The SmackDown Report SLAM!
THE ONLY BLVD THAT IS A MIRACLE! MIRACLE! MIRACLE!
Your SmackDown report comes to you live (actually taped on June 29th) from the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ. Starting tonight, SmackDown returns to its former two-hour format so we’re not up too late tonight. Hopefully, that means less filler and more action. On the card for tonight we have Women’s United States Champion Tiffany Stratton, Charlotte Flair and Chelsea Green teaming together when they take on Jade Cargill, Michin and B-Fab in a Six-Woman Tag Team Match. Some luchador action as AAA Cruiserweight Champion Rey Fenix defends his title against the AAA Latin American Champion El Hijo del Vikingo. Fatal Influence’s Lainey Reid will compete in her very first main roster singles match against WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Brie Bella. And we’ll have more fallout from Night of Champions when the new Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn returns to SmackDown after miraculously (Michael Cole yelled it was a “Miracle!” repeatedly when he won) winning the title in a Triple Threat Match last weekend in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia against Cody Rhodes and Gunther.
All week we’ve kept this spoiler-free – so let’s SLAM this taping for what we can see!
First, we see highlights of the triple-threat main event at NoC. Now live in the arena, “Worlds Apart” plays as everyone sings the new Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn’s theme while he makes his way to the ring.
Cole said it took Zayn almost a quarter century to finally win his first WWE Championship. Craves said it was a culmination of a life-long dream. Zayn posed in the ring with the title as pyro went off.
Zayn started off saying people came here tonight to ride or die with the “Last Real Good Guy!” He said the overwhelming reaction and love he’s gotten over the last few days since winning the title has really touched him as he thanked everyone. But, Zami said the whole thing is kinda funny because for six months, he’s been booed out of the building. He said those were the same people three years ago dying for Zayn to be the champion. But, they decided he’s not going to do it, jumped off the bandwagon and turned their backs on him. But now he has the WWE title, so he said he can be petty if he wanted to and tell every one of those people to “kiss my a**!” People actually cheered for that. But he won’t, because he is a Good Guy. Zayn said everyone told him if he wants to win, he has to be selfish and cutthroat. But he didn’t. Zayn said he won the title the way he always said we would. He did it his way, the right way. Zayn again says he could be petty and tell each and every one of the people that said he’s not championship material and never win the big one to “kiss my a**!” (my, my, such language Sami) But he said he won’t because this is a celebration. They’re celebrating him, the new WWE Champ and the end of the debate. Zayn said he forever goes down as one of the all-time greats. WrestleMania main eventer (Night 1 of WrestleMania 39) and Grand Slam Champion. And until the day he dies he will forever be known as a WWE Champion. That got some boos. Zayn said no amount of booing or hate will ever take that away.
“Kingdom” hits and out comes the former Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes in a suit. He gets on the ropes for his pyro. Rhodes grabs a mic and Zayn asked him, “What do ya wanna talk about?” Rhodes said Zayn said something he was reminded about. When Rhodes won the WWE Championship, Zayn was the very first person to come out and celebrate with him. So, Rhodes didn’t want to wait in line to be the first person to tell Zayn, “Congratulations, champ.” They shook hands and Rhodes started to leave.
Zayn told Rhodes to come back. He stammered for a moment, but told Rhodes to just for a second drop the American Nightmare act and just be Cody. Zayn said he has something Rhodes once had. It’s something Zayn knows Cody wants and is addicted to. Zayn asked Cody to tell him why he’s really out here.
That cues “Day One Ish” and “Main Event” Jey Uso comes out down the ramp to the ring. Jey first hugs Zayn. After asking Cody “Whaddup?” he and Zayn do their old Uso hand slap and shoulder bump. Jey said he’s proud of him. He told Zayn he earned and deserved that title. But he’s here on Bloodline business. He needs to bring Zayn’s gold to the family.
Cody asks both if they know what year this is and who each other are. Cody said it’s Zayn standing here WWE Champion. And Jey has been World Heavyweight Champion. Cody asked at what point did Jey revert to running errands for the Tribal Chief? Cody said they were just talking about his rematch.
