WWE SmackDown Live Preview: July 24th, 2018 - SummerSlam opponent for AJ Styles

This week's episode of Monday Night Raw saw history made, as Stephanie McMahon announced that WWE would host the first-ever All Women's pay-per-view on the 28th of October, named 'Evolution'.

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The name signifies the change that the WWE Women's Division has undergone from the 30-second matches which were so common, to now having an exclusive pay-per-view only for them.

Tonight's episode of SmackDown Live is set to have a few important announcements as well. The Blue Brand's show will see the decision made for their WWE Championship picture, while Paige will also reveal the nature of the SmackDown Live Championship Tag Team Tournament.

There are many expectations from this show, after the historical episode of Raw. SmackDown has to improve more than they have ever done before, after securing a deal with Fox which will see them move to Friday nights instead in 2019. With SummerSlam only a few weeks away, the Blue Brand's roster will prepare for the biggest party of the Summer, and the lead up to the event should see shows of better quality than has been the case in the last few months.

Without any further ado, let's get into what fans can expect to see on tonight's SmackDown Live episode.

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#5 Paige revealed the first match of the SmackDown Tag Team Championship Tournament:

New Day faced Sanity at Extreme Rules

SmackDown Live General Manager Paige took to Twitter on Saturday evening, to reveal that four SmackDown Live tag teams would be facing each other in the Tag Team Championship tournament, where the winner would face the Bludgeon Brothers at SummerSlam.

She went on to reveal that on tonight's episode of SmackDown Live, the first match of the first round of the tournament would take place pitting two teams together, who are familiar with each other.

The first match of the tournament is set to feature New Day and Sanity. The two teams have been battling it out in recent weeks, and Sanity defeated New Day at Extreme Rules on the pre-show in a Tables Match.

Who will triumph when the two encounter each other yet again tonight?

You can see clips from their Tables Match here:

#4 Becky Lynch to finally get her title shot?

Becky Lynch is set to face Carmella on SmackDown Live

Becky Lynch has not looked like the same woman who once became the first ever SmackDown Live Women's Champion. She was unable to take on most of the other women and lost numerous matches, fading into the background of the SmackDown Women's division. With the arrival of Charlotte and Asuka to SmackDown Live, it appeared as if there was even less scope for the Irish Lasskicker to shine, but as of late she has put to rest any doubts.

Having picked up a series of victories, Becky was given an opportunity to get the title shot she wanted at the SummerSlam pay-per-view. Last week, after Lynch defeated Mandy Rose, the SmackDown Live General Manager, Paige, gave her an opportunity, where if she is able to defeat Carmella in a non-title match on SmackDown, then she would get her title bout against her at SummerSlam.

The non-title match against the current SmackDown Women's Champion is set to take place tonight. Can Becky defeat Carmella, while keeping an eye out for any tricks that James Ellsworth may pull?

You can see Becky Lynch take on Mandy Rose here:

#3 Daniel Bryan and The Miz's rivalry continues:

Daniel Bryan hit the Miz on the back of the head with an elbow

Daniel Bryan and The Miz had been set on paths destined to meet a long time back when on an episode of Talking Smack, the two exchanged words. Back then the WWE doctors had not cleared Bryan to return to the ring, but now, with Bryan having been cleared, there is nothing more to stop them.

You can see the promo here:

The Miz mocked Team Hell No's failed attempt at getting the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships at Extreme Rules. He held a 'funeral' for Team Hell No which Bryan ended up interrupting. The two came to blows, and Bryan cleared the ring, sending the Miz to the outside.

On tonight's episode of SmackDown Live, the two are likely to continue their feud. Will the two bitter rivals finally face each other at SummerSlam?

You can see the funeral segment here:

#2 AJ Styles' SummerSlam opponent:

AJ Styles is set to face out his next opponent on tonight's episode of SmackDown Live

With Shinsuke Nakamura now in the United States Title scene, AJ Styles is ready to face a new opponent for his WWE Championship. After Nakamura was unsuccessful in taking away his title, AJ will be confident, but he better watch out.

Styles most recently defeated Rusev at Extreme Rules to retain his title. Paige revealed that she would name the Phenomenal One's SummerSlam opponent on tonight's episode of SmackDown.

With prospective opponents like Samoa Joe, Andrade Cien Almas, or even Rusev again, Styles will have to be ready for whatever comes.

Who will be the Blue Brand Superstar to step up to the highest level?

You can see Samoa Joe take out Tye Dillinger here:

#1 Randy Orton's reason for attacking Jeff Hardy:

Randy Orton assaulted Jeff Hardy

Things have not been going Jeff Hardy's way at all in the last few weeks. At Extreme Rules, he entered as the United States Champion. However, before the match had even started, Nakamura attacked Hardy with a low blow while the referee's back was turned. The cheap shot gave Nakamura the advantage he needed to hit a quick Kinshasa and pick up a win in five seconds.

You can read here about the shortest matches in WWE history.

As if that was not enough, Randy Orton interrupted Nakamura's celebration. But instead of attacking the new United States Champion, he viciously kicked the crotch of Jeff Hardy.

On last week's episode of SmackDown Live, in Hardy's rematch for the United States Title, Orton interfered again. He prevented Jeff from winning the match and assaulted him at ringside with the stairs. He even pulled on the earlobe of Hardy in a disgusting and terrifying manner, putting his finger through Jeff's piercing.

You can read about and see the highlights of Jeff's match at Extreme Rules here.

Will the Viper finally reveal the reason for his heinous attacks on the younger Hardy brother?

You can see Randy Orton's assault on Jeff Hardy last week here: