The Queen of Harts puts Liv Morgan to the test!

Liv Morgan will defend her SmackDown Women’s Championship at SummerSlam against Ronda Rousey, but will she get past Natalya here tonight?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• SmackDown Women’s Championship Contenders Match: Liv Morgan VS Natalya; Liv wins and denies Natalya a title match.
• Aliyah VS Lacey Evans; No Contest.
• Undisputed WWE Universal Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Drew McIntyre VS Sheamus w/ The Brawling Brutes; changed to…
• Drew McIntyre VS Ridge Holland w/ The Brawling Brutes; McIntyre wins.
• (Austin) Theory VS Mad Cap Moss; Moss wins, by disqualification.
• Angelo Dawkins w/ Montez Ford VS Jimmy Uso w/ Jey Uso; Dawkins wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Michael Cole is in the ring.

He welcomes us to the show tonight and introduces us to the man who signed a multi-year extension to remain in the WWE and remain Cole’s commentary partner. It’s PAT MCAFEE! Orlando fires up as McAfee makes his way to the ring. Cole hands the mic over to McAfee and they fist bump before Cole returns to commentary. McAfee says, “Orlando, it is an honor to be inside of you tonight!” Fans cheer and chant his name so McAfee gets on the corner. “I would like to take this moment to apologize to the entire WWE Universe, because my absence last week forced all of you to have to listen to Corey Graves for two hours. And that BUM ASS~ CORBIN~! For 17 minutes.”

McAfee gives us a look back at why he even missed a week. Corbin attacked McAfee as Money in the Bank went off the air! And then last Friday, Corbin claimed he was going to be better on commentary than McAfee, and parodied McAfee rocking out for Nakamura. McAfee says the best thing Bum Ass Corbin has ever done in the WWE is celebrate Nakamura the way he deserves. But now, it turned out McAfee’s neck was merely bruised, so he is back for the next few years. And McAfee knew Corbin long before the WWE did. Bum Ass Corbin and McAfee were roommates as rookies for the Indianapolis Colts.

McAfee knew Corbin back when he had hair, a bad body, only one bad tattoo, and was humble, hardworking and willing to grind. But as soon as “his ugly dumbass” stepped into the WWE, he became an “insufferable douchebag who would do anything for a dollar.” We ain’t TV-14 yet, but McAfee knows that “Douchebag Corbin” is a fitting title. And McAfee feels it is his job that at SummerSlam in Nashville to smack Corbin in the mouth, beat the hell out of him, and humble him into being a good member of society! McAfee has been on an island, clangin’ and bangin’ and watching film, getting ready to smack those trash tattoos off of Bum Ass Corbin’s body!

But speaking of Corbin, he gets McAfee’s attention via the titantron. Corbin wants McAfee to stop and look at him. Corbin is glad McAfee is back, but it is a shame that McAfee is too stupid to stay in his own lane. McAfee needs to take a seat at the commentary table where he belongs. Did you see how easy it was for Corbin to drop him in Vegas? That’s because Corbin is a fighter and McAfee is someone who runs his mouth and used to punt footballs. Corbin would finish the job tonight, but he’s contracted something nasty from sitting in McAfee’s chair, and/or being near the WWE Universe. Look at these spots on his arm! What is this?

Corbin says this must be monkeypox! But anyway, Corbin is staying far, far away. For now. Corbin will see McAfee at SummerSlam. Fans boo and McAfee says, “That’s not monkeypox. That’s the fact that Bum Ass Corbin is allergic to being great. Bum Ass Corbin is allergic to being in front of the electrifying WWE Universe right here in the Sunshine State! And since that coward faked monkeypox so he couldn’t come out here, I think the time is now to move this show along. And is there a better person, a better star to introduce than the woman that went into Las Vegas and changed the entire trajectory of her career and her family. Miss MITB, the NEW SmackDown Women’s Champion…! LIV MORGAN!

Fans fire up as Liv makes her way out and is ready to prove she’s champion for a reason! Will we see Liv trump the Queen of Harts on the road to SummerSlam?

SmackDown Women’s Championship Contenders Match: Liv Morgan VS Natalya!

