Tonight, SmackDown Live continues to build towards Hell in a Cell, the brand-specific Pay-Per-View in a few weeks. The only advertised match for the show has AJ Styles defending the United States Championship against Baron Corbin, and the main event features a #1 Contender’s Match to determine the next challenger to the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
Opening Segment
After Kevin Owens attacked Vince McMahon last week, SmackDown Live Commissioner Shane McMahon opens the show with a short and sweet promo “condemning” Owens for his actions and hyping their Hell in a Cell match at the Pay-Per-View event of the same name.
Aiden English vs. Randy Orton
During Randy Orton’s pursuit of the WWE Championship a couple months ago, Randy Orton faced Aiden English in preparation for the divisive Punjabi Prison match. Orton took his frustrations out of English by hitting him with steps, forcing a disqualification. English has reason to brag; he has a victory over a former 13-time World Champion, and he has a chance to do it again (but the odds are not in his favor).
English actually puts up a pretty good fight against The Viper, but Orton catches English in the middle of a second rope dive to land an RKO “outta nowhere” to win the match and regain some momentum. Winner: Randy Orton
Rusev vs. Randy Orton
Right after Orton’s victory, Rusev shows up on the entrance ramp. At SummerSlam, Orton defeated the Bulgarian Brute in ten seconds with an RKO. He wants revenge to make up for the most embarrassing loss of his career, and Orton accepts.
Rusev pushes Orton back and the Viper runs into Aiden English on the apron, then Orton turns around right into a superkick. Rusev then gets the quick cover, getting the huge revenge he was looking for. Winner: Rusev
In-ring Segment
For the second week in a row, Jinder Mahal throws stupid insults at Shinsuke Nakamura before their match at Hell in a Cell. This doesn’t really do much for making their match more exciting and it seems to have wasted everyone’s time.
AJ Styles (c) vs. Baron Corbin – United States Championship
Last week, AJ Styles successfully defended his United States Championship against Tye Dillinger and right after the win, Baron Corbin assaulted both of them. Corbin would then grab a microphone and accept the US Open Challenge a week early, with General Manager Daniel Bryan making the match official.
Before the match starts, Corbin attacks Styles from behind to live up to Styles calling him the “Shortcut King.” During this assault, Tye Dillinger attacks Corbin, and after Corbin seems to hurt his ankle, Styles retaliates and locks in the Calf Crusher. Result: No Contest
In-ring Segment
After weeks of being away to help Ric Flair through his medical troubles, Charlotte Flair is back on SmackDown Live. Charlotte thanks the fans for their support before announcing her realization that “life is fragile.” She then promises to make her moments as big and as important as possible before being interrupted by Natalya.
This leads to Charlotte, Becky Lynch, Naomi, and Tamina all challenging Natalya for the SmackDown Women’s Championship. Daniel Bryan settles everything by announcing tonight’s main event: Charlotte vs. Naomi vs. Becky Lynch vs. Tamina to determine who will challenge Natalya for the title at Hell in a Cell.
The New Day vs. The Hype Bros
Last week, The New Day defeated The Usos in a Sin City Street Fight to capture their second SmackDown Tag Team Championship and fourth Tag Team Championship overall. Before yet another rematch against the Usos at Hell in a Cell, The New Day look to continue their hot streak against Zack Ryder and Mojo Rawley, The Hype Bros.
After Kofi Kingston dives onto Rawley outside of the ring, he teams with Big E to hit the Midnight Hour on Zack Ryder in the middle of the ring to get the victory. Winners: The New Day
Becky Lynch vs. Tamina vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Naomi – #1 Contender’s Match (SmackDown Women’s Championship)
After Naomi failed to regain the SmackDown Women’s Championship last week from Natalya, the #1 Contender’s spot for the title is left empty. This match is set to fill that spot, with the winner facing Natalya at Hell in a Cell. That is, of course, unless Carmella cashes her Money in the Bank briefcase before the big event.
After making an exciting return, Charlotte Flair outlasts the three other women to score the win and pencil her name into a title match in under three weeks. Winner, and NEW #1 Contender: Charlotte Flair
