Friday Night Smackdown – Nov 4th 2022: Results & 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 the show!
Match #1: No Disqualification Match – Liv Morgan def. Sonya Deville
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
The weapons came out early with Liv Morgan brandishing a Kendo stick, leading to a heart-stopping exchange between the two. Deville claimed the upper hand by using the weapon to put Morgan into a crossface. Morgan fought out of the submission attempt, destroying the Kendo stick with her repeated shots on Deville. After Morgan set up a table, Deville stopped her and pushed the table back under the ring, drawing the ire of the St. Louis crowd. The table was eventually brought back out by Morgan, but the move nearly backfired for the former SmackDown Women’s Champion, as Deville attempted a German suplex from the apron onto the table, which lay precariously below. Morgan tried fighting out but decided to throw caution into the wind, pushing herself back so she and Deville both crashed through the wood. Not to be outdone, Deville produced a bounty of chairs and planted Morgan with a phenomenal Powerbomb on the unforgiving steel. Morgan kicked out, which infuriated Deville, who slammed Morgan face-first onto the steel chairs. Just as Deville was about to execute the Deville’s Advocate, Morgan countered and hit Deville with Oblivion, leaving St. Louis the victor.
My Thoughts: 2.5 out of 5
Match #2: LA Knight def. Ricochet
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Though Ricochet took issue with LA Knight for his arrogance in prior weeks, Knight kept his mouth running during their match, dissing WWE Ring Announcer Samantha Irvin before The One and Only jumpstarted the fight by leaping over the ropes. Looking to mimic his opponent, Knight attempted a springboard moonsault, but The One and Only moved out of the way before showing the brash megastar how it’s done. Knight continued to run his mouth throughout the contest, but Ricochet planted Knight with a gorgeous top-rope hurricanrana. Ricochet nearly scored a pinfall, but Knight used the ropes as leverage and held Ricochet’s tights to steal the victory.
My Thoughts: 2.5 out of 5
Match #3: Shayna Baszler def. Natalya
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
With SmackDown Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey now in the corner of Shayna Baszler, the “killer” version of Baszler is back, and The Queen of Spades on former tag team partner Natalya in a matchup to prove it. Natalya gave everything she had against Baszler, but The Queen of Spades claimed the win with the Kirifuda Clutch. After the match, Baszler, egged on by Rousey, blasted her former friend in the face with a knee strike, shattering Natalya’s nose.
My Thoughts: 2 out of 5
Match #4: Intercontinental Championship Match – Gunther def. Rey Mysterio
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
After winning the Fatal 4-Way a few weeks ago, Rey Mysterio had his chance to dethrone Gunther and become a three-time Intercontinental Champion. Gunther, even without his Imperium brethren, took advantage early, planting The Master of the 619 with an Apron Powerbomb. Gunther tried following up with a Powerslam, but Mysterio blocked it and put Gunther in a crucifix hold before hitting a crucifix bomb. Gunther continued his punishment of Mysterio, repeatedly trying to rip off The Ultimate Underdog’s mask. In a heart-stopping moment, Mysterio tried to execute another top-rope hurricanrana, but Gunther countered and attempted a top-rope Powerbomb. Mysterio then countered and hit Gunther with a top-rope hurricanrana in mid-air. After a monstrous dropkick and a brutal Powerbomb by Gunther, The Master of the 619 still kicked out! Mysterio’s second attempt at a 619 spelled his doom, as Gunther nearly decapitated Mysterio with a big boot before he followed up with a thunderous clothesline to end Mysterio’s quest for the title. Once again, the Intercontinental Champion Gunther reigned supreme.
My Thoughts: 3.5 out of 5
Final Verdict: 3/5
A good, solid week of wrestling from WWE’s blue brand, even if this was more treading water in a pre-taped show so the company could travel overseas to score some of that precious blood money for Crown Jewel. The main event was surprisingly good given that it felt one-sided on paper!
