Man, it feels like just yesterday I was here to give my insights on Clash of Champions, but I guess that’s the new WWE style. With most people tuning in tonight to a slobber knocker which was not wrestling related, Smackdown had their October event quietly, but with some quality. It had an odd layout (which I’ll get into), but still maintained interest for majority of the show. Without further adue, to the matches.

Match 1: AJ Styles (Champion) v. John Cena v. Dean Ambrose No DQ Triple Threat for the WWE World Championship

When WWe issued a statement earlier today stating that they were opening the show with their main event, I was absolutely perplexed. However, after looking at what else was on tonight, it comes as no surprise that WWE wanted to get their big match on without competition. With the second Presidential debate, the numbers were sure to be a bit lower, so this made complete sense. While there was certain a concern with keeping people invested for the rest of the night, this excellent match drew us all right in. It was what you’d expect from this grouping, where each pulled out some impressive spots, and seemingly putting each other over. The biggest takeaway from this match for me was how both Cena and Styles worked really well with Ambrose here, and he came out looking much stronger than he has. It may be because there was more than one other person in the match, but he gave off a “main event” feel that was missing from last month’s title match.

While the match was a no brainer in terms of quality, there were some points of contention. Firstly, the build up was solid enough, but the idea that Cena “doesn’t have it in ring” anymore is ludicrous. I see no problem with simply calling him a part-timer, but fueling the smarky hatred he gets is unnecessary, and appeared to do more to hurt Ambrose than help. Also, the entire finishing sequence was weird. With AJ locked in a calf crusher and STF from Ambrose and Styles at the same time, he tapped, but obviously that gave no clear winner. In the confusion, the ref continued the match, and AJ, taking advantage of the NO DQ rule, came in and attacked Cena with a chair, who had just laid out Dean with his finisher. The finish was just lackluster, with AJ getting the pin after that chair shot, and hopefully these three will go at it again.

Winner and Still WWE World Champion: AJ Styles

Match 2: Carmella v. Nikki Bella

As I’ve said before, I cannot get over how well Smackdown has incorporated the women’s division into their show. With a fairly balanced roster, there’s room not only for title feuds, but also grudge matches like this one here. Nikki and Carmella continue to have good character and ring chemistry in this match, as Carmella nails the smarmy heel persona. While there were a few botched spots in the match, the storytelling endured, and the constant attacks on Nikki’s neck, and screaming in frustration cemented Carmella’s viability against Nikki. Even though the finish never really seemed in doubt, and the crowd was a little out of it for this match, these two put on a good performance, and either would be a viable contender going forward. Nikki pulls out a win, but that doesn’t come easy.

Winner: Nikki Bella

Match 3: Heath Slater and Rhyno (Champions) v. The Usos for the WWE Smackdown Tag Team Championship

In the past, I’ve stated that I was fairly over The Usos, as they were getting a little stale to me. This character reinvention, after their heel turn, has made me completely 180 on that opinion. Even though their in ring style slowed down, they have reinvented themselves as no f*** given tough guys who’ll still strike you hard with a super kick at any moment. It worked perfectly in contrast with Slater and Rhyno, who’ve become fan favorites in their embracing of the ridiculousness that is their teaming. You wouldn’t expect Slater and Rhyno to be particularly strong in ring, but with Slater seemingly getting better and better each match, and Rhyno bring a veteran presence, it continues to click on all levels. In working with proven in ring competitors like the Usos, these two held their own, and convincingly beat the Usos to retain. While I’m unsure where the teams go from here, they put in some quality work with this match and feud.   

