The new era rolls on as the Blue Brand takes over The Rabobank Arena in sunny Bakersfield, California for this week's episode of Smackdown Live!
We are rapidly approaching SummerSlam and there's still plenty of questions left without answers and plenty of matches to be booked. With a stacked roster and a plethora of youngsters eager to prove they deserve to be on the SummerSlam card, things should continue to heat up as we get closer to the summer's biggest party.
Would Dolph Ziggler maintain his spot in the title match, or would Bray Wyatt knock him off if his perch? Which one of the ladies will step up and become the pretty face of Smackdown? Will Heath Slater convince Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan to sign him to a permanent roster spot and who will get in the way of the Viper as he hones on his date with the Beast Incarnate?
All of these questions and more continue to linger as we inch closer to being under one week until the biggest event of the summer. As for now, let's dive into the results from last night's episode of Smackdown and hand out some grades as we go along. Welcome to the Smackdown Live review!
OPENING SEGMENT: BRAY WYATT CLAIMS HIS TERRITORY
The Eater of Worlds delivered another incredible promo, this time letting the WWE Universe know that he sits high above the other peasants on the roster. As Ambrose and Ziggler came to defend themselves against Wyatts’ propaganda.
When the dust settled, Ziggler inadvertently nailed Ambrose with a superkick and then received a kiss from Sister Abigail himself. As the bodies were scattered about, Bray Wyatt once again stood tall as the lone survivor of the segment.
This was a safe and wise way to open the show and to keep Wyatt relevant and not appearing weak. It'll be interesting to see how they book him for SummerSlam and afterwards.
GRADE: A-
AMERICAN ALPHA DEF. LOCAL TALENT
The names of last night's victims were Mikey O'Shea and Mike Vega. These two guys are fairly well known local, southern California area independent talents, but last night was not the coming out party for the two.
As expected, Jordan and Gable made quick work of the local guys and put the fellas out of their misery, patted them on their rears and sent them home whole.
The real action came during the post-match brawl. The Vaudevillains, Hype Bros, and The Ascension joined American Alpha in the ring for testosterone showdown to see who is the true alpha tag team on the Smackdown roster. When it was said and done, American Alpha stood tall as the others licked their wounds as they headed towards the dressing rooms.
GRADE: B+
EVA MARIE'S WARDROBE MALFUNCTION LEADS TO A BIG OPPORTUNITY FOR BLISS
This nonsense with Eva Marie is beyond ridiculous. However, some believe it's a genius plan. I guess we will see how this debacle works out. As for now, I still see her as a pretty face who has no clue how to wrestle and to be honest, I don't think she ever will get it.
I did like seeing Alexa Bliss take advantage of the opportunity to get a win over someone as prominent in the women's division as Becky Lynch, regardless if a distraction was involved. Alexa still has a little work to do, but she's coming along nicely.
GRADE: C+
RANDY ORTON DEF. ALBERTO DEL RIO
The Viper used Alberto Del Rio as a training match in route to his date with the Beast Incarnate at SummerSlam. Can Orton truly find a way to overcome the dominant power of Brock Lesnar? It'll be a tall task for the legend killer, but it can be done.
As far as his bout with Del Rio, this wasn't a terrible match, it was a predictable time filler and a way for Orton to see where he stands at the moment and to see where he needs improvement before SummerSlam.
GRADE: B-
RHYNO DEF. HEATH SLATER
Sometimes I actually feel bad for this guy, Heath Slater. If I had to pick between Slater and the 40-year-old, uninteresting Rhyno.....well, it's an easy pick for me. Hopefully, Bryan and Shane will come together on a way to use Slater before it's all said and done. Personally, I'd like to see Heath used in a more serious light.
Sorry, guys, Rhyno does nothing for me.
GRADE: D
CARMELLA DEF. NATALYA
This was a nice win for the NXT draft pick. However, I still believe her best route is to go back to the corner for Enzo and Big Cass. Carmella was a great valet, I just don't believe in her yet....not right now, anyhow.
As for Nattie, she's the veteran of the division and I still say she's worthy of a shot at the title soon, possibly after the SummerSlam hangover has eased. Both of these ladies will likely be running a short-term rivalry, it appears. Probably ending with a SummerSlam payoff.
GRADE: C
DOLPH ZIGGLER & DEAN AMBROSE DEF. THE WYATT FAMILY
This was a really good back and forth contest for the main event. I was pleasantly surprised to see Erick Rowan come away with some great spots throughout the match. This big guy is extremely underrated. I'm curious to see if the rumors are true and Bray adds another henchman to his Family. Especially with the probability of Harper not returning.
Ziggler and Ambrose picked up a hard-fought win, but at what cost? Ambrose ended his night with revenge on his mind and that's exactly what he got as he paid Ziggy back from the kick to the face he received in the opening segment. Dean plants Dolph with a Dirty Deeds to cap things off on this wild night.
GRADE: B+
OVERALL SHOW GRADE: B
