The John Report: WWE Smackdown Live 07/09/19 Review
Welcome to the WWE Smackdown Live Review right here on TJRWrestling. It’s the last Smackdown before Sunday’s Extreme Rules PPV. I have the full lineup for Extreme Rules at the bottom of this post, we will have an Extreme Rules preview up on Friday and I will review Extreme Rules on Sunday.
Live from Manchester, New Hampshire, this is Smackdown Live for episode #1038. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport. Thanks to Melo Man for the banner up top. Please visit TJRWrestling.net daily for our regular updates on the wrestling business featuring WWE news coverage along with reviews about wrestling’s past and present.
The show began with a shot of Dolph Ziggler from earlier today when he was arriving at the arena. Kayla Braxton showed up for an interview. Ziggler called Kevin Owens a “tub of excuses” while talking about what he’s been doing there for over the last ten years and that’s when Owens showed up. Owens honked the horn to annoy Ziggler. Owens and Ziggler got into an argument leading to a brawl where guys like the Singh Brothers, B Team and referees were conveniently there to break it up. Shane McMahon was also there. Shane told Ziggler to go into the arena and he told Owens to get out of there.
Shane McMahon was interviewed by Sarah Schreiber, who asked Shane why he canceled the Owens/Ziggler match. Shane said that match can’t happen because of Owens’ actions and since Owens started the fight, he was told to leave. Shane said he’ll think about a new main event for later.
Analysis: That was a surprising start to the show. I don’t mind the parking lot fight because it was interesting while also continuing the story from last week with Owens/Ziggler. Shane kicking out Owens will piss off the fans, so it’s a way to continue to establish KO as a new babyface.
The announcers promoted Finn Balor vs. Shinsuke Nakamura for later in the night. Kevin Owens showed up in the arena with a microphone in hand.
Owens said that he tried to sit back to be a good company guy, but he’s done with that now. Owens talked about how a while ago, the McMahon family said they would listen to the fans and give the audience what they want, but ever since then all we have gotten is more Shane McMahon getting more power and more TV time than anyone. Owens said nobody ever wanted that. The fans cheered loudly. Owens said whenever he hears Shane McMahon call himself the “Best in the World” it makes him sick, it makes him want to bang his head on the announce table. Owens stood on the table. Shane McMahon told them to cut his microphone off while Owens said this was the biggest load of crap he’s ever seen. Owens grabbed another microphone from ringside. Shane walked over to the tech area and instructed another guy to turn off the microphone. Owens said that Shane’s actions make him sick. Owens said that whenever Shane calls himself the “Best in the World” everybody in the back thinks that Shane can kiss their ass. Owens grabbed a headset talking about how guys like Apollo Crews, Buddy Murphy, Ali, Liv Morgan, Asuka, AOP, Kairi Sane and others don’t get TV time. Shane called for security to come to ringside, so Owens bailed through the crowd and he left the ring. Shane said in KO’s language (that would be French) “au revoir” which means goodbye. The fans were cheering for Owens.
Analysis: That was excellent. I loved the passion and the energy that KO showed in that promo. I wouldn’t change a thing about it because Owens had enough time to make his point while Shane got a lot of heat for trying to shut him up. That promo and future promos like that are really going to make Owens popular with the fans. I liked the intensity shown by Owens in his promo. He can do well as a new babyface that is the voice of the fan because we all know KO’s story as a legit WWE fan that grew up loving the wrestling business. It’s easy to relate to Owens. A lot of what he said are things that fans have said about Shane McMahon getting too much TV time and a lot of good performers sitting in the back doing nothing. Fans are going to rally around Owens as a voice of the fans as long as he gets the chance to keep doing promos like that.
The announce team of Tom Phillips, Corey Graves and Byron Saxton were on camera talking about how they don’t know what is in Kevin Owen’s future. The fans started a “Kevin Owens” chant.
