Levin’s SmackDown Live Review

WWE picked up right where it left off last Tuesday night on SmackDown Live, promoting Randy Orton as the new baddest man on the planet. This time, it was Jeff Hardy’s turn to confront “The Viper” after his recent attacks and promo that made him Public Enemy No. 1.

But first, Becky Lynch continued her ascension toward the top of the women’s division food chain. Despite how the company has buried Asuka in my opinion, they are doing the right thing in pushing the first ever SmackDown Women’s Champion in a program with Carmella for the title at SummerSlam.

“I knew if I kept pushing, I would get back to where I want to be,” Lynch told the fans in attendance.

No title match in recent memory. No title belt since 2016. This was a long-time coming. But it’s the right move. Gordon Solie used to say the challenger is always stronger than the champion because they are hungrier. This is exactly what he was talking about.

Carmella is the perfect villain in this scenario – who is making it look too easy to hate her. The heat she receives from WWE’s fan base. The current blue brand champion is learning to deliver a better promo.

But… Then Carmella tries to garner sympathy from the fans in Tampa on Tuesday night. And you knew what was coming. Until Charlotte Flair comes to Lynch’s aid. We all know what’s coming Flair vs. Carmella with a Triple-Threat match for the title at SummerSlam in Brooklyn

Here are a few other things I observed from Tuesday night.

The Usos vs. The Bar

Another match in the SmackDown Tag Team Title Tournament. Two former champions show us how its done. With WWE moving forward with the Bludgeon Brothers as champions, putting together a solid tag team tournament is a smart move.

With The New Day watching the match, of course. This match did not disappoint. The one thing this kind of match does is remind us how important the tag team division is to the Tuesday night program because one less hour means more concentration in the ring.

Move and countermove, fans approved every maneuver. The Bar wins in the best match of the night and face The New Day with the winner getting a title opportunity at SummerSlam.

Samoa Joe Speaks

Is there any chance the Samoan Submission Machine won’t win the WWE Title in Brooklyn? WWE is finally doing the right thing in putting the title on the line with A.J Styles facing an old nemesis from TNA.

I have spoken openly on other sites how Joe has been miscast on more than one occasion. Joe knows how to cater to the fans, make his point and still scare the crap out of them at the same time.

This should be one of the better matches at SummerSlam.

Joe’s promo hit below the belt and was brilliant. Failure as a father and failure as a husband, it makes for an amazing plot line.

Jeff Hardy Gets a Turn – Sort of

Hardy still wants the United States Title and hopes to get a shot at Shinsuke Nakamura for the strap. First, he must take care of business with Orton.

And Nakamura got involved in the shenanigans. A stare down of both heels and a mental agreement before the 13-time world champion once again picks apart Hardy. And wiped away the identity of his future opponent.

I’m not sure how this turns out other than a match at SummerSlam – with or without Nakamura as part of the package. It’s a good storyline for Orton.

Lana vs. Zelina Vega

It may not have been the best match of the night, but it was the hottest match, that’s for sure.

I would rather see what the storyline between Andrade “Cien” Almas and Rusev goes, but this, of course, is a slow build,

Vega wins with the interference of Aiden English. Someone cannot be too happy with this outcome.

Daniel Bryan Addresses the Fans About Last Tuesday

Bryan talked about The Miz building a wall between the two of them. He said his nemesis taunted him and picked at him while he was on the shelf. It continues to be part of the build toward SummerSlam.

Bryan calls The Miz a coward. Yes! Yes! Yes! The Miz is one of the best protagonists in the history of the business. I love how Bryan told The Miz he won’t be The Rock or John Cena.

And the challenge has been issued. SUMMERSLAM!

No, we did not need the crying babies.

Carmella vs. Charlotte Flair

Triple-Threat anyone? This was a much better match than I thought it would be.

Carmella has upped her game and looked solid against the Gold Standard. Flair also sold well for the smaller opponent. This has the makings of a solid match, where now I am thinking Becky Lynch is the one who turns on her best friend.