Reviews

The John Report: WWE Smackdown 06/16/23 Review

By John Canton • Published 16th June 2023
wwe smackdown june 16

This week’s WWE Smackdown featured more of The Bloodline drama between Roman Reigns and The Usos, plus a Tag Team Gauntlet Match, and Grayson Waller hosts his talk show with Charlotte Flair as the guest.

Last week’s Smackdown saw the “Wise Man” Special Counsel Paul Heyman tell Jey Uso that Roman Reigns got him a shot at the US Title by Austin Theory. Heyman also claimed that Reigns was grooming Jey to be the next Tribal Chief. Jey nearly beat Theory for the US Title, but then his brother Jimmy accidentally superkicked Jey (when Jimmy was going for Solo) and Theory covered Jey to retain his title. Jey Uso left last week’s Smackdown alone with WWE heavily promoting Roman Reigns returning for this week’s show. With Money in the Bank coming on Saturday, July 1st (two weeks away), we should learn more about The Bloodline’s role on that show.

From Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky, this is Smackdown for episode #1243. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

The opening video package summarized what happened last week on Smackdown, which I covered above. Long video showing all the key parts of the story.

Kayla Braxton was shown in the parking lot as The Bloodline arrived in a truck. Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa emerged from the truck with Paul Heyman. Reigns didn’t want to talk to Kayla. Heyman just let out a deep sigh and walked away without saying anything.

A graphic was shown: Will Jey Uso fall in line?

Analysis: They are doing a tremendous job of milking this story. I know some fans might be frustrated that it takes a while to get through simple parts of the story, but I think WWE has done a really nice job of being patient with it.

There are five teams in the Tag Team Gauntlet Match. Two teams start until there is a fall. The other three teams were around ringside. The WWE Tag Team Champions Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn were watching on a TV backstage.

Tag Team Gauntlet Match #1: The Street Profits – Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins vs. The Brawling Brutes – Sheamus & Ridge Holland

The winners of the Tag Team Gauntlet Match earn a Tag Team Title match.

Sheamus knocked down Ford with a shoulder tackle and Ford came back with a dropkick. Sheamus caught Ford with a backbreaker. Ridge spun Sheamus around with a headlock leading to a suplex. Ford hit a step-up enziguri on Ridge. Dawkins tagged in with strikes and a jumping elbow. Dawkins hit a spinning splash, a jumping kick and an uppercut. Ridge with a headbutt on Dawkins. Sheamus got the tag and Sheamus hit a Brogue Kick to pin Dawkins in about three minutes.

The Street Profits have been eliminated

Analysis: That’s a strange way to book The Street Profits. They were drafted as the first tag team in the recent draft and haven’t done much over the last month. They also lost very quickly in this match. I didn’t expect them to win, but I figured they would do better than this.

Tag Team Gauntlet Match #2: The Brawling Brutes – Sheamus & Ridge Holland vs. The OC – Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson

Anderson hit a neckbreaker on Sheamus leading to a commercial as soon as this part of the match began.

(Commercial)

Sheamus was fighting out of the G&A corner, but Gallows caught him and hit a power slam. Butch was in the corner of the Brutes to support his buddies. Anderson worked over Sheamus with forearms while Gallows got the tag back in and grabbed a chinlock. Gallows with a kick, but Sheamus came back with a powerslam on Gallows. Sheamus tried to tag out, Anderson stopped that and knocked Ridge off the apron. Anderson celebrated that, so Sheamus hit a Brogue Kick on Anderson to pin him.

The OC’s Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson have been eliminated

Tag Team Gauntlet Match #3: The Brawling Brutes – Sheamus & Ridge Holland vs. LWO – Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde

The LWO sent their opponents out of the ring and hit dives over the top. Cruz hit a moonsault for two. Sheamus finally tagged out, Sheamus hit a knee and Ridge sent Wilde out of the ring. Ridge hit a spinning slam off the shoulders to pin Cruz easily.

The LWO’sCruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde have been eliminated

Tag Team Gauntlet Match #4: The Brawling Brutes – Sheamus & Ridge Holland vs. Hit Row – Top Dolla & Ashante Thee Adonis

Hit Row went into the ring, Adonis was tossed out of the ring and Sheamus hit a Brogue Kick on Top Dolla. Ridge pinned Top Dolla to eliminate them within a few seconds. Cole: “Thanks for coming, Flop Dolla.” Nice.

