Smackdown Live Superstars gear up for an intense SummerSlam card. Samoa Joe outlines his plans for AJ Styles. Randy Orton once again attacks Jeff Hardy.
Three matchups stand to steal the show at SummerSlam and all of them emanate from the Smackdown Live roster. General manager Paige is set to let the rivalries of her roster play out in one of the most stacked pay per views of the year. How will Smackdown Live continue to build heat heading into SummerSlam?
Smackdown Live comes to us from Tampa, FL this 30th of July 2018.
Sob Story
Following a victory on Smackdown Live, Becky Lynch stands poised to challenge Carmella for the Women’s Championship at SummerSlam.
After opening the show with a compelling speech, Lynch is interrupted by Carmella. The self proclaimed Queen of Stanton Island launches into a lengthy, seemingly heartfelt promo about how WWE staff and fans doubted her abilities as she was coming up in the Women’s Division. She even references how various WWE legends are calling for her to “go away”. The emotion displayed by Carmella in this segment seems genuine.
Upon conclusion, Carmella extends her hand toward Lynch in good faith only to have this moment disrupted by the music of James Ellsworth. As soon as the former WWE Superstar’s music sounds, Carmella uses the prefabricated distraction to nail Lynch with the championship belt. Of course Carmella’s emotional monologue only serves as a front to attack her SummerSlam opponent.
Carmella easily gets her cheap shots in on Lynch in this segment.
Do not expect Lynch to wise up before her SummerSlam title shot. Carmella will inevitably find some cheap way to retain her title. The only question is how easily Lynch will play into the traps Carmella will have lined up for the Smackdown Live Women’s Championship challenger.
As Carmella lays into Lynch, Charlotte’s music suddenly blasts over the PA System as the daughter of The Nature Boy, Ric Flair charges to the ring to defend her friend. Later on, Smackdown Live general manager Paige makes a match between Carmella and Charlotte. If Charlotte wins, shes is inserted into the Women’s title match at SummerSlam.
Raising The Bar
Either The Bar or The Usos will move on to face The New Day to decide the number one contenders for the Smackdown Live Tag Team Championships.
The Bar does well for most of the match until The Usos are finally able to tag in and out without interference from their opponents. The frequent tags lead to a flurry of offense from The Usos. Both Usos perch on the top rope, poised to splash on their opponents. Ceasaro is able to counter one of the splashes with a European uppercut as Sheamus counters with a roll-up, pinfall victory over The Usos.
The Bar advances to face The New Day for the opportunity to challenge The Bludgeon Brothers at SummerSlam.
Of either team, The Bar seems to pose the greatest threat to the current tag team champions. Their physical style would pair well with The Bludgeon Brothers and make for a great match at SummerSlam. The New Day has already had the opportunity to dethrone the current champs.
Joe Holds Nothing Back
In blatant attempt to get inside the head of the current WWE Champion, Samoa Joe unleashed a scathing promo geared toward AJ Styles.
Among other things, Joe accuses Styles of focusing more on being a champion rather than being a father or husband. Joe further asserts that by the end of SummerSlam, Styles’ family will have their father back but he will walk away with the title. Joe’s words went unanswered as the show moves on.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LUgGCB0GxU]
This is a great example of how effective Joe is on the mic and further builds the organic feud between two longtime rivals. Although the WWE have yet to acknowledge the history between Styles and Joe, it is almost irrelevant with tonight’s inflammatory promo.
The only thing left to put a bow on this relatively new feud would be a solid, technical wrestling match at a high-profile pay per view.
Zelina VS Lana
Two relatively green talents square off in a surprisingly entertaining match. Zelina Vega wrestles her first televised, main roster match against Lana.
Lana dominates the vast majority of the match as Vega struggles to gain any sort of momentum. Finally, Vega is able to hit the double knees to the corner, normally utilized by her client Andrade “Cien” Almas. Almas, who is at ringside, begins to provide a distraction for his manager until Aiden English rushes to Lana’s aid.
Unfortunately, as English attempts to foil Almas, he inadvertently knocks Lana off of the top rope. Vega capitalizes on this mishap and pins Lana.
The continuing dissension within the Rusev Day faction provides not only entertainment but flexible booking options. While the WWE uses this to prop up an emerging NXT talent in Almas, they seem to be developing a compelling story involving Rusev and his disciples.
More Trouble For Hardy
Jeff Hardy once again finds himself being assaulted by Randy Orton this week.
After calling out Orton for his previous attacks, Hardy is ambushed by Shinsuke Nakamura. Although both Orton and Nakamura seem to have a vendetta against Hardy, the two villains briefly stare one another down in the ring during their attack.
Orton seemingly allows Nakamura to continue wailing on Hardy.
The blaring flaw in this potential story is what on Earth Orton intends to achieve through attacking Hardy. Orton has made vague references to being disenchanted with the WWE Universe and using Hardy to send message. It seems that attacking a fan favorite is the best way to build heat in this scenario. But would Orton be better suited directly perusing the United States Championship versus stomping on a random Superstar?
This approach leaves more to be desired from a creative standpoint.
Bryan And Miz Build Greatness
In their continuing build towards a confrontation at SummerSlam, Daniel Bryan and The Miz produce yet another brilliant exchange this week:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZCT3JSjMGw]
Flair VS Carmella
On the night Charlotte Flair returns to competition, she finds herself in the main event of Smackdown Live. If she proves successful over the current Women’s Champion she will ensure an opportunity to regain her title at SummerSlam. Becky Lynch realizes that a possible triple threat match would hinder her chances at once again becoming Women’s Champion.
Surprisingly, Carmella owns Charlotte throughout the match. Charlotte’s shortcomings in this match can well be attributed to her recent absence. However, it is strange that Carmella dominates Charlotte in the manner displayed throughout the match.
It is only when Charlotte is able to maneuver through s series of submission reversal that she is able to gain the upper hand. Charlotte quickly slaps on the Figure Eight which forces Carmella to submit.
Although this is a great moment for Flair, Becky Lynch is less than ecstatic that her one on one championship opportunity has morphed into a triple threat. Lynch is clearly conflicted over supporting her friend and having the odds stacked against her. Lynch’s conflict can easily translate into a story where she finds herself being overshadowed by Flair. In this struggle she caves to jealousy and attacks her friend.
Carmella should now focus on driving a wedge between the two friend to ensure she retains her title.
