WWE was live last night in Toledo, OH for SmackDown Live. After an eventful Money in the Bank pay per view Sunday, there is in need for a new #1 contender for the WWE Championship. Paige has set for a gauntlet match for tonight’s main event to determine the #1 contender.
A side note before beginning the review, William Morrissey (Big Cass) was released from WWE Tuesday afternoon before SmackDown was to air. There have been no reports on why he was released.
SmackDown kicks off with SmackDown Women’s Champion Carmella. She brags about beating Asuka and retaining her championship at Money in the Bank. She states that she did it on her own, however there is controversy surrounding her championship. Sunday, James Ellsworth made his return, which led to Asuka getting distracted and costing her opportunity to win the SmackDown Championship.
James Ellsworth in his Asuka getup came out and gloated Carmella of how she is better than every woman put before her. Then, outcomes Asuka and she confronted the two. She kicked Ellsworth, but Carmella got the last word, superkicking Asuka. Can Asuka focus her attack on Carmella with Ellsworth always in her corner?
Becky Lynch v. Billie Kay
In the opening contest of the night, Becky Lynch took on Billie Kay of the IIconics. Since qualifying for the Money in the Bank match, Becky has found a new stride and found a new aggression. Even though she came up short yet again in the Money in the Bank ladder match, she is continuing to gain momentum.
Becky was able to show this beating the numbers game of the IIconics and was able to hit the “Disarm Her” for the submission victory. Becky is slowly becoming an upcoming contender for Carmella’s SmackDown Women’s Championship. Hopefully, Becky can continue with this momentum and hopefully can earn an opportunity at the SmackDown Women’s Champion.
Shinsuke Nakamura and Jeff Hardy Exchange Words
Throughout the night, Jeff Hardy and Shinsuke Nakamura threw jabs at each other explaining last weeks matchup. Hardy threw the first jab stating that Nakamura woke an old character in Jeff. Revealing that Hardy has brought back the fan favorite face paint that Jeff used to wear. The face paint is something that has helped Jeff find his extreme personality.
Shinsuke blew off his words. He went on saying that he will close the eyes if he ever crosses him again. Will we see them go to a feud and will the United States Championship be a focal point?
Sanity (Eric Young, Killian Dane and Alexander Wolfe) Debuts
Sanity finally makes their long awaited debut on SmackDown. They did not waste time to wreak chaos. Their debut match was supposed to be against The Usos (Jimmy & Jey). However, the match never was thrown out when the members of Sanity beat down and taken out The Usos. SmackDown has been put on notice by the newest group from NXT.
The Bludgeon Brothers (Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson) v. Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson: SmackDown Tag Team Championship
In a rematch from Sunday, Gallows & Anderson got a second chance to try to win the SmackDown Tag Team Championships. However, the result did not change. The Bludgeon Brothers were able to beat Gallows & Anderson and retain the Tag Team Championships. Is there a team that can compete and try to release the grasp on the Tag Team Championships of the Bludgeon Brothers
Gauntlet Match to Determine #1 Contender for WWE Championship
Daniel Bryan was the first entry in the gauntlet. However, before Daniel entered the ring, he was confronted by The Bludgeon Brothers. Daniel continued his way to the ring however, there was an ominous vibe to the staredown.
Daniel would start the gauntlet with Big E and did they tear the house down. Each member of the New Day has shown significant progress to being one of the best groups not only in WWE but in the world of wrestling today. Daniel was able to find the slightest opportunity and hit the flying knee for the win, advancing to the next superstar of the gauntlet.
Samoa Joe was the next participant of the gauntlet. Himself and Daniel had another great contest. Really told the story that Daniel is giving everything to try to become #1 contender. It also showed that Daniel has the ability to go long distances in matches, something that WWE worried about when he came out of retirement. Samoa Joe and Bryan’s brawl led to the outside and ended in Joe not making the referee’s 10 count. Daniel survives yet again.
Before the next participant came out, The Bludgeon Brothers takeout Daniel with their powerbomb. Leading to The Miz coming out and hitting the “Skull-Crushing Finale” for the pin and the win. Daniel’s long journey comes up short and Miz advances.
The last participant is Rusev. Miz and Rusev put on a tough fight trying to win that opportunity to be #1 contender. Miz’s ego gets the best of him, leading to Rusev hitting the Machka Kick and then the Accolade for the submission victory.
Rusev for the first time in his career is #1 Contender for the WWE Championship. The show closes with a stare down between Rusev and WWE Champion AJ Styles. Will Extreme Rules be a Happy Rusev Day with Rusev leaving Pittsburgh with the WWE Championship?
David Jacobus
Intern