WWE Smackdown Live (01/08/2017): Review

WWE has really been pulling all the right plugs to consolidate its viewership. Facing heavy competition from the red-brand, Smackdown Live didn't disappoint. With marquee PPV matches packaged into a regular TV show, Smackdown Live has lived up to all expectations leading into Summerslam. Let's have a look at the proceedings.

Credits: WWE.com

Results:

• US Championship: AJ Styles(C) defeated Kevin Owens.
• Aiden English defeated Sami Zayn.
• Naomi and Becky Lynch defeated Natalya and Carmella.
• Rusev defeated Chad Gable.
• #1 Contender's Match: Shinsuke Nakamura defeated John Cena.

US Championship Match: AJ Styles(C) vs. Kevin Owens

Smackdown Live was kicked off by the US Championship match, heavily relying on AJ Styles and Kevin Owens to set the tone for the big night to follow. Both wrestlers pulled off amazing moves, as has become a norm whenever they are battling. They have set the standard so high and their chemistry has become so impeccable, that anything less would be severely booed. Also, another regularity took place as there was a controversial end to the match. The referee had been hit which led to a distraction for Owens as he was setting up The Phenomenal One for a Pop-up Powerbomb. This allowed Styles to counter the move and roll Owens up for a pin. A dazed referee somewhat gathered control and counted for the pin. Despite Owens' shoulder being up legitimately, the referee declared Styles the winner, in the process helping him retain his championship. KO was irate. He lost it and had a vocal blast after the match. Furious with the decision, the repeat of the botched climax further frustrated him. He was inconsolable and seemed destined to wreck havoc in the lead up to Summerslam.

This is a welcome move by WWE, not going with the traditional American hero storyline. KO has been somewhat of a heel revelation. He really digs deep to attract heat from the audience. A controversial ending to the match, hyped up their Summerslam bout, which would feature Shane McMahon as the guest referee, probably going in the direction of a Shane vs. KO showdown pretty soon.

Credits: sportzwiki.com

Aiden English vs. Sami Zayn

It is really hard to understand whether WWE is really putting in any effort to build up Sami Zayn. The segment opened to yet another song by Aiden English, which seemed like it was never going to end. However, the bell rang and the two undercard performers went at it with Zayn exerting early control. He had English trapped to submit, but somehow "The Shakespeare of Song" rolled Zayn up and pinned him for the victory. 

A surprising turn of events took place as English was rewarded handsomely after Sami's somewhat of a winning streak. Maria and Mike Kanellis coming out to mock the misfortunes of Zayn added fuel to fire. English has now been established as a skilled singles competitor. Zayn, however, is still being wasted. He is one big babyface character who deserves way more than he's achieving. 

Credits: WWE.com

Naomi and Becky Lynch vs. Natalya and Carmella

In what was a prolonged ring vacation for the Women's MITB winner, Carmella finally returned to action after quite some time behind the scenes. Natalya looked very dominant in the entire match as she had Naomi beat down and locked in the Sharpshooter for the win. Carmella, however, wanting all the glory for herself, tagged in and triggered the collapse of a well deserved dominance over the babyfaces. While Becky Lynch performed as an accessory to enhance the rivalry between Natalya and Naomi with a subtle involvement from Carmella, Naomi dominated Carmella after her tag. She battered her with all she had and then set her up for a submission, causing a tap out win. A frustrated Natalya, walked back into the locker room, disappointed by a win-turned-loss due to Carmella. 

This match did nothing but hype up the Summerslam feud between Natalya and Naomi, with a lurking Carmella. Going by the progression, Naomi may have a hard fought win at Summerslam, but Carmella will cash in.

Credits: WWE.com

Rusev vs. Chad Gable

The American Alpha alumni are doing wonders on both the shows as singles competitors. Establishing himself as a singles competitor, Chad Gable showed a lot of heart in this match. He had the early momentum as he outwrestled the former US Champ. However, Rusev was quick to assert his dominance as he quickly shifted gears and slammed Gable. Gable did not give up, as he suplexed Rusev and looked to score a pinfall via a Moonsault. A German Suplex was also evaded by Rusev as he delivered a a big kick, trying to pin Gable. A failed Accolade allowed Gable to turn the tables as he attempted an ankle lock, but the dream win was not to be. Rusev reversed and after a vicious superick, submitted him into an Accolade, registering the win. After the match, Rusev stayed on and demanded better competition, seemingly frustrated about his loss to John Cena. Randy Orton entered and delivered a vicious RKO to light up their rivalry.

The Bulgarian Brute has been saved from becoming absolutely irrelevant here. He deserves big feuds and Randy Orton coming into the picture is just what was required. This will be a non-title feud, but will generate a lot of speculation as to where they will go from here. Expect Randy to overcome Rusev in their upcoming feud as a consolation to his losing streak against Jinder Mahal. As for Gable, he looks to be proceeding into a possible feud with AJ Styles after Summerslam.

Credits: reddit.com

#1 Contender's Match for WWE Title: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. John Cena

Social media has been buzzing all week long about this dream match. The Artist vs. The Face That Runs The Place. A huge PPV match, packaged into a regular main event. With all the expectations, this match exceeded every single scale.

It was an amazingly contested match with Cena taking the early beating as usual. A late fight back from Cena leading into the 5 Knuckle Shuffle and an Attitude Adjustment seemed to be it, as many expected Cena to bury Nakamura, But, that was not the case. The King of Strong Style kicked out of not one, but two consecutive AAs that left Cena shocked. As Cena rolled for another one, Nakamura countered and ended the match with a deafening Kinshasa to punch his ticket into Summerslam. His celebrations were interrupted by an attacking Baron Corbin, but Cena was there to teach the young buck something about respect. Cena blasted Corbin with an AA on the announce table and raised Nakamura's arm in victory.

It was an emotionally turbulent match as it had the crowd on the edge of their seats. None of the big match performers disappointed. However, we will see a better match and a respected rivalry between these two later in the year. It just has to happen. Nakamura has now become the favorite to finally dethrone Jinder Mahal, however, Corbin still lurks in the shadows to cash in his MITB Contract. Expect a Corbin vs. Cena showdown at Summerslam.

Credits: theindianexpress.com

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