WWE Smackdown Review 2/24/23

The Road to WrestleMania is officially in full force. With the Elimination Chamber behind us, WWE Smackdown was LIVE from Indiana to get fans ready for the biggest show of the year. Here’s what went down:

The Bloodline Drama Continues

This is what Triple H does. Slow builds. Whether it was Sami Zayn turning on the Bloodline or now the eventual team up of Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens. Triple H is going to make you wait.

I’m not sure exactly how WWE plays this out, but I do see Jey Uso turning on Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens making the save in the weeks to come. The closing segment on Smackdown made fans want to see more and the payoff will be worth it in the end.

WWE Builds WrestleMania Matches

There were two main storyline developments other the Bloodline drama. There was the stories between Rey & Dominick Mysterio and Rhea Ripley vs. Charlotte Flair.

WWE had Karrion Kross defeat Rey Mysterio, with the assist to Dominick Mysterio, to help reignite that feud. Dominick tried to get Rey to hit him after the match, but Rey refused.

In terms of the Charlotte Flair vs. Rhea Ripley feud, Dominick Mysterio played a vital role as well. H became out to trade jabs with Charlotte before the 2023 Women’s Royal Rumble winner made her appearance. Charlotte even mentioned her partner, currently wrestling in AEW, Andrade El Idolo as he is known to fans. The very mention of his name has fans dreaming of a return to WWE in the future for the former NXT champion.

What Else Went Down

Imperium defeated Ricochet, Madcap Moss & Braun Strowman.

Kofi Kingston defeated LA Knight

Shana Baszler defeated Natalya

The Firefly Funhouse returned

In terms of the Firefly Funhouse segment…well, I’ve got nothing. WWE is teasing a match between Wyatt and Lashley at WrestleMania, but the more logical choice would be Lashley vs. Lesnar. But then you also have the wildcard of now Omos challenging Brock Lesnar to a match at WrestleMania. I appreciate WWE trying to keep us on our toes heading into WrestleMania. But, in the end, I do believe we get Lashley vs. Lesnar and Bray Wyatt takes on Uncle Howdy at WrestleMania 39.

Final Thoughts

In terms of the rest of show, it featured WWE stars without a clear path to WrestleMania. Obviously, Gunther will defend the Intercontinental Championship against either Sheamus or Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania (or both in a triple threat match). In terms of stars like LA Knight, The New Day, Braun Strowman & Ricochet, the likely option is to throw them all in a battle royale at WrestleMania.

The Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royale has been a disappointment to most fans. Maybe Triple H can revive the concept this year. The field of competitors this year should be very solid, with hopefully the winner receiving a championship match of some shorts after WrestleMania.

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