SmackDown: Preparing for War & Classics

Since announcing the John Cena Classic, he had already invited Cody Rhodes, and now, he made way for Charlotte Flair to join. For a while two years ago, Flair felt lost and depressed, so she needed to thank John for not only inviting her but encourage her to own who she is. He revived her passion for wrestling, and she took those steps back. Amazingly so, Fatal Influence angrily stated their case about their talents not being appropriated, and John agreed by extending an invitation.

The MFTs and Bakusai have been exploding in each other’s faces since Kyoki arrived on the scene. Haku used his staff to whack Kyoki’s knee, and as payback later on, Kyoki delivered a harsh baseball slide that resulted in Haku crashing into Talla Tonga near the commentary table. But the most important part of the match was the interruption in the form of the War Raiders, which forced a disqualification. Bakusai had the titles won if it weren’t for Erik and Ivar.

Damian Priest being he’s authentic self again, not making excuses or delays that could negatively impact his trajectory to recapturing gold. He absolutely destroyed Axiom, and when Nathan Fraser came to check on his teammate, Priest dealt with him, too.

After Crown Jewel last Saturday, Sami Zayn came to the ring to make it very clear that all things that went wrong were made right when he got the respect he deserved from Roman Reigns, despite losing. He got Reigns to acknowledge him, and if he can do that, he expected the bare minimum from every other person in that arena.

Kevin Owens showed up to have a few words with Sami about wrongs being righted, since we’re on topic. He was glad of the beating he made CM Punk endure last week with a chain to his face. I enjoyed that as well. Owens was always on Zayn’s side and went out of his way to consistently promote his friend whenever others were talking down on Sami. However, he demanded a title opportunity as he also deserved to have after being screwed by Sami in Toronto.

Johnny Gargano stepped in to remind Owens that he had it far worse this year, but Kevin didn’t really care regardless of the respect he said he had for Gargano and definitely towards Candice LeRae, Johnny had been laying on a crate for six weeks and given a Championship match the moment someone chose to hover close enough to him. Owens shoved Gargano, and that resulted in Johnny attacking Kevin.

Commentary believe that Johnny had been brainwashed, and with time, he will realize. Like how Tiffany Stratton did with Nia Jax, Paige with Nikki Bella, Damien Priest with R-Truth.

The attention was meant for Jacy Jayne and Charlotte Flair, but the moment Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid showed up, that provoked Alexa Bliss and Tatum Paxley to stroll out here as well. A brawl was taking place outside the ring as Michin, B-Fab, and Jade Cargill descended on the proceedings. Bayley was there, too, but she got kicked by Cargill in heels. Very much like a character I’m developing. Although, my character is a lot more ruthless, trust.

La Primera Stephanie Vaquer took out Michin and Fallon, I suspect, with a kendo stick before Charlotte won her match with Natural Selection. They came to a mutual understanding that they’ll be engaging in a War Games fight. Things were raising over here while things were falling for Chelsea Green elsewhere when she called Stratton a thief for stealing her moment last weekend.

Tiffy reiterated that Green stole from her at SummerSlam, not necessarily the reverse. Stratton was accustomed to the idea that Chelsea should never have been Champion, stretching the point that she was better suited for catering prior to knocking the former champ with that Crown Jewel ring on her fist. And speaking of sneak attacks, Gunther kicked Finn Balor in the crutch after shoving Balor into the official, who didn’t see, in order to win.

TOP PHOTO: Cena on the blue brand. Courtesy of WWE