Zayn interjected and said no one was happier for Jey than him. Zayn said when Jey won the WHC he laid back. And Zayn told Cody he never came for him. Zayn said they both had their chance. Now it’s his time to be WWE Champion. Zayn reminded Cody that he said as long as he has this, you never will. Now it’s his. Zayn then told Jey as far as he’s concerned, it’s still in the family. And no one’s touching it. Zayn said this as a friend, and as family. Stay away.
Out comes new acting GM of SmackDown Adam Pearce. He told Zayn his first order of business is to find him a challenger. Zayn asked that, as champion, didn’t he have a say as to who he faces at SummerSlam? Pearce asked who said anything about SummerSlam? They’re doing things his way. That means Zayn will defend his Undisputed WWE Championship this Monday on RAW. He said Zayn will have a challenger and a number one contender after Jey battles Cody tonight in Atlantic City.
ANALYSIS: That sets up the main event for tonight. I thoroughly enjoyed Zayn winning the Undisputed WWE Championship in Saudi Arabia. And glad he joined the elites in the history of the company as the 26th Grand Slam Champion (the 25th before him was John Cena when he won his first ever Intercontinental Championship).
Sayn’s promo was really good when he came out, as it left you wondering if he’s really a face or a heel. Then everyone else came out to make their claim. Zayn telling them both to leave him alone was rather heelish. That was nearly a 20-minute beginning segment, including entrances. They had better leave room for the matches.
Plus, it was nice to see Pearce pull double-duty as RAW and Smackdown GM (even though he didn’t have to travel very far or very long). We’ll see where this title defense on RAW next week leads Zayn, and if he becomes one of the elites again – as one of the shorter-lived WWE Championship reins next week on RAW.
Miachael Cole and Corey Craves are on commentary tonight. RAW’s “Amazing Hair” Alicia Taylor was the ring announcer.
Now backstage, Kathy Kelley is speaking with Charlotte Flair. Kelley asked Flair why she interfered with Jade Cargill’s match for the Women’s US Championship. Flair said Cargill got what she deserved. She ruined Flair’s opportunity, so Flair ruined hers. Alexa Bliss comes up to Flair and told her she didn’t know Flair would be at NoC. Flair called Bliss “Blister” and told her she knew Flair is impulsive. Cargill attacked Bliss, attacked Flair, and enough is enough. Bliss said a heads-up would’ve been nice. Flair said it wasn’t personal. Flair said that last week when she was at home icing her knee, she saw Bliss with Tiffany Stratton. Bliss said she’s stubborn enough to team up with Stratton for Flair. Women’s US Champ Tiffany Stratton came up and said she didn’t need Flair’s help. But thanks. Then, Chelsea Green walked in and said Cargill should be very worried about them. Flair just said you’re welcome and told them she’d see them out there. Green played the silly and said, “Well, not before WE see YOU out there.”
ANALYSIS: A little dissention between Flair and “Bliss”-ter could be interesting. At least it gives Cargill and her cronies something more to do. Maybe if someone pins Stratton they’ll get the next shot at her title. And I have no idea what’s up with Green. Comic relief, I guess.
Charlotte Flair made her entrance out to the ring to a chorus of “WOOO~!”-s for our first match of the new two-hour SmackDown. And to our first break.
After the break, poor Chelsea Green didn’t even get an entrance as she is in the ring when we see the Women’s US Champ in the ring as Stratton is introduced. “A Storm Is Coming” as Jade Cargill alongside her gang members of Michin and B-Fab come to the ring.
We’re shown what happened two weeks ago when Flair was attacked by them before her semifinals match and injured her knee, ruining her shot at QotR.
