WWE Smackdown Live (15/08/2017): Review

Smackdown Live couldn't build up to the hype created by Raw, but in its own defense, it did take away a lot of buzz-worthy storylines that could've developed after. A failed cash-in and Shane's involvement in the US Title picture headlined the show. Let's have a look.

Credits: WWE.com

Results:

• Natalya defeated Becky Lynch.
• Rusev vs. Chad Gable ended in a double count-out.
• The Usos defeated The New Day.
• Jinder Mahal vs. John Cena ended in a no contest.

Mahal's Independence Speech

Jinder Mahal kicked off the show along with the Singh Brother by inviting a live band performance of the Indian National Anthem. Mahal then took to address the audience by stating that he would beat John Cena in a more dominating fashion than Nakamura did and started his usual ranting in Punjabi. Nakamura interrupted him and claimed that he would take the title from him at Summerslam.

This was a sub-par segment. Hopefully, WWE are done experimenting with Jinder Mahal as WWE Champion. His reign is becoming very boring now. He is well over as the top heel in the blue brand, however, he is becoming less convincing with every passing week. An encore of Rollins' heel championship reign is not doing any good for him. Also, Nakamura-Mahal feud has not been handled correctly. It could've been hyped up in a better way had Cena not been in the picture.

Credits: WWE.com

Natalya vs. Becky Lynch

Smackdown Women's Champion Naomi called the match from the announce table as Lynch had Natalya frustrated inside the ring, early on in the match. True to her heel persona, Natalya took over once the action spilled outside the ring as she flung Lynch into the barricade. Becky tried her best to come back with a flurry of offences, however, a missed aerial leg drop cost her the momentum. Natalya pounced onto her and clutched her into the Sharpshooter to win the submission. In what looked like a statement to Naomi, Natalya clutched Lynch in the Sharpshooter again before Naomi drove her off. A looming threat to the champion, Carmella came out to wish the the opponents luck, putting them on notice that she would cash in, no matter what.

Natalya got great practice via battling the first-ever Smackdown Women's champ. She grabbed the opportunity to show her mean streak, and did so convincingly. Carmella's addition in the picture significantly elevates the spoils of the match at Summerslam.

Credits: diva-dirt.com

Rusev vs. Chad Gable

Rusev was in no mood to compete as he literally pulverized his opponent ignoring the referee's count. He kept attacking Gable outside the ring in what seemed to be a never-ending spree. As soon as he took to the mic to gloat about his viciousness, Randy Orton delivered an #RKOouttanowhere outting the Bulgarian Brute on notice.

The Rusev-Orton rivalry is here to stay and Rusev is marching into Summerslam on a strong momentum. While Orton deserves the win after a drubbing from Mahal, Rusev deserves it even more so as to stay relevant.

Credits: skysports.com

Shane gets involved in AJ-KO feud

Shane and AJ Styles made sure that what transpired last week wasn't to serious an offence on the US Champ's part. Shane assured Styles that he needn't apologize for what had happened but also made him aware of the consequences he would face if he did so at Summerslam. The proverbial prick in everyone's way, KO came out to incite their heat. In a failed attempt to shake AJ's hands, the two opponents shoved each other while Shane attempted to douse the fire. As he held AJ's hand and reminded him of the consequences, he was hit with a misdirected superkick from KO which left him reeling. 

Shane getting kicked was a repeat from last week's segment, the only exception being the change in the attacker. Creative is doing exceedingly well in building this story up for a possible Shane-KO feud in the future. However, it must not be negated that adding Shane to the stipulations and the recent proceedings, it does call for a marquee match on Sunday.

Credits: WWE.com

The New Day (C) vs. The Usos

Jey Uso was dominated early on as The New Day was represented by Kofi and Xavier Woods. They were exciting early on in the match as The Usos were failing to deal with their agility. On recovering, the brothers took turns to punish Kofi Kingston as they injured him in the match. Woods' exciting response only resulted in a chaos as The Usos took the advantage and knocked Kofi out with a kick to win the pinfall.

These guys complement each other very well. Their response they draw from the crowd is magnetic. The Usos made it a point that Kofi does not interfere in their match at Summerslam by injuring him.

Credits:WWE.com

Jinder Mahal (C) vs. John Cena

In a battle of strength, Cena surprisingly gave way to Mahal gaining the momentum early on in the match. With the assist of the Singh Brothers, Mahal continued to dominate over John Cena before the referee noticed the interference and chucked them out of ringside. Cena finally gained momentum and charged into Mahal, ending in an Attitude Adjustment that Mahal kicked out from. A shocked Cena lay tired in the ring with a recovering Mahal, as Corbin came out to cut short the bout. He realized that Mahal was not in any state to compete and cashed in his MITB briefcase. After a short distraction from Cena, Mahal rolled Corbin over to claim his championship, leaving the ring to a frustrated Baron Corbin as both Cena and Mahal grinned at him.

This was clear stupidity be Creative. The WWE Title picture looks bleak already, and robbing it of the possible surprise cash-in by a rising top heel in the company does not do anything to elevate either. They should've gone for a better route for Baron Corbin. 

Credits: skysports.com

Like what you read? Like the page: https://www.facebook.com/yardofwrestling/