WWE was live in Tampa, Florida for SmackDown Live. SummerSlam is quickly approaching. Who will be carrying the most momentum towards the biggest event of the summer?

   SmackDown kicks off with the #1 contender for the SmackDown Women’s Championship Becky Lynch. She states that she has not held the SmackDown Women’s Championship since December 2016 and has not had an opportunity for the SmackDown Women’s Championship since WrestleMania 33, a year in a half ago.

   Carmella comes out and almost seems emotional about her road to get to this point. How she was an afterthought since the brand split. Becky was the first women to be drafted to SmackDown and Carmella was the last person on either roster to be drafted. Carmella seems turned by the WWE Universe by their response since winning the SmackDown Women’s Championship. However, James Ellsworth music hits leading to Carmella hitting her from behind.

   She set up to DDT Becky on a steel chair. However, Becky’s best friend Charlotte Flair returned for the save. Charlotte cleared Carmella out of the ring and stood tall next to Becky.

The Usos (Jimmy & Jey) v. The Bar (Sheamus & Cesaro)

   In the second of the tag team tournament, The Usos and The Bar clash to see who faces The New Day next week. The winner of that matchup will go on to SummerSlam to face the Bludgeon Brothers for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships.

   In an excellent back and forth tag team match, The Bar picked up a massive victory as Sheamus was able to counter the splash and roll up Jey Uso for the win. The Bar will face The New Day next week for a shot at the SmackDown Tag Team Championships.

Samoa Joe Sends a Message to AJ Styles

   Since signing the contract to become #1 Contender for the WWE Championship, Samoa Joe has his eyes set on one thing. Joe will stop at nothing to become WWE Champion at SummerSlam. He admires what prestige AJ Styles has brought to the WWE Championships. However, at SummerSlam, he declares that he will tear down the house that AJ Styles built and will show AJ’s family that AJ is nothing compared to Samoa Joe.

   This is my most anticipated match going into SummerSlam. AJ has been a great champion, but Joe has run through the roster and now has his shot with destiny at SummerSlam.

Jeff Hardy Returns to Respond to Randy Orton

   Jeff Hardy starts out by telling the crowd what the United States Championship means to him and reflects on his reign with it. Wasting no time, he then calls out Randy Orton, who attacked him a couple weeks ago.

   Orton doesn’t hesitate and comes down to the ring. However, before Orton can enter the ring, U.S. Champion Shinsuke Nakamura entered the ring and attacked Jeff Hardy hitting him with a Kinshasa. Shinsuke and Randy stared each other down before Nakamura left the ring.

   Randy would go on to beat down Jeff Hardy, reminiscent of what he did a few weeks ago. Randy would go on to rip the signature Hardy necklace and he would wipe the face paint off of Hardy.

Lana v. Zelina Vega

   Zelina Vega makes her WWE debut against the Ravishing Russian Lana. In a little bit of deja vu from last week, Aiden English came down to help Lana after Andrade “Cien” Almas attempted to interfere. However, Aiden’s attack on Andrade helped Zelina roll up Lana for the win.

   Backstage, Aiden attempts to apologize to Lana. Rusev tries to confront Aiden to no avail. However, there is dissension between Lana and Rusev.  Rusev Day and Lana Day are in disarray. Could this be the end?

Daniel Bryan Calls Out The Miz

   Daniel is tired of the taunting The Miz has done for over two years. With Daniel being retired, Miz knew Daniel would not fight back. Daniel is now cleared and wants a fight.

   However, The Miz is on location for his show Miz & Mrs. The Miz and Daniel, however, exchange heated words towards each other. Daniel calling The Miz a failed attempt to be The Rock and John Cena. Miz telling Daniel to let his contract expire and do what Daniel loves. Daniel challenges The Miz for a match at SummerSlam. However, The Miz declines.

   If the two face each other, which I believe they will, this could possibly steal the show. The Miz and Daniel Bryan have a long rivalry that has been stewing for over two years. The Miz and Daniel have also shown what makes a good rivalry. Adding realism and even personal tension to make this rivalry must see.

Charlotte Flair v. Carmella

   The cards are yet again stacked against the SmackDown Women’s Champion because if Charlotte wins, then she will be added to the Women’s Championship match at SummerSlam. This also affects Becky Lynch who is already facing Carmella at SummerSlam because if Charlotte wins, Becky’s odds shrink significantly.

   Charlotte was able to apply the Figure 8 on Carmella and make her tap. The Women’s Championship match at SummerSlam is now a triple threat match.

Conclusion

   The build to SummerSlam continues to be excellent on the SmackDown side. However, with Charlotte being put into the Women’s Championship match after Becky has spent a year and a half to climb to get this opportunity it is sad to see her overshadowed by Charlotte stealing her spotlight and being gifted a shot at the SmackDown Women’s Championship. Other than that one part, SummerSlam is set to be must-see.

David Jacobus
Reporter