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From a main event title clash between Matt Riddle and AJ Styles to Bray Wyatt's trip back to the swamp, this week’s edition of WWE SmackDown featured many contrasting moments.
The Blue brand's go-home show a few days before The Horror Show at Extreme Rules wasn't the most newsworthy episode in recent weeks, and it also had its own share of ups and downs throughout the night.
Although it wasn't quite obvious back then, Otis and Mandy Rose were integral components of SmackDown, and the show just doesn't feel the same without them.
Which show did you like better this week, RAW or SmackDown? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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Here are the five biggest news stories from this week's episode of WWE SmackDown (July 17, 2020).
#5: Lacey Evans' despicable victory over Naomi led to some outrage on Twitter
Lacey Evans' heel turn was set up through a karaoke contest on last week's edition of WWE SmackDown.
It seems like this sudden change will be good for her in the long run. Evans faced Naomi in a singles rematch, and although it ended in a no-contest previously, Evans prevailed as the victor this week.
Lacey tied up Naomi's hair on the ropes and immediately delivered a Woman's Right for the win when the latter freed herself. The Sassy Southern Belle's push came at the expense of Naomi, and this led to #NaomiDeservesBetter trending on Twitter.
The GLOW is easily one of the most athletically talented women on WWE SmackDown, and even though there is potential to build her up as a big star at the moment, this may be Lacey's time to shine on the Blue brand.
The Sassy Southern Belle did get a push in WWE several months ago, but she wasn't ready for the spotlight back then. However, things may turn out differently for her this time around.
#4: Matt Riddle got a new rival after facing AJ Styles in a great main event
AJ Styles and Matt Riddle's main event clash delivered in terms of in-ring content on this week's WWE SmackDown. Styles' Intercontinental Title was on the line as well, and although Riddle controlled most of the bout, The Phenomenal One's experience prevailed at the end of the night.
It was after the match when Styles appeared as if he wanted to shake his opponent's hand, and as both of them proceeded to do the same, King Corbin interfered and took out his frustrations on Matt Riddle.
Initially, it looked as if Styles wanted to step out of his current WWE persona for a bit, but things became more apparent when Corbin entered the scene.
I don't know if Corbin vs. Riddle is a program that WWE fans would be keenly interested to watch. Don't get me wrong, King Corbin is one of the most effective heels and he gets people to despise the character every time, but that also makes it harder for the WWE Universe to constantly invest in his feuds every week.
#3: Cesaro defeated Big E and picked a Tables Match stipulation for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship clash at Extreme Rules
The winner of Cesaro vs. Big E had a choice between a Tables Match or a Steel Cage bout for The Horror Show at WWE Extreme Rules.
Before we go any further, I felt eager to mention that the introduction which kicked off last night's events was a pretty creative endeavor by the SmackDown roster. As good as it is to see Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura being pushed within WWE's Tag Team Division, a Tables Match stipulation is notorious for being anti-climactic at times.
Why would you not just book a straightforward Extreme Rules Match in an event which is titled, you guessed it, Extreme Rules? Unlike a Tables Match, advertising any bout with an Extreme Rules stipulation gives more creative freedom to WWE performers.
But I guess it was obvious why Cesaro picked a Tables Match instead of the other option, (Steel Cage Match) since the prop itself has been an important component of their ongoing feud.
#2: Asuka was the "mystery" guest on "A Moment of Bliss"
Undoubtedly, it was disappointing when Asuka turned out to be the surprise guest for a highly-teased edition of "A Moment of Bliss" on WWE SmackDown.
Sure, Asuka is a great performer, but WWE fans were expecting it to be someone who isn't active on the roster as of now. Bayley & Sasha Banks crashed this interview before it could even begin, and before you know it, Asuka and Nikki Cross teamed up against their Extreme Rules opponents on this week's WWE SmackDown.
The Role Models scored a cheap victory as Bayley used the ropes for a leverage pin over Nikki Cross. Later in the night, a frustrated Cross attacked Bayley, who was standing nearby in a backstage area.
After the attack, Sasha Banks teased yet another subtle nod at turning against Bayley. She secured Bayley's SmackDown Women's Title and the Champion herself had to grab the title from her own best friend.
This wasn't portrayed as explicitly as it sounds, but Sasha & Bayley clearly don't want us to forget that The Role Models are destined for a classic WWE break-up sometime in the future.
#1: Braun Strowman squashed John Morrison in a way that set him up for a heel turn
In WWE, it is not new information that "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt can alter or "change" the course of his opponent's characters.
But it feels like Braun Strowan is already on the verge of reverting back to his "Black Sheep" persona on WWE SmackDown. Not only has he been a little too intense as the Universal Champion in recent weeks, but we got a glimpse of what Strowman could do if Wyatt comes out on top at Extreme Rules.
On this week's WWE SmackDown, The Monster Among Men obliterated John Morrison quickly, and an eerie atmosphere hung over the Performance Center when The Miz's tag team partner was nearly stretchered out of the ring.
As Bray Wyatt hinted in his promo, the swamp is meant to symbolize how true evil is buried inside every person's psyche, and there is a part of Braun Strowman which will always be buried inside that place. The Horror Show at Extreme Rules is where Braun Strowman may confront and overcome his fears, otherwise, Strowman's "Black Sheep" past may just become The Monster Among Men's future on WWE SmackDown.
Before you leave, do check out our Extreme Rules preview linked above, where Jon Alba joins Sportskeeda Wrestling's Gary Cassidy to break down this Sunday's card from start-to-finish.
Meet Randy Orton's lovely wife HERE