Finn Balor entered for his match against Shinsuke Nakamura for the first time ever on the Smackdown brand. They wrestled in NXT as well as in Japan many times.
(Commercial)
Shinsuke Nakamura made his entrance. It has been too long since he was in a match on Smackdown. Graves claimed that Nakamura was re-progamming and re-calculating to remember how great he can be. I guess that’s another way of saying creative had nothing for him. Finn Balor, the Intercontinental Champion, was up next to a good pop as the announcers noted it was their first match on Smackdown, but they have wrestled many times in their career.
Finn Balor vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
This is not for Balor’s IC Title. Nakamura with elbow strikes to the head and Balor rolled through with a low dropkick. Nakamura worked over Balor with shoulder tackles to the ribs. They went to the split screen on the US broadcast, which means a commercial here in Canada.
(Commercial)
Nakamura was in control with a chinlock, Balor came back with two running forearms and a double foot stomp to the chest. Balor with an elbow drop to the chest for a two count. Balor went for an attack, Nakamura countered and hit a kick to the back of the neck followed by a sliding German Suplex off the ropes. That was sweet. Balor got back up with a Slingblade neckbreaker to take Nakamura down. Balor went up top, Nakamura tripped him up and hit a running knee lift to the ribs. Nakamura to the middle ropes leading to a knee to the face while they were on the apron. Nakamura whipped Balor into the ring post, barricade and ring post again. They beat the ten count, then Nakamura tossed Balor out of the ring again and Nakamura hit a Kinshasa knee strike on Balor on the floor. Balor crawled back in the ring when the referee’s count was at nine. Nakamura kicked Balor out of the ring and whipped him shoulder first into the steel steps. Nakamura with a kick to the head and Balor got back in at the nine count. With Balor down in the ring, Nakamura followed up with a Kinshasa running knee strike for the pinfall win after nine minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Shinsuke Nakamura
Analysis: *** Good match as expected from these two. Nakamura was aggressive from the start of the match. I liked the way he kept tossing Balor out of the ring to beat him up more, then Balor kept going back in the ring and continuing the match until Nakamura put an end to that. I liked how it was booked. I thought it was going to lead to a Balor rollup win and then Nakamura would attack after the match. Instead, Nakamura got the clean pin. The result was the typical WWE booking where a champion lost non-title to build up to a title match.
Post match, Nakamura celebrated the victory while the announcers put over how vicious Nakamura was.
Shane McMahon, Drew McIntyre and Elias were talking backstage with Drew talking about how they got the win on Raw even though Cedric Alexander tried to mess things up. Elias said he had a song for The Undertaker. Dolph Ziggler showed up to complain about what happened with Kevin Owens and Shane put him in a match with Roman Reigns. Ziggler was fine with that while Shane said that Ziggler will face Roman Reigns instead. Shane let Ziggler know that they will all be at ringside too.
Bayley was shown walking backstage because she has a contract signing up next. Rambling Rabbit from the Firefly Fun House was in the background.
(Commercial)
There was a video package hyping up Kofi Kingston vs. Samoa Joe for the WWE Title at Extreme Rules. The video was well done as usual.
Samoa Joe did a promo saying that last week he showed Kingston compassion, he offered him safety and he knew Kofi wouldn’t take it. Joe said that Kofi was everything that he said he was. Joe said that at Extreme Rules, he promises Kofi he’ll beat him down to the bare essence of what he really is and when he gets to that point, he will put Kofi to sleep. Joe said he will take the WWE Championship from him.
Analysis: It was a great promo from Joe. He is one of my favorite talkers in WWE and probably the best heel promo guy in the company.
Contract Signing for the Smackdown Women’s Championship
Kayla Braxton was in the ring to moderate the Smackdown Women’s Championship contract singing. Nikki Cross made her entrance first followed by the Smackdown Women’s Champion Bayley. There were two leather chairs in the ring along with a table.
