SmackDown heats up towards SummerSlam!

The W, W, E, World, Heavy, Weight, CHAMPION~ may be preparing for a #Smackville debut, but he wants to have something for the biggest party of the summer! Who is he going to call out on the way to Toronto? Plus, Shawn Michaels returns to SmackDown as a guest commentator for tonight’s action!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Apollo Crews VS Shinsuke Nakamura; Nakamura wins.
• Ember Moon VS Charlotte Flair; Moon wins.
• Kofi Kingston VS Samoa Joe; No Contest.
• Roman Reigns VS Kevin Owens, Special Guest Referee: Drew McIntyre; No Contest.

PLAY BY PLAY

Kevin Owens defies authority!

From calling out Shane McMahon being a glory hog to straight up stunning him in the ring, the KO Show will not be silenced! Even as Shane brings every crony possible, Kevin finds a way to get the best of the Best in the World! But what will the consequences be for Kevin as we head for SummerSlam?

SmackDown opens with The New Day!

Big E and Xavier Woods dance on the announce desk in front of Tom Phillips and David Otunga, but then Shane McMahon comes out to ruin the fun. Fans boo as Shane goes to the ring. Even Xavier boos while Big E hands out pancakes. “The BEST, in the WOOOOOOOOOOOOORLD~!” gets his proper introduction from Greg Hamilton before he reflects on last night’s Raw Reunion. WWE paid homage to superstars both old and new, but one face Shane was happy not seeing was Kevin Owens. Where was Kevin? Hiding behind social media and yapping, but he did say something interesting: Kevin wants a match with Shane at SummerSlam. And thinking about it, such an event wouldn’t be complete without the Best in the World.

Shane tells Kevin Owens, challenge accepted! But all that other yammering had something else interesting: if Kevin loses to Shane, then Kevin would quit the WWE! Fans let Shane know, “You Can’t Wrestle!” But Shane just says they can ask Roman Reigns about that. However, Kevin said he’d quit before, but then he didn’t actually quit. Shane rolls the footage of such words. August 27th, 2018, Kevin Owens lost to Seth Rollins and, in Toronto, Kevin said, “I quit.” Can you believe Kevin did that? Well Shane will make Kevin quit again! But it has to be in writing! Speak of the Prizefighter, here he comes! Miami goes wild for Kevin as he walks out on stage with a microphone.

Kevin tells Shane, “I’ve said a lot of things about you, but there’s one thing I wouldn’t say and that’s that you’re not smart.” Yes, Kevin hit a low point last year, but that was the “broken down” Kevin who didn’t want to piss anyone off. That Kevin is not this Kevin! Kevin knew if he issued a challenge, Shane would accept. Because Shane wants Kevin gone, and Kevin knows Shane loves the spotlight. And that spotlight is no brighter than SummerSlam in Toronto! The only problem is, Kevin won’t quit. And the reason why is because he’ll beat the hell out of Shane! But why wait?! Kevin wants to fight right now! Shane says if he wants that match at SummerSlam, then he’s not going to do anything right now.

Shane sees the fire in Kevin, and maybe Kevin should fight tonight. Not Shane, of course. But Kevin can fight… Roman Reigns! Shane pits his two biggest enemies dissenters against each other for his own benefit! Will KO get through Roman Reigns to then give the Best in the World the worst beating of his life?

Shane meets up with his crew.

Elias and Drew McIntyre love the ideas Shane had. Just when they thought he couldn’t get any more amazing as a leader, pitting Kevin against Roman, it’s beyond brilliant. It’s truly genius. Shane wants to go up even higher! This match needs something special. To make sure nothing happens, there should be a special guest referee. And it’ll be Drew McIntyre! McIntyre is good with that. And it also needs Elias as the special guest timekeeper! And to really, really put this together, the special ring announcer will be, the BEST, in the WOOORLD himself. Shane is definitely smart enough to know how to abuse his power. But how smart will it be to be that close to such combustible elements?

Apollo Crews VS Shinsuke Nakamura!

The rising star just needs that one moment to finally prove himself, but how will he do against the King of Strong Style?

The bell rings and Apollo circles with Nakamura. They approach but Apollo backs off. Fans duel as they approach again. Nakamura kicks one hand and reels Apollo in for a headlock. Apollo powers up and out to then run Nakamura over. Apollo brings Nakamura up and scoops to slam Nakamura down hard. Then Apollo drops a big leaping elbow! Apollo drags Nakamura up for a suplex, and holds him up there! For over 20 counts! Cover, TWO! Apollo keeps his cool as he brings Nakamura up again. Nakamura breaks free to throw a strike fest then whip, but Apollo reverses. Nakamura holds the ropes but Apollo clotheslines him out! Apollo goes to the apron, ASAI MOONSAULT! The New Day are loving this as SmackDown goes picture in picture!

