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WWE offered an excellent episode of RAW this week and it was certainly one of the best episodes in recent weeks. As a result, the anticipation was sky-high from SmackDown Live this week. Though the blue brand produced a decent episode, it was not exceptional.
The fans were eagerly waiting to see the Superstar who knocked on Aleister Black's door last week but we have to wait until Extreme Rules. Daniel Bryan fought Big E as the former won with the help of Rowan. Bayley redeemed her loss last week when the SmackDown Women's Champion beat Nikki Cross.
Heavy Machinery earned tickets for Extreme Rules as they defeated the team of Kevin Owens and Dolph Ziggler. Ember Moon won a match against Mandy Rose, while Andrade pinned Apollo Crews.
Let's discuss three things WWE made clear on SmackDown Live this week.
#3 Charlotte Flair will not be part of Extreme Rules
Charlotte Flair is one notable name who has been missing from SmackDown Live. There is no denying that the Queen is one of the biggest names of the women's division but her last appearance was four weeks ago. Charlotte competed in a triple threat match in her last appearance on the blue brand, and the bout was won by Alexa Bliss.
Considering Extreme Rules is around the corner, an appearance from the nine-time Women's Champion was expected, but it didn't happen. Charlotte has been in the title picture for a long time and it could get tedious for the fans if she gets another title shot. Alexa Bliss is set to challenge the SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley, while Nikki Cross is also getting the spotlight.
After skipping Stomping Grounds, WWE made it clear that Charlotte will not be part of Extreme Rule. However, she could be the challenger of Bayley at SummerSlam.
#2 Kevin Owens and Dolph Ziggler will fight at Extreme Rules
Shane McMahon made an unusual tag team on SmackDown Live this week. Drew McIntyre and Shane McMahon were the special guests of the Kevin Owens Show, where they faced some harsh questions from the host. When things got heated during the talk show, Dolph Ziggler interrupted it.
Dolph Ziggler and Kevin Owens were the previous challengers of the WWE Champion Kofi Kingston but they were put in the same team by Shane McMahon. The atypical tag team faced Heavy Machinery to secure a spot in the SmackDown Tag Team Championship match at Extreme Rules. Due to the miscommunication between Ziggler and Owens, Heavy Machinery won the bout.
Since Owens delivered a vicious Stunner to Ziggler after the loss, they could start a new rivalry. The former Universal Champion was visibly upset after failing to become the challengers of SmackDown Tag Team Titles. Ziggler will not sit back after the attack, and the two men could lock horns at Extreme Rules.
#1 Samoa Joe will bring the best out of Kofi Kingston
After attacking Kofi Kingston last week, Samoa Joe made a massive statement. Subsequently, Joe was announced the next challenger of Kingston. The rivalry between Joe and Kingston developed significantly this week as they crossed paths on RAW and SmackDown Live.
Joe sent a strong message to the WWE Champion Kingston, as the latter tapped out to Coquina Clutch on the red brand. As a matter of fact, it was the first loss of Kingston after winning the title at the Grandest Stage of Them All. The two men delivered an extraordinary segment on SmackDown Live this week and it was certainly the best segment of the night. While Joe offered to shake hands, the champion hit a Trouble in Paradise to his challenger.
There is no denying that Kingston's last two feuds were not intense. Neither Kevin Owens nor Dolph Ziggler offered a stupendous feud with Kingston. Within two weeks of the rivalry between Joe and Kingston, the former has brought the best out of the latter. Considering Joe ended the undefeated streak of Kingston this week, he has a big opportunity to dethrone the current WWE Champion.