Analysis: Alexa Bliss was sick, so that’s why she missed both shows this week. They didn’t say she was sick on television, but she mentioned it on Twitter in the last few days.
Bayley said that she and Cross are a lot alike with Bayley saying that she was used by people. Cross complained about Bayley attacking her on Raw. Bayley asked Cross if she is really okay with this being a Handicap Match where she would help somebody else win a championship. Bayley said that on Sunday, she is at impossible odds in a Handicap Match and she said Cross is formidable on her own and she doesn’t need Bliss. Bayley said that she’s going to be at her best while wondering what happens when Alexa loses and she blames Cross. Bayley signed the contract.
Cross said she likes helping her friend while telling Bayley that Bayley’s friends have abandoned her. Cross said that when Bliss and Cross win the title they will become the Smackdown co-Women’s Champions. Cross said that she will show Bayley that when it’s time to play, Nikki will get all the fine. Carmella made her entrance for the match.
Analysis: It was a rare contract signing that didn’t lead to a brawl because they had a match scheduled right after it. What Cross said about Bayley’s friends abandoning her is another tease that Sasha Banks is coming back very soon. Banks may even return at Extreme Rules to help Bayley retain her title although it’s possible Banks turns heel on Bayley too. The possibility of Bliss and Cross as co-Smackdown Women’s Champion would be similar to Michelle McCool and Layla about a decade ago when they dominated the Smackdown women’s division. Bliss and Cross are on Raw, but once again, the brand split is ignored these days.
A commercial aired for the Evolve Wrestling special that will be on WWE Network on Saturday night.
(Commercial)
Nikki Cross vs. Carmella
Bayley was seated at ringside to watch the match. Cross tackled Carmella to start the match followed by kicks and a dropkick for two. Cross slammed the back of Carmella’s head into the mat a few times. Cross with a suplex for two. Cross slapped on a submission pulling back on the arms. Graves called Saxton naïve while saying that he probably believes his girlfriend is going to the gym every night at 11. There were a few seconds of awkward silence after that. Carmella with some punches, but Cross hit her with a clothesline. Carmella with a punch, Cross charged and Carmella ducked to avoid an attack. Carmella with clotheslines, an atomic drop and a bronco buster on Cross. Carmella wanted a superkick, Cross blocked, Carmella got a rollup for two and Cross came back with a spinning neckbreaker for the pinfall win after about three minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Nikki Cross
Analysis: *1/2 It was a decent match with Cross on offense for most of it, Carmella mad the comeback and Cross was able to come back for the win. Cross has been booked strongly with a lot of wins on the main roster so far.
Post match, Cross had a staredown with Bayley, who held up her title to remind her who the champ is.
A clip aired from the Kabuki Warriors duo of Asuka and Kairi Sane beating The IIconics in a match at a WWE live event in Tokyo, Japan.
The IIconics walked out of the locker room (without their Women’s Tag Team Titles) where Paige, Asuka and Kairi Sane were waiting for them. Paige said they wanted a match tonight. Peyton Royce claimed Billie Kay was sick and Billie was obviously faking. Paige complained about how they are so annoying. Paige said they were overrated, underwhelming, annoying little clowns and Paige slapped Kay in the face. When Kay and Royce stood up, Paige reminded them that they are sick, so Kay did a fake cough. Paige said the match is coming and it may not be tonight, but it’s coming. Kay and Royce left.
Analysis: This potential title feud was set up several weeks ago, so it’s nice to see them go back to it. Asuka and Sane are such great performers. It’s a shame to see them not featured more. Perhaps Asuka/Sane will win the titles soon, which could be the best thing for the tag team division that has largely been ignored for the past three months.
Daniel Bryan and Rowan were shown walking backstage because they’re up next for tag team summit as well as a triple threat match that was coming up.
(Commercial)
There was a plug for Becky Lynch and Alison Brie on the cover of ESPN The Magazine. Do we really have to celebrate magazine covers in 2019 when people don’t buy magazines as much as they used to? I’m sure it’s a cool honor, but ESPN’s magazine has not done well.
