With Hell in a Cell in the books, SmackDown Live starts focusing on a new chapter. Most titles were retained this past Sunday, meaning that there are tons of open spots for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship, the SmackDown Women’s Championship, and the WWE Championship. On top of that, Sami Zayn explains his actions at Hell in a Cell and Baron Corbin defends the United States Championship against AJ Styles.
Opening Segment
The new SmackDown Tag Team Champions, The Usos, comes down to the ring to kick off the show. After their clash at Hell in a Cell, the New Day are not allowed to challenge for the titles until the Usos’ current reign ends. Speaking of the New Day, The Usos call them out for a face-to-face.
The Usos and New Day call for a truce and announce their respect for each other. Immediately after agreeing that they are the best the tag team division has to offer, The Hype Bros want a chance. Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin, Breezango, and The Ascension all join them to stake their claim for the chance to be the next #1 Contenders. Of course, Daniel Bryan shows up to settle everything.
Breezango vs. Chad Gable & Shelton Benjamin vs. The Hype Bros vs. The Ascension – #1 Contenders’ Match (SmackDown Tag Team Championships)
Whoever wins this match will be the next team to challenge The Usos for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships. Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin have the most momentum after defeating the Hype Bros on the Hell in a Cell Kickoff Show. The Ascension and Breezango have not been competing during their time filming the Fashion Files over the past few weeks.
The chaos winds down to just Breezango, Chad Gable, and Shelton Benjamin. Benjamin’s impressive strength gives his team an edge, preventing Tyler Breeze from landing a hurricanrana. Benjamin lifts him up for a powerbomb double-team to give them the win. Winners, and NEW #1 Contenders: Chad Gable & Shelton Benjamin
Becky Lynch vs. Carmella (w/James Ellsworth)
Since Natalya retained the SmackDown Women’s Championship over Charlotte at Hell in a Cell (by getting herself disqualified), the spot for a new #1 Contender is wide open. This match between a former SmackDown Women’s Champion in Becky Lynch and Ms. Money in the Bank, Carmella, can determine who challenges Natalya next.
Even with James Ellsworth at ringside, Becky Lynch is able to ground Carmella in the middle of the ring to lock in the Disarm-her and to get a much-needed win. Winner (via submission): Becky Lynch
Sami Zayn Explains Himself
At Hell in a Cell, Shane McMahon attempted to elbow drop Kevin Owens from the top of the cell, but Sami Zayn pulled him out of the way. Tonight, Zayn explains himself. He has had his issues with Owens over the past few years, but he saw that someone who he considers his brother was possibly going to have his career ended by Shane McMahon. Zayn believes that he was doing the right and all of his reasons are valid. McMahon already had the match won, but he wanted to deal unnecessary damage to his employee.
Rusev & Aiden English vs. Randy Orton & Shinsuke Nakamura
Outside of Randy Orton, none of the men in this match won at Hell in a Cell two nights ago. Orton defeated Rusev, Aiden English didn’t compete, and Shinsuke Nakamura failed to capture the WWE Championship from Jinder Mahal. This tag team match might help decide who challenges Mahal next, but it is more likely that it will mean nothing.
After Orton RKOs Rusev, Nakamura knocks out English with the Kinshasa knee strike to score the victory for the unusual duo. Winners: Randy Orton & Shinsuke Nakamura
Announcement
Since Bobby Roode used Dolph Ziggler’s tights as leverage to defeat him at Hell in a Cell, they will have a rematch next week.
Baron Corbin (c) vs. AJ Styles – United States Championship
At Hell in a Cell, AJ Styles lost the United States Championship because Baron Corbin pinned Tye Dillinger. The Phenomenal One immediately cashed in his rematch clause, giving him a chance to regain the US Title tonight.
Styles puts on a hell of a performance, making Corbin look like a million bucks in the process. However, Corbin is able to pick up a legitimate victory this time. The champion counters Styles several times and finishes him off with the End of Days to retain the title. Winner, and STILL United States Champion: Baron Corbin
