Friday’s show started with a recap of last week’s events surrounding Roman Reigns, The Usos and The Mysterios.
Jimmy hit the ring and cut a promo, calling Reigns jealous of The Usos and their desire to hold gold, too.
Reigns was excellent here, blaming Jey for his brother’s actions despite the fact that it was The Tribal Chief who interjected himself into the main event of last week’s show.
Big E appeared to be rolling at one point but a missed spear through the ropes saw him crash and burn, and the heels seized control of the bout.
The action broke down late, with Big E and Crews fighting to the floor, thus leaving Owens to drop Zayn with a stunner for the pinfall victory.
While the idea of another tag team match next week may not be overly appealing to fans tired of the treadmill booking that has engulfed the SmackDown midcard, it will be worth it if Azeez has the opportunity to shine.
Back in the ThunderDome, “The Most Beautiful Woman in WWE” Carmella battled Liv Morgan in a rematch from last week’s show.
As hard as she has worked and as much as it would be embraced by fans, this feels more like it’s all about Carmella.
The talk show’s signature doorbell rang, and when Rollins opened the door, he was greeted by the returning Cesaro, who pummeled and stripped him, then sent him scurrying to the sanctuary of the locker room.
All of the obnoxious laughter was worth it for the awesome reveal of Cesaro at the set door.
Cesaro looked like an absolute star as he exploded through the set and whupped Rollins, continuing what has been a banner year.
Chad Gable battled Montez Ford in what was originally slated to be a tag team match between Alpha Academy and The Street Profits.
Back in the ring, as Ford built momentum and appeared to have the win in hand, Otis attacked, drawing a disqualification.
The shaved face, intensity, and the punishment dealt by the powerlifter left an impression and instantly set Alpha Academy up as genuine threats in the tag division.
Nakamura and Corbin have wrestled numerous times in recent weeks, with no real evolution or advancement of the storyline.
Fed up with being at the center of the family rivalry between Reigns and brother Jimmy, Jey Uso stormed out of his locker room.
As The Head of the Table set up for the spear, Dominik came from out of nowhere with a kendo stick of his own.
It only strengthens Reigns’ stance as the Head of the Table when he can be without the Usos as his backup and still overcome a two-on-one attack by the Mysterios.
The real money, though, is in an eventual showdown between Reigns and the Usos.