Tonight was Smackdown’s build up for Summerslam with three titles up for grabs as well as the continuation of two feuds in the matches Cena vs. Rusev and Corbin vs. Shinsuke Nakamura. Did the reign of the Modern Maharaja continue? Did The New Day experience the beginning of a new run as tag champs? Let’s dive in!
Kickoff Pre-show: Aiden English vs. Tye Dillinger
Battleground began with a rematch from Backlash. Despite being the requisite filler match, it did provide the first shocker of the night. Tye dominated the first half of the match and seemed to be on track to further his success on Aiden. Aiden then came back and dominated the second half and won the match to everyone’s surprise with a modified Director’s Cut. With the things evened up between the two, it’s unlikely that this will be their last battle.
Winner: Aiden English
Tag Team Championship — The Usos (c) vs. The New Day
This match saw Xavier Woods in action for The New Day as Big E sat out. Both teams seemed to be evenly matched for most of the contest. Things picked up late with dramatic near falls as Kofi Kingston spent the majority of the match laid out after a double powerbomb by the Usos. The New Day prevailed thanks to their resilience and experience. Xavier Woods executed what was arguably the move of the night by doing a ring length flying elbow after Jimmy Uso was hit by a Trouble in Paradise from Kofi. The New Day became the first tag team to win the titles on both brands.
Winners: The New Day
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Baron Corbin
Despite the intense rivalry between the two, this match was a bit of downer. The match may wind up being the end of their rivalry but it may keep going into Summerslam. The affair was heated and back and forth but The King of Strong Style seemed to be on his way to winning the match until Baron got disqualified via a low blow. Baron then hit Shinsuke with the Money In The Bank briefcase and gave Shinsuke an End of Days after the match.
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura by DQ
Fatal Five Way #1 Contender Match: Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Lana vs. Natalya vs. Tamina
This multi woman match was an upgrade over previous matches. Eliminations came late in the match, as Tamina and Lana formed an alliance of sorts. Becky was especially on fire as she eliminated the duo by submission. Natalya ultimately prevailed by taking advantage of the late match chaos. She will face Naomi for the title at Summerslam
Winner: Natalya Order of elimination: 1. Snuka (submitted by Lynch), 2. Lana (submitted by Lynch), 3. Lynch (pinned by Natalya), 4. Flair (pinned by Natalya)
United States Championship — AJ Styles (c) vs. Kevin Owens
Expectations were high for this one given their rivalry, the quality of their Backlash match, and AJ’s unexpectedly winning the U.S. Title at a house show rather than on Smackdown or a pay per view. The match underwhelmed for the most part until the end of the match. The match ended in a controversial fashion after Kevin knocked out the ref by pushing AJ into him. The match would’ve ended sooner with either winning at any given moment but since there was no conscious ref, it only added to the controversy that was coming. Kevin regained the title after scoring a questionable pin, where both men’s shoulders were down, during the count of the ref after he came to. It’s unlikely that this feud isn’t over.
Winner: Kevin Owens
John Cena vs. Rusev (Flag Match)
This match was a snoozer due to the competitors and the predictable conclusion. It felt longer than it really wahttps://thescrumsports.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=7374&action=edits, which was disappointing given this was only the fourth should match in WWE pay per view history. The only remotely redeeming action happened outside the ring when Cena ended the match by giving Rusev an Attitude Adjustment from the stage onto a table to plant Old Glory to win the match.
Winner: John Cena
Sami Zayn vs. Mike Kenellis
This match was a filler before the main event. The highlight of the match was the Kenellis’ outfits and music. Maria attempted to interfere in the same manner as she did previously on Smackdown but Sami was able to reverse things this time around and dispatch Mike with a Helluva Kick
Winner: Sami Zayn
WWE Championship — Jinder Mahal (c) vs. Randy Orton (Punjabi Prison Match)
Before the match, Jinder told the Singh Brothers that he could defeat Randy without their help, which so far has proved invaluable to Jinder’s run thus far. The match was long and slowly paced, which shouldn’t surprise since the match is basically an obstacle course as well as a wrestling match. The Singhs ultimately interjected themselves in the match and gave Jinder a temporarily significant advantage. Orton rallied, halted Jinder’s progress, and was poised to escape the prison. Randy was halted by the surprise return of the Great Khali. Khali choked Orton until Jinder recovered and escaped the cage to win the match.
Winner: Jinder Mahal
