Hell in a Cell is just two weeks away, and SmackDown needs to get the fans excited for the brand-exclusive Pay-Per-View. This week tries to build the hype through a lot of short matches and the returns of Shinsuke Nakamura and Bobby Roode.
Opening Segment
To kick off the show, Kevin Owens appears to cut a promo about Shane McMahon and their upcoming match at Hell in a Cell. The last time Owens appeared on SmackDown Live in person, he assaulted Vince McMahon after getting his word to “beat a McMahon senseless.” KO says that he actually likes and respects Vince McMahon so that beating from two weeks ago is nothing compared what is going to happen inside Hell in a Cell.
Sami Zayn then shows up to try to talk some sense into his former best friend. He believes that Owens has “snapped” and that the former Universal Champion is out of control. Owens says that he is fine before bragging about all of his accomplishments that Zayn has not fulfilled on the main roster.
They look like they are about to fight before SmackDown General Manager Daniel Bryan shows up to announce an official match for later tonight.
Baron Corbin vs. Tye Dillinger
Both of these men have been pursuing the United States Championship, but they keep getting in each other’s way. Now that Baron Corbin and Tye Dillinger have a chance to face each other, this could give the winner momentum in the title hunt. To scout his potential challenger, US Champ AJ Styles comes to join commentary.
Corbin uses Styles’ appearance to his own benefit, throwing the Perfect 10 into the Phenomenal One. The referee starts counting Dillinger out and he fails to get back into the ring before the count of, well, ten. Winner (via count-out): Baron Corbin
After the match, Baron Corbin challenges Styles to a United States Championship match at Hell in a Cell and it is made official shortly thereafter. It definitely seemed like this feud was building to a Triple Threat Match, but it looks like the Perfect 10 won’t be on the card.
In-ring Segment
Just like the past couple weeks, all Jinder Mahal has to say about Shinsuke Nakamura is that he makes funny faces. This time, though, Nakamura comes down to the ring after Mahal continues to make fun of him. The King of Strong Style then attacks the Singh Brothers and the WWE Champion with the Kinshasa running knee strike.
The Hype Bros vs. The Usos
For the first time in a while, the tag team division has multiple stories in just one match. The Usos are trying to build momentum towards Hell in a Cell, where they will challenge The New Day for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships. The Hype Bros, on the other hand, have not found much recent success and are trying to find their stride.
After Mojo Rawley inexplicably tags himself in, confusion between him and Zack Ryder leads to Rawley eating a superkick and a splash from the top rope. Winners: The Usos
After the match, The New Day announce that they want to not only defend their titles at Hell in a Cell, but they also want to defend the gold inside Hell in a Cell.
Rusev’s Pride of Bulgaria Celebration
Last week, Rusev defeated Randy Orton in just nine seconds and now he is celebrating after becoming a hero to his home country of Bulgaria, more or less. Aiden English helps the ceremony commence, which features the mayor or Rusev’s hometown, who gives him the key to the city. After the mayor declares September 26 to be Rusev Day, Randy Orton appears from out of nowhere and after Rusev helps the mayor get out of the way, Orton RKO’s him.
In a backstage segment with Renee Young, Orton says that he wants to face Rusev at Hell in a Cell.
Charlotte vs. Carmella (w/James Ellsworth)
Both women involved in this match are looking to become the next SmackDown Women’s Champion. Carmella has held the first-ever Women’s Money in the Bank briefcase since the Pay-Per-View of the same name, so she can have her match at any time. Charlotte has her chance to become Women’s Champion at Hell in a Cell after defeating Becky Lynch, Tamina, and Naomi to become the new #1 Contender.
James Ellsworth, who is chained to the ring post, tries to help Carmella during this match, but it doesn’t pan out. In one quick counter, Charlotte nails the Princess of Staten Island with a big boot to secure the win. Winner: Charlotte
In-ring Segment
Once Smackdown comes back from commercial, The Undertaker’s music hits. Of course, it ends up just being Dolph Ziggler. He continues to go on about how elaborate entrances have nothing to do with being a great Superstar. This week, however, he is interrupted by the Glorious One, Bobby Roode. Roode calls Ziggler a hypocrite and challenges him to a match at Hell in a Cell so he can back up his claims as one of the best in-ring competitors in WWE history. The Showoff doesn’t think that Roode has any talent at all, so of course, he accepts.
Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens
After tonight’s opening promo segment, we are at the main event match featuring two former best friends who will be rivals forever. Sami Zayn is essentially trying to beat some sense into Kevin Owens, while KO is trying to warm up for his Hell in a Cell match against Shane McMahon in a couple weeks.
While both men fight outside the ring, Owens picks up Zayn for a powerbomb and slams his lower back right onto the ring apron, which is the same way Owens cost Zayn months of his career in NXT. Referee Charles Robinson stops the match. Result: No Contest
Owens continues the assault after the match by grabbing a steel chair. When Owens has the chair wrapped around Zayn’s neck, Shane McMahon finally arrives to stop the chaos. To stop McMahon from sprinting towards him, Owens shoves Zayn into him and runs away through the crowd.
