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As usual, SmackDown Live was fantastic. Not every episode is great, but the latest edition was stacked from top to bottom and the execution and pacing of it was top-notch. The only drawback is the lack of airtime for the women but the positive in that aspect is that we have clearly got multiple storylines running with two weeks left till SummerSlam.
Moreover, Ember Moon got to show the most personality since she joined the main roster over a year ago in April. Anyway, the rest of SmackDown was quite good, even though having Xavier Woods and Big E on commentary during the first half was a bit odd.
We do hand out our deepest condolences to Byron Saxton and his family for the loss of his father. Corey Graves was absent from commentary as well, meaning that Michael Cole took over once Kofi Kingston's segment came on.
Here is what WWE subtly told us on SmackDown.
#5. The importance of Ali's injury to the current WWE timeline
You probably know that Ali's injury in February was what led to Kofi Kingston getting a WWE title shot at Elimination Chamber and it is what led to his sudden rise to the top. The injury may have changed a lot of things and it was emphasised on SmackDown.
Apart from just the great promo that Ali cut about how it affected him and his spot, Randy Orton later revealed to Kofi Kingston that it was he or injured Ali and termed Kingston's WWE title win as a "fluke".
It was used in two different contexts but WWE is well aware that Ali's injury changed a lot of plans and a lot of things, mostly for the better. With that said, Ali cut an excellent promo.
See WWE Smackdown Results, Highlights of event, & more on WWE Smackdown Results page
#4. Ember Moon may turn heel soon; Charlotte Flair is out of contention
We predicted that Charlotte Flair will beat Ember Moon and will be added to the match, making it a Triple Threat bout. That didn't happen. The match got over in seconds after Bayley's music hit and Charlotte got distracted, allowing Ember Moon to pin her.
Charlotte seemed bewildered at Bayley and Ember Moon's alliance, but that didn't last long and Ember showed her first heel-ish tendencies since signing with WWE. She attacked both Bayley and Charlotte, indicating that she could turn heel too.
As for Charlotte Flair herself, a backstage promo seemed to suggest that she won't be in the title match, but she will have a "better" opponent. At this point of time, the rumour by Pro Wrestling Sheet is that Charlotte Flair will face none other than the legendary Trish Stratus!
#3. The fiend might squash Finn Balor
The beautiful part about this "Fiend" Bray Wyatt story is not only that WWE has a second chance at making him a big star, but there are simply so many layers to this story that is yet to be uncovered.
Finn Balor, when asked about the attack, challenged The Fiend to a match at SummerSlam and Bray Wyatt appeared on the screen as a part of the Firefly Fun House, praising Balor's bravery and saying that the Fiend has accepted the challenge.
Balor had a look of fear in his eyes and it's not even a question as to who is winning at SummerSlam. The only question is whether Balor will lose as The Demon or not. If he isn't, which we believe he won't be, then he will very likely be squashed by The Fiend. It's the best way to make him credible.
#2. Kofi Kingston's story gets deeper
One of the reasons why fans were able to get behind Kofi Kingston so easily this past February and March is that the story told was simple yet deep and had multiple layers to it. Kingston has been an extremely strong, fighting WWE Champion and he now faces his biggest test yet in the form of a demon from the past - Randy Orton.
If you're not aware, we suggest you watch the segment. It was brilliant, intense and added more depth to Kofi Kingston's story, where he has to get redemption against the man who stalled his career through his influence.
This is going to present an extremely interesting challenge and it could be one of the best matches of the night at SummerSlam. We're glad that Kofi Kingston's story keeps getting deeper as his reign goes on.
#1. Kevin Owens is one of the central figures in SmackDown's new direction
Kevin Owens' recent babyface turn has taken the wrestling world by storm. He is feuding with the most hated man in all of WWE right now - Shane McMahon. He also has a SummerSlam match against him that will seemingly have him quit WWE if he loses.
Owens has been featured heavily from start to finish in the last three episodes and it's clear that SmackDown is going in a completely new direction as they edge closer to the FOX deal. Whether it's Eric Bischoff or not, WWE knows it's time to start establishing the top names and Owens will be one of the main figures.
Don't be surprised to see Daniel Bryan come to the forefront post-SummerSlam as well. Roman Reigns will definitely be key, but it doesn't seem as though they're pushing him the same way they used to. We're excited to see where they go with Kevin Owens.
