Tonight, SmackDown Live can finally focus 100% of its show on Backlash. Their roster is done with appearing on Raw’s Pay-Per-Views, so now all the feuds are on their own shows. In this week’s episode, we dive deeper into the story of the Women’s Division, and Chris Jericho defends his United States Championship against Kevin Owens.
Opening Segment
Shane McMahon, the Commissioner of SmackDown Live, kicks off the show by introducing the newest addition to the roster: Chris Jericho. Before Y2J can finish his promo, he is interrupted by AJ Styles. Styles is the #1 Contender for the United States Championship and he threatens Jericho to watch himself because Styles says he is going to capture the title.
Kevin Owens interjects himself into the conversation and after talking down to AJ Styles, Styles attacks him. The two brawl until Shane McMahon and several referees pull them apart. Chris Jericho defends his United States Championship against Kevin Owens later on tonight.
Sami Zayn vs. Jinder Mahal (w/The Singh Brothers)
When Jinder Mahal became the #1 Contender for the WWE Championship, he pinned Sami Zayn with the help of the Singh Brothers (formerly known as the Bollywood Boyz). Zayn would go on to start a feud with Baron Corbin, while Mahal would interfere with Randy Orton’s plans. Mahal attacked Orton during his House of Horrors match with Bray Wyatt, costing the Apex Predator the match by attacking him with his own WWE Championship.
One Singh Brother pulls Jinder Mahal out of the way from the Helluva Kick, while the other trips up Sami Zayn at the ropes. Mahal takes advantage to hit the Cobra Clutch Slam to pick up the (anything but clean) win. Winner: Jinder Mahal
Aiden English vs. Tye Dillinger
Before Tye Dillinger makes his entrance, Aiden English starts singing. The former Vaudevillain is back to the Drama King gimmick he had in NXT because Simon Gotch requested his release from WWE. Dillinger has been away from SmackDown Live for a while, but his last match was against English, who he defeated.
English tries to get the jumpstart on Dillinger, but the Perfect 10 takes the lead quickly. Instead of the Tye Breaker, Dillinger hits a modified facebuster for the win. English’s frustration with his loss manifests itself into a mental breakdown. Winner: Tye Dillinger
Backstage Segment
Charlotte is being interviewed about her SmackDown Women’s Championship match last week, but she is immediately attacked by Carmella, Natalya, and Tamina. Charlotte is supposed to face Natalya and Carmella alongside Naomi tonight, but this might keep her out of the match.
Naomi & Charlotte vs. Natalya & Carmella (w/Tamina & James Ellsworth)
Because of the backstage assault, it looks like Naomi is going to have to compete in a handicap match. If that wasn’t enough, the odds are further stacked against the SmackDown Women’s Champion with Tamina and James Ellsworth at ringside. This group of women (and Ellsworth) is calling itself the Welcoming Committee.
Charlotte is able to make it to the match, but it isn’t enough to help her partner. James Ellsworth distracts Naomi at the ring apron and Carmella rolls her up with the tights for leverage to steal the win. Winners: Natalya & Carmella
A brawl ensues after the match and Becky Lynch rushes the ring. Lynch makes it seem like she is going to join the Welcoming Committee, but she tries to fight them alone. The numbers game gets the better of her, and she is laid out along with Charlotte and Naomi.
Dolph Ziggler vs. Sin Cara
Surprise! Sin Cara is still on the roster. The former Lucha Dragon got moved to SmackDown during the Superstar Shake-up and now he has his first televised match in a long time. Dolph Ziggler is currently feuding with Shinsuke Nakamura and he plans on using this match to send a message to the King of Strong Style.
Sin Cara is actually in control for most of the match, but all Dolph Ziggler needed was to counter Sin Cara’s attempt at the Lionsault. Ziggler then knocks Sin Cara out with a Superkick for the win. Winner: Dolph Ziggler
The Fashion Files
Last week, Breezango won a Beat the Clock Challenge to become the new #1 Contenders to the Usos’ SmackDown Tag Team Championships. Tyler Breeze and Fandango put together an elaborate parody of Law and Order to announce that they are facing the Usos for the titles at Backlash.
Chris Jericho (c) vs. Kevin Owens – United States Championship
This is Chris Jericho’s first match on SmackDown Live since the brand extension, and he was moved to the blue brand by winning the United States Championship from Kevin Owens at Payback. Unsurprisingly, Kevin Owens wants to cash in his rematch clause immediately.
Jericho constantly kicks out of what Owens throws at him, but one last Pop-up Powerbomb was too much for Jericho to handle. Owens covers Y2J to reain the title he lost two days ago. Winner, and NEW United States Champion: Kevin Owens
Medical staff attends to Jericho after the match, but Owens interferes and hits his former friend with another Pop-up Powerbomb. He goes for a third, but Jericho just collapses as he is sent to the ropes. The medics go to escort Jericho to the back, and Owens attacks him yet again. KO wraps a chair around the head of Jericho and slams him into the ring post to end the show.