A clip aired from the main event of Raw where Cedric Alexander was dressed as the janitor with a mask on and he nearly won his tag team match with Roman Reigns, but McIntyre hit a Claymore Kick leading to Shane pinning the janitor to win.
Roman Reigns was interviewed in the interview area by Sarah Schreiber, whose delivery is very robotic while talking about how it has been a crazy night. Reigns said that these crazy nights have made his career, they created the big fight and he said that Dolph isn’t ready for him tonight. Reigns said that this Sunday at Extreme Rules, he and the Deadman will do their thing, so those boys will rest…in…peace.
Tag Team Summit
The New Day team of Xavier Woods and Big E made their entrance for the triple threat match after the summit. Woods talked about how he had a triple threat match against Daniel Bryan and Otis. This Sunday, they have a triple threat tag team match for the Smackdown Tag Team Championships. Big E said that this wasn’t what he had in mind when he heard he would be in a three-way on Sunday…which led to Woods cutting him off. Good joke. Big E said that for the first time, all three members of New Day can touch their championship tips together and they were cut off.
Daniel Bryan and Rowan, the Smackdown Tag Team Champions, entered with Bryan saying that you should be booing New Day instead of them. Bryan said that New Day makes jokes about three ways and tips, yet people wonder why they aren’t taking the Tag Team Title match seriously. Bryan said when New Day wins the titles, nobody takes them seriously either. Woods said Bryan said a lot of words without saying anything. Woods said he wanted to hear from Rowan: “First you were out here taking orders from Bray, then you were out here taking orders from Harper, now you’re out here taking orders from Daniel, we’re having a hard time finding out WHO YOUR DADDY IS?” Fans chanted “who’s your daddy?” at Rowan. That was clever by Woods.
Bryan said that New Day deflects true criticism with jokes. Bryan put over New Day as some of the best athletes in WWE, Bryan said that New Day has had some of the best tag team matches in WWE history, yet somehow New Day never escapes the middle of the card and they have been a comedy act for years. Bryan said that the only thing worse than New Day winning the titles would be if Heavy Machinery won the titles because they think the tag team division is a joke.
The Heavy Machinery duo of Otis and Tucker entered on the ramp. Tucker said that at Stomping Grounds, they took Bryan/Rowan to the limit. Tucker said that they showed what they were all about and instead of hanging their heads, they got back to work and they earned the opportunity to be in this tag team title match (by beating Kevin Owens and Dolph Ziggler last week). Otis said that they were “blue collar solid.” Tucker said that means overcoming any obstacle. Tucker said that this Sunday, they’re going to become your new WWE Smackdown Tag Team Champions with Otis doing a New Day impression. Tucker said that when they win the titles they will show the world there’s no party like a blue-collar party. Otis said that tonight, Woods, Daniel…they have a match and Otis yelled: “I’m coming!” Lots of interesting phrasing in that promo!
Analysis: Great promo work from Bryan as well while Woods did well also. The Heavy Machinery guys are still new on the main roster in terms of getting promo time, so the crowd doesn’t react to them as well as they do during their matches. The “blue collar solid” phrase is fitting for what Heavy Machinery are portrayed as, so I think that will work for them long term.
(Commercial)
Daniel Bryan (w/Rowan) vs. Xavier Woods (w/Big E) vs. Otis (w/Tucker)
Bryan bailed to the floor while Woods and Otis locked up in the ring with Otis hitting a shoulder tackle. Bryan jumped on the back on the back of Otis, which didn’t work well because Otis tossed Bryan across the ring. Woods tried a suplex on Otis, then Bryan tried to help and Otis hit a double suplex. That drew a big pop from the crowd as Otis got a two count on Bryan. That looked cool. Otis whipped Woods into both turnbuckles followed by a slam that sent Bryan into the mat. Rowan went on the apron with clotheslines on Otis and Woods, which was legal in a triple threat with no disqualifications. Big E and Tucker both shoved Rowan over the announce table at ringside. The referee Mike Chioda tossed Big E, Tucker and Rowan from ringside. That led to the split screen break.