Tiffany Stratton, Charlotte Flair & Chelsea Green vs Jade Cargill, Michin & B-Fab
Straton and Cargill started things off as a little rematch. Stratton bounces off the ropes and Dropkicks Cargill into her corner as a tag is made to Michin. Stratton tripped up Michin on the middle rope and landed a Hip Attack. Stratton reverses a move and tried for the Alabama Slam, but Michin reversed it into a pin for a two. Michin then yanked Stratton down to the mat by her hair. Michin threw Stratton over to their corner and B-Fab tagged in for a Double Suplex but just got a one-count. B-Fab goes for a Back Suplex, but Stratton landed on her feet and falls to her corner where Flair tagged in. Kick by Stratton and Flair hits a Cross Body coming in. Flair gave a boot to Cargill and a right hand to Michin to knock them down. Flair kicks B-Fab in the corner and a Fall Away Slam. Flair with some “WOOO~!” chops sending B-Fab into another corner. B-Fab tried to Irish Whip Flair into the opposite corner but Flair flipped to the outside apron and kicked B-Fab to the face before a Cannonball to Michin. But Michin was waiting for her and nailed Flair with a Clothesline. We break while Cargill jaws off to the camera.
Back from break and Flair is taking a three-on-one beating in the ring with kicks by Michin and B-Fab, then Cargill got a tag and gave Flair an Uppercut. Fall Away Slam by Cargill as she gave a little dance to mock Flair afterwards. Cargill charged Flair in the corner but ate a turnbuckle instead. Cargill tagged B-Fab in as Flair tried to get a hot tag from her team but she got a knee to the midsection. B-Fab with a cheap shot to Stratton knocking her off the apron as she also tried to punch Green, but Green dodged it. Double Clothesline and both women are down in the ring. Michin gets tagged in, then Green gets the hot tag to cheers. Green immediately punched Cargill off the apron. Multiple Arm Drags to Michin. Then a Step-Up Enzuigiri to Michin by Green. Green hits the Rough Rider on Michin, but B-Fab breaks up the pin. Basement Dropkick by Stratton to B-Fab, Cargill with a kick to Stratton, Superkick by Flair to Cargill, Cargill with a boot to Flair, everything’s a mess until Green finally sends Cargill to the outside until Michin tried a “ROLLUP OF DEATH~!” for a two.
Green with a slap and hops up to the top rope while holding Michin’s arm and bounces off the rope for a Hurricanrana. Michin tagged in Cargill. As Cargill charged, Green tried to get an Unpretty Her. Cargill reversed into a Jaded, but Green with a roll-up counter for two. B-Fab gets on the apron and eats a right hand by Green. But, off the distraction, Cargill goes for Jaded again and got the win.
WINNERS: Jade Cargill, Michin & B-Fab (6 minutes)
ANALYSIS: *** ¼
I thought it was a surprisingly good match for a six-women tag match. Everyone got in for some spots, the chaos near the end was fun and, as usual, poor Green took the pin. Cargill is thus far undefeated against Green, whether it be in singles or even tag matches. Poor Green. But alas, it was still a great match even if the finish was a bit predictable. We really need to know what they have in store for Green other than just making her fodder for Cargill’s powerhouse finisher.
Cole then shows us a replay of what happened after NoC between Former SmackDown GM Nick Aldis and Gunther. Gunther was yelling in Aldis’s face and shoving his finger at him, saying that Aldis was jealous of him because Aldis is a failed wrestler who is miserable. Gunther kelp poking Aldis, go Aldis shoved Gunther, Gunther grabbed Aldis, and the heated fight had to be broken up. Cole mentioned the update from WWE HQ that both were sent home and Aldis was put on administrative leave pending an investigation, this RAW GM Adam Pearce will be acting GM for SmackDown.
ANALYSIS: I’m going to jump in here and mention a few things where this is going. Yes, Nick Aldis was once a wrestler as the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion and TNA World Heavyweight Champion, no he’s not exactly a failed pro wrestler. He’s pretty good, especially from his time in TNA as Magnus. There’s been rumor that WWE is pushing for a match between Gunther and Aldis for some time. And since Aldis is now on leave from his administrative and GM duties, he could say he’s now able to be a wrestler again. It could happen as soon as SummerSlam, so this could get interesting.
