5 Takeaways From SmackdownLive 5/29/18

I am beginning a new series, simply known as "5 Takeaways", where I will share my personal main talking points coming out of Raw and SmackdownLive.

These are all my opinion, so I may miss a nugget or two. If you have something to add to my list, or a list of your own, feel free to share in the comment section below!

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5. Nakamura and Dillinger excel

In singles competition, Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Tye Dillinger but it wasn't before a very good match. We all know what kind of performances the "Rockstar" can put on, but Dillinger more than held his own in this bout.
While I'm personally not a huge fan of him, the WWE is wasting a fine talent in the former NXT standout. A feud between him and Jeff Hardy over the UnitedStates title could provide quality in-ring work, and finally give the "Perfect 10" something meaningful to do.

4. The New Day has plenty of momentum

I am a big fan of the New Day. All three members bring something unique to the table, along with stellar mic skills. Over the last few weeks, these guys have been racking up win after win, whether it's in tag team or singles competition (despite a devious win by The Miz over Big E last week).
After winning a big six man tag team match against The Miz and The Bar, New Day are back on track heading into Money in the Bank. It will be very interesting to see exactly who (who? who? who?) enters the match, and if this will have future ramifications for the fun-loving trio.

3. Samoa Joe is a Money in the Bank favorite

Speaking of Money in the Bank, we just found out who will fill the final slot for the men's match. Samoa Joe won a thrilling triple threat match by choking out Daniel Bryan, in a battle that also involved Big Cass. A victory over Bryan directly is no small feat, and could mean much bigger things for Joe.
Entering the upcoming ladder match no one (aside from Braun Strowman, of course) is more dangerous than the submission machine himself. Also, he would just look great with the briefcase in hand, along with his naturally menacing look.

2. Is Asuka slowing being lost in the shuffle?

In NXT, Asuka had everything going for her. From her undefeated streak to her captivating presence, it seemed like the sky was the limit for her potential on the main roster. Fast forward to 2018, and she nearly seems like just another wrestler on the female roster, and in this writer's opinion it all started to go downhill with her submission loss to Charlotte at Wrestlemania.
At this point, the "Empress of Tomorrow" can be seen teaming with Becky Lynch (another HIGHLY underused superstar), and having pointless matches with Mandy Rose and the Iiconics. Sure, she will be facing Carmella soon for the Smackdown Women's title, but if Asuka doesn't win it, one has to wonder if she'll just blend in to the rest of the women's division...

1. Saving the big match for later?

The main event of SmackdownLive this week was planned to be Samoa Joe vs Daniel Bryan... until Big Cass made his return. It turned out to be a great match, with Joe and Bryan stealing the show. We all should have known Big Cass was going to interfere in some capacity, thus delaying the WWE "dream match" originally planned.
Despite these two squaring off in non-WWE environments in the past, it has never happened inside the squared circle of Vince McMahon's company. This is a big time main event that should be saved for a major pay-per-view such as Summerslam or the Royal Rumble, not free tv. One thing is for certain, when these two collide one on one, it will indeed have that "big fight feel" of a true main event.