We kick off the show with Seth Rollins expectedly sour about how Dean Ambrose cashed in his MITB briefcase and “stole” the title from him, and as a result, issuing an open challenge to anyone so that he can take out his frustration on them.
He also plugs the Shield triple threat match at Battleground while at it, so we can pretty much surmise that Roman’s suspension didn’t alter the WWE’s plans.
Sami Zayn answers Rollins’ call-out but the match is prevented by starting by Dean Ambrose, who is bent on setting up the props for the Ambrose Asylum in the ring. Put off, Rollins leaves in a fix of anger as we cut to the first match of the night.
Cesaro def. Alberto Del Rio
Cesaro beats Alberto Del Rio after countering an arm bar into a neutraliser. Strong showing by Cesaro as he survives Del Rio’s assault on his heavily taped up shoulder and yet pulls off a victory. Hopefully, this is a sign of things to come for the Swiss Superman, who could really do with an Intercontinental Championship run.
Sheamus def. Apollo Crews via count out
Apollo Crews’ feud with Sheamus looks set to continue for longer as he loses to Sheamus via count out after the Celtic Warrior brogue kicks him face first into the steel steps. The commentators talk up Crews’ agility, athleticism and power but the match is once again booked with Sheamus looking like the stronger of the two.
Perhaps this is in an attempt to make Crews’ eventual victory seem all the more impressive.
Aj Styles(w) The Club def. Jimmy Uso(w) Jey Uso
AJ Styles picks up a straightforward win here with a Phenomenal Forearm to Jimmy Uso as he continues his march as a upper-mid card talent in the WWE. No way he would have lost this one, especially when he’s feuding with John Cena.
New Day(w) Xavier Woods def. The Vaudevillains
It looks like the Vaudevillains’ push has cooled off now since the Wyatts have presumably been pushed into the spot for the number one contenders to the Tag Team Championship. The New Day pick up the clean victory over them and move on to bigger and better things.
Talking about which, Bray Wyatt shows up on the Titantron to deliver a warning to them after they interrupted his return last week on Raw.
Dana Brooke(w) Charlotte def. Becky Lynch
Becky Lynch seems to be out of the running for the WWE Women’s Championship as she loses pretty quickly to Dana Brooke here, of course with the help of the distraction from Charlotte.
Seth Rollins def. Sami Zayn
Seth Rollins manages to pick up the win after nailing the Pedigree on Zayn although Sami does manage to get in a considerable amount of offence in a back and forth encounter. We close out SmackDown with Dean Ambrose making his presence felt as he tries to hit the Dirty Deeds on Rollins, only for the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion to slip away.
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