Closing out the month of May, Smackdown Live resolved the final Money in the Bank spot.
We’re closing in on the show stretch to the pay-per-view headlined by eight men—four from Smackdown Live, four from Monday Night RAW—competing for the Money in the Bank contract.
Securing the contract will change the trajectory of the WWE landscape, so who was the final entrant?
Overall, this Smackdown just felt like a lot of the other shows—filled with ways to kill time. But at least some business felt like it was progressed.
The verbiage for promos is still horrendous, though. Smackdown was better than RAW this week, too, in my opinion.
Read below to find out.
Samoa Joe Kicks Off the Show
Kicking off the show, Joe came down to the ring.
When he got there, he stared down the announce desk, grabbed a ladder, put it in the center of the ring and grabbed the Money in the Bank briefcase hanging above.
Joe will compete later in the evening against Daniel Bryan for the final spot in the Money in the Bank match.
Joe proceeded to cut a promo involving biblical references (and spit). Joe even used the line that he will show Bryan something worse than being retired.
Not only that, but Joe even instructed Bryan to call his wife and tell his daughter a story about how he won’t be the same man after he’s done with him.
Eventually, though, Bryan came out an told Joe he was going to “break his leg” if he mentioned his wife or daughter again.
Bryan also offered to fight right then and there, but there was an interruption.
Big Cass came out on crutches—Bryan’s recent foe.
Dressed in a suit and tie with one crutch, Cass mocked both men about their promos.
But in a turn of events, Cass tells both men that he’s talked to Paige, the Smackdown Live general manager, and that Bryan and Joe will not face off, but instead, it will be Joe and Bryan.
Cass says that when he’s cleared he’ll fight.
But, he actually is cleared. He grabbed his crutch and struck Joe with it, eventually took out Bryan and hit both Joe and Bryan with the Money in the Bank briefcase.
The segment ended with Cass holding up the briefcase with Joe and Bryan collecting themselves outside the ring.
Analysis: This wasn’t a terrible segment. However, Joe always cuts the same angry promo and, for crying out loud, get some new ring gear. I liked the touch of Bryan coming out without entrance music. Made it feel more real. Cass did well in this segment, too. We knew he had an injury and he sold it well coming to the ring. And hey, at least they tried a swerve with Cass being cleared and the match changing. However, at this point in the show, we’re not sure why the match changed.
Nakamura Backstage
Prior to going to the commercial break, Shinsuke Nakamura was backstage holding cards with the numbers one through 10 on them, in reference to his Last Man Standing match with A.J. Styles at Money in the Bank.
Analysis: I’m glad they’re doing stuff backstage. Nakamura’s accent will never not make me laugh.
Paige Backstage with Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville
Paige is seen backstage walking by Rose and Deville. Deville and Rose say she’s making plenty of mistakes around the place.
Rose and Deville talk about all the opportunities Asuka is getting. As a result, Paige booked Rose against Asuka.
After they’re done speaking, Renee Young confronts Paige asking about if what Cass said is true and Bryan is out of the main event.
Paige reiterates that Bryan earned his spot after defeating Jeff Hardy last week.
Paige then books all three in a triple threat.
Analysis: So predictable making it a triple threat. That kind of thing gets irritating. Looking forward to seeing Rose in action.
Nakamura Comes to the Ring
After being seen backstage earlier in the night, Nakamura comes out to the ring.
Ty Dillinger then comes out and the two are booked in a match with one another.
The two are facing off after an exchange on social media regarding the number “10”.
Of course, Nakamura went over cleanly here. After the match, Nakamura counted to 10 over the microphone.
Analysis: This match went way too long for a match we already knew the outcome of.
A.J. Styles Backstage Interview
Backstage, Styles is interviewed about Nakamura’s win over Dillinger.
He says that something has snapped inside Nakamura and says Nakamura picked the Last Man Standing because it suits his skill set.
Styles says he’s faced many challenges in his life and that this one doesn’t scare him either.
Styles reiterates he will be victorious at Money in the Bank.
Analysis: Babyface promos are just so vanilla and cheesy. Jeez.
Rusev and Co. Getting Pumped Up Backstage
Just what the headline says.
Analysis: OK.
Lana and Naomi Dance-Off
Rusev and Aiden English come out and English sings a song introducing Lana.
Afterward, Naomi comes out with the Usos.
Lana starts off the dance-off with some impressive moves and the announce team puts over her role in the “Pitch Perfect” series.
However, Naomi came out to some more upbeat music and the announce team mentions her being a backup dancer for Flo Rida and an Orlando Magic dancer, too.
The two then shake hands and begin to dance together.
But then Lana delivers a neck-breaker to Naomi and proceeds to beat on her.
Lana then goes after Jimmy Uso and an all-out brawl takes place before the Usos and Lana take care of Rusev, English, and Lana.
Analysis: I have no idea what just happened. But I enjoyed the dancing.
The New Day vs. Miz and The Bar
The New Day wins after Big E hits Miz with a “Big Ending”.
The New Day then tease who will be the participant from their team for the Money in the Bank pay-per-view by pointing at each other saying “who”?
Analysis: Who really cares?
Renee Young Interviews The Good Brothers
Young mentions that The Good Brothers are slated to face The Bludgeon Brothers at Money in the Bank for the Smackdown Live tag team championships.
The Good Brothers talk about how they’re going to beat them, but a small TV off to the side statics and The Bludgeon Brothers come on the screen.
The Bludgeon Brothers cut a promo using a bunch of words I do not understand. For example, they said “bodies will be liquefied”—whatever that means!
Analysis: Well we know who’s going to win this match. The Bludgeon Brothers are fun.
Asuka Backstage Putting on Eye Black
Once again, exactly what the headline says. Asuka is preparing for her match with Rose.
Analysis: OK.
Asuka vs. Mandy Rose
Carmella comes out and joins the commentary table.
Asuka will be taking on Carmella for the Smackdown Live Women’s Championship at Money in the Bank.
As Asuka came out, Sonya Deville assaulted Asuka from behind.
But Asuka got in the ring to compete.
Carmella put herself over throughout the match on commentary.
Ultimately, Asuka overcame the assault on Deville and downed Rose.
After she won, Carmella came into the ring and hoisted the title above Asuka.
Analysis: Corey Graves is right. Mandy Rose is “God’s greatest creation.”
Charlotte and Becky Lynch Backstage
Charlotte talks about facing Asuka after she beats Carmella in a rematch.
Both Charlotte and Lynch talk backstage about who will win Money in the Bank.
Charlotte says she’s going to win, but Lynch said that it belongs to her.
Paige comes from out of nowhere and says she loves the passion.
After the commercial break, we’re told that Lynch and Charlotte will face off next week.
Analysis: A way to kill time. Lazy booking and writing with the Lynch and Charlotte match, too.
Andrade “Cien” Almas Backstage
Backstage, Almas leaves the locker room and is greeted by Sin Cara.
Sin Cara tries to talk to Almas, but Zelina Vega tells Sin Cara to go away and that he’s a nobody.
Sin Cara then says he and Almas go “way back”.
Almas then says something to Sin Cara in Spanish and they walk away.
Analysis: Great. An Almas and Sin Cara feud. Can’t wait to fast-forward that match.
Big Cass vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Samoa Joe
Samoa Joe locked in the Coquina Clutch on Daniel Bryan, ending the match.
Analysis: All three men worked hard in this match. I was surprised that the match ended by Joe submitting Bryan. However, Bryan is safe enough to lose here and not be hurt. Let’s see how they protect him next week.
