Now that Survivor Series is starting to shape up, SmackDown Live is spending tonight’s episode to figure out who is going to represent the brand on the next Big Four Pay-Per-View. Matches tonight include a women’s Fatal Five-Way, AJ Styles vs. Sunil Singh, and Sami Zayn vs. Randy Orton.
Opening Segment
Last night in the main event of Raw, a good portion of the SmackDown Live roster along with Shane McMahon surprise attacked the Raw roster, leaving the show in crumbles to make a statement. McMahon makes his SmackDown Live return to explain why they attacked the Raw Superstars. McMahon reveals that it was all about gaining the advantage in the brand war after learning that it is important to strike first.
Then, Shane McMahon is interrupted by Sami Zayn. Zayn purposely didn’t participate in the assault because he didn’t want to align himself with Shane O’Mac. After being a jerk for a few minutes, Zayn then “humbly” offers his services to join the blue brand’s Survivor Series team. McMahon doesn’t want Zayn, or Kevin Owens, on his team, but he decides to give Zayn an opportunity. Later tonight, Zayn will face Randy Orton with the winner being the first member of the team.
The New Day vs. Chad Gable & Shelton Benjamin
After failing to successfully retain the SmackDown Tag Team Championships at Hell in a Cell, The New Day is no longer allowed to challenge the Usos for the titles. A couple weeks ago, Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin picked up their biggest win since teaming up where they became the new #1 Contenders to the Usos.
While the referee’s back is turned, Shelton Benjamin (on the ring apron) kicks Xavier Woods in the back of the neck. By the time the referee turns around, Gable pins Woods for the win. Winners: Chad Gable & Shelton Benjamin
Baron Corbin vs. Sin Cara
Last week, Sin Cara and Baron Corbin faced off in what was assumedly a throwaway match. However, Sin Cara’s lightning-quick offense stunned the WWE Universe and Baron Corbin, leading to Sin Cara picking up a count-out victory over the United States Champion. Tonight, a pissed off Corbin tries to make up for an embarrassing loss.
Corbin punches Sin Cara repeatedly in the corner and refuses to listen to the referee’s count of five. The referee calls for the bell and while he might not be standing tall, Sin Cara defeats Baron Corbin for the second week in a row. Winner (via disqualification): Sin Cara
AJ Styles vs. Sunil Singh (w/Samir Singh)
After Jinder Mahal issued a Survivor Series challenge to Brock Lesnar, AJ Styles made it known that he is pursuing the WWE Championship. This confrontation offended Jinder Mahal, so Mahal sent Sunil Singh to fight Styles in his honor.
Styles defeated Sunil Singh in about a minute and next week, Styles will face Samir Singh. Winner: AJ Styles
Naomi vs. Becky Lynch vs. Carmella vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Tamina (w/Lana)
On Raw, the red brand’s female Survivor Series elimination team found its captain in Alicia Fox when she defeated Sasha Banks and Bayley in a triple threat match. Tonight, Daniel Bryan has made a match involving most of the women’s division to determine who will be the captain for Team SmackDown. All five of these women are already on the team; it is just a matter of determining who will lead the charge.
Each woman takes turns trying to get the fall until it is just down to Becky Lynch and Carmella. Lynch wrestles Ms. Money in the Bank down to the mat and forces her to tap out to the Disarm-her. Winner and Survivor Series Team Captain: Becky Lynch
Sami Zayn vs. Randy Orton – Winner Joins Survivor Series Team
After tonight’s opening segment, the main event includes the Viper, Randy Orton, taking on Sami Zayn to see who the first member of the male Survivor Series SmackDown team is.
Kevin Owens rushes to the ring to help distract the referee, but Randy Orton uses this to his advantage. Sami Zayn pinned Orton after a low blow last week and this week, Orton returns the favor with a low blow of his own to get the win and to join the Survivor Series team. Winner: Randy Orton