Hit Row’s Top Dolla & Ashante Thee Adonis have been eliminated

Analysis: A flurry of offense to put over The Brawling Brutes in a big way. They started the match and made it to the end of it.

Pretty Deadly was the last team left.

(Commercial)

Tag Team Gauntlet Match #5: The Brawling Brutes – Sheamus & Ridge Holland vs. Pretty Deadly – Elton Prince & Kit Wilson

Pretty Deadly was in control of Ridge with Wilson hitting a neckbreaker. They showed Zayn & Owens watching on a big TV backstage. Prince delivered a hard whip to Ridge that sent him into the turnbuckle. Prince grabbed a chinlock on Ridge, then Ridge tried to power out and Prince did a chop block to the back of Ridge’s knee. Ridge blocked a double suplex with a double back body drop of his own. Sheamus tagged in to a huge pop as Sheamus hit clotheslines and backbreakers on both guys. Sheamus hit a rolling senton on Wilson and slammed Prince onto Wilson as well. Sheamus went for a Brogue Kick, Wilson avoided it and Sheamus hit an Alabama Slam for two because Prince made the save. Ridge sent Prince out of the ring. Prince sent Ridge back-first into the post while they fought on the floor. Wilson went to the apron leading to Sheamus getting a hold of both guys. Sheamus delivered the forearm smashes to Prince followed by more of them to Wilson too. I think there were about 30 of them with the fans counting along wit hit. Sheamus hit a Celtic Cross on Wilson, but Prince made blind tag that the referee won. Prince jumped off the top wit ha leg drop to the back of Sheamus’ head (as Sheamus went for the pin) for the pinfall win after 22 minutes.

The Brawling Brutes – Sheamus & Butch have been eliminated

Winners: Pretty Deadly

The win means that Pretty Deadly will challenge Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens for the WWE Tag Team Titles on the June 30th edition of Smackdown in London, England.

Analysis: ***1/4 It was an entertaining gauntlet match overall. Sheamus was the star of the match with his performance against the first teams in the match and then his hot tag offense against Pretty Deadly was a lot of fun to watch. Even though Sheamus & Ridge lost, they looked strong in defeat due to all the wins they had in the match. I actually thought Sheamus would kick out after that top rope leg drop from Prince, but having Prince beat him with it makes Pretty Deadly look tough as well.

Pretty Deadly celebrated the win. They showed Zayn & Owens reacting to the win.

Analysis: I don’t expect a title change, but if Pretty Deadly beats Zayn & Owens that would be okay because they are such an entertaining team.

(Commercial

Let’s Hear from Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn and Pretty Deadly

Pretty Deadly was still in the ring. Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens appeared by the entrance with their Raw & Smackdown Tag Team Titles. Zayn congratulated Pretty Deadly on the win while saying that they won about five minutes ago, yet they’re still celebrating. Zayn told Pretty Deadly to get out of there.

Elton Prince talked about how their hair looks better than Zayn even though they just beat five teams. Pretty Deadly did their “yes boy” promo routine. Wilson said when they become the new Unified Tag Team Champions they will celebrate for even longer. Pretty Deadly said when you think it’s going to celebrate, they will celebrate even longer.

Zayn asked Owens if this was bothering him. Owens said he was trying to stay calm, so then Owens did his fired up routine and said he wants to go in there to punch them in their stupid faces. Zayn said they should do it. The champions ran into the ring for a fight, but Pretty Deadly left the ring.

Analysis: It was a quick segment to put over Pretty Deadly’s characters as annoying heels. That’s necessary because a lot of fans probably don’t know Pretty Deadly unless you have seen them on NXT, so I think it’s smart to put this on Smackdown. Sami Zayn is still very popular with the crowd while Kevin Owens is doing a nice job with the personality of the guy that gets riled up and likes to fight.

Roman Reigns was shown in his dressing room with Paul Heyman sitting beside him and Solo Sikoa in the background. Reigns said he hasn’t spoken to Jey. Reigns said that Jey should be the one that should be reaching out to him. Heyman said that he hasn’t talked to Jey since last Friday. Reigns told Heyman to go talk to Jey now, so Heyman left.

IYO SKY entered with Bayley for SKY’s singles match.

This Monday on Raw: Logan Paul returns, plus Seth “Freakin” Rollins has an open challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship.