Now backstage, we see the acting SmackDown GM Adam Pearce marching and arguing with Nick Aldis on his phone that he’s cleaning up the mess Aldis left behind. Pearce hangs up as he bumps into Zayn. Zayn asks for an explanation because he doesn’t belong on RAW. Pearce said this is a great opportunity to show the world he is a great Undisputed WWE Champion in a great city (Chicago) on a great show (RAW). Pearce said maybe he’ll even Invite some SmackDown superstars and they’ll have a supershow. Pearce congratulated him and told him it’s gonna be great as he leaves with Zayn yelling at him.
Zayn walks off and finds Johnny Gargano lying on a crate next to Candice LeRae. Zayn gets all excited with Gargano, saying he couldn’t have won the title without him. Gargano was an ear for Zayn when he hit his lowest points. He said Gargano is his rock. Zayn says if you want to get ahead and win championships, you have got to stay true to yourself. Zayn then asks LeRae to take a photo of him and “Ol’ Johnny” with the title.
ANALYSIS: Poor Gargano’s been depressed on the same equipment crate for months now, probably ever since Tommaso Ciampa left and broke up DIY. I have no idea how they move him around from arena to arena. But seriously, After Zayn “listening” to Gargano all this time, then Zayn giving him that huge pep talk, this could be the moment that wakes Gargano up. Hopefully he does and Gargano goes back to singles action as his old persona. Please give him something like that. Anything.
Back live now, we’re ready for some AAA lucha libre action as the AAA Cruiserweight Champion Rey Fenix makes his way to the ring. After a break, the AAA Latin American Champion El Hijo del Vikingo is already in the ring. This one is for Fenix’s title.
AAA Cruiserweight Championship: Rey Fenix vs. El Hijo Del Vikingo
After they circled a bit, Fenix wanted a handshake. Vikingo rolled him up with a School Boy for a two-count. Vikingo bounced off the ropes and did a Corkscrew Headscissors on Fenix. Vikingo took control in the corner then out of the corner with a kick to the gut and a Pele Kick. He ran around as Fenix reached the opposite corner. Fenix caught him with a kick. Fenix with a Frog Splash bouncing off the top rope for a two-count. Some more action off the ropes until an Ace Crusher by Fenix on Vikingo for a near fall.
Vikingo went outside as Fenix tried to fire up the crowd. Fenix ran the ropes and tried to dive at Vikingo, but Vikingo pulls the ring apron over Fenix and pounds on him. Vikingo ran the ropes this time and Running Dropkicks Fenix on the head. Springboard Moonsault onto Fenix on the outside as Vikingo poses on top of the commentator table as we take a break from the fast-paced action.
Back from break and both superstars are back in the ring. Vikingo whips Fenix out of the corner and tried to charge, but Fenix dodged It as Vikingo ate the turnbuckles. Fenix followed up with a kick to the back of the head, then hits (just barely) Adios Amigo. Fenix scaled to the top rope on the other side for a Frog Splash and a two-and-a-half count. Fenix rushes Vikingo in the corner but misses a Meteora. Vikingo charges and hits the Meteora on Fenix. Vikingo goes up top for an Imploding Flip Hurricanrana for a close call. Tornado Kick that knocked Fenix back down. Vikingo tried to climb the corner ropes, but Fenix caught him and went up after him. Vikingo with gut and head punches as he stands on the steel post. Poison Rana by Vikingo for a close call. As the fans chanted “This is awesome!” (they showed a wide shot of the fans but it didn’t look like they were chanting) as Vikingo climbed another turnbuckle and attempted a Springboard 450 Splash, but he crashed and burned. Fenix placed Vikingo on the corner turnbuckle, chopped his chest which caused Vikingo to lean forward, and placed Vikingo upside down over his head. Fenix spins around and nails the Mexican Muscle Buster for the win.
