Smack Talk: 9/24/21

All The Action From The Latest Episode Of Smackdown

This week's Smackdown was the final episode before this Sunday's Extreme Rules pay-per-view. While it didn't follow up on this Monday's fantastic edition of Raw like some fans may have anticipated, it still delivered a good show. Not every segment was shining, however. Here are the highs and lows for this week's Smackdown:

Women's Division

Starting with the lows, the two women's matches. The first was between Liv Morgan vs. Zelina Vega. Despite Zelina picking up the win due to Carmella's distraction, Liv looked like a star. The match was good and gave the three women good exposure and promotion for Liv and Carmella's match on Sunday, but it should have been longer.

Toni Storm should have been involved as well but was relegated to a brief backstage appearance. She has yet to be adequately featured on the show since her debut.

The second match was Nikki A.S.H. vs. Natalya in a much shorter bout, the aftermath of which saw Tegan and Shotzi ride their tank to the ring for a brief stare-down. I believe it was implied that there will be a three-way tag match on Sunday, but it could've been set up better with a 3-way promo segment. Tegan and Shotzi have a legitimate claim for a title shot, and Natalya and Tamina deserve a rematch. The match that occurred only served to make the former champs look weak.

The Mysterio

Now onto the highs. The Mysterio's had a good segment to give Dominik some much-needed character development. He's becoming weary of his father's tutelage, whereas Rey sees his son as still having a lot to learn.

In comes Sami Zayn to stir the pot. WWE looks to be planting seeds for a heel turn for Dominik and a split from his father. Although I worry for the young Mysterio, having been under his father's wing since his debut last year, he's been needing something to grow on for some time. I have no doubt Vince McMahon sees great things in the 2nd generation star, so we'll have to stay tuned to see how things play out in the coming weeks.

The Man And The Est

This week's episode opened with some good back and forth between the Smackdown Women's Champion Becky Lynch and the former champion Bianca Belair in a segment that saw the EST paying back her foe for last week's interruption. The quarrel started with Lynch defending her actions the week prior and putting the blame on Belair, as well as putting herself over. Not having any of it, Bianca shot down Lynch's blatant disregard for her accomplishments by pointing out that she has done as much as Lynch and vows to win back her title before dropping her with a KOD.

Naomi Is Back!

Continuing their growing rivalry, Naomi made her long-awaited return to the ring and demanded a match. Sonya enters the fray and tells her that it is still not happening. In response, Naomi demands a match with Sonya, getting the crowd behind her before being removed by security.

This is good angle progression as we are in the midst of seeing both of these great superstars return to action against one another. I don't see this match taking place this Sunday at Extreme Rules, but I do see the feud escalating. The only thing I would have done differently here is either have Naomi take out the two security guards before leaving of her own accord or decking Sonya on her way out. Her leaving with the guards seems like a backslide from the attitude she showed last week.

Main Event: Roman Reigns vs. Montez Ford

After Montez insulted the Usos in relation to Roman, the Tribal Chief went against the counsel of Paul Heyman and demanded a match just three days away from his championship fight against The Demon. Montez, full of charisma, stood his ground against the champ in an entertaining main event. Montez looked great, giving the Big Dog as much as he could handle.

There appeared to be a spot where Ford showed off a bit too much and even Roman saw it. There was also an awkward mishap with the announce table, but it was a great showing, nonetheless. Ford was ultimately submitted with the guillotine choke and made an example of, post-match.

He may have a ways to go, but Montez Ford will make a great singles competitor one day. The show then concluded with a save from The Demon, who took out all members of The Bloodline with a steel chair.

We now look forward to this Sunday's Extreme Rules. Will The Demon be crowned? Will Brock Lesnar show up? We'll have to tune in to find out.

Dakota Mayes is our resident WWE expert at The Pyrrhic. Be sure to keep on top of all the latest in news, previews, and reviews in the world of professional wrestling right here with Dakota at thepyrrhic.com.