By Nicholas Jason Lopez

“Notes In Observance” features random thoughts and analysis on recent television shows. Quick results can be found at the bottom of the post.

(Aired 7/9/15)

A Running Champion 

– The thing about Smackdown that sucks is that it’s starting to feel like a throwaway show with repetitive matches and recaps. Besides the first segment, this was utter filler that could’ve easily been missed. The main event, which had a fair amount of build, was quickly given a DQ result. WWE needs to think of a better way to showcase Smackdown, because it’s all a condensed version of Raw with subtle progress. Fans are dependent upon Raw as “must-see” TV of the week because that’s where all the big angles happen. The most Smackdown can offer is longer quality matches of what we see on Raw, but even that’s been on a shortage as of late. At the least, the opening video highlighted the talk of the week: Brock Lesnar wreaking havoc on both a Cadillac and J & J Security.

– The exchange between WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins and Paul Heyman was the main highlight of the show, and it wasn’t even close. Rollins had another solid performance in the segment and through the night really, as he was showing off more of his fearless and loud side. This is the side they need to emphasize as Battleground gets closer, to make it a more believable even affair. Liked the added touch of the damaged car at ringside, which served as a visual aide for the segment. Heyman as always, was gold and Rollins held his own well and we were surprised to actually see him get the last laugh here.

– The Dean Ambrose-Bo Dallas match featured another Dallas promo that showed off his inspirational and delusional ways. This Raw rematch seemed to be an indication that WWE has no idea what to do with either guy and are just trying to put them together for the hell of it. Same match, a little bit more offense from Dallas, but same result. This was a big win for Ambrose? Really?

– Given Big Show and Rollins’ loose Authority ties, it made sense for them to collaborate in this instance, with Rollins taking on one of Show’s current enemies in WWE Intercontinental Champion Ryback. Also liked that Rollins was throwing clear hints at Show for help, but Show stood his distance and claimed he only wanted to help Rollins stay focused. That alone sells Lesnar as a big threat, if a guy the size of Show wants nothing to do with the situation. This was also a good way to set up the Show-Roman Reigns match, though that sounded immensely throwaway.

– The Rusev-Fandango match was all about the return of Rusev “with a vengeance” and he was wearing boots this time around. He destroyed Fandango and made him tap out to the Accolade, also applying it after the match. Simple squash, but it’s rather obvious that Summer Rae and Rusev have zero chemistry. Just doesn’t feel right as a duo. The bad thing is that with Dolph Ziggler written off TV for the meantime, this is the kind of thing we’ll be subjected to.

– The Show-Reigns match was basic filler that also progressed the “mind games” storyline, as Reigns Superman Punched both Bray Wyatt, who came out, and Show. Wyatt put an end to things by causing the DQ. Fair progress, but nothing new.

– The Titus O’Neil-Big E match was again basic tag filler to push the Battleground rematch that saw O’Neill take advantage of the other New Day members getting ejected. New Day is on the slump yet again. Maybe this is all a swerve to show that they’ll get the gold back.

– The Randy Orton promo was brief but got across his dislike for Sheamus and vowed to make him pay. The Ascension coming out and threatening him for taking their match time only meant two surefire RKOs were in our future. And so it was.

– The Diva tag match with Brie Bella/Alicia Fox-Naomi/Tamina match was all about giving Team Bella more momentum headed into Raw. Nothing fancy in terms of action. It’s a shame they are not tapping more into the Naomi/Tamina duo as pure heels, because casting them against the Bellas is hurting their own act. If anything, they should be all Team Bella. Naomi’s attitude about being the best fits right in with the Bellas.

– Ryback’s backstage promo was solid from him, as he cleverly brought up the segment a few weeks back when he verbally clashed with Rollins on the concept of a Champion. Good hype.

– The Ryback-Rollins “Champion vs Champion” match didn’t have all that much action and was just throwaway because Rollins ran away and took the loss by count out. Sort of lame. This was just for Rollins to get Show to come out and for them both to beat down Ryback. Reigns made the save and allowed Ryback to get on his feet and ShellShock Rollins, giving a lukewarm end to a rather cold Smackdown.

Quick Results

– Dean Ambrose def. Bo Dallas via pinfall

– Rusev (w/Summer Rae) def. Fandango via submission

– Roman Reigns def. The Big Show via DQ

– Titus O’Neil (w/Darren Young) def. Big E (w/Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods) via pinfall

– Brie Bella/Alicia Fox (w/Nikki Bella) def. Naomi/Tamina via pinfall

– Ryback def. Seth Rollins via DQ