WWE SmackDown Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from April 21

Every week on Bleacher Report, I take an in-depth look at WWE SmackDown to recap the results, offer analysis and grade the matches, segments and anything else that takes place on the show, as well as make a few predictions for future events.

Payback is coming up on May 1, and WWE has already filled up most of the card with title bouts and grudge matches.

At this point, beyond adding one or two more contests to the show, all the focus will be on selling the big feuds heading into the pay-per-view.

WWE likely had SmackDown edited and sent to the network days ago, but it was a little surprising we didn't see any kind of memorial title card for Chyna at the top of the show.

Let's take a look at everything that happened on this week's episode.

Opening Segment

The Miz and Maryse kicked things off in the ring for an episode of Miz TV. He welcomed AJ Styles to the ring, giving him a more flattering introduction than you would expect.

After giving a brief history of The Bullet Club, The Miz asked the obvious question about whether Styles knew Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows would attack Roman Reigns on Raw.

The Phenomenal One denied having any involvement after making a joke about how he knocked out a couple of The Miz's teeth in their last match.

When The Miz's questions became too much for him, Styles attacked him and left the ring. You don't often see babyfaces throw the first punch, so you have to wonder whether this is a sign of a heel turn.

This segment might not be memorable in the long run, but everyone involved did a good job. The Miz was especially entertaining while trying to channel a few famous actors.

Grade: B

Notes and Highlights

• The Miz has opened SmackDown two weeks in a row. It's good to see him being used more often. He is a great heel who can get real heat from the crowd in a time when most bad guys are cheered.
• Having Maryse by his side has given The Miz new life. She can make the crowd hate her with a few simple words.
• The Miz using the word "rassler" cracked me up. Stealing one of Han Solo's most famous lines was even funnier.

Kalisto vs. Ryback

Kalisto took on Ryback in a rematch from WrestleMania 32. The title wasn't on the line this time, so the stakes were a lot lower.

Ryback used his strength to take control right away in an attempt to prove the big guy will always beat the little guy.

This match was given two segments to play out, and the majority of it saw Ryback throw Kalisto around like one of those Brawlin' Buddies WWE used to sell.

Kalisto eventually made a comeback, but it was too little, too late. Ryback countered a Salida del Sol with Shell Shocked to pick up the win. The crowd was almost silent for this one, which could be considered an improvement over the Goldberg chants Ryback usually receives.

Grade: C

Notes and Highlights

• Mauro Ranallo called Kalisto "The Diminutive Dynamo." He should start giving everyone nicknames. He's good at it.
• I would love to make a joke about Samson right here, but Ryback already lost all his hair and still has his power.
• Ryback's win means he will almost certainly have another title shot at Payback.

Baron Corbin vs. Dolph Ziggler

Baron Corbin was supposed to take on Dolph Ziggler in a match, but The Lone Wolf ended up attacking Ziggler before he even reached the ring.

His past attacks on Ziggler have been too quick to make an impact, but this time was different. Corbin destroyed his rival at ringside before hitting his finisher, End of Days, on the floor.

This was the first time since joining the main roster that Corbin looked like the monster he was portrayed as in NXT.

WWE has needed a vicious heel for a long time, and Corbin may be able to fill that role if he keeps being booked like this.

Grade: B-

Notes and Highlights

• Why does Ziggler have fake bullets attached to the back of his vest? Wouldn't it make more sense to have them on the front?
• People usually trade victories, but Corbin has been dominant in this feud.

The Miz vs. AJ Styles

The Miz and Styles met for a match to settle the fight they started in the opening segment. The Miz took control immediately, but The Phenomenal One was quick to turn the tables.

They eventually took the contest outside, which is where The Miz got back some momentum after slamming Styles into the barricade.

This was another two-segment match, and The Miz maintained control throughout the commercial break. Many may consider Styles to be the better wrestler, but seeing how well The Miz performed during this match should remind everyone how good he is.

Both men made this bout much better than their previous encounter, and it ended up being one of the highlights of the night.

The Miz tried to leave the match, but he was cut off by Anderson and Gallows. Styles used the distraction to pick up the win, but he didn't look too happy about it.