Winners and Still WWE Smackdown Tag Team Champions: Heath Slater and Rhyno

Match 4: Baron Corbin v. Jack Swagger

I have to confess, this match seem to just fly by, and there wasn’t a huge amount to take from it. For these guys, this was logical booking and they certainly did the best with the spot, as both put in a quality match. The really big aspect to grab to from this was that Corbin is continuing to look stronger and stronger each month. When he was initially called up, I wasn’t a fan of his style, thinking him too plodding, but he’s becoming more and more crisp with various guys, which is exactly what you want from a new guy. In terms of Swagger, he’s always a good guy to slot in for a good match. Still trying to shake the stigma of being a guy that causes injuries, his athleticism is still something that’s never in doubt. With Corbin getting the win, he continues his ascension, but Swagger’s future is unclear. Wherever he’s slotted, I’m sure he’ll put in yeoman’s work.  

Winner: Baron Corbin

Match 5: The Miz (Champion) v. Dolph Ziggler in a career v. title match for the Intercontinental Title

There are not enough words to express just how good this match was. Firstly, I LOVE that this was for IC belt, and even though the career stakes heightened the stakes, they both were dying to get or hold onto that belt. The series of near falls of this match had me jumping out of my seat, and it didn’t take long for the crowd to get completely invested in this match. For that, hats off to Miz, who proves yet again that he’s one of the strongest pure heels in the company. It’s nearly impossible not to hate him, and even though he was pushed a little soon those years ago, he’s become a bonafide high class in ring worker. In terms of Ziggler, this is the perfect slot for him. He came in as an underdog, and his huge selling style made you ultra sympathetic, and all those near falls from The Miz were that much more impactful from Ziggler’s passionate kick outs. This match stole the show, and even though it seemed hard to conceive Ziggler losing, I was never sure from the start of the match on. If anything is sure, it’s that these two are main event material, and while this isn’t on this caliber (don’t accuse me of hyperbole) I hope this is their Savage/Steamboat moment.

Winner and New IC Champion: Dolph Ziggler

Match 6: Alexa Bliss v. Naomi

It’s hard to judge this match without looking through the lense of what this was suppose to be. Originally, Bliss was set to challenge Becky Lynch for the championship, but due to an injury to Lynch, that didn’t happen. That said, Naomi fit this spot perfectly, going back to my previous point of this division being much more balanced on Smackdown than Raw. That said, these two never really seemed to click. The match wasn’t bad by any stretch, it was just very clearly a filler. Part of that feeling might be due to the crowd not being totally invested, which it’s hard to blame after that marathon they had just gotten with Miz v. Ziggler. Both these women are strong in ring, and while they put on a good performance, Becky’s absence hung over the match. Also, the finish was a little odd, as Naomi wins by an odd pinfall. It didn’t really diminish Bliss, and it’s always good for Naomi to get a deserved win, the spot just seemed a bit awkward.

Winner: Naomi

Match 7: Randy Orton v. Bray Wyatt

This feud is right out of 1992 WCW, with the shadow of Kevin Sullivan looming stronger and stronger over Bray. I’m not exactly sure what the weird mirror twirly Iphoto effect meant toward Orton, and the oddness of that moment was so unrealistic it was hard to suspend disbelief. The match itself was middle of the road, as it’s becoming harder and harder for Orton to have a bad match, and Wyatt’s weird intense style is still working in spots. The finish of the match was booked strong, as just when Orton seemed to have the upper hand, the light went dark, and to spots flooded the stage to reveal a hooded Luke Harper, making his return. The confusion gave Wyatt the time he needed to grab Orton and hit the Sister Abigail for the win. Firstly, I’m extremely happy to see Harper back, as he’s one of the best big men workers in the company. Also, while this finish was schmoozy, it’s perfect for Wyatt. Hopefully this begins a run of strong wins for Wyatt, so he can establish himself as a strong, monsterish heel again. As for Orton, they could do anything with him. The cagey veteran can seemingly do little wrong since his return.

Winner: Bray Wyatt

And that was No Mercy. With a night dominated by the debate, this was a nice show with some very high quality matches. Even though the product seems never ending, I can’t really complain when the quality is as good as it’s been. See you all on Halloween with Hell in a Cell coverage!