WINNER Rey Fenix (7 minutes)
ANALYSIS: *** ½
There was so much going on in this match with the time given, but that’s okay. It was fast-paced and exciting, just as a AAA Championship match should be. Fenix is a champion that’s fun to watch while Vikingo is the perfect cocky heel. They had great chemistry, instead of trying to pair up a luchador with a regular wrestler, so they worked really well together.
I’m not sure, but this match sounded, and looked, like a lot of the crowd was dead for it. When it did sound like they were getting into it, the crowd shots just didn’t match up. Maybe the WWE edited in the crowd noise again. Or maybe the SmackDown crowd just wasn’t into a truly genuine AAA Lucha Libre match. It didn’t have any storyline or any sort of buildup they knew of. Shame that both AAA superstars deserved better.
They showed highlights from last week’s SmackDown with Guilia against her former business associate Kiana James. Giulia got the win, but Blake Monroe attacked Guilia after the match.
Now backstage, Giulia was interviewed by Cathy Kelley, who asked about Blake Monroe attacking her from behind last week. Giulia claimed she doesn’t back down from a fight and would fight Blake Monroe anytime and anywhere. Kiana James came in and said it was just like her to bite the hand that fed her. She said Giulia got lucky last week. Just before Giulia can respond, Blake Monroe attacked her from behind, throwing her into a crate. Monroe said it was so good to see her again before throwing her head to the floor. James knelt down in front of Giulia and told her that was fun to watch. Monroe then threw James into the box, too. Monroe said it was nice to see James, too.
ANALYSIS: It’s good to see Mariah May, I mean Blake Monroe making an impact with her main roster debut. In AEW she was the Owen Hart Foundation tournament winner and a former AEW Women’s World Champion. Then, while in her brief stint in NXT she was the Women’s North American Champion. Welcome to SmackDown, Blake Monroe. WWE Universe, keep your eyes on this one.
We take a ‘mercial break, and then we see a package from RAW highlighting the intense and powerful promo with Seth Rollins challenging the OTC Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Now backstage with Jimmy Uso and Jacob Fatu. Jimmy is telling Fatu the OTC called a play and they’re going to run it. In came Royce Keys. Keys said Reigns tells Fatu who his partners are now. Jimmy said they’re on a mission to find Solo Sikoa, and asked Keys if he could help them or not, because if not, they’ll just handle their family business. Keys, looking straight at Fatu and said loyalty, not blood, makes you family. Keys had been with Fatu for 14 years. So that makes Keys his family. Jimmy said not no more and walked away. Fatu stalled but then followed Jimmy.
ANALYSIS: It’s been rumored that Keys would play some sort of role with the Bloodline sooner or later. It will be interesting where they go with this. Keys has been stuck in mid-card limbo for too long, so let’s hope this isn’t just a one-time thing for Keys and Fatu to bump into each other.
Back live in the arena, the United States Champion Trick Williams made his way to the ring with Lil Yachty and “Whoop that Trick!” chants. But before Lil Yachty could introduce anyone, Carmello Hayes interrupts and comes down to “Melo!” chants.
Hayes told Williams last Saturday, Ricky Saints couldn’t get the job done. But now, it looks like they had no choice but to run it back for the US Championship. Williams gave no response. Hayes said everything Williams did is larger than life. He looked great with the title, the crowd loved him and he’s unstoppable. But that’s because Hayes hadn’t decided to stop him. Hayes said he made the US title a championship, while Williams made it into an accessory. He’ll get them a discount code for WWE Shop (insert gratuitous WWE merch commercial). Hayes tells Williams that title is a workhorse championship, it’s for guys who are hungry while Williams walks around like he had too much to eat. Hayes tells Williams to prove him wrong. He tells Williams to put the title against someone that knows him better than anybody. Hayes said he’s not buying about Williams becoming one of the greatest US Champions of all time. Hayes said Williams might be able to walk the walk and talk the talk when you’re with them. But Williams has got two left feet and a mouth full of marbles once you get in the ring with him.
