

More like a parade of interruptions.

All of the champs of SmackDown join each other at the entrance to celebrate the return of live shows. Sonya Deville is interrupted by first Apollo interrupts, then Paul Heyman. I like that Heyman didn’t come out to Roman’s music, weird that he came out to the Shield’s old music though. Finally, Bayley had something to say. It was just an ambush for Bianca Belair. The former tag champs got into it with the new champs that saved Bianca and now we have a match.

Champs vs Challengers

Bianca[c],Natalya [c] & Tamina vs Nia, Shayna & Bayley

We need curly hair Bayley, it’s her most natural look she’s had. Natalya is so good, the star of this match, Shayna is always good but Natalya really stepped it up this time. Nia’s shortcomings have been hidden very well since tagging with Baszler so she is decent in most of their matches.

Corbin vs The King of Strong Style

Rick Boogs has made it to the big time and he is with Shinsuke Nakamura. Boogs played along to the Shinsuke’s theme perfectly, can’t wait until he and Corbin go at it in a feud. Nakamura wins via distraction from Rick Boogs. Pat McAfee was really into Boogs and even got in Cole’s face, you love to see it.

Dominik vs Robert Roode

Short and sweet. Keep the feud going, there are a couple more tag matches to squeeze out of this. Dominik may become a breakout star if he continues to do so well. Being into the ring with Roode and Ziggler is a great way to test your skills. Ultimately I want Rey’s last match to be against his son, possibly for a midcard title, who knows, could be for the Universal or WWE Championship. The Dirty Dogs need to face whatever tag team comes up from NXT, if NXT even moves their talent to the main roster anymore.

A seat at the table

Roman sends for Jimmy but gets Cesaro and Seth sends Cesaro to the hospital. Seth is just a holding pattern for guys on the way up to test them but it is a great test. Many want Seth to turn face and go against Roman but it’s too soon for that, we are about 2 years away from that.

Roman gets in Jey’s face later.

Kevin Owens vs Sami Zayn vs Big E vs Apollo[c]

Fatal 4way

Really good match to close the show, it showcases the midcard and strengthens the importance of the Intercontinental Championship. I thought the title was going to change hands a few times. Commander Azeez saved Apollo again but it wasn’t enough this time. This time it took something more dark and sinister to stop Big E, the return of Aleister Black. The lights didnt go off completely, there was a light in the distance, it was the man himself. Aleister hit E with Black Mass, causing the challenger to lose to the champion. Hell of an ending!

Honorable mentions

1. Michael Cole explained the open invitation.

2. Aleister Black vignette.

Final take

It was a night of champions. Great idea to have a big show to celebrate the return of touring this summer. This felt like a very big show and is something a love crowd would have eaten up.

#wweonfox #wweonaampe #ShinsukeNakamura #ApolloCrews #RomanReigns #wweonpeacock