Apollo looms over Nakamura before putting him in the ring. Apollo slingshots and sentons, but Nakamura gets clear. Nakamura sweeps Apollo’s legs to trip him on the apron! Then he turns Apollo sideways for a knee strike, then a knee guillotine! Apollo falls to the floor and Nakamura stomps him out. Nakamura drags Apollo up and puts him back in the ring. He covers, TWO! Nakamura keeps his cool as he stands Apollo up for a cravat. Apollo endures the hold and slowly fights his way up. Nakamura snapmares and drops another knee! Cover, TWO! Nakamura grows annoyed with Apollo as he puts him in a corner. He stomps the legs out then gives Apollo some Bad Vibrations! Apollo stops those, but Nakamura punches him down!

Nakamura stomps away on Apollo again and again at the ropes, only stopping when the ref backs him off. Nakamura stands Apollo up again for a SWIFT kick to the chest! Apollo wobbles but stays up, so Nakamura kicks him again! Then Nakamura grinds Apollo down in a facelock. Apollo endures as Nakamura squeezes tight. Apollo fights his way up and gourd busters Nakamura down! And then LARIATS Nakamura inside-out! Both men are down but Apollo catches his breath. SmackDown returns to single picture as he and Nakamura stand. Apollo mule kicks and BOOTS, then leaps to lariat Nakamura down! Kip-up and Apollo fires up! The New Day and Miami are also fired up as Apollo throws Nakamura with a fall away slam! Cover, TWO!

Apollo keeps his cool and says it’s time to raise the roof. He lifts Nakamura but Nakamura slips out to swing a kick. Apollo ducks but gets the left heel! Nakamura aims at Apollo in a corner, runs in, but blocks the boots. He turns Apollo around for the roundhouse, and sliding German! Nakamura unzips his shirt while Apollo is dazed. Nakamura runs in, but gets an enziguri!! OLYMPIC SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Nakamura survives and Apollo can’t believe it! The New Day is going nuts on commentary as Apollo plans what’s next. Apollo goes up top, but Nakamura trips him up! Top Shelf Knee! Then he throws Apollo off, only to get a pop-up flapjack! Standing shooting star misses! KINSHASA! Cover, Nakamura wins!!

Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall

The WWE Intercontinental Champion shows Apollo what being King of Strong Style really means! What will it take for Apollo to rise up higher?

But to add insult to injury, Nakamura kicks Apollo all around the ring! And out of the ring, and then kicks him while he’s down! Nakamura goes up the ramp and aims, for another KINSHASA! Nakamura caresses the title as he heads out, but will there come a time when someone wants that belt for their own?

Mandy Rose surprises Sonya Deville.

Where has she been, though? Don’t worry, she took care of business. She talked to Shane and told about the IIconics making jokes. Now they have a match that could earn them a future tag title match! Sonya is speechless as she’s so proud of her best friend. Will Fire & Desire take the fight to Peyton & Billie when they meet in the ring?

SmackDown hears from Mustafa Ali.

“I’ve got to rewrite the story.” He has to take the pen into his hand and rewrite his story! Not a sob story about a kid chasing his dream, who went from being a cop to a wrestler, and had to fight to earn his title shot only for his body to give out on him. Injured, replaced, and forgotten. Ali knows he lost time, but he won’t let that be his story. Ali has his pen, he puts it to paper, and it will read, “Ali becomes a champion.” It doesn’t matter who it is, no one is writing his story! He’ll even use his blood to write the story. Ali will go down in history with his story.

SmackDown presents: Miz TV!

The Most Must-See WWE Talk Show returns again, and Miz fires up Miami for the Miz & Mrs. season premiere! Miz takes a look back at Raw Reunion and all the stars, icons and legends that showed up. It was a lot of fun, but tonight’s guest carries that over. It is none other than the Heartbreak Kid, SHAWN MICHAELS! The New Day sings along as HBK makes his way to the ring. Ironically, HBK was supposed to be where the New Day was, but perhaps things worked out in the end.

