Money in the Bank is still a few weeks away, but this week’s episode of SmackDown Live helps put the pieces together. Highlights include two women’s qualifying matches, as well as Daniel Bryan vs. Jeff Hardy in the main event.
The Miz vs. Big E (w/Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods)
The New Day appeared on MizTV this week and refused to tell the Miz which member would be participating in the Money in the Bank match. In a frustrated rant, Miz said that he could beat any member of the New Day, any day of the week.
Thanks to The Bar distracting from ringside, The Miz is right (for now). He takes advantage of a dazed Big E, hitting him with the Skull Crushing Finale for the surprise win. Winner: The Miz
Lana (w/Aiden English) vs. Billie Kay (w/Peyton Royce) – Money in the Bank Qualifying Match
With the Women’s Money in the Bank match coming up as well, Lana has a chance to qualify against one half of the IIconics.
The match starts with chaos at ringside, and Lana capitalizes by hitting Billie Kay with the Machka Kick, followed by a sit-out facebuster to score her first singles match victory. Winner: Lana
Andrade “Cien” Almas vs. Irrelevant Local Wrestler
Last week was the main roster debut of Andrade “Cien” Almas and he destroyed a local jobber. This week is no different, as his opponent is just a means to show off the former NXT Champion’s impressive offense. Winner: Andrade “Cien” Almas
The Usos vs. Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson – #1 Contender’s Match (SmackDown Tag Team Championships)
Out of nowhere, SmackDown Live started focusing on its Tag Team Division again. Whoever wins this match will face the Bludgeon Brothers at Money in the Bank for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships.
Jimmy and Jey look for a double-Uso Splash, but Karl Anderson knocks one of them off the turnbuckle. Anderson and Luke Gallows then double-team the other Uso, finishing him off with the Magic Killer. Winners: Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson
Money in the Bank WWE Championship Match Announcement
Thanks to a victory over AJ Styles last week, Shinsuke Nakamura announces the stipulation for their (assumedly final) title match at Money in the Bank. After both men brawl, the King of Strong Style reveals that he wants it to be a Last Man Standing match.
Naomi vs. Sonya Deville (w/Mandy Rose) – Money in the Bank Qualifying Match
This is SmackDown’s last female Money in the Bank Qualifying Match. Whoever wins this match will join Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, and Lana as representatives from the blue brand. Raw’s side currently features Ember Moon, Natalya, and Alexa Bliss.
Daniel Bryan vs. Jeff Hardy – Winner Faces Samoa Joe Next Week
Samoa Joe was originally scheduled to face Big Cass in a Money in the Bank Qualifying Match, but Cass sustained an injury to his leg. Daniel Bryan and Jeff Hardy both get second chances, with the winner facing Joe in the qualifier next week.
After targeting Hardy’s knee the entire match, Bryan locks in the same heel hook he used on Big Cass to score the victory. Winner (via submission): Daniel Bryan
