WWE doubled down on the current Jeff Hardy storyline this week in a big way.
Friday Night SmackDown kicked off last night with a contract signing between the Charismatic Enigma and his Backlash opponent Sheamus.
Now, anyone who’s ever watched professional wrestling knows these segments almost always break down into some kind of brawl – but this took it to another level.
Again referencing Jeff’s very real personal demons, Sheamus brought out a doctor in a lab coat and ordered his opponent to take a urine test to prove he’s clean.
Jeff responded, admitting he’s an alcoholic and referencing his journey to sobriety before agreeing to the test.
He went behind the curtain, and took the test – which either looked suspiciously like apple juice, or Hardy needs to get that checked out.
He fired back as he quipped: ‘It’s better to be p***ed off than p***ed on’ before lobbing the sample all over Sheamus.
Well.
There’s a lot to unpack there, and there will always be a big debate about whether bringing Jeff’s battle with addiction into the story in this kind of way is too far.
However, while the recent hit and run framing felt like a step too far, this oddly came across much better.
Yes, it was cheesy, over the top and utterly ridiculous – but so is a television show based on adults playfighting in next to no clothing (just ask Randy Orton).
But we love it, and this was another example of the whacky world of WWE taking things to an entirely different level, blending reality and fiction to create a must-see match this Sunday at Backlash.
Given that Hardy got the better of his rival here – and that Sheamus should be primed for a big push moving into the summer months – look for the Celtic Warrior to win tomorrow night to build momentum and keep this storyline going a bit longer.
Best of the rest
If you’re pushed for time and there’s one thing you really need to see from this week’s SmackDown, make sure you don’t sleep on the Intercontinental Title Tournament Final.
AJ Styles and Daniel Bryan faced off for the vacant championship – which was held by Sami Zayn before he stepped away from the Performance Center shows amid the coronavirus pandemic – and it was every bit the classic you’d expect and then some.
It shouldn’t be a shock that two of the greatest to ever lace up a pair of boots put on such a phenomenal (no pun intended) showcase, but this really was on a whole other level.
For around 40 minutes, these two men showcased the best of professional wrestling in an exciting, innovative, technically sound bout reminding fans why we love this.
In the end, it was Styles who picked up the win – and it will be thrilling to see where the Phenomenal One can take the IC Title over the coming weeks and months.
You’ve got to feel sorry for Edge and Randy Orton following that to try and deliver the Greatest Wrestling Match Ever at Backlash.
Elsewhere, The New Day – who took the knee and raised their fists for the Black Lives Matter movement – faced off with Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura in non-title action.
The SmackDown Tag Team Champions had a decent match with a duo sure to be their next title challengers, although the commercial break really hurt the momentum of this bout.
Regardless of the less-than-thrilling action here, seeing Nakamura and Cesaro pick up the win will surely lead to a rematch for the gold and these four men will undoubtedly deliver.
We also saw new Women’s Tag Team Champions Bayley and Sasha Banks hold a celebration after beating Nikki Cross and Alexa Bliss for the gold last week.
Naturally, they bragged and hit back at the naysayers – but Bayley’s attempt at poetry was cut short by the former titleholders.
The IIconics also joined in on the big screen, distracting the champs and allowing Bliss and Cross to attack and stand tall ahead of the Triple Threat on Sunday at Backlash.
Finally, the main event saw Mr. Money In The Bank Otis teaming up with his Heavy Machinery partner Tucker and Universal Champion Braun Strowman to take on The Miz, John Morrison and Dolph Ziggler.
The match wasn’t bad, and it’s great to see fresh talent showcased in the way Otis has been the past few months.
Midway through the boat, a cameraman caught King Corbin backstage as he confronted Mandy Rose for Otis playing with his crown, leading to Otis charging backstage to confront his rival.
He eventually returned, hitting the Caterpillar and earning another win over Ziggler.
Quickfire results
- Non-Title: Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura defeated SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day
- Intercontinental Title: AJ Styles pinned Daniel Bryan
- Braun Strowman and Heavy Machinery beat The Miz, John Morrison and Dolph Ziggler
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE: Geordie Shore’s Aaron Chalmers hints at shock WWE contract
0 Commentaires