The WWE SmackDown Conundrum: When Talent Outshines Booking
There’s something inherently fascinating about WWE SmackDown—it’s like watching a masterpiece being painted with a sledgehammer. The June 12th episode was a prime example of this. On paper, the show had all the ingredients for greatness: high-stakes matches, character development, and a clear build toward Night of Champions. Yet, as I sat there analyzing the broadcast, I couldn’t shake the feeling that WWE is still grappling with its own identity.
The Queen’s Crown and the Wig That Stole the Show
Let’s start with the Queen of the Ring match featuring Charlotte Flair, Lyra Valkyria, Sol Ruca, and Jade Cargill. Personally, I think this match was a microcosm of WWE’s current state—brilliant talent trapped in a web of questionable booking. Flair’s victory was predictable, but what makes this particularly fascinating is how WWE continues to underutilize its rising stars. Cargill, for instance, is a powerhouse with undeniable charisma, yet her consistent losses feel like a missed opportunity. What many people don’t realize is that Cargill’s wig mishap wasn’t just a funny moment; it symbolized the larger issue of WWE’s inability to prioritize storytelling over spectacle.
If you take a step back and think about it, the Queen of the Ring tournament should be a platform to elevate new talent. Instead, it feels like a vehicle to reinforce existing hierarchies. Flair vs. Valkyria could have been a groundbreaking rivalry, but WWE’s reluctance to commit to long-term storytelling leaves fans like me craving more.
The Tag Team Tango: When Booking Paints Itself Into a Corner
Paige and Brie Bella’s non-title match against Fatal Influence was another head-scratcher. In my opinion, this segment highlighted WWE’s tendency to book itself into corners. Neither the champions nor the challengers could afford a loss, yet the match happened anyway. What this really suggests is that WWE often prioritizes short-term gains over long-term credibility.
One thing that immediately stands out is Lainey Reid’s potential. She’s far better than her inexperience suggests, and working with main roster talent could elevate her to new heights. But here’s the kicker: if Fatal Influence can’t win even with cheating, why should fans care about their title aspirations? It’s a question WWE seems unwilling to answer.
Sami Zayn: The Heel We Can’t Help But Love
Now, let’s talk about Sami Zayn. His confrontation with Cody Rhodes was, in my opinion, the highlight of the night. Zayn’s ability to blur the lines between heel and face is unparalleled. What makes this particularly fascinating is how he manages to be self-righteous without coming off as unlikeable. His exchange with Rhodes, complete with slaps and emotional facial expressions, was a masterclass in character development.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how Zayn’s promos often reflect real-world frustrations. His comparison of American and European audiences was brilliant—hypocritical, yes, but also relatable. If WWE isn’t careful, Zayn could talk himself into another massive babyface run, possibly at Rhodes’ expense.
The Underutilized Stars: Rey Fenix, Axiom, and the Creative Void
Rey Fenix vs. Axiom was a match that should have stolen the show. These two are, in my opinion, among the most underutilized stars in WWE. Their high-flying offense and technical prowess were on full display, yet the segment felt hollow. Why? Because WWE Creative seems unwilling to invest in them long-term.
This raises a deeper question: how many more matches like this will it take for WWE to realize the potential of its roster? Fenix and Axiom are not just athletes; they’re storytellers. But without consistent screen time and meaningful narratives, their brilliance risks being overlooked.
The Triple Threat Tease: Trick Williams, Carmelo Hayes, and the Charisma Factor
Trick Williams, Carmelo Hayes, and Ricky Saints delivered a solid segment, but it left me wanting more. Williams’ frustration over his King of the Ring loss was a refreshing change of pace—wins and losses mattering? Revolutionary! Yet, the segment felt unrealized, like a teaser for something bigger that may never come.
In my opinion, Hayes is the one star who could challenge Williams’ popularity. A Triple Threat Match feels inevitable, but I can’t help but wonder if Saints will be reduced to a footnote. WWE has a habit of sidelining talent in favor of established names, and this segment felt like a missed opportunity to build new stars.
The Repetition Trap: Tiffany Stratton vs. Jade Cargill, Again?
Tiffany Stratton and Chelsea Green’s match against Michin and B-Fab was quick and forgettable. The post-match beatdown hinted at another Stratton vs. Cargill feud, which, frankly, feels like a step backward. We’ve been here before, and it overstayed its welcome the first time.
What many people don’t realize is that both Stratton and Cargill have evolved as performers since their last feud. Revisiting this rivalry could work—if WWE approaches it with fresh eyes. But based on recent booking, I’m not holding my breath.
The King’s Court: Jey Uso and the Bloodline Saga
The King of the Ring main event was chaotic and entertaining, with Jey Uso emerging victorious. Royce Keys, in particular, was booked like a monster, absorbing everything thrown his way. But here’s where it gets interesting: Keys’ downfall came from an inadvertent distraction by Solo Sikoa, tying into the larger Bloodline saga.
From my perspective, this match was a testament to WWE’s strength in multi-man matchups. Yet, it also highlighted the company’s reliance on established narratives. Uso’s win makes sense within the context of The Bloodline, but it leaves me wondering: when will WWE take a risk on new talent?
The Bigger Picture: WWE’s Identity Crisis
If you take a step back and think about it, this episode of SmackDown was a microcosm of WWE’s larger identity crisis. The talent is there—unquestionably. The booking, however, often feels like a series of bandaid solutions. Three hours is too long for a show that only has two hours of meaningful content, and the bloated runtime dilutes the overall quality.
In my opinion, WWE needs to refocus on long-term storytelling and character development. The pieces are all there; they just need to be assembled with care. Until then, we’ll continue to get episodes like this—entertaining, but ultimately unsatisfying.
Final Thoughts
This episode of SmackDown was far better than most, but it still fell short of its potential. The wrestling was good, the booking made sense, and there were plenty of standout moments. Yet, the show’s bloated runtime and repetitive narratives left me wanting more.
Personally, I think WWE is at a crossroads. It has the talent, the resources, and the fanbase to create something truly special. But until it addresses its booking issues and commits to long-term storytelling, it will remain a show of missed opportunities.
What this really suggests is that WWE’s greatest opponent isn’t its competition—it’s itself.
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