WWE SummerSlam 2018: Analysing and grading each match

#5 The New Day def. The Bludgeon Brothers via disqualification (SmackDown Tag Team Championships)

The Bludgeon Brothers were close to losing their titles

Match: The New Day (Xavier Woods & Big E) gave The Bludgeon Brothers their toughest test yet and looked like favourites to win when Xavier landed a high-flying elbow to Harper on the outside. However, the match came to an early end when Rowan caused a disqualification after using a mallet on his opponents.

Verdict: Fans will have complaints about the disqualification, but this was a really good match with a creative finish which furthers the storyline. The Bludgeon Brothers looked beatable for the first time in 10 months, while New Day showed a serious side to their characters that we don’t see very often.

Grade: B-

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#6 Braun Strowman def. Kevin Owens (Money In The Bank contract)

Kevin Owens hardly put up a fight

Match: Braun Strowman started the match by running through Kevin Owens multiple times at ringside before chokeslamming him on the stage. Once they got back into the ring, Braun hit his running powerslam finisher and pinned KO, ending the match in less than two minutes.

Verdict: If there’s a non-storyline reason why this match was so short (e.g. a legitimate injury to Owens), then the manner of Braun’s victory is understandable. If not, it’s disappointing to see KO lose like this. The former Universal champ deserves to be involved in Match of the Night candidates at PPVs, not squash matches.

Grade: D