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It was the second last episode of SmackDown Live before SummerSlam and as expected, the company offered an action-packed episode. Two new matches were announced for the 'Biggest Party of the Summer' this week.
WWE Champion Kofi Kingston locked horns with United States Champion AJ Styles as the former pinned the latter.
Following a distraction from The Fiend, Dolph Ziggler managed to pin Finn Balor. Elsewhere on the show, the team of Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross defeated Ember Moon and Bayley.
Kevin Owens attained significant momentum after beating Drew McIntyre. We saw a rematch from Smackville when the Intercontinental Champion Nakamura faced Ali. WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus was confronted by Charlotte Flair, while Roman was ambushed by a mysterious attacker to close out the show.
The blue brand continued the momentum from last week and it was an awesome episode this wee and here, we discuss three things WWE made clear on SmackDown Live.
#3. Ali will challenge Nakamura at SummerSlam
Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura faced Ali in a non-title match on SmackDown Live this week. Before the match, they also tussled at Smackville where Nakamura defeated Ali. However, the scenario was altered this week on SmackDown as Ali beat the champion.
Nakamura won the Intercontinental Title at Extreme Rules by defeating Finn Balor. The company gave us a hint of the rivalry between Ali and Nakamura when the former confronted the latter in a backstage interview. Considering that Ali pinned the champion this week, he could demand a title shot next week.
Ali skipped Super ShowDown, Stomping Grounds and Extreme Rules but he is expected to be a part of the biggest show of the summer. There is no denying that Ali and Nakamura are exceptional performers and they could tear the house down at SummerSlam.
#2. The Miz might not be the final opponent for Dolph Ziggler
Dolph Ziggler faced Finn Balor on SmackDown Live this week. A distraction from The Fiend helped Ziggler pin the former Universal Champion. However, as announced on the show, Dolph Ziggler will face The Miz at SummerSlam. The feud between the two men began a couple of weeks ago on The Miz TV. The Showoff also appeared on Miz TV last week where he delivered a vicious superkick to Shawn Michaels
Though the company announced the match between Ziggler and The Miz, we could see a twist coming soon. During the episodes of The Miz TV, Ziggler continuously took shots at Goldberg, as a matter of fact, he mentioned the name of the former Universal Champion twice on The Miz TV. We saw the same scene on SmackDown Live this week when Ziggler was giving a backstage interview.
Judging by the scenario, Ziggler might face a bigger opponent at SummerSlam. Apart from mentioning Goldberg, he also attacked Shawn Michaels last week, therefore, it will not be surprising if either of the two legendary Superstars attacks Ziggler next week, which could lead to a match at SummerSlam.
#1. Charlotte Flair vs. Trish Stratus will be the biggest women's match after the main event of WrestleMania 35
Trish Stratus, who is a seven-time women's champion and a WWE Hall of Famer, was the special guest on this week's SmackDown Live. Although Stratus didn't appear at RAW Reunion last week, she made her presence felt on the blue side of things this week. When Trish Stratus was asked about another potential match by Jerry Lawler, she was interrupted by Charlotte Flair.
The two women expectedly delivered an exciting segment as The Queen provoked Trish for a match at SummerSlam. Being a fierce competitor, the Hall of Famer accepted the challenge and as things stand, they are set to face each other at the Biggest Party of the Summer.
Considering Charlotte and Trish share sixteen women's titles between them, it will, of course, be a titanic battle. Following the main event of the Showcase of Immortals, we are set to witness another blockbuster women's bout. Trish delivered an awe-inspiring performance at Evolution and can still put in a shift inside the squared circle. Trish Stratus is anticipated to go toe-to-toe with Charlotte Flair at SummerSlam and the fans will witness one of the biggest matches in women's professional wrestling history.
