When Greats Clash
Charlotte Flair started the night off by saying that when one doesn’t have the genetics, talent, or discipline to achieve greatness, they go and do something else, like Trish Stratus. “Trish Stratus, the WWE Hall of Famer, the seven time Women’s champion, who when the industry started to change, opted to do something different — a family and a minivan.” She then accused Stratus of being petty and jealous of her status and that’s why she wants that one more match. “Not only will your dreams not come true, I’ll shatter them.”
When Flair called for highlights of her career to be played on the titantron, Trish Stratus’ career highlights were shown instead.
While Flair shook her head in disgust, Trish came out.
“The reason I played that video is to remind you of why you’re here, having these opportunities. You’re right, I want one more match. And Maybe it’s to prove it to my kids, or to these fans, but also, it’s to prove it to me. To quote the great Harley Race, ‘There is no greater feeling in the world than to be under these bright lights,’ and I want that. I crave that. So, Charlotte, you may be the queen, but in the end, you’re not me.”
After telling Stratus she’d make her bow to the queen and “Whooo!”’s in her face and stuck her tongue, Stratus slapped her.
Laughing, Flair left to the fans’ disappointment and boos.
Roman Reigns Attacker Revealed
In an interview, Reigns said how he’s had a difficult year, but he always knew what was coming. He doesn’t know who’s behind the attacks and it’s affected his life in and out of the ring.
When asked who was responsible, he said, “I know who’s not. Samoa Joe.” And he apologized to Joe for what he went through and promised to get answered that night.
While Bryan and Rowen beat down the New Day, Reigns entered the backstage locker room and told everyone except Buddy Murphy to leave. Reigns then asked him several times if he was the one behind the attacks, and if he wasn’t, who was.
Finally, Murphey responded with, “I don’t want any trouble. I don’t want any trouble at all. I don’t know who did it. But if I did, I still wouldn’t tell you a damn thing.”
Wrong answer.
Reigns belted him and tossed him around the locker room, continuing to ask who did it. Finally, Murphey said, “Rowen.”
When Reigns pressed if it was Daniel Bryan and Rowan, Murphey said he didn’t see Bryan, only Rowen.
The cameras shifted to show Bryan and Rowen standing in the ring, watching the interrogation as the show went off the air.
The Rest of Smackdown
Dolph Ziggler and Rey Mysterio never got started
Following a recap of Goldberg signing to face Ziggler at SummerSlam, Goldberg’s music starts and Ziggler came out mocking Goldberg’s entrance.
Ziggler attacked Mysterio outside the ring before the match started, hitting him with a pair of superkicks.
“Oh, another legend goes down courtesy of DZ.” A brief and rant toward other legends ended with a, “Goldberg, you’re next!”
Ali then came out and went after Ziggler in response to his disrespect.
Dolph Ziggler beat Ali by pinfall
After a verbal bashing by Ali, which we assume was the case as it was done during the commercial, a match started.
A pretty good short match showcasing Ali’s abilities and an homage to X-Pac, Ziggler gave as good as he got by hitting a superkick for the pin.
Ali’s been getting a good push as a babyface, and despite the losses, he’s getting fans’ attention. It’s going to be fun to see what’s in the future for him.
Natalya and Ember Moon ended in double count out
Despite the potential of the match, it ended quickly once they were outside the ring and Natalya slapped the sharpshooter on Moon and refused to release it until Bayley came out to break them up.
The Kevin Owens Show featuring Shane McMahon
Owens didn’t want to wait, so he called for Shane to come out and get it over, but no one came out on his first invite. On his second, at telling Shane “to get his ass out here,” Shane came out.
Thankfully, Owens grabbed the mic interrupting Shane’s “Best in the Worrrrrrrld!” entrance.
After pointing out how fans had pointed out how Shane’s career wasn’t on the line in their match, Owens challenged him to give the fans what they want by putting his career on the line at SummerSlam, too.
Amidst chants of “Do it!” from the fans, Shane, of course, answered with an, “Emphatic no.” Then pointed out Owens was the one that put the stipulation in that he’d quit. He then pointed out all the ways Owens can lose and end his career.
After offering a preview of SummerSlam, Elias attacked him, but Owens stunned Elias on the announcer’s table. Shane then blindsided Owens and flipped the table over, pinning Owens and kicked and hit him with a steel chair.
Aleister Black beat Sami Zayn by pinfall
After saying how he offered Aleister Black a gift by offering to expose him for the fraud he is, he criticized him for not thanking him. And after berating Black over his wanting to remain comfortable in a dark room, Black’s music started and Black came out in an oppressive entrance, stating, “This match is not happening at SummerSlam. No, this match happens now.”
After a fast start by Black, Zayn gained control with grinding tactics to keep Black down and on the defensive.
Black turned the tide with a few strikes and moonsault off the center rope before hitting Zayn with a Black Mass for the pin.
Given Black’s response at the beginning, it gives some hesitation as to whether there will be a rematch at SummerSlam. A last minute change wouldn’t be good, but as he and Zayn aren’t top tier as yet, maybe they could be gently pushed aside? Hope not. It’d be fun to see these to together again.
Shelton Benjamin Remains Secretive
When asked if he’d compete for the 24/7 title, he responded with, “Well…” smiled, and walked away. Guess we know what he’s going after? Maybe?
Firefly Funhouse
Opening with a banquet of candy with a enlarged Pig Boy, Wyatt appears and said how his SumerSlam opponent, Finn Balor, is not afraid to his people, “and I love that!”
“I’m afraid Finn’s courage is really just ignorance in disguise. After all, he invited the Fiend to his doorstep willingly. Wowie-wowie!” After a brief laugh, Wyatt began his mental chance and said, “The Fiend it coming for you. Let me in.” The screen shifted to show the Fiend growling, “Let me in.”
Elias Made a Friend
After Chad Gable accidentally tossed some of his exercising gear on Elias’ guitar and apologize, Elias made fun of his height, referring to Gable as a child to start it off.
Looks like a potential feud brewing.
Kofi’s Pretaped Story
The WWE video crew outdid themselves again with an awesome video that chronicled Kofi’s career and rivalry with Orton from their 2009 match to now.
The New Day beat Daniel Bryan and Rowen by disqualification
A good match that showed each participants’ skills and contrasts like Big E countering the Yes Lock by powerbombing Bryan and Rowen hitting Big E with an impressive spin kick.
Like most matches as of late, this ended too early as Rowen used the steel stairs to stop Woods from diving through the ropes, then leveled Big E with them.
The pair started beating down the New Day with some stomps and Rowen’s Iron Claw on Big E and a running knee on Woods before focus shifted to Reigns in the backstage area as continued above.
Final Thoughts
A better paced show than Raw leading to SummerSlam, Smackdown solidified the matches and rivalries while adding a layer of mystery to some of the story lines like why Rowen attacked Reigns and was Daniel Bryan behind it. There has been a rumor going around as to what Daniel Bryan’s career altering news is, but that’s coming soon to an article near you.
The main regret with the show was so many matches cut short for superstars to drive home a point. It’s been a trend lately, and we’ve been robbed of some good matches. Sure, they’re building suspense and all, but maybe instead of doing more of these a quick promo/confrontation backstage would be better? Then they could use the time in the ring for other superstars that aren’t out there every week. Just a thought.