WWE SmackDown Review: 3 Things We Loved and 3 Things We Hated

The episode leaned heavily into stipulations, though creative execution remained a primary point of friction for viewers tracking the weekly booking cycles.

Three Things We Hated About WWE SmackDown

The Overstayed Welcome of Williams vs. Corbin

According to Olivia Quinlan’s Wrestling Inc. column, the ongoing feud between Trick Williams and Baron Corbin reached what fans hoped was a definitive conclusion on September 25, 2026, but the journey there missed expectations. Despite the steel cage stipulation meant to contain the rivalry, outside interference heavily disrupted the bout. Lil Yachty utilized the cage door to strike Corbin, while Corbin returned the favor, completely bypassing the foundational premise that a steel cage locks out outside elements. Relying on three back-to-back Book Ends rather than Williams' primary finisher, the Trick Start, left the match's climax feeling structurally underwhelming.

Repetitive Opening Promos and Formulaic Booking

While the wrestling promotion has largely moved past the creative fatigue of its three-hour era, weekly formatting on the blue brand continues to lean on predictable television tropes. SmackDown frequently relies on lengthy mid-ring interviews and repetitive champion segments rather than varied in-ring pacing. Even with high-profile athletes like Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn working through a paranoid character arc, the dialogue-heavy segments often tread familiar ground week after week.

Undercooked Backstage Segments

Behind-the-source narrative threads—such as social media footage of Cody Rhodes addressing Michael Cole regarding Randy Orton—highlighted a disjointed approach to television integration. Rather than capitalizing on explosive internet angles directly at the top of the broadcast, major storyline developments were occasionally siloed into brief backstage encounters or pushed aside for standard qualifying matches, frustrating viewers looking for unified narrative momentum.

Three Things We Loved About WWE SmackDown

Breaking the Mold with a Steel Cage Opener

In a refreshing departure from standard television formatting, SmackDown opened directly with a high-stakes stipulation match rather than a traditional twenty-minute opening promo. Utilizing the men’s United States Championship steel cage match as the cold open injected immediate urgency into the broadcast. Giving the live audience immediate physical conflict successfully disrupted the predictable broadcast rhythm that has defined the brand’s weekly television structure.

High-Stakes Money in the Bank Qualifying Matches

The September 25, 2026 episode elevated its competitive stakes by securing official Money in the Bank ladder match qualifying spots for both Lash Legend and CM Punk. Integrating these high-profile bracket implications directly into the active card provided tangible long-term value for the autumn pay-per-view schedule. Grounding the weekly television in championship qualification creates immediate competitive weight, moving storylines away from filler feuds and toward concrete championship trajectories.

Streamlined Champion Placement

Sami Zayn’s appearance alongside Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae provided an efficient, well-paced use of the reigning champion’s television time. By keeping the backstage interaction concise while top contenders focused on ladder match qualification, the broadcast avoided overexposing its primary title picture. This disciplined approach allowed the rest of the roster adequate space to develop their respective programs without diluting the championship main event.

Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.