(Commercial)
The match returned with Woods whipping Bryan into the barricade. Back in the ring, Woods hit a missile dropkick on Bryan for a two count. Bryan elbowed his way out of a slam, then countered a clothesline and slapped on the LeBell Lock crossface on the right arm of Woods. Otis broke up the submission. Bryan with the kicks to the chest, Otis caught him and hit a body slam. Woods went for a DDT on Otis, but Otis turned it into an overhead suplex. Otis with running corner splashes on both guys followed by the Caterpillar into the elbow drop. Bryan to the apron, he choked Otis on the top rope and Woods with a superkick on Otis. Woods with a press slam on Bryan into a gutbuster (knee to the ribs). Woods with a kick on Otis. Woods bounced off the ropes and Otis caught him in a front slam finisher to Mark Henry’s finisher for the pinfall win at around nine minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Otis
Analysis: ***1/4 That was a fun triple threat match with a nice mix of styles where they set up the Otis power spots very well. The double suplex early on drew a big pop from the crowd. Bryan and Woods worked really well together. You would think Bryan would win that match as a former main eventer, but putting over Otis helps to build him up as a serious threat that can win some big matches. I like the way Heavy Machinery has been booked because there is some comedy aspect to their characters and they work hard in the ring as well. Bryan is so great at all the little things and making others look like they can hang with him when he’s one of the best wrestlers in the world. I love watching him wrestle.
After the match, the announcers put over the possibility that Bryan and Rowan can lose their titles in the same way if they are not involved in the pinfall.
A video package aired showing the issues between Kevin Owens and Dolph Ziggler that was set up last week. Owens turned face, then had an issue with Ziggler during their tag team match and Owens dropped Ziggler with a Stunner.
A replay was shown from the Owens/Ziggler parking lot fight earlier with Owens throwing the first punch. Shane McMahon told Owens to leave, but Owens returned to ringside to fire off a promo ripping on Shane.
There was a shot of the catering line where Ember Moon was getting food. Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville showed up for some trash talk with Moon reminding Rose that she beat her ass last week. Mandy said that they are over that while Sonya said it brought them closer. Mandy told Ember to find a tag team partner and they can have a tag team match next week. Sonya said that is if Moon can find a partner with Moon replying that if she can’t find a partner then she’ll beat them by herself. The heels left.
Analysis: I like that Ember has had this rivalry with Mandy/Sonya for a few months now. It’s not at the forefront of the women’s division, but it keeps all of them on the show in shorter segments. That’s fine. There are so many guys on the roster that are never used, yet if they were given just a little bit, it would help so much. As for a partner for Moon, since Liv Morgan has done nothing since she was moved to Smackdown three months ago, I think Liv would be a great choice. Liv was a heel with the Riott Squad before, but I think she would do well as a face.
Aleister Black was shown getting ready for his promo after a break.
(Commercial)
Ali was shown in the streets saying that if you see evil, you’re supposed to run. Ali said he doesn’t run. He said he knows that evil only wins when the good stand by and do nothing. Ali said he’s seen them all, he’s fought them all. Ali said he saw them every night working as a police officer working that midnight shift and he saw that evil among the people that swore to protect us. Ali said there is no evil that he will not battle. If he sees the devil again he will ask him if he wants to have this dance. To anybody out there facing their own evil, remember that evil only wins if you don’t show up to fight.
Analysis: That was another good promo from Ali to show that he was a man of the people that were standing up for the good in humanity.
The announcers ran down the Extreme Rules lineup. I have it at the full card at the bottom of the post.