SmackDown returns and Natalya makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two tie up. Natty kicks low, throws hands, fires off on Liv in the corner, but lets off as the ref counts. Liv comes back with haymakers of her own! Natty knees low, hits a headlock takeover, but Liv headscissors. Natty moves around, kips free, but Liv headlocks for the takeover. Natty moves around, headscissors back, but Liv kips free. Fans fire up and Liv eggs Natty on. Natty tells Liv not to get ahead of herself, then SLAPS her! Natty headlocks. Liv powers out, but Natty goes up and over. Things speed up, Natty bypasses Liv a couple times but Liv SHOTGUNS Natty down!

Liv drags Natty to a cover, TWO! Liv wheelbarrows and victory rolls, TWO! Natty gets up but Liv gets around to O’Conner Roll, TWO! Another SHOTGUN! Liv drags Natty up, whips her to a corner, then run sin, but Natty dodges to pick Liv up. Rebound and sit down, then Natty steps on Liv, only for Liv to dodge the basement dropkick! Jackknife bridge, TWO into a sunset flip! TWO, and Liv gets to a corner. Natty runs in but Liv slips out. Liv KICKS Natty through the ropes, brings Natty to the apron, but Natty trips Liv! Natty has the legs but Liv kicks her into the POST! CODE- NO, Natty blocks that to CATAPULT Liv into the post!

Liv crashes and burns and Natty grins while the ring count starts. Fans rally up but SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Natty has Liv in a Canadian Rack for a stretch! Liv powers out, sunset flips, TWO! Natty kicks low and whips Liv into the corner. Natty runs in but Liv BOOTS her back! Liv goes up and leaps, to missile dropkick! Fans fire up while both women are down and a standing count starts! The count is 5 of 10 but only now does Liv stir. Natty also gets up about 8, but Liv kips up! Liv fires up to fire off on Natty! Liv kicks, kicks and ENZIGURIS! Natty flounders and Liv roars, and Orlando fires up with the SHOTGUN! Liv scoops Natty to a cradle, TWO! Natty escapes but Liv keeps on her, FLYING-

NO, no arm-drag, but Liv ducks the discus! BROKEN WINGS and she boots Natty away! Liv runs in to back body block! And then another, but Natty catches her! GERMAN SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Natty is frustrated but fans rally up for Liv. Natty drags Liv up, reels her in and RAMS her into the corner! Natty puts Liv up top, SLAPS her then climbs up after her, but Liv fights the suplex to slip out and trip Natty up! Fans fire up and Liv runs in again, but Natty pops her up to a POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Liv survives but Natty has the ANKLE LOCK! As much of a message to Ronda Rousey as it is to hurt Liv!

Liv reaches for ropes, Natty drags her away, but Liv rolls to send Natty into buckles! Natty checks her face, but turns around into a CODE BREAKER! And then ObLIVion!! Cover, Liv wins!

Winner: Liv Morgan, by pinfall (DENIES Natalya a title match)

Liv still lives, having given Natty one hell of a match! Kayla Braxton congratulates Liv on the win, and points out this win over Natty wasn’t as dominant as Ronda’s win. Well, okay, Liv fully understands the insinuations. And she is fully aware that she is waling into her own title defense as the underdog. But she has been the underdog her whole life. So call her what you want, but at SummerSlam, we will still call Liv the SmackDown Women’s Champion! Liv is ready in her heart, but will she be ready in mind and body for the Baddest Woman on the Planet?

Backstage interview with (Austin) Theory.

Megan introduces him but he wants her to “get it right.” He is the Youngest Mr. MITB in WWE history, including the Youngest United States Champion in WWE history. And yes, it is so hard to be him, but with great power comes great responsibility. He has enemies on Raw and SmackDown, from Bobby Lashley waiting at SummerSlam to Dolph Ziggler lurking around the corner. And tonight- Paul Heyman walks in? Heyman says Megan is doing a great job, much better than Kayla. But could he have a moment with Mr. Theory? Megan leaves and Heyman shakes Theory’s hand. Theory asks how Heyman is doing, and Heyman says he’s doing all the better just standing here.

