Friday Night Smackdown – May 12th 2023: Results and Review
Welcome to this review of this past Friday’s episode of Friday Night Smackdown, right here on Nerdly. Let’s see what went down on this week’s show as the “Night of Champions” gets ever closer!
Match #1: World Heavyweight Title Tournament Triple Threat Match – AJ Styles def. Edge and Rey Mysterio
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
In an incredible Triple Threat Match filled with explosive moments, Edge foiled Rey Mysterio’s attempt to attack from the top rope. As The Rated-R Superstar turned, though, AJ Styles hit Edge with the Phenomenal Forearm to pick up the victory over his two WWE Hall of Fame opponents. As a result, The Phenomenal One advanced to the semifinals of the World Heavyweight Title Tournament later in the same evening.
My Score: 3 out of 5
Match #2: World Heavyweight Title Tournament Triple Threat Match – Bobby Lashley def. Sheamus and Austin Theory
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
In the final moments of the second hard-hitting Triple Threat Match of the night, Bobby Lashley locked United States Champion Austin Theory into the Hurt Lock. As Theory fought to escape, Sheamus suddenly blasted him with a Brogue Kick out of nowhere. Nevertheless, The All Mighty had the presence of mind to throw The Celtic Warrior to the ringside floor and pick up the three-count. With his victory, The All Mighty advanced to the semifinals of the World Heavyweight Title Tournament to battle AJ Styles.
My Score: 3 out of 5
Match #3: Cameron Grimes def. Baron Corbin
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Hot off the WWE Draft, Cameron Grimes scored a win that was as impressive as it was super fast, executing the Cave In on the outspoken Baron Corbin seconds after the opening bell.
My Score: 1 out of 5
Match #4: WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship – Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez def. Damage CTRL
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Although Bayley attempted to have Dakota Kai cause a distraction and set up IYO SKY by giving her the title to use as a weapon, Raquel Rodriguez grabbed it from her at the last second and allowed Liv Morgan to roll up The Role Model for the victory.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #5: AJ Styles def. Bobby Lashley
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
After winning their respective Triple Threat Matches earlier in the night, AJ Styles and Bobby Lashley squared off in the semifinals of the World Heavyweight Title Tournament. At the end of the brawl, Styles ducked and sent The All Mighty into the steel post. He then hit the Phenomenal Forearm for the second time tonight to pick up the important win. With the victory, Styles earned the right to battle Seth “Freakin” Rollins for the World Heavyweight Title at WWE Night of Champions
My Score: 3 out of 5
Final Verdict: 3/5
A better show than last week that’s for sure but there was still something lacking in this week’s episode of Smackdown – even with the reappearance of Roman Reigns and some interesting, at least on paper, match-ups. But those match-ups didn’t deliver as much as you’d expect them too and that’s what held the entire show back IMHO. The one positive? Asuka turning full-on heel and blinding champ Bianca Belair with green mist… hopefully being a huge heel means more Asuka on TV!
