This week’s WWE SmackDown featured some intense wrestling action, including a big six-man tag team match to kick off the night. But the biggest shocker came at the end when a heel team defeated #DIY to win the tag team titles, leaving fans in disbelief.
However, not everyone was impressed. Wrestling veteran Vince Russo had harsh words for the show, criticizing it for focusing too much on matches and not enough on characters and storylines. Here’s a full breakdown of what happened and Russo’s strong opinions about it.
WWE SmackDown: Major Tag Team Title Change
SmackDown started with an exciting six-man tag team match, keeping fans engaged right from the beginning. The night ended on a high (or low, depending on who you support) when a major heel team beat #DIY for the tag team championships. This surprise victory is sure to shake up the tag team division and start new rivalries in the coming weeks.
Vince Russo’s Harsh Criticism of SmackDown
Speaking on Sportskeeda WrestleBinge’s BroDown, Vince Russo shared his frustration with WWE’s current product, especially SmackDown. According to Russo, WWE has forgotten what makes wrestling truly exciting — strong characters and captivating stories, not just matches.
Here’s what Russo said:
“This is not wrestling. There are no characters. There are no stories. It’s not wrestling without characters and stories. It’s wrestling matches, but it’s not wrestling. I am not a fan of this. I’m not gonna sit here and say, ‘Oh, I love this.’ I used to, obviously, I spent a great amount of my life in it. Yeah, this is not wrestling. This is not wrestling. These are wrestling matches.”
Russo further criticized WWE’s pattern of saving all the action for the end of the show:
“They’ve gone to the well now three weeks in a row. This is the new formula: have a swerve at the end, let the first two hours and 50 minutes be absolute dog crp. But then, at the end, we’re gonna have IYO SKY upset Rhea Ripley. Then we’re gonna have Roman Reigns come out. Then we’re gonna have the Street Profits. Mac, this is how lame they are.”*
Clearly, Russo feels that WWE SmackDown lacks the story-driven excitement that made wrestling great in earlier years.
Will Roman Reigns Address His Attack on Rollins and Punk?
Speaking of Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman has confirmed that “The High Tide” will appear next week on SmackDown. Fans are eagerly waiting to see if Reigns will explain why he attacked Seth Rollins and CM Punk during RAW.
With WrestleMania getting closer, all eyes are on Reigns to see what his next move will be. Will he challenge Rollins or Punk? Or is he planning something even bigger for The Bloodline?
What’s Next for WWE SmackDown?
Though the tag team title change and Roman Reigns’ upcoming appearance keep things interesting, Russo’s criticism raises an important point: Is WWE focusing too much on in-ring action and forgetting about storytelling?
Fans who grew up on story-heavy wrestling may agree with Russo. Still, others who enjoy fast-paced matches might disagree. Either way, next week’s SmackDown could give us answers — especially if Reigns decides to speak out.
FAQs
What did Vince Russo say about WWE SmackDown?
Vince Russo criticized WWE SmackDown for focusing too much on matches and lacking proper characters and storylines. He believes that without storytelling, wrestling loses its essence.
Who won the tag team titles on WWE SmackDown this week?
A major heel team defeated #DIY to win the tag team championships in a shocking finish to WWE SmackDown this week.
Will Roman Reigns appear on WWE SmackDown next week?
Yes, Paul Heyman has confirmed that Roman Reigns, now known as ‘The High Tide,’ will appear on WWE SmackDown next week, possibly to address his recent attack on Seth Rollins and CM Punk.
Why is Roman Reigns being called ‘The High Tide’?
Roman Reigns introduced his new name ‘The High Tide’ to reflect his role as a powerful leader who lifts others while asserting dominance, symbolizing a new phase in his WWE career.
What was Vince Russo’s main complaint about WWE storytelling?
Vince Russo’s main complaint is that WWE no longer focuses on developing deep characters and storylines, and instead relies on wrestling matches and surprise endings to carry the show.
