Tonight’s episode of SmackDown Live is the last one before the “biggest party of the summer,” SummerSlam. For the first time ever, Jinder Mahal takes on John Cena, while the rest of the show builds for this Sunday’s event.
Opening Segment
To kick off the show, WWE Champion Jinder Mahal comes to the ring and celebrates his reign as champion with Indian music and dancers, as well as a woman singing the Indian national anthem to commemorate Indian Independence Day. Of course, the crowd boos this. Mahal is interrupted by Shinsuke Nakamura, his SummerSlam challenger, who also acknowledges a memorial day in Japan before saying that he will take the title from Mahal this Sunday.
Becky Lynch vs. Natalya
A few weeks ago, Natalya won a Fatal Five-Way Elimination Match to become the new #1 Contender for Naomi’s SmackDown Women’s Championship. Since then, the third-generation Superstar hasn’t been seen outside of a couple backstage segments. If she can fare well in her match against Becky Lynch, she should do pretty well against the champion in five days. During this match, Naomi comes down to commentary to scout the competition.
Lynch attempts a leg drop from the top rope, but Natalya rolls out of the way. The former Divas Champion locks in the Sharpshooter in the middle of the ring, forcing Lynch to tap out. Winner (via submission): Becky Lynch
After Natalya celebrates her victory, she continues the assault on Lynch. Naomi leaves the commentary table to send her retreating. Carmella and James Ellsworth then show up teasing a Money in the Bank briefcase cash-in for SummerSlam.
Chad Gable vs. Rusev
Before Rusev takes on Randy Orton at SummerSlam, he has a rematch against Chad Gable. A couple weeks ago, Gable gave Rusev a run for his money but came up just shy of losing, which he also did against Kevin Owens and AJ Styles in the prior weeks.
While fighting Gable outside the ring, Rusev launches the former SmackDown Tag Team Champion over the announce table and the referee calls for the no contest. After locking in the Accolade on Gable on top of a table, Rusev grabs a microphone and goes to the ring. As soon as he starts to address Randy Orton, The Viper comes #OuttaNowhere to hit him with an RKO. Result: No Contest
AJ Styles Apologizes to Shane McMahon
Last week, Shane McMahon brought AJ Styles and Kevin Owens to the ring to “lay down the law,” since McMahon is going to be the Special Guest Referee in their United States Championship Match. A fight broke out between Owens and Styles, and while McMahon tried to break it up, he got hit by Styles’ Pele Kick. Tonight, Styles is here to apologize, so he calls out the Commissioner himself.
Owens comes out to interrupt them and another fight breaks out. Styles comes close to clocking McMahon, but he gets hit by a superkick from Owens, who was intending to hit Styles with it.
The Usos vs. Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston (w/Big E)
In their SmackDown Tag Team Championship defense this Sunday, The New Day will be represented by Big E and Xavier Woods. The Usos wanted a match against the New Day tonight, however, so General Manager Daniel Bryan scheduled a match for them against Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. Kingston and Woods were the combination to defeat the Usos for the titles.
After taking out Woods, The Usos isolate Kingston and attack him 2-on-1 to get a victory leading into their championship rematch. Unfortunately for them, Kingston will not be involved in said match. Winners: The Usos
Jinder Mahal vs. John Cena
A couple weeks ago, John Cena lost a #1 Contender’s Match to Shinsuke Nakamura. If he would have won, he would be facing Jinder Mahal for the WWE Championship, but since he lost, this first time ever match is happening tonight. While Mahal prepares for the King of Strong Styles, Cena gets ready for a match against the Lone Wolf, Baron Corbin.
Mahal kicks out of an Attitude Adjustment, so Cena hits him with a Super Attitude Adjustment. Before Cena could get the cover, Baron Corbin storms the ring and hits Cena with the Money in the Bank briefcase. After taking care of Cena, Corbin cashes in his guaranteed championship match.
Jinder Mahal (c) vs. Baron Corbin – WWE Championship
While Corbin waits for Mahal to get to his feet so the match can start, he doesn’t realize that Cena is recovering on the apron.
As soon as Mahal gets to his feet, the referee rings the bell and Corbin turns his attention to Cena to get him off of the apron. Mahal takes advantage of this very small opportunity to get a quick roll-up on Corbin to retain his title. Winner, and STILL WWE Champion: Jinder Mahal