Miz and HBK sit but the fans cheer and that gets HBK moving around again. The party keeps on rolling. Miz and others loved having legends back, but others were negative towards it. HBK has been on both sides, from the young guy in the back watching old time- er, Legends, coming around, and thinking “Why don’t they just get out of here?” But at the same time, this is family! It’s hard to turn down such a chance to hang out. And everyone had a blast, right? Fans in Miami sure are having a blast. And DX-Kliq even recruited an honorary member. Miz really “appreciates” it wasn’t him. But Seth Rollins has been a lot to fun watching growing up from the WWE PC and NXT, to another match with Brock Lesnar. In the words of Rollins, HBK hopes Rollins will #BurnItDown.

But to spoil the fun, it’s Dolph Ziggler! “Enough already with these so-called legends limping out tot he ring, ‘happy to be there’.” Ziggler hopes someone puts him out of his misery before he ever gets like that. Miz would be happy to be the one to do it! HBK keeps the peace. Clearly, Ziggler needs to say something, so let him say his piece. Ziggler does! He’s actually happy to see HBK. Ziggler and everyone used to idolize HBK, emphasis on “used to.” HBK could’ve just ridden off into the sunset, but what did he do? Shuffled back out and waved to the crowd, “it was embarrassing!” As bad as Goldberg-Taker! Ziggler tells HBK the truth: when HBK came back in November, he broke Ziggler’s heart. So Ziggler will tell him what no one else has the guts to say: “You were embarrassing.”

Miz looks to HBK for a response. HBK’s response: “I’ll admit it. I’m not going to disagree with you. It was embarrassing. I was embarrassed.” But what’s more embarrassing than that, is working your whole career and giving it your all, and still being left with nothing but being known as “a second-rate, Shawn Michaels wannabe.” Ziggler scowls, and fans pile on. Ziggler will not let HBK say that about him! The only second-rate HBK here is THIS HBK! And real fitting that he and Miz are here together. They ruined their legacies to shake hands, kiss babies, wave like idiots on a parade float! They’re the ones who will be left known for kissing ass while Ziggler-

“Oh just do something already!” Miz has had enough of Ziggler’s bitter whining, “It should’ve been me!” In this industry, you MAKE it you! So do something about it! Ziggler looks to Miz, then to HBK. Fans dare him to “Do Something! Do Something!” Everyone drops mics and tosses off jackets. Miz even leans forward to give Ziggler an easy shot. Ziggler goes to leave, HBK turns him around, but then HBK ducks the sucker punch and it goes into Miz! HBK goes after Ziggler on Miz’s behalf! HBK helps Miz up, but then Ziggler comes back with a SUPERKICK! Ziggler takes HBK down with the move he made famous! Then runs away from Miz before anything more can happen! Will Ziggler pay for such disrespect and cowardice?

Ember Moon VS Charlotte Flair!

SmackDown Women’s Champion, Bayley, was allowed to name her challenger for SummerSlam, and after helping her thwart Fire & Desire, she chose the War Goddess! Now Ember looks to prove she’s not only worthy of the match, but capable of beating the champion by beating a former champion. Will the #Shenom be able to Eclipse the Queen of Flair? Or will she find there’s a reason the Queen is #CharlotteNineTime?

The bell rings on this first-time-ever, and Ember circles with Charlotte. Charlotte kicks Ember’s legs out and then whips her to ropes. Ember handsprings through the hip toss to arm-drag Charlotte. CHarlotte comes back and runs Ember over, then stomps away. But here comes Bayley! The Queen is upset, but Bayley just wants a front row seat. Ember rolls Charlotte up, EMBER WINS!!

Winner: Ember Moon, by pinfall

Bayley didn’t mean for that to happen, but it did happen. But then Ember puts Bayley in the ring!? Charlotte BOOTS Bayley down, but then Ember ECLIPSES Charlotte! Then she sees Bayley stirring, and grins. Ember climbs again, aims at Bayley, and gives BAYLEY an Eclipse! The War Goddess has declared war on champion and Queen! Will she regret making enemies of two NXT Horsewomen? Or is she going to rise above them all?

SmackDown returns to Kofimania!

The WWE World Champion throws pancakes as he makes his way out to the ring and Miami gets hype with positivity! They cheer and chant while he gets a mic. “Miami, BABYYYY~!” Before Kofi gets to his Smackville match with Samoa Joe and Dolph Ziggler, he wants to call out the man he hopes will be his SummerSlam opponent. Hopefully Kofi gets it out before getting attacked outta nowhere, because he’s talking to Randy Orton. Kofi waits, and The Viper appears! Orton himself looks to see if there might be anyone coming up to get after him. But the coast is clear, and Orton takes a mic for his own.