Lil Yachty chimes in and said this ain’t no willy-nilly Carlo from NXT. This is the one and only Trick Willy, the US Champion. And since being called up he has been nothing short of pure greatness. Lil Yachty understands Hayes would like a match. Lil Yachty asks Atlantic City if they should give this “small man” a match (cheap pop). He said next week he’s got himself a match, but it’s not for the championship. They gave him a chance and he failed. But the champ needs to get his reps in. Lil Yachty said when things get tricky, Hayes will have no more excuses as to why he cannot get the job done.
Williams took the mic now. He said he really does know him like the back of his hand. He then backhands Hayes. Williams jaws at hayes, saying to mind his business while grown folks talking. Just as Williams leaves the ring, Hayes bounces off the ropes and Somersault Dives into Williams over the top rope. Hayes got right back into the ring while Lil Yachty looked like he wanted to get some with his Kendo stick, but Williams convinced him to back off.
ANALYSIS: Even though Williams is over with the crowd, this seemed like a typical face (Hayes) vs heel (Williams) promo. The story here is Williams letting Lil Yachty get into his head about the whole pure greatness thing, which is a heel move. I think Hayes might win the non-title match next week, not only setting up their title match at SummerSlam but turning Williams all-out heel mode. Having a guy like Lil Yachty as his mouthpiece is for a heel after all.
Now, in Danhausen’s lab, he’s calling someone on the phone for help in his match all while The Miz and Kit Wilson are hooked up. Matt Cardona (Danhausen keeps calling him Zack Ryder) came in saying he saw what happened on RAW with the Judgment Day. Danhausen said it’s taken care of. He has a match with JD McDonagh at Saturday Night’s Main Event at the Garden. Cardona asked if he needed back up. Danhausen said he just got back up on the phone. Cardona showed the phone wasn’t plugged in. Danhausen said his back up is from New York and he’ll meet with him to explain the whole plan. Now Danhausen asked Cardona to help him with his experiment and twist a giant knob because he’s got muscles. Smoke began to come out. Danhausen said the Judgment Day must’ve sabotaged his equipment. Danhausen left while it looked like Miz and Wilson had their brains reversed, saying each other’s catchphrases.
ANALYSIS: Well, at least we have made a little progress with this storyline of The Judgment Day and Danhausen. And it must be fun for Miz and Wilson to be getting paid every week for a comedy segment.
Back in the arena, the Women’s Tag Team Champions come out for Brie Bella’s singles match. Cole mentions it’s been a decade since Brie has had a one-on-one match. Her match against Lainey Reid is next, after the break.
When we come back, “Main Event” Jey Uso is preparing for his battle against Cody Rhodes to challenge Zami Zayn on RAW in Chicago.
Now out comes Fatal Influence’s Lainey Reid. This is her first ever singles match since making her main roster debut. While she makes her way down with her stablemates, we’re shown highlights from last week’s RAW where Paige beat Jacy Jayne in her home of London. We’re now ready for our singles match.
Brie Bella (w/ Paige) vs Lainey Reid (w/ Fallon Henley & Jacy Jayne)
Brie attacked early on, but it didn’t last long as Reid hit a left on the jaw. Reid threw Brie into the corner, but Brie bounced back with a Clothesline. Brie hits a spinning armbar into the mat for only a one-count. Reid hung up Brie on the middle rope and hit a Belly-To-Back Suplex. Reid tried an Elbowdrop but Brie moved. Brie threw Reid into the corner turnbuckles a couple times. Then Reid sent Brie into the turnbuckle. Shoulder Tackle and a kick by Reid. Reid now lifted Brie up to the top turnbuckle and climbed up with her. Brie punched Reid down to the mat. Brie with a Missile Dropkick from the top. Now a series of Yes kicks by Brie before the distraction by Henley. Reid pulled Brie away by her hair and tried a move, but Brie landed on her feet and pulled Reid down by her hair. Yes Lock submission by Brie. Henley tried to help her partner, but Paige sent Henley to the floor on the outside. Page shoved Jayne into the ring post. Henley hit Paige with a forearm. Brie went to the outside to send Henley to the barricade. As Brie got back into the ring, Reid hit a Running Knee for the win.
