SmackDown was live this past Tuesday in Charlotte, North Carolina. Last week, Kofi Kingston got the biggest opportunity of his 11 year career. He was awarded a shot against Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship at “Fastlane.” Can Kofi get in the head of the “Planet’s Champion” before their battle at Fastlane?
SmackDown kicked off with Stephanie and Shane McMahon, who are standing in the ring to oversee the official contract signing for the WWE Championship match at Fastlane between Daniel Bryan & Kofi Kingston. From there, Shane gives a retrospective of Kofi’s career. From debuting on the new ECW brand to winning numerous championships, to his feats of athleticism throughout ladder matches and Royal Rumbles, Kofi Kingston has truly become one of WWE’s most entertaining superstars today.
His stardom evolved when he became apart of the brotherhood of the New Day, which has led Kofi to this past two weeks of fame in the gauntlet match and the Elimination Chamber.
Accompanied by the New Day, Kofi is then introduced to the ring with a standing ovation by the WWE Universe. “KofiMania” has been born and is building up momentum that could lead him all the way to the WWE Championship. Kofi expressed how grateful he is for this opportunity at Fastlane. He then stared down Daniel Bryan and promised that he will fulfill his dream and become WWE Champion.
Before the contract could be officially signed, Vince McMahon comes out. He states that he knows Kofi fought for this opportunity. However, he feels he is not the most deserving of the shot. That is why he is replacing Kofi Kingston with… Kevin Owens.
As The New Day walk backstage disgusted by the decision of Vince McMahon, Kevin Owens and Daniel Bryan lock eyes in the ring.
The Bar v. The Hardy Boyz
The Bar was set to take on DIY in a rematch from last week. However, in yet another surprise, Matt Hardy made his return to team alongside his brother Jeff. This week sure has been full of returns.
The Hardyz will always be remembered as one of the greatest tag teams in WWE history and this bout demonstrated that statement as the Hardyz and The Bar slugged it out.
However, it was the Carolina natives that were able to utilize their experience to pick up the victory after Matt was able to hit the Twist of Fate on Sheamus, which led to Jeff’s Swanton Bomb for the pin.
R-Truth’s United States Championship Open Challenge
The United States Champion, R-Truth wanted to follow in the footsteps of former United States Champions before him and put the Championship on the line in an open challenge.
Andrade seemed to be the one who was going to challenge R-Truth for the Championship. However, from behind Rey Mysterio ambushed Andrade and rushed the ring. R-Truth was stuck in a dilemma of who should get the opportunity. That is why, in tribute to John Cena, R-Truth defended the United States Championship against both of them.
Rey Mysterio looked to be closing in on the United States Championship after hitting the 619 on Andrade, but R-Truth was able to roll up Rey for the pin, thus successfully retaining the United States Championship.
Charlotte Responds to the Events that Happened on Raw
On Raw, Becky Lynch invaded the ring and continuously attempted to get in the face of Ronda Rousey, which led to her to get arrested. So, after Ronda laid the Raw Women’s Championship in front of Stephanie, where does that leave Charlotte?
Charlotte comes out and states that the actions that happened on Raw were all out of fear. She states that Becky is afraid that Charlotte will expose who she truly is. She also states that Ronda is afraid the Charlotte will give her the beating of a lifetime just like she did at Survivor Series.
Charlotte concluded that she is going to show up to Raw this Monday where Vince McMahon will award her the Raw Women’s Championship. Is she truly the deserving champion?
Aleister Black & Ricochet v. Rusev & Shinsuke Nakamura
This duo over the last two weeks have shown why they belong on the main roster. The two superstars are human highlight reels that will steal the show any night of the week. They look to do so once again against two former United States Champions.
Each team has something to prove in this matchup. Ricochet and Aleister look to prove why they belong on either Raw or SmackDown. While Rusev and Shinsuke look to prove why they still should be in consideration for the United States Championship.
In a brutal and exciting match, Aleister and Ricochet impress yet again, picking up the victory when Aleister was able to hit the Black Mass on Shinsuke for the pin and the win.
Kofi Kingston & Kevin Owens v. Daniel Bryan & Erick Rowan
Even though he was screwed out of the biggest opportunity in his career, Kofi Kingston still teamed up with the man who stole his opportunity, Kevin Owens. Together, the two take on the WWE Champion Daniel Bryan and his insurance policy Erick Rowan.
Kofi had his shot at the WWE Championship in his hands, but now he has to prove once again why he is the most deserving contender for the WWE Championship. Kevin, on the other hand, has to prove why he is the most deserving choice to challenge Daniel at Fastlane. Kevin has to prove that he did not lose a step since being sidelined last year with an injury.
The match was a huge back and forth contest. Each team seemed like they had the advantage. With the power of Rowan, Daniel Bryan was at a distinct advantage, especially in the closing moments of the match. Kevin seemed to be closing in on the win, but Rowan dragged him out the ring and threw him over the announce table. Rowan seemed to be going to do it to Kofi next, but Kofi was able to hit a huge dive onto him.
Meanwhile, Bryan dragged the prone Owens into the ring only to get hit by a Stunner by Owens, picking up the win for his team. The new and improved Kevin Owens has now pinned the WWE Champion and seems to have his eyes set on one thing, taking the title for himself.
Conclusion
This was yet another fantastic episode of SmackDown. From the much anticipated return of Kevin Owens, to the unexpected return of the Hardy Boyz, this week overall has been a great week of fantastic moments on the Road to WrestleMania. What could possibly be in store for next week?
David Jacobus
Staff Writer