The announce team was shown talking to Aleister Black on a split screen. Phillips said that Black and his opponent signed a contract to have a match at Extreme Rules. It was just a chair on half the screen. Black said that he applauded his opponent for doing this and said that it was really smart. Black said he didn’t care who he is anymore. Black said that this Sunday at Extreme Rules he is going to walk out and…there was a body walking around the chair. The person sat in the chair and it was…Cesaro with a mouthguard. Cesaro said he’s the one that knocked at his door because he’s there to pick a fight with him. Black said that’s very good…Mr. Cesaro. Black said that this Sunday he’s going to fight him. Black left while Cesaro put the mouthguard back in his mouth.
Analysis: That’s a fresh matchup between two experienced European wrestlers that will likely put on a great showing as long as they get time to show off what they can do. Cesaro was the rumored opponent of Black, so I’m glad WWE is going through with it. I expect Black to win at Extreme Rules and it is one of my favorite matches on the card.
Shelton Benjamin was asked if Dolph Ziggler will prove it should be him when he faces Roman Reigns. Benjamin stared, said something that we couldn’t hear and walked away.
Roman Reigns and Dolph Ziggler were shown on a split screen because their match is next.
(Commercial)
There was a shot of Kayla Braxton ready for an interview when Paul Heyman walked up, stared at her and kept walking. Kofi Kingston, the WWE Champion, was interviewed. Kingston said that there’s nothing that Joe can say or do to affect him. Kingston reminded us he got inside Joe’s head last week and followed up with a Trouble in Paradise kick. Kingston said that Joe is probably the most dangerous challenge he’s had thus far. Kingston said beating Joe is how he’ll become one of the greatest WWE Champions of all time…babyyyyyyyyy.
Analysis: It was a confident promo from the WWE Champion. Kingston has a minor back injury that caused him to miss a live event on Monday, so WWE was smart to keep him out of the ring. He’s expected to be fine for Sunday.
Roman Reigns entered for the main event and he got a decent pop. Dolph Ziggler made his entrance as Roman’s opponent for the main event.
Shane McMahon made his entrance along with Drew McIntyre and Elias. They went down to ringside together. Shane shook hands with the announcers except for Saxton. Greg Hamilton aka The Ham did a “best in the world” entrance for Shane. He’s the best at it.
(Commercial)
Shane McMahon was on commentary for the match. Drew and Elias went around ringside to watch the match.
Roman Reigns vs. Dolph Ziggler
Reigns sent Ziggler face first into the turnbuckle a few times followed by a back elbow to the face. Ziggler came back with a kick to the knee, dropkick and an elbow drop. Shane said that they are keeping Reigns busy and tired, which is part of his strategy. Ziggler with a corner splash on Reigns, but Roman blocked a second splash attempt thanks to an uppercut punch. Reigns hit the Drive By dropkick on Ziggler on the apron. Elias and McIntyre approached Reigns while outside the ring. Reigns with an uppercut punch to Ziggler, the ref checked on Ziggler, Elias with a distraction and McIntyre shoved Reigns into the ring post. Ziggler with a hard whip into the barricade. Ziggler rolled Reigns back into the ring for a two count. Ziggler slapped on a chinlock, Reigns got back up and Ziggler whipped him hard to the mat. Ziggler with a neckbreaker on Reigns for two. Reigns fought out of a neckbreaker attempt leading to a Samoan Drop while Shane said that his plan at Extreme Rules will work out perfectly. Ziggler wanted a DDT, Reigns shoved him off with four clotheslines along with the ten corner clotheslines. Reigns with a running boot to the face. Elias on the apron, Reigns dropped him with a Superman Punch and Ziggler hit a Zig Zag on Reigns for two. Great nearfall for Dolph’s former finishing move. After he was down selling, Reigns got back up and hit a Superman Punch for two with Reigns looking like he was shocked by not winning with a move he never wins with. McIntyre pulled Ziggler out of the ring, so Reigns hit a huge leap over the top onto McIntyre and Elias on the floor. Shane went in the ring, Reigns was distracted and Ziggler dropped Reigns with a superkick. Kevin Owens ran in behind Shane and hit him with a Stone Cold Stunner to a huge pop! Owens ran away through the crowd while Shane sold the Stunner well as he has done many times. Back in the ring, Ziggler wanted the Zig Zag, Reigns held onto the ropes and Reigns hit a Spear for a pinfall win after nine minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Roman Reigns
Analysis: **3/4 There was a strong finish to the match after a slow start. The run-in by Owens popped the crowd and Reigns finished it off leading to a big pop. It was not a surprise that Ziggler lost the match. The crowd really got into it, they utilized six guys very well in that match and it was a big win for the face Reigns, so I think that was booked really well in the last three minutes. Reigns overcame the odds against four heels thanks to the unexpected help of Owens, which again makes Owens more likable as a new face.