But Heyman knows that Theory knows that Heyman is the one responsible for the big break in Theory’s career. And that they both know that deep down, this theory of cashing in against Roman Reigns at SummerSlam makes no sense at all! Where is the box office? And that 15% failure rate! Theory doesn’t want to expose himself to that! What Theory wants to do is work with Heyman so that Heyman can talk to the Tribal Chief, and they can arrange a scheduled title match on a major event! Think of it! Theory VS Reigns for the Undisputed Title! Think of the prestige, the spotlight, the box office! All Theory has to do is not cash in at SummerSlam and let Heyman handle this for him.

Heyman asks what Theory says, and Theory says thanks, Heyman always has great advice. But Theory is going to cash in on Roman or Brock and become the NEW and youngest Undisputed WWE Champion ever! And then, Theory will need advice while he’s champion. Maybe a Special Counsel? Theory leaves Heyman speechless, but will things go Theory’s way with Heyman in his way?

The Viking Raiders are- Wait.

That’s not Erik & Ivar, that’s The New Day! Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods are cosplaying as the Viking Raiders! “The New Raid” is here, but will they regret poking fun at the vicious Viking Raiders?

SmackDown returns and “The New Raid” get the mics. Woods is growling, and he says, “It is I, Erik the Gross!” Kofi says he is “Ivar the Ugly!” Just kidding, of course. It’s ya bois the NEW~ DAY~! But it feels like a millennia since they sailed their ships across the seas! Kofi has Woods hold on. They were supposed to be Vikings, why does Woods sound like a pirate? Man, every time… Woods isn’t good at accents! Okay, oaky, fair. Viking up, though. Woods tries that line again, and Kofi says “Ve ver not very good.” Instead of reverting to tactics like honor and respect, they played a lot of Assassins Creed: Valhalla on PS5.

AND! They watched ALL the Thor movies! Even the new one! And they resorted to underhanded tactics, like shoddy face paint to scare people! HA! HAH! And guess what? IT WORKED! Just like their Viking family before them- Uh oh. That’s the REAL Viking Raiders making their entrance now! Woods call them IMPOSTERS! BOO THEM! Erik says they are new and vicious. Ivar says once they’re in the ring, the only words left to describe The New Day are “mangled” and “broken.” Woods says to be rude, are the only words those guys know? Woods went to college, he’s smart. How about “disgusting?” “Detestable?” “Deplorable!”

Or maybe “U G L Y, you ain’t got no alibi! You ugly! YEAH YEAH, you ugly!” Ivar and Erik drop the mics then storm to the ring! But Woods blows his war horn? What good is that? But then JINDER AND SHANKY attack! They disarm Erik & Ivar, then Woods & Kofi FLY! Direct hit and down go the Vikings! Woods, Kofi, Shanky and Jinder stand tall together, and then everyone but Jinder dances to celebrate. Erik & Ivar are scowling as they retreat, will the New Day and company still regret this?

Backstage interview with Imperium.

Kayla points out that after declaring there would be NO Open Challenge for Gunther’s Intercontinental Championship, Ludwig Kaiser faced Shinsuke Nakamura in a match and lost. Ludwig also got chopped over and over for losing, but why? “Because there is no room for failure. We will never lose. Losing is unacceptable! Losing has consequences!” Gunther says that all in Ludwig’s face, but Kayla says there will be a rematch between Ludwig and Nakamura next week. Gunther stares at Ludwig and Ludwig apologizes. He tries to explain himself but Gunther says no excuses! Undo the jacket! NOW!

Ludwig unzips slowly but Gunther opens his jacket by force to CHOP Ludwig down! Kayla is stunned, but will it be even more painful should the Impeccable German lose to the King of Strong Style again?

Aliyah VS Lacey Evans!

These two were supposed to be a team last week, but the Model Soldier was fed up with the fans not absolutely adoring her. Lacey took her frustration out on Aliyah, and now we have this match. Will #Aliyah316 show Lacey that she’s not a punching bag? Or will another Woman’s Right be headed her way?

