SmackDown Review: The Ring General's Anger, Fraxiom vs War Raiders, and More! (2026)

Let's dive into the world of WWE SmackDown and explore the events leading up to Saturday Night's Main Event. Personally, I find it fascinating how the WWE builds anticipation for these big shows, and this week's SmackDown certainly had its moments.

The main event of the night, a match between Cody Rhodes and Gunther, was a highly anticipated clash. These two wrestlers have a history, and their encounter did not disappoint. With CM Punk and Sami Zayn adding to the chaos, the match had a unique dynamic. However, the lack of a conclusive finish left me feeling a bit disappointed. It's a fine line the WWE walks, trying to balance building momentum for future matches while delivering satisfying conclusions to current feuds.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this SmackDown was the return of Baron Corbin. His attack on Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes injected a new layer of complexity into the United States Championship picture. Corbin's return adds an element of unpredictability, and I'm curious to see how this storyline unfolds.

Now, let's talk about the matches themselves. The bout between Finn Bálor and Talla Tonga was a classic David vs. Goliath scenario. While Bálor's victory helps him build momentum, the match itself lacked the excitement one might hope for in such a clash of styles. It's a challenge for wrestlers to make these matches truly captivating.

The women's division also had its moments. Tiffany Stratton's victory over Jacy Jayne was a solid qualifier for the SummerSlam Ladder match. However, the match's brevity and a few noticeable mistakes left me wanting more. WWE often struggles to give its women's matches the time and attention they deserve, which is a shame given the talent involved.

The War Raiders, Erik and Ivar, delivered a much-needed boost to the show. Their match against Fraxiom was a welcome change of pace, and their powerful performance reminded everyone why they're one of the best teams in the game. It's a shame WWE hasn't utilized them more effectively in recent months.

In conclusion, this week's SmackDown had its highs and lows. While the main event and the War Raiders' match stood out, the rest of the show felt a bit lackluster. WWE has the talent to deliver exceptional matches, but sometimes the booking and storytelling fall short. As we look forward to Saturday Night's Main Event, I hope the WWE delivers on the potential these matches have.

What makes this week's SmackDown particularly interesting is the underlying theme of missed opportunities. WWE has a rich roster of talent, and it's up to them to utilize it effectively. I, for one, am excited to see how they build upon these storylines and matches in the coming weeks.

SmackDown Review: The Ring General's Anger, Fraxiom vs War Raiders, and More! (2026)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Rubie Ullrich

Last Updated:

Views: 6183

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (72 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rubie Ullrich

Birthday: 1998-02-02

Address: 743 Stoltenberg Center, Genovevaville, NJ 59925-3119

Phone: +2202978377583

Job: Administration Engineer

Hobby: Surfing, Sailing, Listening to music, Web surfing, Kitesurfing, Geocaching, Backpacking

Introduction: My name is Rubie Ullrich, I am a enthusiastic, perfect, tender, vivacious, talented, famous, delightful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.