WINNER: Lainey Reid (4 minutes)
ANALYSIS: **
Just a quick and simple match to show off Lainey Reid and that she’s a part of the number’s game in Fatal Influence. This will probably lead to a future Women’s Tag Team Title match, likely at SummerSlam. Gotta load that card up.
Now, somewhere backstage, there’s a hot dog eating contest (in honor of the Fourth of July for those in America) that R-Truth wins. Truth offers Damian Priest a frankfurter. The AAA Tag Team Champs, The War Raiders, came in and asked if they’d thought about their offer. Truth accepted their offer to put all their titles on the line in a hot dog eating contest. Priest said Aldis isn’t there so he’s not sure when. Priest said Title for Title, their on. But it’ll be on SmackDown. Truth tells the War Raiders they’re going to lose their masks and their status. He then told Lil Jimmy to “Vamonos!” as he left.
ANALYSIS: Regardless of Truth going back to his old silly ways, I’m still looking forward to a Title Unification Match. Especially if it’s going to happen on a SmackDown TV Taping.
Now we get a video package from last week’s RAW about how Lesnar vs Femi III Hell in a Cell came about.
Backstage, Cody Rho es is walking backstage when he bumps into Finn Balor. Rhodes welcomes him to SmackDown. Balo said one of the reasons he came to SmackDown was to face him for the title. Balor told Rhodes to go get it back.
As Rhodes leaves, Tama Tonga approaches Balor. Tama said he went to the elders for guidance. Talla Tonga appears from behind and attacks Balor, throwing him on an equipment crate. Tama said he had to close the books on everything from his past, and Finn was next.
ANALYSIS: At least now Balor finally gets a storyline and a match on SmackDown instead of just whining how nobody likes him.
“Main Event” Jey Uso was in the concessions in the back surrounded by the fans as he tells the camera to hit his music. “Day One Ish” hits and he makes his way through the crowd “YEET~!”-ing along. “YEET~!” break.
Back with Jey in the ring, we finally got the entrance to “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes. It’s time for the main event!
Undisputed WWE Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Cody Rhodes vs Jey Uso
The official referee is Dan Engler. They locked up but that went nowhere. Jey tried to kick Rhodes, but Rhodes caught him and tried an early Cross Rhodes, but Jey countered with a Snapmare. Jey bounces off the ropes as Rhodes ducks and knees him to the ribs. Rhodes with elbows to the head of Jey before he throws Jey to the corner turnbuckle. Jey sent a charging Rhodes up and over to the apron, but Rhodes slipped to the floor. Jey with a Suicide Dive to the outside onto Rhodes. Mid-match break.
Jey and Rhodes exchanged punches. Rhodes got the better and went for his father’s Bionic Elbow until Jey punched Rhodes some more. “YEET~!” punches and Jey went for a big punch but got a kick to the gut and a drop-down punch. Jey with and Round Kick. Jey went for a Superkick but got caught. Rhodes with a Cody Cutter for a two-count. Rhodes tried to get into position again for a Cross Rhodes, but Jey got a Snapmare Takedown leading to a Samoan Drop. Rhodes rolled to the outside and by the commentators. Jey ran after him but got kicked and sent over the announce table. Rhodes began to take apart the announce table, but Jey popped up and tripped Rhodes onto the table. Jey punched Rhodes a few times before getting back in the ring. But Rhodes got off the table so Jey went for another Suicide Dive, this time Rhodes punched him with a right hand. Rhodes launched Jey over a barricade into the timekeeper’s area and hit a Double Axhandle to the back. Rhodes grabs Jey and throws him back into the ring. Rhodes charged and both men hit a Double Clothesline spot for the last break of the evening.
