Sami Zayn defeated Baron Corbin
Well, WrestleRumble was not my friend on this prediction, as I expected a big victory for Baron Corbin. A really good match with a lot of positives, but the outcome is questionable at best.
Baron Corbin should have beaten Dean Ambrose at WrestleMania. I am a firm believer that this was a huge mistake for WWE and did nothing to help us believe that Baron Corbin should be viewed as a legit threat in the main event scene. Tonight was more about Sami picking up a “feel good win” more than anything else. As much as I enjoy his offense in the ring, there is more positive outcomes for Corbin to win than there is for Zayn. Why?
It is pretty simple. The faces on Smackdown Live are as follows: 1. AJ Styles 2. Shinsuke Nakamura 3. Randy Orton 4. Sami Zayn. For the heels, all you really have are a brand new Jinder Mahal and Kevin Owens. Baron Corbin could benefit more by getting a big push over Sami Zayn. As we have seen in the past, guys who lose before Money in the Bank are more likely to win that match. Maybe Baron is flying under the radar until getting that briefcase. Or, WWE thinks they really need more face depth than heel depth, which is RARELY the case.
At the end of this match, a talented Sami Zayn and Baron Corbin worked a really strong 14 minutes of action. It might be meaningless come Tuesday.
The Welcoming Committee Wins
Charlotte, Becky Lynch and Naomi picked up a loss when Becky Lynch tapped out. The Welcoming Committee picked up a much needed win at WWE Backlash in what will be a forgettable match. It is hard to argue that those three needed this random win more. Charlotte is the best, while Naomi is the champion and Becky Lynch is a constant fan favorite. When booking this match, it had to be known that the heels on Smackdown Live are much more in need of being perceived as important than the faces.
Natalya bothers the hell out of me and I think Tamina’s best days are behind her. That leaves us with Carmella. I would love to see her get an opportunity at the Women’s Championship, but she would need a faster progression in the ring. She is getting so much heat, many thanks to James Ellsworth. Hopefully, WWE gives her the next shot, while Charlotte patiently waits for her chance to strike and be on her own again. There is absolutely no need for Charlotte to be booked as a face like this. Let her thrive how she did on WWE RAW.