Grade: B+

Notes and Highlights

• The Miz looked a lot more aggressive than we have seen him in a long time. Maybe having to rise to Styles' level brought out the best in him.
• It will be interesting to see whether Maryse decides to wrestle again. She is great in the role as a manager, but she might not be able to keep up with the higher standards a lot of women have set for the division after so much time away from the ring.
• Styles may have taken over as the Superstar with the best dropkick in WWE.
• Gallows and Anderson announced they would make their wrestling debuts on the forthcoming Raw during a backstage interview.

Paige and Natalya vs. Tamina and Naomi

Paige and Natalya have had a rocky relationship over the past few years, but they set their differences aside to team up against Naomi and Tamina.

All four women made this a physical encounter. The pace never seemed to slow down, and they all got a chance to shine.

Paige and Natalya picked up the win by simultaneously applying the PTO and the Sharpshooter to Naomi and Tamina. Given a little more time, this match could have been much better, but it still provided a satisfying conclusion.

Grade: B-

Notes and Highlights

• How many of you reading this think having a Women's Tag Team Championship would be a good idea? Just curious.
• WWE should start selling shoes that light up the same way as Naomi's boots. They're so much cooler than the light up shoes you can buy in stores.
• I am a little surprised Paige didn't get a bigger reaction from the English crowd.

Fandango vs. R-Truth

R-Truth and Goldust continued their long, painful storyline this week when Goldie served as the special guest referee for a match between Truth and Fandango.

As expected, this ended up being one long comedy segment, with all three men dancing at random times during the match.

Goldust and Truth ended up celebrating together after Fandango was pinned, which may be a sign this angle is finally going to lead to them joining forces.

Unfortunately, the most entertaining thing about this encounter was a random joke Jerry Lawler made about a set of Siamese twins moving to England just so the other one could drive.

Grade: D

Notes and Highlights

• Do you think Goldust gets mad when he has to take the time to apply his face paint only to end up serving as a special guest referee?
• Fandango is popular in Europe, which is probably why WWE didn't show his entrance. He can't appear more popular than the two guys who actually have a storyline.

Tag Team Turmoil

Enzo Amore and Big Cass came to the ring to hype their upcoming match at Payback. The Vaudevillains came out to address their fellow NXT alums, but they stayed on the ramp instead of confronting Enzo and Cass in the ring.

Amore proved once again how good he is on the mic during this segment. He is able to find that perfect balance between humor and intimidation in his promos.

Simon Gotch and Aiden English tried to throw some big words at The Realest Guys in the Room, but it didn't stop Enzo from cracking jokes.

Seeing these two tandems pushed right to the top so soon after debuting is great for the whole tag team division. It has needed some variety for a little while, and these four men have made that possible.

Grade: B

Notes and Highlights

• Am I the only one who thinks Gotch and English sound like they should switch voices? Each looks like he would sound like the other.
• Enzo must come up with his own promos. There is no way anyone could write material to suit him so well.
• I want to adopt the kid in the crowd who was shown doing the "SAWFT" chant with everything he had.

Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn and Dean Ambrose

The main event for this week's show could be seen coming from a mile away, but it didn't make the match any less special.

Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens and Dean Ambrose are all future world champions, and adding Chris Jericho to the mix made this even better.

When you put these four guys in the ring together, you know they are going to give everything they have to steal the show.

For the first time ever, Owens worked well with a partner and managed to pick up the win with a pin over Ambrose.

Grade: B+

Notes and Highlights

• Having Jericho and Owens on the same team is a dream for anyone who loves trash talking.
• Ambrose's hairline is receding quickly. He had a lot more hair when The Shield first debuted.
• They are both great singles stars, but Jericho and Owens would make an awesome tag team.

Final Thoughts and Predictions

WWE always puts a lot of effort into shows taped across the pond, and this week's event was no exception. Most of the matches were entertaining, and we even got a few storyline developments.

The tag team division was on full display, with Enzo and Big Cass delivering a memorable promo with The Vaudevillains and Gallows and Anderson announcing when they would have their first match.

All that's left between now and Payback is the upcoming editions of Raw and SmackDown, so if WWE wants to make any changes to the card, there isn't much time to do it.

Predictions

• Ryback will get another shot at the U.S. title.
• Shane McMahon will be in charge of Raw again on Monday.
• Triple H and Stephanie McMahon will return after Payback.
• WWE will put together a full tribute video package for Chyna to show during Raw.
• Finn Balor will be called up to the main roster and paired with Anderson and Gallows before Extreme Rules.

What did you think of this week's SmackDown?

Thanks for reading and follow me on Twitter: @BR_Doctor.