There were reaction shots of Reigns celebrating the win, Kevin Owens in the crowd and Shane coughing at ringside to sell the Stunner. Good selling by him. The show signed off about 15 seconds after the pinfall.
If you’re wondering, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin approves of the KO Stunner too.
Somebody’s gotta do it. Yeah, I tagged myself in…RT @WWE: Arrive.
Raise Hell.
(Stun your boss)
Leave.#SDLive@FightOwensFight@shanemcmahonpic.twitter.com/GNgV3UH2DU— Steve Austin (@steveaustinBSR) July 10, 2019
Three Stars of the Show
- Kevin Owens
- Shinsuke Nakamura
- Daniel Bryan
The Scoreboard
7 out of 10
Last week: 5.5
2019 Average: 6.73 (Raw is 5.59)
Last 5 Weeks: 5.5, 6, 7, 5, 5.5
2019 High: 8.5 (February 26)
2019 Low: 5 (January 15, June 11)
Final Thoughts
I give this week’s Smackdown a 7 out of 10.
It was a good edition of Smackdown this week. I liked the fact that we got three matches around the ten-minute mark and all of them were booked well with strong finishes. The promo by Owens in the opening segment was excellent. Shane is hated by a lot of fans, which is understandable, but I thought he was more tolerable this week and did well as the boss that got his ass kicked at the end of the night.
I also enjoyed the way Shinsuke Nakamura was booked in his win over Finn Balor. That’s the Nakamura that we should have seen more often in the last three years. I’m also glad that Cesaro stepped up to challenge Aleister Black at Extreme Rules. That will be an outstanding match.
Fun wrestling show from top to bottom. It was definitely better than Raw this week.
The next WWE PPV is Extreme Rules on July 14 (this Sunday) in Philadelphia. Here’s what we know so far.
No Holds Barred Match: Roman Reigns and The Undertaker vs. Drew McIntyre and Shane McMahon
Extreme Rules Match for the Universal and Raw Women’s Championships: Seth Rollins (c) and Becky Lynch (c) vs. Baron Corbin and Lacey Evans
WWE Championship: Kofi Kingston (c) vs. Samoa Joe
United States Championship: Ricochet (c) vs. AJ Styles
Last Man Standing: Braun Strowman vs. Bobby Lashley
Smackdown Tag Team Championships: Daniel Bryan and Rowan (c) vs. New Day (Big E and Xavier Woods) vs. Heavy Machinery (Tucker and Otis)
Raw Tag Team Championships: The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) (c) vs. The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso)
Smackdown Women’s Championship Handicap Match: Bayley (c) vs. Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross
Aleister Black vs. Cesaro
Cruiserweight Championship: Drew Gulak (c) vs. Tony Nese
Two other possible matches could be Finn Balor defending the Intercontinental Title against Shinsuke Nakamura and Kevin Owens vs. Dolph Ziggler, but neither match is official right now. It’s already a big card.
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John Canton
Email mrjohncanton@gmail.com
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