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We are less than a week away from SummerSlam and it is already shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated shows of the year. SmackDown will be the final main roster show before the event, and as such it will be the final chance for WWE to convince the WWE ?Universe to tune in to SummerSlam.
While most people have already made up their mind on whether they are going to watch SummerSlam or not, others are still undecided. WWE has the opportunity to use SmackDown as way to convince the undecided fans to watch.
Some of the biggest moments from last week’s SmackDown included Kevin Owens getting a victory over Drew McIntyre, Trish Stratus accepting Charlotte Flair’s challenge, and Bray Wyatt interfering in Finn Balor’s match.
WWE needs to build from these moments, and in this article I am going to look at three things they have to do on the SmackDown before SummerSlam.
#3 Clarify the situation with the Women’s Tag Team Championship
Of all the belts in the WWE, the Women’s Tag Team belts might be the least popular. This is because of a combination of factors such as the fact that the Iiconics haven’t properly defended the championsihp since winning them, as well as the lack of screen time for the champions.
At one point, it was assumed that the Iiconics would defend the belts against Fire and Desire and at another point it was thought that they would defend against the Kabuki Warriors. At SummerSlam, the WWE has the opportunity to reestablish the title but they can only do this if they establish definitively who the challenger is.
The two main contenders for the titles should be allowed to compete in a number one contender match. The most likely outcome of such a match is the IIconics trying to interfere and getting both teams disqualified. This should set up a triple threat match for the women’s tag titles at SummerSlam.
#2 Give Sami Zayn and Aleister Black more screen time
In most people’s minds, Aleister Black is one of the most criminally underused performers on the WWE roster. Since moving to SmackDown he hasn’t had a single high profile feud despite having an instant classic against Cesaro at Extreme Rules.
At SummerSlam, Aleister will face Sami Zayn in what is bound to be a technical clinic.
However, as we have seen in other WWE matches, a technical clinic isn’t enough to keep the WWE Universe interested in a match. The WWE fans need a story line to truly hook their interest.
On this week’s SmackDown, WWE creative should give Sami Zayn and Aleister Black a chance to build momentum towards their match. Sami Zayn should pick up a victory, as he hasn’t had a victory since Stomping Grounds, when he and Kevin Owens defeated the New Day. Aleister Black should be given a match so that he can remind the audience how good he can be in the ring.
Hopefully, Aleister Black vs. Sami Zayn at SummerSlam will mark the beginning of a long-awaited push for Black.
#1 Ember Moon should get a victory
Last week Ember Moon got pinned by Alexa Bliss in what many consider an upset victory. To add insult to injury, Bayley hit the Bayley to Belly Suplex on Ember, and this effectively clipped her wings.
While Ember may be a gifted in-ring performer, she is yet to truly connect with the fans, and this loss and subsequent beat down did not improve her standing in the fans’ minds.
On the SmackDown before SummerSlam, WWE should focus on building her up as a credible threat. They should do this by giving her a convincing victory over one of the more established women in the division, such as Naomi. After the match Ember Moon should be given a chance to cut a promo on Bayley in which she should be allowed to speak from the heart and try to connect with the fans.
Giving Ember a bit of momentum will be good for both her and Bayley since it will ensure that the fans are emotionally invested in the match.
