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It has been a hard-hitting month of action for WWE SmackDown. This month saw the build-up and fallout to the biggest event of the summer, SummerSlam. The Blue Brand has been a particular highlight of WWE programming in recent times, regularly ticking all the boxes to deliver a great show.
In August, fans witnessed a new Intercontinental Champion, a superstar trying to earn $1,000, plus plenty of controversy involving the SmackDown Women's Championship.
That being said, let's take a look at five of the best SmackDown matches for August 2021.
#5 Kevin Owens vs. Baron Corbin from SmackDown on August 13, 2021
The majority of August was pretty rough for Baron Corbin, that's for sure. After losing his 'monarchy', he hit rock bottom and resorted to begging people for help. For Corbin, he went from regularly eating wagyu beef to eating canned food (which ultimately stained his unwashed shirt).
When Friday Night Smackdown rolled into Tulsa, Oklahoma, Corbin took another chance to raise some funds. He even had a card scanner with him for fans to scan their cards to donate. This brought out Kevin Owens, who had seen enough.
Corbin told Owens that he is not leaving the arena unless the latter gave him a minimum of $1,000. Owens said he will give him the money as long as Corbin could beat him. If he lost, then the former 'King' had to stop begging and help himself.
Before the match got underway, KO gave the former Mr. Money in the Bank a stunner to immediately weaken him. The match was fairly even. However, Owens built up some momentum later in the match with his signature moves. But Corbin did not give up. Owens eventually picked up the win, rolling-up the former Constable of Monday Night RAW.
Following the conclusion of the match, Owens delivered another stunner to leave Corbin empty-handed and worried about his future. Eventually, Baron stole Big E's Money in the Bank briefcase backstage, shocking the WWE Universe. A desperate Corbin ran away with it, before Big E could retrieve his rightly won prize.
The Owens vs Corbin match had everyone's interest. At times, it seemed possible that Corbin's luck would change. The fast-paced bout had some urgency, but it also showcased the best of Kevin Owens and Baron Corbin.
#4 Rey Mysterio w/ Dominik Mysterio vs. Jey Uso w/ Jimmy Uso from SmackDown on August 20, 2021
The rivalry between The Mysterios and The Usos had intensified in August. The feud culminated when veteran Rey Mysterio faced Jey Uso, one-half of the SmackDown Tag Team Champions.
Mysterio looked like he was in his 20's all over again, pulling off some impressive moves. He even performed a flip from the top rope onto The Usos at ringside. Mysterio dominated the match before his son Dominik tried to assist Rey as the latter pinned Jey. But referee Charles Robinson immediately sent Dominik to backstage.
The Usos then attacked both Mysterios at ringside. Rey went back into the squared circle and ultimately received a Uso Splash, losing the match. Rey looked incredible in the bout and proved he still had a lot to offer. This match set the tone for the teams' upcoming tag team match at SummerSlam.
#3 WWE SmackDown’s Women’s Champion Bianca Belair vs. Zelina Vega from SmackDown on August 6, 2021
The storyline leading to this SmackDown match was that Bianca Belair had accepted a challenge from Zelina Vega. This happened before Sasha Banks returned and turned heel on the SmackDown Women's Champion.
Nonetheless, Vega wanted her shot at the title. The match was initially set to be for the title but was changed to a qualifying match. If Vega had won, she would have gotten a shot at the championship.
Zelina put in a great performance during this contest, making the match full of near falls. There was even a twist when Sasha Banks came in to watch the match. Her shocking arrival almost resulted in Vega picking up the win, but Bianca kicked out in the end. Belair ultimately won, denying Zelina Vega her opportunity.
It was a blow for Vega, who hasn't picked up a victory in WWE since September 2020. However, she put in a solid performance that certainly caught the eye of the WWE Universe.
#2 Bianca Belair vs. Zelina Vega vs. Carmella vs. Liv Morgan from SmackDown on August 27, 2021
The SummerSlam pay-per-view brought plenty of controversy to the SmackDown Women's title scene. First, Sasha Banks was pulled from her scheduled match at the last minute. Becky Lynch returned to replace her and won the title from Bianca Belair in 30 seconds.
In the post-SummerSlam Smackdown, Bianca Belair demanded a rematch from 'The Man'. Zelina Vega, Carmella and Liv Morgan (returning after two months of absence) interrupted the segment. All four women wanted a Championship opportunity. In the end, a Fatal 4-Way Elimination match was set, with the winner becoming the new No.1 contender.
Zelina Vega was the first elimination, followed by Carmella. It was then down to Belair and Morgan. Liv and Bianca exchanged several near falls. Both delivered excellent performances as fans chanted, "This is awesome!" Eventually, Belair picked up the win, using her Kiss of Death finisher to become the number one contender for Becky.
The match was captivating. At times, it seemed Liv Morgan might even pick up a shock victory over the 'EST of WWE.' It kept everyone on their toes, making it one of the best matches of August.
#1 Apollo Crews w/ Commander Azeez vs. King Nakamura w/ Boogs for the WWE Intercontinental Championship on SmackDown from August 13, 2021
King Nakamura and Rick Boogs had a glorious August. Not only did they win the hearts of the WWE Universe, but they also developed an uncanny friendship with SmackDown commentator Pat McAfee.
During this particular match, Nakamura faced Apollo Crews for the Intercontinental Championship. Earlier in the match, the referee sent both Boogs and Commander Azeez backstage as they tried to interfere in the match.
Crews dominated most of the match before Nakamura gained some momentum and delivered his Kinshasha finisher. He scored the pinfall and became the new Intercontinental Champion. The celebrations saw Rick Boogs return to join forces with Pat McAfee on the announce table. Overall, it was great to see 'The King of Strong Style' back in the spotlight with gold around his waist.
The match certainly earned its #1 spot. With two elite performers like Nakamura and Crews, fans knew they wee getting a great match. The victory added a worthy title change for the 'King' and lifted the fans' spirits.
What was your favorite match from SmackDown during August 2021? Let us know in the comments below!
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