Author: Kevin Berge / Source: Bleacher Report

Last week’s SmackDown featured some huge turning points for the brand, as the major SummerSlam feuds were set. The promise of forward momentum drove the July 31 edition of the show, as rivals would meet face-to-face just weeks before clashing in the ring.

Jeff Hardy was set to return after Randy Orton‘s brutal attack weeks ago, facing a new version of his longtime rival, who has promised to end his career. Samoa Joe was also expected to deliver a personal message to AJ Styles after his brutal attack at the WWE Championship contract signing last week.

With Becky Lynch defeating Carmella last week, she is now No. 1 contender to the SmackDown Women’s Championship, but there are still several weeks for the current champion to try to scheme her way out of this situation. There was also no doubt that Daniel Bryan would once more go after The Miz.

The biggest match set for the night was the second semifinal of the SmackDown Tag Team Championships tournament, as The Usos fought the returning Sheamus and Cesaro, with both teams hoping to regain tag team glory. It was also announced that Zelina Vega would make her main roster in-ring debut against Lana.

While it was not expected to be a night of great wrestling, this week’s SmackDown could certainly be a huge moment for feud building and potential major announcements related to SummerSlam.

Charlotte Flair Returns to Ruin Carmella’s Perfectly Laid Plan

Renee Young interviewed Becky Lynch, who quickly went over her disappointing history with the SmackDown Women’s Championship.

Carmella interrupted and went into their history, seemingly praising and supporting The Irish Lass Kicker.

She extended her hand as a sign of respect before James Ellsworth’s music hit. The SmackDown women’s champion used the distraction to assault Lynch and pulled out a steel chair to deal serious damage. However, Charlotte Flair made her return to save Lynch and send Carmella up the ramp.

Grade

A

Analysis

This was an excellent opener. Carmella pulled out one of the best promos of her career, putting over her struggles before showing her disingenuous nature. This whole segment embraced the dynamic of the rivalry, with Carmella knowing she needs to get any advantage possible over Lynch.

It is good to see Charlotte back in a WWE ring, but Lynch had been built up naturally on her own with The Queen out of the picture. Her best friend coming back could too easily take the spotlight away from Lynch when it matters most.

The crowd throughout this segment was fired up, clearly behind Lynch’s return to title contention. Charlotte’s involvement is not necessary and may hurt the feud more than help.

Tag Team No. 1 Contender’s Tournament: The Usos vs. Sheamus and Cesaro

The New Day came out to watch this match closely at its own announce table. The Bar and The Usos went all out, with Sheamus and Cesaro using their best devious strategies to ground the explosive Usos.

It was not enough, with Jey Uso getting the hot tag and hitting a diving splash. Cesaro broke up the pinfall but was taken out, barely recovering enough to catch Jimmy with a European uppercut during the Double Uce.

Sheamus blocked Jey’s diving splash with double knees and rolled him up for three. Afterward, New Day and The Bar had a standoff, prepared for their match next week.

Result

The Bar def. The Usos by pinfall to advance to the finals of the SmackDown tag team title tournament

Grade

A-

Analysis

This was a good match between two great tag teams that used their time well. Few, if any, can match up to these two…

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