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In the grand theater of WWE SmackDown on May 2, 2025, fans were treated to a buffet of triumphs, trials, and tantalizing teasers. One of the night’s standout dishes was Rey Fenix taking down Santos Escobar in a sizzling showdown that left the crowd on the edge of their seats.

Positives: The high-flying mastery of Rey Fenix and the ever-charismatic Santos Escobar gave fans a match to remember. Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill’s tag team win over Nia Jax and Naomi was a highlight, showcasing their synergy and strength. Aleister Black’s victory over The Miz added a dark and thrilling note to the night, while Zelina Vega’s win against Piper Niven displayed her impressive resilience and skill.

Negatives: While the in-ring action was top-notch, the pacing occasionally felt rushed, leaving some storylines underdeveloped. Randy Orton’s ominous address to John Cena, though compelling, could have benefited from more build-up to truly cement the tension.

Overall, SmackDown served up a delicious mix of action and drama, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the saga.

It is a rare moment in the annals of professional wrestling commentary when one can approach an episode of WWE programming and declare it almost entirely devoid of flaws.Yet, Friday Night SmackDown this week delivered a near-flawless spectacle, leaving this critic with little to critique and much to celebrate. In the spirit of fun and scholarly dissection, let us explore this gem of an episode through the lens of the good, the (barely) bad, and the (nonexistent) ugly—complete with the intellectual rigor befitting a Harvard thesis.

The Good: A Cornucopia of Excellence

SmackDown was replete with moments of unadulterated brilliance, beginning with the ever-magnificent Bloodline segment. At this point, The Bloodline saga has transcended traditional wrestling storytelling, becoming a Shakespearean drama played out under the bright lights of the squared circle. The familial tension, strategic alliances, and betrayal mirror King Lear more than Monday Night Raw, and this week’s installment did not disappoint. The segment was a masterclass in narrative pacing, character development, and emotional gravitas.

Elsewhere, DIY’s heel turn injected a refreshing shot of adrenaline into a team that had languished in the shadows for far too long. While comparisons to the New Day’s heel turn on Monday are inevitable, DIY’s effort felt more meticulously crafted, even if slightly less dynamic in execution. Still, their transition to the dark side promises an intriguing new chapter in their story, reminiscent of a prestige TV character’s moral decline—think Walter White in Breaking Bad, but with more superkicks.

Bianca Belair, ever the consummate performer, showcased her prodigious talent in a scintillating match against Piper Niven. Watching Belair is akin to witnessing Serena Williams in her prime—power, grace, and an indomitable will to succeed, all on full display. The match was a high-water mark in what has already been an illustrious career for Belair, and Niven’s underrated prowess made for a formidable opponent.

The Cody Rhodes vs. Chad Gable match, while perhaps not transcendent, was another highlight. Rhodes, a wrestler who can transform even the most ephemeral feuds into compelling narratives, brought his usual flair, while Gable’s hometown hero reception in Minnesota added an emotional undercurrent to the bout. It was the wrestling equivalent of a well-executed Netflix mini-series: short, impactful, and worth the watch.

The Barely Bad: The Portal Transfer Conundrum

If there is a blemish on this otherwise pristine episode, it is the curious introduction of the so-called “portal transfer.” WWE’s history with the brand split has been, shall we say, less than consistent. The concept of wrestlers traversing the boundaries of Raw, SmackDown, and NXT has always been treated with a laissez-faire attitude that undermines the potential value of such a system. Now, with the introduction of this portal, the narrative logic is stretched even thinner.

The portal transfer concept, while ostensibly designed to facilitate the shifting landscape of WWE’s television contracts—Raw to Netflix, SmackDown to new heights—feels like an afterthought rather than a deliberate, well-integrated mechanism. One cannot help but wonder: could this not have been explained with more gravitas? Instead, it lands with all the narrative cohesion of a Michael Bay subplot—flashy, but not fully thought through.

That said, the portal’s potential for reshaping the WWE landscape is undeniable. The prospect of The Bloodline moving to Raw, Cody Rhodes anchoring SmackDown, or Seth Rollins injecting his enigmatic energy into a new roster is tantalizing. But for now, the portal transfer exists as an idea in need of refinement.

The Nonexistent Ugly: A Night of Clean Finishes

In a stunning departure from WWE’s usual modus operandi, this episode of SmackDown featured—brace yourselves—a series of clean finishes. Such a rarity in modern wrestling deserves to be lauded with the fervor of a Marvel fan watching the first Avengers movie. No convoluted interference, no sudden disqualifications—just honest-to-goodness wrestling matches reaching their natural conclusions. This adherence to in-ring integrity elevated the episode to a realm of excellence rarely seen.

Final Thoughts: A Masterpiece of Modern Wrestling

Friday Night SmackDown this week was not just good; it was a beacon of what WWE can achieve when firing on all creative cylinders. From the Bloodline’s operatic drama to Bianca Belair’s athletic tour de force, the show was a testament to the artistry and entertainment value of professional wrestling at its finest. Even the portal transfer, with its flaws, hints at a future rich with narrative possibilities.

In the words of The Dark Knight’s Alfred Pennyworth, “Some men just want to watch the world burn.” But as a wrestling fan, I’d much prefer to watch a world where SmackDown delivers episodes of this caliber week after week. If this is a harbinger of things to come, consider me optimistic about the future of WWE storytelling.

WWE SmackDown continues to showcase both the highs and lows of the modern product. This week’s episode had its standout moments, but also featured some aspects that remain a constant frustration for fans. Let’s break it down:

The Good: The Bloodline Segment

The Bloodline’s storyline always gets attention, and this week’s segment didn’t disappoint. While the reunion of the Bloodline felt a little rushed, especially considering that elements of the story could have been developed over a few more weeks, it still delivered. Roman Reigns’ limited schedule likely made it difficult to extend the build-up, but despite that, the angle came across as the highlight of the show. The tension and drama around The Bloodline continue to be compelling, and it remains the best part of SmackDown right now.

The Bad: The Women’s Title Situation

The ongoing women’s division storyline feels like it’s running in circles. Nia Jax has shown noticeable improvements in the ring, but the Tiffany storyline is dragging and becoming increasingly frustrating. It feels like WWE is stretching it out unnecessarily, and in doing so, they're neglecting the rest of the talented women on the roster. The division deserves better storytelling and more focus on other women who are equally deserving of spotlight moments.

The Ugly: The Finishes

The same issue continues to plague WWE: terrible finishes. Nearly every match ends with some form of interference or distraction, which only weakens the significance of the outcomes. It’s a shame, because WWE has made strides in many areas since Vince McMahon stepped down, but the constant use of interference in matches continues to undermine the credibility of the product. It’s as if WWE is afraid to have clean finishes, which ultimately devalues the results and leaves fans feeling unsatisfied.

Honorable Mentions: Kevin Owens & DiY

One positive takeaway was the brutal Kevin Owens piledriver on Randy Orton. The angle has potential, and if WWE follows up on it properly, it could lead to some exciting developments. Another honorable mention goes to DiY, who seem to be on the verge of turning heel. A heel turn is exactly what they need right now to elevate their characters, and I’m hoping it’s executed well.

Overall Rating: 7/10

While there were moments of brilliance, SmackDown this week left a lot to be desired in terms of consistency. The good was great, but the bad and ugly elements continue to hold the show back. Still, I’m looking forward to seeing how some of these storylines progress.