When we come back, both men have recovered and are on the top turnbuckle. Jey knocks Rhodes down to the mat and nails an Uso Splash for a two-and-a half count. Jey charged from the corner but Rhodes kicked him in the jaw. Rhodes off the top rope for a Super Cody Cutter for a two-and-a-half. Rhodes pounded the mat in frustration. He walked around until he bounced off the ropes again for a Disaster Kick but ate a Superkick from Jey. Spear by Jey and another close pin. Jey rolled to the ring apron and climbed the turnbuckles for another splash, but Rhodes moved and Jey landed on his feet. Spear on Jey by Rhodes. Rhodes hits the Cross Rhodes on Jey but gets a very close near fall. Rhodes looks distraught now. Rhodes went up top and launched for a splash, but Jey got his knees up and got him in an Inside Cradle for another near fall. Punches back and forth. Rhodes started to get the better of them, but Jey ducked a big swing that allowed Jey to apply a Sleeper Hold. Rhodes eventually tried to flip Jey over, but Jey landed on his feet. Jey shoves Rhodes to the ropes and got Rhodes into an O’Connor Roll for only a one-count. Rhodes now backed Jey into the corner. They’re both tangled up in the corner, so the ref counted them to break out. Jey screamed and charged at Rhodes, right into a Cross Rhodes! Rhodes get the pinfall win.
WINNER: Cody Rhodes (9 minutes)
ANALYSIS: *** ½
A decisive clean win for Rhodes to get his rematch for the Undisputed WWE Championship, which Zayn won from him decisive and clean at NoC. They both worked hard together and had a great match, even though they deserved a bit more time together in the ring. But due to the shorter SmackDown time frame it was a little short for such a great match. Jey was tough to keep down and Rhodes got frustrated about it a few times. But Rhodes is a top guy. I expected Rhodes would win.
With that win, Cody Rhodes will now go to Monday Night RAW next week, July 6th in Chicago, to get his rematch for the title against Sami Zayn, the guy who took it from him at Night of Champions. Rodes celebrated the win on the ropes as the credits rolled, and the show ended.
Zayn vs Rhodes sounds great. I’m expecting an incredible match. Maybe not as great as the triple threat at NoC but give them a bit more time and they could put on one heck of a show. I would really like Zayn to retain, but I’m just afraid it’ll go right back to Rhodes. I think there’s one thing that could determine exactly what will happen in the end.
CM Punk. In case you haven’t noticed is that no one, not the announcers nor temp SmackDown GM Pearce, even mentioned the possibility that Punk may even make an appearance at the Allstate Arena in his hometown of Chicago. Don’t think he’ll be there? He’s being advertised from the Allstate Arena’s official events page here.
I see two ways this championship match could go down. One: the title does go back to Rhodes, after Zayn only holds it for just a week, and Punk vs Rhodes for SummerSlam gets set up because Rhodes promised Punk a title shot whenever he wanted once he returned. Or two: Rhodes and Zayn still have a most incredible match, but Rhodes loses his rematch thanks to a distraction or interference from Punk. This keeps the title on Zayn and sets up a feud between Punk and Rhodes for SummerSlam. Or maybe there’s other options available now that Punk is officially back so they can set up a challenger for Zayn at SummerSlam instead of having him disrespectfully losing it a week after winning it. Please let him retain next week.
And that’s the SLAM, peeps! Next week, the July 6th Super Show episode of Monday Night RAW comes from the Allstate Arena in “The Second City” of Chicago, IL. Actually, the arena is on the edge of the Northern border in the suburbs of Rosemont, geographically speaking, even though it’s always been billed as officially in Chicago. Anyhoo, thanks to that last match, so far there’s only one official match on the card:
- Undisputed WWE Championship Match: Sami Zayn (c) vs Cody Rhodes
The next two-hour Friday Night SmackDown on July 10th will be live again from the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, OK. We have two confirmed matches there:
- United States Champion Trick Williams vs Carmelo Hayes (Non-Title Match)
- Finn Balor vs Tama Tonga
Hopefully there’ll be much more to come, including more Danhausen, so remember: cards are subject to change.
Stay safe blowing stuff up on the fourth, stuff your faces full of burgers and hot dogs, and see y’all down the BLVD!
You must be logged in to post a comment Login