A newly reunited Team Hell No provides the first significant threat to the Bludgeon Brothers at Extreme Rules. Can they put their past behind them to overcome The Usos on Smackdown Live?
A newly reunited Team Hell No provides the first significant threat to the Bludgeon Brothers. Meanwhile Smackdown Live hosts a rare inter-gender match and a United States Championship open challenge. WWE are entertaining intriguing angles but can they follow through on their current momentum at Extreme Rules?
Smackdown Live emanates from Omaha, NE this July 3rd, 2018.
An Awkward Reunion
Kane and Daniel Bryan kick off the show to discuss their recent reunion. They immediately rekindle their historically volatile relationship as Bryan calls out Kane for his vicious attacks on him in the years since their partnership. This is interesting as WWE notoriously ignores prior story arches when it is convenient for them. WWE could easily act as though Kane has not tried to end Bryan’s career or abduct his wife to make the team more cohesive. Bryan actually references these events and argues with Kane over if The Big Red Machine truly has his back.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFT_xJfKr3s]
During the childish bickering, The Usos appear to challenge the odd couple to a match. Team hell No cannot even agree whether to accept the challenge or not. General manager Paige resolves this by appearing to make the match official for later in the evening. She adds that if The Usos win they will join Team Hell No in challenging The Bludgeon Brothers for the tag team championships at WWE Extreme Rules.
Embracing the unresolved issues between Bryan and Kane can provide more options in terms of booking but WWE must take care to avoid convolution here. Potentially adding The Usos to the championship match seemingly out of nowhere takes away from the exciting showdown between dominant champions and a returning power house of a team. The Usos are great but fans have already seen multi team matches between them and The Bludgeon Brothers. If this is the only time team Hell No challenges Harper and Rowan, it should be a decisive, two-team contest.
U.S. Championship Open Challenge
The Miz accepts the latest United States Championship open challenge. Jeff Hardy continues to issue these challenges in the absence of Shinsuke Nakamura who remains injured. Hardy delivers yet another brooding, wordy promo before the match and dramatically unveils patriotic face paint. This new, enigmatic character seems stems from his loathing of Nakamura.
The Miz counters several of Hardy’s signature moves which keeps the momentum of this match shifting. At one point the referee catches The Miz using the ropes during a pin attempt and refuses to count. The Miz argues with the referee afterwords which allows Hardy to hit the Twist of Fate. Hardy retains over The Miz.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltFPVGlkoxE]
The title never felt like it was in any real jeopardy in this match. A looming program with Shinsuke Nakamura will keep Hardy winning until they finally meet. It is later announced during the show that Nakamura will return at Extreme Rules to challenge for the United States Championship.
Battle Of The Sexes
Echoing the likes of Billie Jean King, Asuka steps up to James Ellsworth in an inter-gender match. Ellsworth warms up before the match with some weak looking pushups and stretching. Asuka almost salivates at the idea of destroying Ellsworth from across the ring. The current Smackdown Live Women’s Champion Carmella observes from ringside as the match starts.
After the first stiff strike from Asuka, Ellsworth retreats and consults with Carmella at ringside. This is repeated until Asuka chases Ellsworth through crowd as the referee counts both competitors out, ending the match. Before Asuka can catch up with Ellsworth she is attacked by Carmella who has the last laugh.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tK2iK4AGPI]
This segment feels thrown together. There is so much more that can be done with Asuka and any male competitor, let alone someone with the comedic timing of Ellsworth. This was an elaborate set up for Carmella to attack Asuka. Although the focus of the feud should remain on the female Superstars, Ellsworth brings a great dynamic to this story. WWE can and should do more to capitalize on his involvement.
This feels more like a filler match.
Rusev Day Draws Near
Aiden English challenges AJ Styles in singles competition but not before Rusev exchanges words with the current WWE Champion. Rusev is more over than ever and is motivated by his first major title opportunity. Styles is no stranger to challenges and views Rusev as just another opponent.
As the bell rings Rusev hops on the mic to distract Styles, allowing English to get the first hits on the champion. Styles quickly overcomes English and applies the Calf Crusher. English submits but before Styles can celebrate Rusev delivers a beating to the WWE Champion. Rusev locks Styles in The Accolade making him pass out.
Although Rusev is red hot with the crowd do not expect him to knock off AJ Styles at Extreme Rules. Styles continues to enjoy an extended reign as champion and WWE have never truly fallowed through on a Rusev push unfortunately. Lastly, Extreme Rules is not a major pay per view where huge upsets occur. This segment falls short of suspending the disbelief that Styles will not retain his championship.
Lynch Continues To Win
Peyton Royce of The IIconics challenges Becky Lynch. Lynch wins quickly with the Disarm-Her despite attempted interference by Billie Kay. WWE are building Lynch with a mini-streak. Lynch has built this momentum on newer, less experienced opponents as of late. It will be interesting to see if her luck continues as her opponents become more challenging. Not much going on here, just a short match continuing Lynch’s momentum.
Hell No VS Uso
The Usos gain the early advantage. Jimmy and Jey move quickly to separate Bryan and Kane. They deliver tandem suicide dives to gain after knocking out Bryan.
Before long though, Bryan is hitting his signature moves as the crowd cheers. The veteran ring experience of The Usos prove to be too much for Bryan to control however. As Jimmy and Jey utilize frequent tags to work on Bryan, Kane can only watch from the ring apron. This in-ring story telling plays into the emotions of Team Hell No who have argued all night about whether Kane in fact has Bryan’s back.
Kane eventually gets the hot tag and goes to town on The Usos. The Demon catches the brothers in mid air for a dual choke slam and gains the victory for his team via pinfall. this seems to solidify his new found commitment to Bryan and the two celebrate. Team Hell No will now challenge the Bludgeon Brothers for their titles at Extreme Rules without a third team to distract from the task at hand.
Credit where credit is due, the WWE have made a compelling match for the Smackdown Live Tag Team Champions. Whereas fans could normally expect lackluster filler feuds this time of year, they are instead being treated to the resurgence of Team Hell No. Harper and Rowan are crushing their roles as dominant heels and both teams are each others greatest challenge yet.
It is truly hard to say who comes out on top in this match. If Team Hell No loses it is easy to see them disbanding shortly thereafter. It could be they implode during the match or this potential loss could complicate their relationship. As for Harper and Rowan it would be a waste to completely stop their recent momentum. They must be protected if they are to be feared by the rest of the roster. Beating Bryan and Kane at Extreme Rules would be a huge push for them and cement their dominant status within the WWE.