SmackDown returns and Lacey makes her entrance. Again, Lacey’s not satisfied with the reaction so she has the music cut so they can go again. Lacey gets a mic and says she may not be better than anyone here, but no one here is better than her. She served her country and put her life on the line, and overcame obstacles that would completely crush the average American, and she admitted she is disgusted at the lack of appreciation they should give her! That is all 100% true. And she could add a few other accolades because she is an American hero! She is a prime example of what you nasties should be yet can’t be, and you hate it!

Lacey says she may have offended a few of them, yes, and the vocal minority thinks this is all too hard to handle. So she will just take a minute, and from the bottom of her heart, she will apologize to those she offended. Fans boo as Lacey waits quietly, so she rescinds her apology. And just like she said last week, “GO. TO. HELL.” Lacey drops the mic and fans boo more as she turns to leave. She doesn’t want to have a match with Aliyah or against Aliyah, or in front of the fans. Will she ever get the respect she thinks she deserves acting like this?

Undisputed WWE Universal Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Drew McIntyre VS Sheamus w/ The Brawling Brutes!

This match was supposed to happen last week, but The Fella faked coming down with something and sent Butch after the Scottish Warrior. McIntyre won that easily, and now gets his fight with the Celtic Warrior! Will Sheamus have another excuse ready to go? Or will he man up and fight McIntyre for the golden ticket to Clash at the Castle?

SmackDown returns and The Brawling Brutes make their entrance. Wait, did the ring announcer say Ridge Holland is taking on McIntyre? Is Sheamus tagging out again? McIntyre glares at Sheamus and Dunne gets the bell and hammer?! Sheamus tells Dunne to hold on! Sheamus puts those on the desk, but Dunne rings the bell! So supposedly, Ridge is taking Sheamus’ place by pure coincidence? Hmm…

Drew McIntyre VS Ridge Holland w/ The Brawling Brutes!

McIntyre CLOBBERS Ridge, bumps him off buckles, fires off hands and a CHOP! McIntyre whips corner to corner but Ridge elbows back, Only to walk right into an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! McIntyre stands Ridge up for BEATS OF TEH BODHRAIN! Sheamus is furious as McIntyre goes all the way to nine! Sheamus saves Ridge from whatever the tenth would be, and fans boo. McIntyre goes out to get at Sheamus, but he ducks Dunne flying in! Ridge POSTS McIntyre! The Brutes’ plan is working out as Ridge CLOBBERS McIntyre! And then clotheslines in the corner! Ridge scoops McIntyre, POWERSLAM! Cover, ONE?!?

Ridge hurries to CLUB away on McIntyre and throws down elbows! Cover, ONE!! Ridge clamps onto McIntyre with a chinlock but fans rally as McIntyre endures. McIntyre fights up, throws body shots and then ROCKS Ridge, CHOPS Ridge, but Ridge HEADBUTTS low! Ridge whips corner to corner but McIntyre comes back to CLOBBER him! And again! McIntyre hits a NECKBREAKER and kips up! Fans fire up with McIntyre and he goes to a corner, Dunne gets on the apron but McIntyre DECKS him! Ridge HEADBUTTS and scoops, but McIntyre slips off to HEADBUTT back! WHITE NOISE! McIntyre keeps copying Sheamus!

McIntyre counts it down, and CLAYMORE! Cover, McIntyre wins!

Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall

Sheamus is seething, because once again, McIntyre clobbers one of Sheamus’ sidekicks. Dunne runs at the ring but Sheamus stops him from facing McIntyre and his sword! Will the Fella have no choice but to fight McIntyre for that #1 contender’s spot?

Maximum Male Models will return next week.

And they will not only be bringing us the swimsuit collection for 2022, but Max Dupri’s sister, Maxxine Dupri, will join them! Will your guilty pleasures be titillated?

(Austin) Theory VS Mad Cap Moss!

Vince McMahon’s newest golden boy knows how to run his mouth, but he also did find a way to win the Money in the Bank briefcase. Will Moss use that briefcase to shut Theory’s gigantic mouth? Or will Theory find a way to win this one, too, and continue smoothly towards SummerSlam?

