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 struggling to balance its immense talent with its often baffling booking decisions.
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 in-ring storytelling overshadowed by minor yet distracting details. Flair’s victory was the right call, setting up a tantalizing semifinal against Liv Morgan. But what many people don’t realize is that Cargill’s wig mishap became the elephant in the room. It’s a small detail, but it highlights a larger issue: WWE’s inability to let its stars shine without introducing unnecessary drama.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how Cargill’s consistent losses are starting to feel like a missed opportunity. She’s a powerhouse, yet her booking feels inconsistent. If you take a step back and think about it, WWE is sitting on a goldmine with her, but they’re not fully capitalizing on it. This raises a deeper question: Are they afraid of pushing new talent too hard, or is this just another case of creative indecision?
Tag Team Turmoil: When Booking Paints Itself into a Corner
The non-title match between Paige and Brie Bella vs. Fatal Influence (Lainey Reid and Fallon Henley) was a textbook example of WWE’s booking conundrum. Neither team could afford a loss, yet the match happened anyway. Paige and Bella won, but the victory felt hollow. In my opinion, this match was a missed opportunity to build Fatal Influence as credible challengers. When even cheating doesn’t help them win, why should fans care about a future title match?
One thing that immediately stands out is Reid’s potential. She’s far better than her inexperience suggests, and working with main roster talent will only elevate her. But WWE needs to commit to her development. Otherwise, she risks becoming just another name in the roster.
Sami Zayn: The Heel We Can’t Help But Love
Now, let’s talk about Sami Zayn. His segment 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 many people don’t realize is that his self-righteousness is what makes him so compelling. He genuinely believes he’s in the right, and that’s what makes his character work.
What this really suggests is that WWE has a goldmine in Zayn, but they need to handle him carefully. His promo was brilliant, but Rhodes’s reaction to it was interesting. The crowd didn’t respond as positively as expected, which raises questions about Rhodes’s current standing. Is he losing steam, or is this just a temporary blip?
Underutilized Talent: The Rey Fenix and Axiom Dilemma
The match between Rey Fenix and Axiom was a showcase of pure athleticism. Yet, as I watched it, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of frustration. These are two of the most underutilized stars in WWE, and their match felt like a one-off rather than a stepping stone to something bigger. What makes this particularly frustrating is that WWE Creative seems to have no long-term plan for them.
If you take a step back and think about it, this is a recurring theme in WWE. They have an incredible roster, but they often fail to invest in their mid-card talent. Fenix and Axiom deserve better, and so do the fans.
The Bloodline Saga: Jey Uso’s Rise and LA Knight’s Stagnation
The King of the Ring match featuring Jey Uso, LA Knight, Royce Keys, and Finn Balor was chaotic in the best way. Uso’s victory makes sense within the context of The Bloodline’s dominance, but I can’t help but feel that LA Knight was robbed of a much-needed win. Knight has the charisma and the skill, but WWE seems hesitant to fully commit to him.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how Royce Keys was booked as an unstoppable force. He absorbed everything, yet his loss felt inevitable. It’s a shame, because he has the potential to be a major player.
The Bigger Picture: WWE’s Identity Crisis
As I reflect on the episode, I’m struck by WWE’s identity crisis. They have a three-hour runtime but only two hours of meaningful content. The wrestling is good, the booking makes sense at times, but the bloated runtime hurts the overall quality. What this really suggests is that WWE needs to refocus its efforts on storytelling and character development.
In my opinion, SmackDown has the potential to be the best wrestling show on television. But until WWE addresses its booking inconsistencies and fully invests in its talent, it will continue to fall short of its potential.
Final Thoughts
This episode of SmackDown was a mixed bag—brilliant moments overshadowed by questionable decisions. Personally, I think WWE needs to take a page from its own playbook and focus on what works: compelling characters, meaningful storylines, and consistent booking. Until then, we’ll be left with shows that feel like they’re teetering on the edge of greatness but never quite get there.
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