(Commercial)

IYO SKY (w/Bayley) vs. Zelina Vega

Both women are in the Money in the Bank ladder match and so is Bayley. Vega did a headscissors, but Sky did a handstand to get out of it. Sky stomped on Vega’s left hand followed by Sky pulling on Vega’s arms. Sky did a double stomp onto Vega’s left arm. Vega came back with a rolling kick. Bayley went on the apron, Vega nearly sent Sky into Bayley and then Sky rolled up Vega, but there was no count because the referee was looking at Bayley. Sky was yelling at Bayley about it. Vega hit a 619 kick on Sky and Vega pinned Sky (using her full body weight for the cover) for the pinfall win in a match that went about three minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Zelina Vega

Analysis: **1/4 A short match with a finish where Vega capitalized on the Sky/Bayley issues to get the win. It’s rare to see somebody hit a 619 kick for the win, but tit worked for Vega in this instance.

After the match, Sky was frustrated about the loss while Bayley was trying to calm her down and say they were together.

Analysis: It seems like the split between Bayley and Sky is coming soon. Bayley will probably remain the heel while Sky will go face.

The Progressive Match Flo replay was shown of last week when Charlotte Flair interrupted Asuka receiving the new WWE Women’s Title. Meanwhile, Bianca Belair was asking about her title shot before the segment.

Adam Pearce, the WWE Official, was shown in his office. Bianca Belair walked in asking when is her rematch? Pearce said it’s being talked about, but he can’t give her an answer right now. Belair said she was told to be patient and she was last week, but now she’s going to do it her way.

The ring was being set up for the Grayson Waller Effect talk show up next.

(Commercial)

Bayley and IYO SKY were shown talking backstage with Bayley trying to help. Shotzi showed up complaining that Bayley cost Shotzi her spot in the ladder match. Bayley said Shotzi didn’t deserve to be in the ladder match. Shotzi said if you’re so confident then put your Money in the Bank spot on the line. Bayley was hesitant to accept, but Sky accepted on Bayley’s behalf. Shotzi said she’ll tell Adam Pearce. Bayley asked why Sky did that and Sky said she was trying to help.

Analysis: This could lead to Bayley losing her spot in MITB with Shotzi taking that spot. It could be what drives Bayley into turning on Sky as well.

Grayson Waller Effect with Charlotte Flair

Grayson Waller was in the ring for his talk show saying this will break the internet. Charlotte had a full body suit outfit as she made her down to the ring. In two weeks on the June 30th Smackdown, Charlotte Flair challenges Asuka for the WWE Women’s Title. They sat behind the desk. There were palm trees in the ring and other things.

Waller said when he thinks about Charlotte’s history with Asuka, he thinks about history like when Charlotte ended Asuka’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania. Waller asked if Flair will become a 15-time champion? Flair said 15-time and 16-time (a reference to her father Ric Flair and John Cena) while adding that she has Asuka’s number.

Bianca Belair interrupted the proceedings and got into the ring looking confident as usual. Flair waved at Belair, who was standing on the other side of the table.

Belair said that somebody has to explain how things work around here. Belair said she lost her title, was told she was going to get a rematch and now Flair walks in and gets an opportunity. Belair asked: “Am I tripping or am I tripping?”

Flair walked up to Belair saying she got her shot saying she didn’t write the rules and she is not going to apologize. Flair said that the line starts and ends with her. Flair said she never got a rematch after losing to Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania, so aren’t they both owed a rematch? Belair said she did it the right way. Belair said she didn’t hide for three months and wondered if she should take things into her own hands. Flair said that she stepped away, but she didn’t run away. Flair said she has picked herself up every time after a defeat and she’s done it 14 times. Flair said she’s a champion whether she has a title or not. Belair said that she’s the longest reigning champion of hits modern era and said you should put some respect on her name. The fans cheered. Belair said that the past is the past, but the future is that she will be ringside for Flair’s title match with Asuka. Belair said she’s done being patient. Belair said that whoever wins, she’s going to step into the ring and call her shot because that title is coming back to her. Belair left confidently while Flair just watched her leave.

Analysis: I thought it was really well done. Belair is better at promos when she’s able to look somebody in the eye and talk to them. In the past she has had to do promos where she’s alone in the ring and it’s not as good, but this was effective in terms of getting the point across. I don’t know if the rumors are true about Belair possibly going heel although if it were to happen, I feel like she could pull it off. The thing is that Belair is a more natural face and Flair is a more natural heel. Anyway, no matter how it goes with women like Flair, Belair and Asuka, they are all outstanding performers, so I look forward to the matches when they happen.

