Opening Segment
What I Liked:
Smackdown starts off with Vince announcing Booker T as the General Manager of Smackdown. I think this is a brilliant idea for a few reasons. Booker is more comfortable on the microphone in the ring, with pre planned ideas. On commentary, he was brutal. I like the fact that a former wrestler is the GM, and he can be utilized in either the face or heel because he has done both effectively. Furthermore, Del Rio comes in and immediately gets in the face of Booker. Out of all the heels, Del Rio needs to be the guy that feuds in some senses with the authority figure. I liked this and felt that Booker T is able to get the best out of Alberto. Well done first segment.
What I Disliked:
Booker is going to be fair from both ends. I think this is inevitably going to change. I do not want too much Booker each week, but there has to be a balance of him throughout the show.
Grade: B+
Sheamus def. Tensai
What I Liked:
To start off Smackdown, Sheamus and Tensai put on a solid match with plenty of physicality. Tensai throws Sheamus into the steps, using more of a tough and brawling aspect to his offense. He shied away from his technicality, which never worked for me. Tensai needs to use his size more than his skill of grappling. Sheamus works well with anyone, and this is another example. I love when Sheamus chopped down Tensai, with strong forearms over his chest. The fans were able to get behind him quickly. The finish came when Sheamus knocked Tensai out with a Brogue Kick. Out of nowhere, Sheamus picks up the win after a solid outing.
What I Disliked:
Is Tensai really going to be put into this situation? There are other men that should have faced Sheamus, not a guy who has no meaning or feud. Tensai continues to be used to get guys over, but he is not over. This does not calculate for me, especially since Tensai flips from losing to Tyson Kidd. Do we ever believe he would beat Sheamus?
Grade: B-