SmackDown returns and Megan interviews Moss at gorilla position. What is Moss’ strategy for tonight? Well, Theory has a really big head, so Moss is going to flatten it like a pancake. Heyman walks in again and again asks for a moment with the guest. Megan walks off again and Heyman introduces himself to Moss. And Heyman knows that Moss knows that Heyman knows he is responsible for Moss’ big break. And we know that what Theory has in mind, cashing in at SummerSlam, doesn’t make sense. Now, Moss gave Corbin a beating so severe that Corbin wasn’t seen for weeks. And if that happened to Theory… Well, Heyman could go to Roman Reigns.

Imagine it now: Roman Reigns VS Mad Cap Moss, the main event of a huge WWE event! The spotlight, the box office and the prestige! Think what it will do for your career, Moss, to main event a scheduled match against Roman… Reigns…! Moss tells Heyman, “It sounds, to me, like you are really worried about Theory cashing in at SummerSlam.” Moss’ music hits and he heads out, also leaving Heyman speechless. Will Moss’ actions speak loud enough for the both of them?

SmackDown returns again, and the bell rings. Theory and Moss tie up, Moss powers Theory to a corner, and the ref counts. Moss lets off, Theory complains, but Moss gives him space. They reset and circle again, and fans are dueling, but with more in Moss’ favor than Theory’s. They tie up again, Theory works to power Moss back but Moss then powers Theory to a corner. Theory turns things around, lets off and talks trash while flexing, but Moss rushes in to get around! Waistlock and SLAM, and then Moss looms over Theory to waistlock and SLAM again! Moss gives the trash talk back to the “pretty boy” before picking him up again.

Theory elbows out hard, headlocks, but Moss endures and powers out. Theory runs Moss over then flexes again. Fans boo as Theory says he’ll do this all day! But Moss fireman’s carries him! Theory slips off, waistlocks but Moss bucks him to run him over! Moss flexes and fans fire up! Things speed up, Theory leaps but Moss catches him in a fireman’s carry! Theory almost falls off but Moss steadies himself and pops Theory back up to then FALL AWAY SLAM! Fans fire up with Moss as Theory flounders to a corner. Moss storms up to throw big haymakers, and he follows Theory around the ring. Theory hits back and CLUBS Moss to then snapmare and chinlock.

Fans rally while Moss endures. Moss fights up, throws body shots, Theory knees low and bumps Moss off buckles. Theory bumps Moss off more buckles, then talks trash while he puts the headlock on. Theory goes for another buckle bump but Moss blocks and turns it around on Theory! Moss bumps Theory off more buckles and fans rally. Theory gets to ropes, Moss clotheslines him out of the ring! Moss then pursues, counter punches Theory, smacks him off the apron, and scoops him. Theory slips off, hurdles over and Moss runs into steel steps! Moss is down and Theory is grinning while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Moss throws haymakers! Moss whips Theory to a corner then runs in, only for Theory to drop toehold Moss into buckles! Theory then goes outside and slingshots back in, for the SOMERSAULT SHOTGUN! Cover, TWO! Theory is furious but he wraps on a chinlock. Theory leans on Moss and fans rally up as Moss endures. Moss fights up but Theory knees Moss and CLUBS him down! Theory throws haymakers, talks trash, slaps Moss around then throws more haymakers! Fans boo but Theory soaks up the heat, only to run into a POUNCE from Moss! Fans fire up while both men are down!

A standing count starts, Moss and Theory get up, and Moss throws forearms! Theory throws haymakers, Moss throws them back! Moss counter punches again and again, then fires off! Moss whips, Theory reverses but Moss CLOBBERS Theory! Theory staggers up into a corner and Moss RAMS into him! Moss whips corner to corner and RAMS into him again! Moss brings Theory out but Theory wrenches free. Theory ROCKS Moss, but runs into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up and Moss drags Theory back up. Moss reels Theory in, but Theory holds off the lift! Moss throws hands then gets Theory up, but Theory stomps a foot!

Theory reels Moss in, BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Moss is still in this and Theory is beside himself. Theory says it’s time, but fans chant “Theory Sucks!” Theory fireman’s carries but Moss fights free! Moss dodges Theory to put him on the apron, Theory HOTSHOTS! Theory slingshots in but Moss builds speed to RUN Theory over! And BLAST him off the apron! Moss goes out after Theory as Theory crawls away. Theory gets to the timekeeper’s area, SMACK with the briefcase!