[sided-debate-embed debate-id=”27525″]

Jey Uso was shown backstage with Paul Heyman walking up to him. Paul said he was sorry about last week while claiming that Jimmy Uso’s kick to Jey was on purpose. Paul said that Jimmy kicked Roman Reigns and he did it to Jey too. Paul told Jey he didn’t deserve that. Paul said he’s sorry. Jey replied saying he’s sorry too. Jey said he’s sorry that if he’s in, Paul is still out. They just stared at eachother.

Analysis: The slow build continues for some kind of segment in the ring.

The OC’s AJ Styles entered with Michin (Mia Yim) for a mixed tag team match.

(Commercial)

AJ Styles & Michin vs. Karrion Kross & Scarlett

Styles was aggressive with strikes on Kross and then Michin tagged in with a DDT on Kross. Scarlett had to go in against Michin per the rules of the match and Scarlett got a rollup. Michin hit a German Suplex. Kross tagged in, so Styles was legal for his team and Styles/Michin hit a double team move on Kross. Styles hit a Styles Clash on Kross, but Scarlett broke it up. Scarlett tried to flirt with Styles, AJ said “I’m married, bitch” and Michin pulled Scarlett out of the ring. Michin did a hair grab move on the floor. Kross applied a sleeper, then a Kross Hammer forearm and Kross hit a spinning slam off his shoulders for the pinfall win after three minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Karrion Kross & Scarlett

Analysis: ** The result was a bit of a surprise just because I thought Styles might win for his team, but I think Kross really needed a win like that. They can build to a future Kross vs. Styles match off of this.

The Bloodline’s dressing room was shown with Paul Heyman shaking his head no towards Roman Reigns. Solo stepped towards Heyman, so Heyman backed away. Solo asked if Roman wanted him to handle it. Roman said they still had plenty of time.

(Commercial)

A video aired about WWE’s work with the Special Olympics to promote the World Games in Berlin this month.

Cameron Grimes was interviewed by Kayla Braxton. Grimes said he was having fun of Smackdown, so Baron Corbin did a cheap attack and threw Grimes into some boxes. Corbin left Grimes laying on the floor.

Let’s Hear from Rey Mysterio

Rey Mysterio, the WWE Hall of Famer, made his entrance to a big pop from the crowd. Rey was in street clothes including an LWO shirt. Rey said he’s had many accomplishments that he is really proud of. Rey said an accomplishment he is truly proud of is reforming the LWO. Rey said the person he’s about to introduce represents the LWO and he can become the next Mr. Money in the Bank…Santos Escobar.

Santos Escobar made his entrance waring his wrestling gear along with an LWO shirt. Escobar said he’s worked hard, but timing is everything. Escobar said he has the opportunity of a lifetime in the Money in the Bank match. Escobar told Rey he loved him and said that Rey inspired him. Escobar said he’s fighting for Rey, his family and everyone in the WWE Universe who has a dream.

LA Knight arrived for the interruption…yeah! The fans popped for Knight making his way down to the ring with Wade Barrett saying he was the first one on Knight’s bandwagon. Knight went into the ring and shoved Rey down. Escobar clotheslined Knight and dropkicked Knight into the ropes. Knight bailed to the floor to avoid a 619 attempt by Rey as the show went to break. It’s Escobar facing Knight after the commercial.

Analysis: It is a smart move to have Rey endorse his buddy Santos like that. Santos hasn’t been a babyface for that long, so using Rey for a promo like that tells the fans that this Santos is guy is good. That’s why creating the LWO was a smart move because having them associate with Rey will help the rest of the group. Anyway, nice job by Knight being a jerk and getting some heat at the end.

(Commercial)

Santos Escobar vs. LA Knight

They are both in the Money in the Bank match. Escobar hit a backbreaker. Escobar hit a cross body block off the top. Escobar with running knees in the corner, but Knight came back with a spinning powerslam. Knight hit an elbow drop for two. The fans were chanting his name as he set up for the move. Escobar with a kick to the chest, then Escobar was on his shoulders and Knight turned it into a pin with his hand on the ropes. Escobar kicked Knight’s hand off the ropes and Escobar sat on top while holding onto the leg for the pinfall win. It went about three minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Santos Escobar

Analysis: ** A short match with Escobar countering Knight’s cheating attempt leading to Escobar getting the clean win. It puts over Escobar as a crafty veteran, which he is. It also gives Escobar momentum going into Money in the Bank.