Kofi tells Orton that he wants Orton because of the history between them. Some fans might have forgotten, but Kofi remembers. November 16th, 2009: a sold out Madison Square Garden, and everyone chanting for Kofi. Fans chant for Kofi now. That was the night Kofi whooped Orton in a Falls Count Anywhere! And if Orton doesn’t recall it himself, there’s footage as a refresher. The SUPER BOOM DROP! That moment still gives Kofi goosebumps. That was supposed to be the moment Kofi made it to the main event. But that didn’t happen, now did it? Let’s get to the truth, to the real-life details. Orton used his influence to screw Kofi over. It almost worked, too. Until it didn’t.

Ever since then, Kofi kept on the grind and kept believing himself, and used the very real Power of Positivity to become what Orton never wanted him to be! The W, W, E, World, Heavy, Weight, Champion~! Orton responds, saying “You think I used my influence to hold you back?” Orton admits it! But it was a favor to Kofi. Kofi wasn’t ready back then. And he’s still not ready now. This reign is a fluke. Kofi brags about his 11 years, but what about Orton’s 18? Orton admits he didn’t have to work hard, because it was so easy just being himself. He didn’t have to fake an accent, throw pancakes or shake his ass. All he had to do was be him, “and it’s worked pretty damn good.” Orton wins, wins and wins, to then main event a Mania.

That reminds Orton of something. Wrestlemania 35’s Kofimania only happened because of Orton. Orton hurt Mustafa Ali, and Kofi took Ali’s spot. What Orton is getting at is Kofi doesn’t deserve the title. And Orton could take it from Kofi whenever he wants. Whenever, huh? Then how about testing that at SummerSlam? Kofi Kingston VS Randy Orton, for the WWE World Championship. If Kofi wants it, he’s got it. But as fair warning, this little fairy tale comes to an end courtesy of the most dangerous letters in pro-wrestling: R K O. Kofi shows no fear, but will he regret inviting a Viper into the ring?

But wait, here comes Samoa Joe! The Samoan Submission Machine doesn’t care about this talk, he wants another fight. Joe wants to show he can get this done even before Smackville’s Triple Threat. And Orton decides to stay and see that, after the break.

Kofi Kingston VS Samoa Joe!

SmackDown returns as this Extreme Rules rematch begins! Kofi and Joe circle while Orton takes a seat ringside. Joe wrenches a wrist but Kofi slips through to wrench back. Kofi wrenches Joe but Joe wrenches right back! Joe has the wristlock, but Kofi rolls and handsprings to wrench again. Joe reaches for ropes and gets the ropebreak. Kofi lets up and backs off, daring Joe to bring the fight. Joe and Kofi circle while fans chant “New! Day Rocks!” Kofi waistlocks Joe but Joe pries free to a fireman’s carry takedown. Joe has the armlock and grinds Kofi down. Joe stands on Kofi’s arm and hammerlocks, but Kofi rolls and kicks Joe away.

Kofi is on Joe’s arm again, and keylocks it. Joe powers the hold back and throws Kofi down by his hair. Joe walks around Kofi and drags him back up for a CHOP! Kofi reels back from the stinging in his chest, but Joe keeps on him with headbutts. Kofi kicks back and throws chops of his own! He backs Joe down, but Joe headbutts him right back down. Joe runs but Kofi speeds up with him! Kofi hurdles and back elbows Joe! Kofi dropkicks Joe out of the ring, then builds speed, to FLY! The Trust Fall topples Joe and Kofi is having fun! Fans fire up with Kofi as he puts Joe back in the ring. Joe gets to a corner and Kofi runs in to forearm smash. Kofi climbs up to rain down rights, right where Orton can see him. But then Joe trips Kofi up and Kofi hits buckles!

Joe looms over Kofi as Kofi shakes the cobwebs out. Joe CHOPS Kofi to the corner, then runs in. Kofi dodges and comes back, but Joe throws him with the urenage! Cover, TWO! Kofi survives but Joe keeps his cool while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Joe looms over Kofi again and scrapes his soles off Kofi’s face. He drags Kofi back up for the swift jabs, and big haymakers! Kofi wobbles but Joe still CHOPS him at the ropes. Kofi fires back with big haymakers and kicks of his own! Only to run into Joe’s elbow! Joe glares as he stalks Kofi to a corner. Joe drags Kofi up again, pulling hair to bring him in for a headbutt! The ref reprimands Joe but Joe doesn’t care as he drags Kofi up again. Joe snapmares Kofi into a neck wrench. Kofi endures the crank on his head as fans rally up. Kofi fights but Joe leans his weight on him. SmackDown returns to single picture as Joe twists harder.

