Last night, SmackDown kicked off its road to SummerSlam with a solid episode which really turned everything on its head on the WWE’s blue brand.
From partners coming to blows and bar brawls to a high profile injury and a bounty on someone’s head, there was a lot going down on this week’s show.
The main event Bar Fight between Sheamus and Jeff Hardy may well have been the ending to their controversial rivalry.
Even commentator Michael Cole suggested the environment could be ‘a ‘triggering atmosphere’ for Jeff, as the storyline has honed in on his real life issues with addiction.
In fairness to the two superstars, this was more fun than expected, with both men going all out to make this a violent and entertaining performance.
Of course, there was the usual WWE comedy including the Celtic Warrior shoving Hardy’s face in the urinal – but the surprise was on its way.
Towards the end, Sheamus attacked the Charismatic Enigma and placed his hat over Jeff’s face and had a drink.
However, when he retrieved his hat, his rival’s face was painted with his pupils white, channelling his Brother Nero character from the Broken Universe.
Hardy climbed a ladder and hit a Swanton Bomb on Sheamus, picking up the win and suggesting there is more on the horizon now he’s put this feud to rest.
As much as the content of the storyline and its focus on Jeff’s very real issues didn’t always hit the right now, it’s got to be said that at least it always delivered in the ring.
Best of the rest
SmackDown got started in style this week as Bayley and Sasha Banks stepped out to address the current title situation, which saw Sasha Banks ‘win’ the Raw Women’s Title at Extreme Rules – although it’s not recognised by WWE.
The pair bragged and hyped themselves up as they do best, but Nikki Cross stormed the ring and demanded another title match after she was screwed out of her bout with Bayley on Sunday.
In a nice twist, the champion agreed – but only if she could beat her best friend Alexa Bliss.
Cross shoved her friend to the ground, leading to a fresh and highly entertaining clash between partners.
Little Miss Bliss let herself slip back into heel mode, focusing on Nikki’s ribs in a really fun match, which ended when her concern for her BFF’s injury led to her being rolled up as Cross sneaked the win.
This is a feud Nikki very recently told us she wasn’t interested in, but it could be fascinating giving their real life chemistry and friendship.
Elsewhere, Bray Wyatt was in the Firefly Funhouse has he revealed it is The Fiend’s time – which doesn’t bode well for Braun Strowman and the Universal Championship.
Matt Riddle headed to the ring and made quick work of poor Tony Nese, before calling out King Corbin.
He came out and insisted the Original Bro isn’t ready for that, and put a bounty on Riddle’s head for anyone to prove he isn’t ready for SmackDown.
Backstage, we found out Kofi Kingston will be out for six weeks after injuries suffered at Extreme Rules, and he gave Big E his blessing to enjoy a singles run with his New Day tag partners both on the sidelines.
It’s hard to know exactly where Big E will fit in and who he can feud with for SummerSlam, but this is a great chance for the WWE Universe to really see what a star-in-the-making the incredibly talented performer truly is.
Naomi also got a chance to chat about the recent online support as she appeared on Miz TV with The Miz and John Morrison.
She delivered a great promo – albeit with some embarrassing moments – but Lacey Evans came out as the pair brawled to set up a match next week.
We were also treated to a very exciting Fatal 4-Way to determine AJ Styles’ next challenger for the Intercontinental Championship.
In the end, there was a shocking winner as Gran Metalik overcame his Lucha House Party partner Lince Dorado, Drew Gulak and Shorty G to set up a fresh and intriguing match-up.
Quickfire results
- Nikki Cross beat Alexa Bliss to earn a SmackDown Women’s Title match
- Matt Riddle destroyed Tony Nese
- IC Title Number One Contenders Match: Gran Metalik defeated Shorty G, Drew Gulak and Lince Dorado
- Bar Fight: Jeff Hardy pinned Sheamus
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