After the match, Knight hit Escobar with a forearm to the back. Knight punched Escobar a few times and Rey Mysterio ran out for the save. Knight bailed before Rey could touch him.

Analysis: Even though LA Knight lost here, he is going to be my pick to win the Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match. I think Knight is the best choice.

The Bloodline’s Roman Reigns, Jey Uso and others were up next for the main event.

[sided-debate-embed debate-id=”27586″]

(Commercial)

Jey Uso was shown walking in the backstage area. Sami Zayn was sitting on an equipment case back there. Jey just looked at him, Sami nodded his head toward Jey and the fans were chanting “Ucey” as Sami walked away. Jey kept on walking towards the ring.

Roman Reigns, the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, made his entrance joined by The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa and the Wise Man, Special Counsel Paul Heyman. Reigns had his new gold title with him while Heyman was carrying the WWE and Universal Titles. Cole said for three years, Reigns has won every battle, but tonight he has an important battle trying to keep his family together. Ring announcer Mike Rome did an introduction for Reigns, Solo and Heyman as they stood outside the ring. Reigns, Sikoa and Heyman finally got into the ring after about four minutes.

We will hear from Jey Uso after a break.

(Commercial)

Next week on Smackdown:

* Women’s Tag Team Championship Unification Match: Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler vs. Isla Dawn & Alba Fyre

* Baron Corbin vs. Cameron Grimes

* Bayley vs. Shotzi – if Shotzi wins then she replace Bayley in the Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match.

Let’s Hear from Roman Reigns, Jey Uso and More

Roman Reigns started his promo telling Lexington, Kentucky to acknowledge him. The Usos music right after that leading to Jey Uso making his way down to the ring. There were some cheers for Jey because the fans are supporting him these days. When the music stopped, the fans were chanting “Uso” for Jey.

Reigns said he knows what they (the fans) want. Reigns said they want answers, so is Jey in or is Jey out?

Jey replied: “You tell me, Uce?” Jey told Reigns it’s either going to be Heyman or it’s Jey.

Reigns said when Jey is Tribal Chief, he can pick anyone he wants to be the Wise Man. Reigns said that Heyman was Roman’s pick as the Wise Man. Reigns said that we have been grooming Jey to be the Tribal Chief for over three years now. Reigns said that’s why they made him the Right Hand Man and Main Event Jey Uso. Reigns said that Jey is meant to lead, but just not yet. Reigns said that the problem is not the Wise Man, the problem is your brother Jimmy. Reigns tried to say more, but here comes Jimmy.

Jimmy Uso made his way down to the ring saying that the problem is Roman. Jimmy joined the family in the ring. Jimmy said that Reigns is using Jey. Jimmy asked Jey if he’s actually believing this garbage? The fans chanted “Uso” for the brothers.

Reigns said that the fans weren’t doing this ten years ago. Reigns said it took them ten years to get into WrestleMania and since they have been with Reigns, they have main evented. Reigns said that Jimmy brings Jey down while Reigns lifts Jey up. Reigns said that Jey can’t be a Tribal Chief and a twin at the same time. Reigns asked Heyman when they named Jey the Right Hand Man, who was the only one that had a problem with it. Heyman pointed at Jimmy. Reigns said it wasn’t the Wise Man, it was Paul’s suggestion.

Jey stared at Jimmy as the fans chanted “Uso” again. Jey asked Jimmy if that was true. Reigns was laughing about it. Jimmy said it’s true. Jey said that this whole damn time, Jimmy has been doubting Jey. Jey said he expects it from Roman, but not Jimmy. Jey thinks Jimmy knows what was best for him. Jey mentioned his real name Joshua saying he heard that he was told to follow his brother. Jey talked about how he was told to follow Jimmy, who was the Prom King and the Player of the Year and most likely to succeed. Jey said that the fans know them now because Jey is the Right Hand Man and it’s all because of him. Jey told Jimmy “You Out…and I’m out too!” Jey superkicked Reigns! The fans were going crazy. Cole: “OH MY GOD!” Solo stared at his brothers, he charged, Jey ducked and Jimmy superkicked Solo. That stunned Solo and then The Usos hit a double superkick on Solo to knock him down too!

