WWE was live in Detroit, Michigan for SmackDown Live. The tensions are slowly but surely reaching their breaking points. With SmackDown heading towards Hell in a Cell, who will gain an advantage?
SmackDown kicks off with Daniel Bryan and Brie Bella. In two weeks, they will face The Miz and Maryse at the Hell in a Cell pay per view. They talk about the rivalry that is continuing to heat up and become more personal. Renee Young who is conducting the interview shows footage of Miz and Maryse before SmackDown went on the air wanting to go face to face with Daniel and Brie. Daniel rebuttals they are cowards because they left the arena.
Andrade “Cien” Almas and Zelina Vega come out to challenge Daniel Bryan to finish what they started last week.
Andrade “Cien” Almas v. Daniel Bryan
In a rematch from last week, Daniel Bryan takes on Andrade “Cien” Almas. The match was competitive but, it could be a lot better if the two had a feud together. The match got the purpose of the story down though. After the match, Daniel and Brie got their revenge on Andrade and Zelina. On the Tron, The Miz and Maryse state they are out at dinner and will not be in the arena anytime soon.
This inspires Daniel and Brie to go out and search for the couple.
Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair Interview
In one of best feuds in the women’s division in quite some time, two former best friends have become better enemies. Betrayal, stolen opportunities and heartbreak all surround the SmackDown Women’s Championship. The two women exchange heated words back and forth only adding fuel to the fire. Tune into Hell in a Cell because this match has the chance to steal the show.
Naomi v. Peyton Royce
In a fairly quick match, Naomi was able to roll up Peyton Royce for the win. However, after the match The IIconics beatdown Naomi in a two on one attack. Until Asuka came into save Naomi and clear the house of the IIconics.
Randy Orton v. Jeff Hardy Hype
Throughout the night, SmackDown showed hype packages for the upcoming Hell in a Cell match between Jeff Hardy and Randy Orton. This match is going to be physical, and dare I say psychotic. What limits will these two go to destroy each other inside the demonic structure?
Samoa Joe Addresses His Visit to The Styles Household
Samoa Joe continues to cross the line with WWE Champion AJ Styles. Joe continues to add the fuel to the fire and increase the tension in this already heated rivalry. He heads to the ring and states that he did not make it to the Styles home. However, he vows that he will make sure to send AJ back home after he takes the WWE Championship.
Samoa Joe continues until AJ Styles makes his way to the ring ignites a brawl. AJ uses a steel chair and came inches from hitting Joe’s skull. AJ has unleashed a rage unlike we have ever seen, similar to what we saw at SummerSlam. This feud only now continues to boil over. Buckle yourseatbeltss because Hell in a Cell is going to be a war.
Rusev Day (Rusev & Aiden English) v. Sanity (Killian Dane & Eric Young) v. The Usos (Jimmy & Jay)
In the second of the two triple threat tag team matches to determine the new number one contenders for The New Day’s Tag Team Championships, these three teams look to get one step closer to their destinies.
In a highly competitive match, these three teams show the importance of opportunity. SmackDown turned out to be a fantastic Rusev Day as Rusev and Aiden English picked up to the win. They will now will face The Bar (Sheamus & Cesaro) next week to determine who faces The New Day at Hell in a Cell.
The Miz v. R-Truth
The Miz finally made his way back to the arena, coincidentally after Daniel left. General Manager Paige stated that Miz will be in action. During the night, R-Truth tried to search around for Carmella as he has for the past few weeks. However, tonight he found Maryse and confused her with Carmella. Miz and Maryse took offense to that which set up the match for the night.
The match, for the most part, was not too shabby. The Miz seemed to be closing in on the victory until Daniel and Brie came down to distract Miz and assisted R-Truth for the upset victory. Immediately after the win, Daniel and Brie looked to one-up Miz and Maryse by attacking them. However, that was cut short by Andrade “Cien” Almas and Zelina Vega.
Almas and Vega’s plan failed as they were both put in the Yes Lock. Miz attempted to save them but was halted by Daniel.
Conclusion
It was an okay SmackDown. Nothing really amazing or eye-popping. However, the stories continue to move on towards Hell in a Cell.
David Jacobus
Contributing Writer