A Room with a Review: SmackDown 02/21/20

Phoenix/Glendale hosts this episode of SmackDown because it’s too big for one Arizona city to handle. Or maybe that’s just what they want us to think…

• Again, SmackDown starts with them reminding us that Goldberg is here tonight. Let’s see if he’s actually in the building this time and not just via satellite. 

• The Usos head to the ring ahead of their 8-man tag team match. They say that they haven’t come alone and Big E reminds us to not be sour. Looks like it will be the New Day (Big E and Koffi Kingston) teaming with Jimmy and Jey against The Miz, John Morrison, Robert Roode, and Dolph Ziggler. During the match, there was static on the screen with an image behind it. I’m guessing we’re getting a debut soon, but who? (After seeing a still image of it, I’m convinced it’s for the return of Mustafa Ali, whenever that will be). Anyway, the good guys win after an Uso superkick. 

• Backstage, Daniel Bryan gets stopped by Drew Gulak, who has prepared a PowerPoint presentation outlining Bryan’s weaknesses. Heath Slater comes up and says he’s ready for a rematch with DB. Daniel agrees and tells Gulak that he should probably be helping Slater. Please continue to have Slater and Gulak on my TV.

• After the commercial, they show a recap video of the Otis/Mandy saga. They follow up with Tucker confronting Mandy. Best wingman in the business.

• Next is a special interview between Renee Young and Lacey Evans. They are finally explaining why she’s a good guy now. It’s only been two months. 

• After the interview is the Symphony of Destruction match. It’s Braun Strowman and Elias vs Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura w/ Sami Zayn. The ring is surrounded by musical instruments and falls count anywhere. Here are some random highlights, in no particular order. Braun hits Cesaro with a giant drum. Nak hits Strowman in the gut with a guitar. Elias gets put through a table. Shin gets thrown through a gong. The finish happens as Elias drops a top tope elbow on Cesaro, who is on the outside on a table and Braun power slams Nakamura on a piano. Braun gets the pin for the win. This was one of the better versions of this kind of match. 

• Backstage, King Corbin is being interviewed by Kayla Braxton. He says that Roman has never beaten him in a one-on-one match, so that’s why they are facing off in a cage at the WWE Network Special That Shall Not Be Named.

• Next up is A Moment of Bliss. This week it’s just Alexa, no Nikki Cross. Probably because Bliss is interviewing the Bella Twins, one of whom is also named Nikki. The Bellas are the newest inductees into the WWE Hall of Fame. They are also both pregnant. For once, no one interrupts A Moment of Bliss, though Daniel Bryan does come out with he and Nikki’s daughter, Birdie. His rematch against Heath Slater is up next, after the commercial.

• Drew Gulak is at the commentary table for this match. Slater has already gotten in more offense than he did in the entirety of their last match. He’s working on Bryan’s leg, but against Gulak’s advice, Heath heads to the top rope. Bryan moves and responds with the Yes kicks. Daniel goes for the Knee+, but Slater counters and nearly gets a three count. Bryan finally hits the knee and gets the pin.

• Backstage, Mandy is waiting by the back door with her luggage. Dolph comes up to her and offers her a ride. After they leave, Otis comes out from behind a dumpster, where he’s been hiding. I really hope they don’t turn him into some kind of Dark Otis.

• Sheamus is back in his dark room, talking about how he beat Shorty G and Apollo Crews. Now he’s going to start hunting bigger prey. He’s officially declaring for the Elimination Chamber. 

• It’s Naomi vs Carmella to determine who will face Bayley for the SmackDown Women’s Championship at Takeover: Saudi Blood Money. Please note that Bayley is ringside for this match, which probably means nothing for the ending of the match. Of course, Bayley interferes a little earlier than I expected and Ref Jess sends her to the back. This match is weird. They’re a little slow with their moves and something just seems off. The mic even picks up Ref Jess calling a spot for them. Naomi wins after a split-legged moonsault. 

• The show is going to end with the Goldberg segment. Let’s see if he concusses himself for this one. Goldberg comes to the ring without incident and says that he’s ready for Bray Wyatt. Firefly Fun House comes on the screen and Bray introduces Goldberg to all of his friends. The lights drop and when they come back on, The Fiend is right behind him. Bill hits a spear, but before he can perform another move, the lights go off again and The Fiend disappears. That was the big Goldberg appearance they were building up. Bleh.

• Boy, even without Roman vs Corbin volume 12 this was another mediocre episode of SmackDown. Let’s see if they pick things up next week, when they can finally focus on the Road to WrestleMania. Let me know in the comment section below what you thought of the show.

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