Winner: Mad Cap Moss, by disqualification

Theory doesn’t care, he SMACKS away on Moss more! Fans boo but Theory takes his leave, that briefcase still in one piece. The ring announcer makes it official that Moss won by disqualification, but Theory even has a mic to say, “No one cares! And still Mr. MITB, and soon to be the NEW Undisputed WWE Universal Champion… THEORY! HAHAHA!” But Sami Zayn walks out now? He has an arm in the sling and asks if he heard that right. Theory thinks he’s going to be the next Universal Champion? Well when you say that, you are disrespecting the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns! And when you disrespect The Bloodline, there are consequences.

So as a representative of The Bloodline, The Honorary Uce Sami Zayn is strongly recommending that Theory apologize. Theory asks, “What is this?” Is Sami some kind of Bloodline suck-up? What’s he going to do with one good arm? The USOS are here! Jimmy & Jey Uso each have two good arms, holding up the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships! Theory backs off from the Usos, but Moss scoops Theory to POST him! Moss then takes the briefcase, puts it in Theory’s face, and TOSSES them both over the barriers! Moss got his payback, but will Theory ever be humbled?

As for the Usos, they’re here for the main event, the match meant for Raw! Will Jimmy pile on from the win against the Street Profits and R-Truth? Or will Angelo Dawkins get even before the tag title rematch?

Angelo Dawkins w/ Montez Ford VS Jimmy Uso w/ Jey Uso!

SmackDown returns once again as Sami joins commentary for this match. The Profits make their entrance and the bell rings. Jimmy and Dawkins circle, tie up, go around, and Dawkins puts Jimmy in a corner. Jimmy turns it around, but then Dawkins powers out to put Jimmy in another corner. The ref counts, Dawkins lets off, but dodges Jimmy’s cheap shot to hit a SPINEBUSTER! Dawkins waistlocks, Sami protests the legality of that exchange, but Dawkins pushes Jimmy to a cover. ONE, but Dawkins is back on the waistlock. Dawkins drags Jimmy up, Jimmy pries at the hold, but he elbows out hard!

Jimmy waistlocks, Dawkins rolls free, and then runs, but into a SAMOAN DROP! Jimmy snarls and he drags Dawkins up. Jimmy tosses Dawkins out but Dawkins lands on the apron! Dawkins ROCKS Jimmy, blocks the kick but not the DRAGON WHIP! Dawkins drops down and Jimmy builds speed, into a HAYMAKER! Dawkins then clotheslines Jimmy out, goes out after Jimmy, and POUNCES him over barriers and into the timekeeper’s area! Sami again protests if that was a legal move, but Orlando is fired up as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns once more, and Jimmy is raining down hands on Dawkins in the corner! Jimmy lets off to go to the far corner. “UCE! SO! UCE! SO!” Jimmy runs corner into corner to HIP ATTACK! But Dawkins is right back up?! And he ROCKS Jimmy with an uppercut! Both men wobble but Dawkins works on a waistlock. Jimmy fights out but Dawkins rallies! Jimmy mule kicks Dawkins, whips him to ropes but Dawkins hurdles and FLYING ELBOWS! Fans fire up and Dawkins brings Jimmy up to hit the SILENCER! Cover, TWO!! Jimmy survives but Dawkins hurries to aim again. Dawkins runs in at the corner, CYCLONE SPLASH!

Dawkins ENZIGURIS, then he DECKS Jey from the apron! Dawkins whips Jimmy and things speed up, Jimmy ends up running into the ref! The ref goes down, Sami says this is bad officiating! Dawkins rolls Jimmy up, he’d have this won if not for the ref bump! Dawkins checks on the ref, Jimmy SUPERKICKS Dawkins! Cover, but again, no ref! Jimmy drags the ref into the ring, but turns around into the SKY HIGH! Cover, Dawkins wins!!

