WWE was live in Portland, Oregon for SmackDown Live. With WWE Super Showdown this weekend, who step up and make an impact heading towards Australia?

   SmackDown kicks off with General Manager Paige. She demands an answer for Samoa Joe’s actions when he went and trespassed AJ Styles’s home last week. Paige stated that she met with WWE’s Board of Directors and they stated that the only punishment that seemed fit was to fire Samoa Joe.

   However, Paige stated that AJ does not want that. He wants to settle this issue with Samoa Joe once and for all at WWE Super Showdown. Paige then showed a clip of AJ at his home in Georgia.

   AJ states that he will not leave his home until he gets confirmation that Samoa Joe is on his way to Australia. AJ is staying with his family, protecting them at all cost. AJ states that in Australia, it will end.

R-Truth & Carmella v. Andrade “Cien” Almas & Zelina Vega

   In a competitive match up, these two teams have tons to prove in the Mixed Match Challenge. Things got heated when Andrade attempted to intervene with Carmella, until R-Truth took him out. Zelina tried to capitalize and roll up Carmella. However, Carmella was able to lock Zelina in her lock scissor submission for the win.

New Day Cooks

   This Saturday, The New Day will defend the SmackDown Tag Team Championships against The Bar at WWE Super Showdown. However, that is Saturday. On SmackDown, The New Day debut their new show, “New Day Cooks.” They need to fix together a recipe for success in time for their title defense.

   The Bar interrupts the pilot episode by stating the difference in preparation they each have before Super Showdown. They incite a fight, in which they take out the entire New Day, sending a strong message before the upcoming match in Australia.

Randy Orton v. Tye Dillinger

   The Perfect 10 looks to get revenge on the man who ambushed and attacked him last week, the Viper, Randy Orton. Tye is stood up to the sadistic Orton and looked for redemption to make a name for himself.

   Tye does not wait for the bell, he gets the jump on Randy by attacking him all over ringside. However, Randy was able to gain the advantage. He would unleash a new sadistic move. He removed the covering of the bottom turnbuckle wrench. He would then put Tye’s index finger into the gap and bent it back so far, that it broke. The Perfect 10, is now a 9. Randy continues to make the WWE Universe cringe and wince with his action.

One Night in Milwaukee

   Last week, Aiden English stated that Lana was the reason that Rusev Day has fallen apart. He also brought up a Night in Milwaukee between the two, showing Lana’s dishonesty. He has proof of it and is ready to show the WWE Universe the true Lana and why he did nothing wrong.

   Rusev and Lana storm down to the ring and demand that Aiden show his supposed evidence of the night in Milwaukee. After some stalling, Aiden showed that Lana met Aiden in his hotel room and stated, “I want you.” Aiden did not show the rest because of a supposed contract with TMZ. Rusev and Lana look at each other in discourage, until Rusev ran down to chase Aiden out of the arena. How does One Night in Milwaukee end?

Daniel Bryan v. Shelton Benjamin

   This Saturday, Daniel Bryan has the huge opportunity he has been waiting for since coming back to WWE. He faces The Miz at Super Showdown where the winner will receive a shot at the WWE Championship. However, Shelton Benjamin feels he deserves an opportunity, and on SmackDown he will show why against Daniel.

   In a highly competitive match, Shelton was able to use a Miz distraction to pick up a huge upset win over Daniel Bryan. After the match, The Miz ambushed and attack Daniel Bryan, weakening him before their match at Super Showdown. How will Daniel rebound and recuperate before their match in Australia?

Asuka v. Peyton Royce

   In a competitive match, Asuka was able to put in the Asuka Lock for the win. Asuka has to start over and build her way back up the SmackDown Women’s Division.

Becky Lynch’s Super Showdown Surprise

   Throughout the night, it was promoted that SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch had a surprise ahead of her title defense against Charlotte Flair at Super Showdown. What was the surprise?

   Becky states that she is tired of waiting for WWE to make her the face of the SmackDown Women’s Division. Becky had to fight, scratch and claw her way to the top of the SmackDown Women’s Division. She has been left off the Super Showdown poster. That is why she created her own poster, with her front and center holding her SmackDown Women’s Championship.

   Charlotte hears and sees enough of Becky’s message and lays her out after a short brawl. Who leaves Australia as SmackDown Women’s Champion?

Overall

   It was not a bad episode of SmackDown. Heading towards Super Showdown, each feud has had its time to send the last messages. Super Showdown feels like it is going to be a huge show. We will have to see who leaves winners and losers.

David Jacobus
Contributing Writer