Sean Ross SAPPLASH: Podcast Notes, Match Ratings, More

Pre-show

• The Erick Rowan gimmick is a perfect encapsulation of the laziness in a lot of WWE writing. Lazy.
• As is tradition, Sami Zayn unscripted is a very likeable guy.

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Tye Dillinger defeated Aiden English

5/10

• JBL talking about Aiden English crying is a little uncomfortable
• English singing during the match was kind of funny.
• This was a very standard match for the first six or so minutes, but it's nice to see a little bit of English's offense.
• The finish of the match was fun and a little different since we haven't seen much of that English offense.
• I love the new Tyebreaker

Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Dolph Ziggler
7/10

• It was a good idea to hold Nakamura off for PPV
• Had Ziggler been protected at all on TV, this would have been even better.
• There was a sweet sleeper suplex reversal where Ziggler superkicked the back of Nakamura's head.
• Ziggler took Nakamura's finish as good as anyone ever has.

Smackdown Tag Team Championship
The Usos (c) defeated Breezango
6.5/10

• Tyler Breeze is mopping the apron, while wearing a janitorial outfit.
• I'm not sure why the referee is allowing this, but I'm having a good time.
• The visual of Jey Uso knocking Breeze's glasses off was great.
• This is a turd-level indy match and I couldn't possibly enjoy it more
• Breeze is dressing up like a grandma. The crowd loves it.
• I'm havin' fun, Byron!
• There was a sick/weird looking DDT from Fandango. 
• The Usos are great at playing the straight men in this comedy spot. 
• Motivated Fandango > Motivated BJ Penn. He hits a big Tope con hilo. Wow!

Sami Zayn defeated Baron Corbin
7.25/10

• This is the right type of matchup for both men.
• Zayn and Corbin beat the hell out of each other.
• Everything one guy gave, they also took. This was violent.
• Corbin scores with a big chokeslam backbreaker, which is cool.
• They really turn it up, they're giving their all. This is really good. 
• A Deep Six hits, which should finish a lot of people.
• Sami Zayn wins! Wow. Hell of a match. Didn't see that coming.

Backstage crappenings

• The Singh Brothers lay down a carpet. If not for Mahal's "YOU PEOPLE" line, I'd have liked this. He did well, and WWE let him look into the camera cutting the old Hassan/Daivari promo.

Welcoming Committee (w/ James Ellsworth) defeated Becky Lynch, Naomi & Charlotte
4/10

• Our hog is an awesome hog, he reigns at Allstate Arena/
• Becky's hair is something.
• Naomi hits a SOLID cross body press.
• Really though, James Ellsworth is so good. 
• This match isn't, it's a mess. 
• Natalya very clearly doesn't kick out of a prawn pin.
• Natalya wins with a Sharpshooter.

United States Championship
Kevin Owens (c) defeated AJ Styles via countout
8.25/10

• Owens has slimmed down a lot.
• KO was pretty stiff on a few senton bombs.
• I can't believe Styles can hit an inverted powerbomb and Ushigoroshi on KO.
• Owen's neckbreaker over the knee is baller. 
• There are so many cool spots in this match, it's hard to nail down. 
• KO and Styles were made for each other.
• Apron suplex, super fisherman's buster, Pele kick, it doesn't stop. 
• The announcer's table spot was so clever, and exactly what I'd expect from them.
• One of the best countout finishes I've ever seen.

Luke Harper defeated Erick Rowan
5.5/10

• These guys beat each other up with all they have, and I was hoping for an embrace at the end.
• Rowan has improved a lot. He's always working to expand his offense.
• A nice suicide dive spot by Harper, a nice powerbomb by Rowan.
• It's a shame Harper, Rowan and Wyatt couldn't stay healthy at the same time.
• Discus chest bump for the win. Ok

WWE Championship
Jinder Mahal (w/ Singh Brothers) defeated Randy Orton
6/10

• Remember, John Cena is back on July 4. The fourth of July. Independence Day. America's Independence Day. The United States one.
• Good call to start this match out aggressively
• Jinder, you can't swoon me with a top wristlock, no matter how hard you try. #CatchAsCatchCan
• WWE really fetishizes this style in their top championship programs.
• Randy Orton almost kills a Bollywood Boy.
• Can't say this isn't in line with his booking. Jinder Mahal has yet to win any physical altercation on his own. That's consistent

Rating guide

10- Perfect, 9- Excellent, 8- Great, 7- Good, 6- Above Average, 4-5- Average, 3 or below: Poor