Fans rally but Orton watches with a stoic stare. Kofi fights his way back up and fights with elbows. Joe knees low, but runs into Kofi’s double chops! Kofi fires off more then dropkicks Joe! Kofi runs and leaps to lariat Joe down! Fans fire up again as Kofi runs for the NEW~ DAY~ Boom Drop! Kofi gets to a corner and takes aim. Fans clap along and Kofi runs out, but Joe gets to a corner. Joe dodges but Kofi goes up and over to crossbody Joe down! But Orton decides to strike! But Kofi denies the RKO and the match is thrown out!

No Contest

Kofi is ready for Orton this time, and Orton throws off his vest. Joe confronts Orton, to get the RKO! Kofi gives Orton Trouble in Paradise! Kofimania runs wild, but will he make it through the Smackville Triple Threat for this rematch to even happen?

Finn Balor returns to SmackDown!

The Extraordinary Man was the first victim of The Fiend, but he’s back to show he’s not afraid. What will he have to say after SmackDown returns from break?

SmackDown returns and Kayla Braxton is there to interview Finn. Finn has had a rough couple of weeks, losing the WWE Intercontinental Championship at Extreme Rules, but then being attacked on Raw the next night. Again, it was the shocking and perhaps disturbing debut of Bray Wyatt’s Fiend on live television, in which he attacked Finn and left him down and out in the ring. Finn finally has a chance to respond. He’s not sure how Bray’s mind works. Is this back to settle an old score? Or for something new? But from the puppets to the attack on Mick Foley last night, and The Fiend itself, Finn isn’t sure what to make of any of it.

Is Finn shaken? Bray is even more twisted than ever before, but Finn has stared fear in the face before. Finn didn’t back down then, and he won’t now! So if Bray, The Fiend, or whatever he is today, how about a match at SummerSlam?! And on the titantron, it’s another episode of Firefly Fun House? Happy Bray is there, “Yowie Wowie!” And so are Mercy the Buzzard and Ramblin’ Rabbit. Finn is so brave! It’s inspiring, really. It’s the reason they’re all fans of Finn’s in the fun house. But The Fiend isn’t, no matter how many times they tell the Fiend how “super duper” Finn is! But the challenge has been accepted! Bray does give a warning: Finn is an Extraordinary Man, The Fiend is no man. “The Fiend is an abomination. The Fiend is power. And the Fiend remembers.” #LetMeIn.

The Fiend now has control of the fun house! “Let me in!” Will Finn survive The Fiend at SummerSlam? Will Finn be bringing the WWE Intercontinental Championship with him after Smackville this Saturday?

SmackDown returns with a backstage interview with Charlotte Flair!

She shouldn’t have to ask for this interview. That thing with Ember and Bayley is a slap in the face. No wait, being off SummerSlam is a slap in the face. No wait, Bayley choosing Ember just because is a slap in the face. Charlotte is THE woman behind the Women’s (R)Evolution! How do you leave The Queen of All Eras off SummerSlam!? Mark her words: she will be part of SummerSlam, she demands to be SummerSlam, and she’ll have a better opponent than Ember Moon to finally prove she is THE greatest woman wrestler of all time.

Roman Reigns VS Kevin Owens, Special Guest Referee: Drew McIntyre!

As if making two of his enemies fight each other, the Best in the World makes sure the Scottish Terminator is the officiator, the Drifter is the timekeeper, and he himself is the ring announcer. This is certainly a stacked deck, but will the Prizefighter still be in good shape to go after Shane O’Mac?

Shane does his ring announcing duties by introducing Elias and McIntyre in turn, and SmackDown takes one more break before this main event finally goes down.

SmackDown returns once more as everyone takes their positions. Kevin makes his entrance, but Shane doesn’t give him an introduction. Roman then makes his entrance, but Shane doesn’t give him an introduction, either. It’s so obvious what Shane is up to with this, but Roman isn’t going to shy away from a fight. He and McIntyre talk trash but then Elias rings the bell. Shane finally gives the introductions, calling Kevin “The Quitter.” Kevin gets out to scare Shane off, then he takes a mic up. Shane thinks eh’s so funny and smart, huh? Kevin has no problem going through everyone to get at Shane! Shane’s getting dropped whether he likes it or not!