Roman Reigns got back to his feet yelling at Jey. The Usos stepped toward Reigns and hit him with a double superkick too! The fans popped huge for it. The Usos celebrated. Reigns sold that perfectly with a back bump hard onto the mat. Cole: “The Bloodline is done as we know it. Roman’s empire has crumbled. Et tu, Jey!” Nice Shakespeare reference there to end it. The Usos celebrated as the show ended.

Analysis: That was absolutely incredible as an ending to the show. It really was one of the best TV show endings that you’re ever going to see in WWE. There have been a lot of outstanding endings with this storyline alone, but they really hit it out of the park in this instance. Everybody involved in it was terrific with Jey Uso standing out once again. It looked like Jey was going to turn on his brother Jimmy due to Reigns believing in Jey and raising his profile in the last three years, but then Jey told Jimmy that he was out…and so was Reigns. Beautiful delivery of the line by Jey and then the actions spoke as loud as the words as Jey dropped Reigns with a superkick. The pop from the crowd was so loud too! The double superkick by The Usos on Solo was good too. That was followed by a final double superkick on Reigns that Roman sold so damn well. To be honest with you I rewound it and re-watched that last minute again just to pay attention to the crowd reaction. The fans EXPLODED for Jey superkicking Reigns in that spot. They absolutely freakin’ loved it. This is called long-term storyline and we know it’s one of the best long-term stories in WWE history. This is an all-time great show ending segment, my friend. They did a fantastic job. All of them.

There is also this three-minute video that WWE posted showing what happened after Smackdown ended.

===

Three Stars of the Show

  1. Jey & Jimmy Uso, Roman Reigns, Solo Sikoa & Paul Heyman
  2. The Brawling Brutes – Sheamus & Ridge Holland
  3. Pretty Deadly – Kit Wilson & Elton Prince

===

The Scoreboard

7.5 out of 10

Last week: 7.25

2023 Average: 7.25

===

Final Thoughts

That main event segment with The Bloodline was an all-time great WWE TV ending that I highly recommend to anybody that didn’t watch it. Roman Reigns, The Usos, Paul Heyman and Solo Sikoa were absolutely fantastic as Jey Uso made his choice by superkicking Reigns and the fans loved it. The Usos are beloved by the fans now while Reigns was so great as the cocky heel thinking that Jey would be loyal to him. If you saw it then you know how amazing it was. If you didn’t see it, go watch the show or clip and listen to how the crowd reacted. It wasn’t like this was a super hot crowd all night, but the response to The Usos turning on Reigns was incredibly loud and shows how invested the fans are in this story. That’s brilliant storytelling, my friends. We love pro wrestling for great matches and there are so many of them, but this is an all-time legendary storyline that keeps getting better. I loved it.

In terms of matches, it wasn’t an especially strong show, but I thought the finishes made sense at least. The tag team Gauntlet Match was entertaining with Pretty Deadly getting the crafty win after Sheamus/Butch had an impressive showing beating the other teams in the match. I would have preferred LA Knight beating Santos Escobar in their match, but it’s not a major complaint by any means.

Bianca Belair did a really nice job in her in-ring promo segment with Charlotte Flair. I mentioned in my review how Belair is a lot better at doing promos with somebody else in the ring. When she’s alone, it’s not as interesting, but she was on point here and the fans are behind her even though Belair’s lack of a title opportunity could drive her to being a heel. I don’t know the plan, but I’m intrigued by it.

The next WWE Premium Live Event is Money in the Bank on Saturday, July 1st in London, England. Here’s what we know so far:

* Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match: LA Knight vs. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Ricochet vs. Butch vs. Santos Escobar vs. Damian Priest

* World Heavyweight Championship: Seth “Freakin” Rollins (c) vs. Finn Balor

* Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Bayley vs. Zelina Vega vs. Becky Lynch vs. Zoey Stark vs. IYO SKY vs. at least one more wrestler.

* Cody Rhodes vs. Dominik Mysterio

You can watch WWE Money in the Bank on Saturday, July 1 at a special start time of 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT, streaming live exclusively on Peacock in the United States and WWE Network everywhere else.

===

Thanks for reading. Please check out my reviews of every WWE PPV ever listed in order. Go Toronto Blue Jays. My contact info is below.

John Canton

Email mrjohncanton@gmail.com

Twitter @johnreport