With just over one week until SummerSlam on August 20, Randy Orton and Jinder Mahal brought their rivalry to a close in a grudge match that headlined this week’s episode of SmackDown Live.
The Viper and The Maharaja waged war in a competitive main event that saw somewhat of a surprise finish.
John Cena’s SummerSlam fate was sealed as a match with Baron Corbin was announced. AJ Styles accidentally blasted Shane McMahon with a kick that will create tension between them two of them before The Phenomenal One’s United States Championship match against Kevin Owens.
The women’s division was on display with two matches, and The Usos scored a big win ahead of a third pay-per-view showdown with The New Day.
How did each of Tuesday’s red-hot segments grade out and what do they mean for SmackDown going forward?
Take a look with this recap.
Baron Corbin Interrupts John Cena
John Cena kicked off this week’s episode of SmackDown Live by giving props to Shinsuke Nakamura after last Tuesday’s encounter and admitting he now understands why fans chant for him.
Mr. Money in the Bank Baron Corbin interrupted the proceedings, sporting new theme music and a bad attitude.
He reminded Cena that he does what he wants when he wants. Cena responded by referring to him as a dumpster fire, inspired by a sign in the crowd, and he challenged Corbin to come to the ring and get put through another table, as he was after last week’s physical confrontation.
Corbin declined, telling Cena to shove his respect and that the 16-time champion is not worth his time.
General manager Daniel Bryan appeared and announced Cena vs. Corbin for SummerSlam.
Grade
C
Analysis
This was about as lethargic and uninspired a setup to a high-profile match as there is.
Cena did the respect deal and put Nakamura over, but Corbin’s promo was so bland and Cena’s response so one-dimensional that this feels like a program thrown together to give them something to do.
It was fine for what it was but not something one would consider the electrifying opening segment SmackDown Live needed on the road to SummerSlam.
Tye Dillinger and Sami Zayn vs. The Usos
Tye Dillinger and Sami Zayn defeated Mike Kanellis and Aiden English two weeks ago. They reunited Tuesday to battle former SmackDown tag team champions The Usos.
It worked out early as they stunned Jimmy and Jey heading into the break.
Zayn withstood a beating during the break and made the hot tag to Dillinger, who exploded into the match like a ball of energy.
The action broke down and Zayn was wiped out at ringside following a stiff shot to the jaw. Back in the ring, Dillinger came off the top rope but rolled through when his opponent dodged the attack. The Perfect 10 would attempt the Tye Breaker, but one of his opponents blasted him with a kick.
An assault on the NXT export’s knee led to a half Boston crab for the tapout victory.
After the match, The Usos took the microphone and cut a promo on new tag team champions The New Day, mocking them in the process. While Big E’s voice exploded over the PA system, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods attacked from behind.
Before the champions could unload on their rivals, The Usos fled to safety, closing out the segment.
Result
The Usos defeated Tye Dillinger and Sami Zayn
Grade
B+
Analysis
With nothing else better to do, there are far worse spots for Zayn and Dillinger than in competitive tag matches against The Usos.
Jimmy and Jey demonstrated the tag team expertise that won them…
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