Roman takes the mic from Kevin and says Kevin’s not going through him. He’ll whoop everyone’s ass tonight! Shane calls for the real bell, and the bell sounds! Roman and Kevin circle, tie up, and Roman powers Kevin to a corner. McIntyre calls for the break, and Roman gives the break. Fans duel as Roman and Kevin circle again. They tie up again and Kevin headlocks. Roman powers Kevin back to a corner, and McIntyre calls for another break. The break is given, but McIntyre shoves the two a little too much. He says they have to listen to him as the referee. Roman UPPERCUTS McIntyre and throws him out! Kevin hits Elias! Shane scrambles but he’s surrounded! Roman and Kevin have him in the ring, out of the ring, and then back in the ring!

McIntyre saves Shane from Roman but Kevin helps Roman out! Elias attacks with a BIG knee! The brawling continues and Shane gets his cheap shots in on Roman. Shane and his crew stomp Roman all around, and Miami tells them, “You Suck!” McIntyre and Elias hold Roman up and Shane mocks the battle cry, but Kevin trips Shane uP! To throw him into barriers! Roman gets free, Kevin SUPERKICKS McIntyre! SUPERKICK for Elias! Roman SPEARS McIntyre! Kevin gives Elias a STUNNER! Fans are thunderous because Shane isn’t getting away just yet! Roman feeds Shane into the ring, SUPERMAN PUNCH! STUNNER! The Big Dog and KO stand tall, “Aw Hell Yeah!”

Fans want “One More Time!” and so does Roman. Kevin hauls Shane up, for another STUNNER! “You think tonight was good?” Kevin vows to do the impossible: make Shane enjoyable! Because he vows to give Shane the ass whooping of a lifetime! But can Kevin really do this all again in Toronto? Or is Shane going to find yet another way to abuse his power and stack the deck?

My Thoughts:

This was a pretty fun and more substantial episode of SmackDown after Raw Reunion being mostly filler. One thing that disappointed was that HBK didn’t join commentary at all tonight. However, the New Day taking his place was a great alternative, Big E and Xavier Woods were so hype it made things feel even more fun. Especially in the Apollo VS Nakamura match. Apollo had a great performance against Nakamura, but to be fair, he’s still not where Nakamura is. Nakamura VS Finn is coming at Smackville, and for the Intercontinental Championship, but I don’t think Nakamura drops it after Ali had such a passionate promo. At the same time, The Fiend VS Finn is happening, so maybe Finn wins the title to lose it to Bray, and Ali jumps in from there.

Ember getting a quick win over Charlotte and then leaving both her and Bayley down and out is great for Ember. She needs a spark to really get going towards this title match. Of course, Charlotte is talking about trying to outshine the title match, but is Charlotte going to have another match with Asuka just for that? Or does she circle back and copy last year’s SummerSlam by becoming part of a Triple Threat? It might be better if she joins the title match, because oddly, I can see Ember winning off her instead of just Bayley, especially if it’s an Eclipse outta nowhere. Then Fire & Desire having a match against the IIconics for a title opportunity, I don’t see that going any better than when the Kabuki Warriors finally got their shot. But perhaps it will work towards a Triple Threat of its own so that the right team comes out on top.

Kofi Kingston and Randy Orton had a great promo showdown to plug their long history against each other. It was rather surprising that Orton admits to politicking but I suppose it works into the story. Kofi VS Joe was pretty good, too, even with Orton interrupting. Smackville is going to be a lot of fun with that Triple Threat for the title, but I’m pretty sure the title doesn’t change hands. Kofi VS Orton is going to be great, or at least it should with story elements. And given Kofi referenced that memorable Boom Drop, I hope they do that again for the match, perhaps through an announce desk. And I would think for story, Kofi has to win at SummerSlam to further build his legacy.

We also got some great development for the Miz VS Ziggler story this time. Throwing HBK into the mix helped, and oof, those stinging comments about wannabes and embarrassments. This is the spark to give us a match to care about, since I expected the match itself was going to be good anyway. Then the story of the night, Shane trying to screw over Kevin and Roman. It was pretty clear this wasn’t going to work out, in order to give Kevin a lead towards their match. Though, saying this match is about Kevin quitting, I wonder if they’ll make it an I Quit match. It would just make sense, because then Kevin really does have to say the words again to lose, and it would also allow Kevin to beat the hell out of Shane since there would be no rules but to win.

My Score: 8.4/10