Winner: Angelo Dawkins, by pinfall

But wait, Sami is shouting about it, and he might be right! Jimmy’s shoulder was up, just like Montez Ford’s at MITB! Will this controversy be exactly why we need a special guest referee? Sami says he wants to be the special guest ref? Adam Pearce walks out to say before any of this gets out of hand, he knows the Profits were upset over MITB, and the Usos are upset over tonight. So that is why there will be a special guest referee, and Pearce has officially found the perfect man for the job. It’ll be DOUBLE J! JEFF JARRETT! The WWE Hall of Famer and Tennessee’s own will call this one down the line! Ain’t he great?

The Usos and Profits like that news, but aren’t satisfied about tonight, so they BRAWL! Jimmy is after Dawkins, Jey is after Ford, the Profits turn it around on the Usos, and refs rush out there! Sami says Jeff Jarrett is not as good a choice as himself. The brawling continues, Dawkins RAMS Jimmy into a corner but Jimmy shoves him away! Jimmy helps Jey get away from Ford as SmackDown goes off the air! Will there even be a need for a ref at this rate?

My Thoughts:

A good SmackDown, but it had just more of the same as last week. I knew that Sheamus switching out with Pete Dunne was going to happen again with Ridge Holland. And I get that the way they got to it was supposed to be awkward, but this was the awkwardness caused by bad execution. But there’s a good chance this will “force” them to put the contender’s match on SummerSlam. I just hope they also think the put a ringside ban on the Brutes, and then actually have more than Ridge Holland watch “Butch” so he doesn’t run out to the ring again. And of course McIntyre wins out in the end, he’s been the one talking about Clash at the Castle since it was announced.

I am never not going to ram my head into the wall (metaphorically) over them going through with “Lacey’s a Heel despite her sharing her life story.” One of, if not THE stupidest thing they’ve done. But Lacey is at least delivering the promos smoothly, no real mistakes. I really expected Aliyah to get at Lacey about storming off and then anticipate the right hand coming, but no. Maybe that’s next time. On a slightly more positive note, the New Day mocking the Viking Raiders was pretty fun. I forgot about Assassins Creed: Valhalla existing, but was very happy they mentioned Thor. And of course the Viking Raiders attacked, but it was a great surprise that Shanky and Jinder attacked back. I don’t know how that alters things, but I would still just really like a great match out of New Day VS Viking Raiders.

The Imperium interview promo was good, with Gunther doubling down on being domineering towards Ludwig. Nakamura VS Ludwig next week will be another good match, but I feel like Gunther will attack should Ludwig be about to lose. And from there, WWE Intercontinental Championship, Gunther VS Nakamura. That’ll probably be on the go-home on the 29th but I would hope they decide to put it on SummerSlam. McAfee had a great opening promo segment with Corbin to plug their SummerSlam match, and talk trash on Corbin while also plugging the TV-14 rating change news. But also wow, Corbin’s arm, maybe that was mosquitos or something, cuz damn.

WWE didn’t really advertise this Liv VS Natty match well on their own site. I believe last week they said, “This is a contenders match,” but their preview online said nothing about it. I almost thought Natty was going to win to make SummerSlam a Triple Threat, but Liv winning is the right move. Liv got to get a solid win over Natty, and she had a good promo to establish that she won’t let Ronda’s reputation intimidate her. I don’t know who, but I would think/hope Liv retains against Ronda, because fans will go right back to crapping all over Ronda’s WWE career if Liv is a one month champion.

We got good stuff out of the MITB cash-in story and how it ties into the Bloodline story. It was very clever that Heyman gave almost identical offers to Theory and Moss, and that both men turned him down. Theory VS Moss was really good stuff, and it was a good move for Moss to win by disqualification. Theory stands tall in the match but then Sami gets up in his face. The Usos intimidated Theory and Moss got his payback, so in a way Theory doesn’t stand tall. Sami was good on commentary, and I did think it was clever for them to have Jimmy’s shoulder up in the loss. Now, clearly, Jeff Jarrett is guest ref because of Nashville, Tennessee, but I would love if Sami uses the next couple of weeks to get in Pearce’s face and say he should be the ref, and then Sami and Jarrett have a confrontation.

My Score: 8.1/10