We’re fastly approaching Extreme Rules and WWE has done a feeble job in getting fans excited for the card, especially on their Smackdown Live shows.
However, they had a chance to do so on the second-to-last edition of Smackdown Live prior to the pay-per-view event.
What storylines were furthered? Did anything change? Did they do better than last week?
Read the recap below with analysis!
Team Hell No Kicks off the Show
Kicking off the show, Renee Young announces Team Hell No (Daniel Bryan and Kane) and they come to the ring.
In the center of the ring, Young asks and talks about their reunion for the first time in five years.
Kane and Bryan talk about their tumultuous relationship in the past.
Young asks why Kane why he came back and he said that it was because Bryan needed his help (basically).
Bryan then talks about the past and how Kane tombstoned him on the floor, steps and through a table. Kane says Bryan needs to forget the past and they need to work on what unites them—winning.
Bryan also brings up how Kane tried to abduct his wife.
Then they say “yes” and “no” back and forth to one another.
However, The Usos break up the reunion, cutting a promo from atop the ramp.
The main point of their promo was to say that Team Hell No doesn’t deserve a shot at the Smackdown Live tag team championships at Extreme Rules.
They say that they only got a shot because they hugged last week from general manager Paige.
Then they hug four times and say they deserve four tag team opportunities.
Then Bryan interrupts them and tells them to come to fight them right now.
Paige then comes out and botches saying “Smackdown Live tag team championships” and books The Usos vs. Team Hell No with the stipulation that if The Usos win, they’ll be added to the match at Extreme Rules.
Analysis: Very difficult to take Kane seriously as Kane in this role. Bryan’s promos still sound so very scripted. However, at least a match on this card will have some meaning.
Jeff Hardy Promo
Hardy cuts a promo backstage talking about his United States Championship Open Challenge that is coming up after the commercial break.
Analysis: Both Hardy’s are great and his face paint gimmick is excellent.
Asuka Promo Backstage
Asuka cuts a promo talking about not caring if she faces men or women. She faces Jams Ellsworth later in the night.
Analysis: She really should never cut promos. But it is hysterical.
United States Open Challenge – Jeff Hardy vs. The Miz
Hardy retains following Miz trying to put his feet on the ropes to win dirty.
Analysis: This match went so long and had two commercial breaks.
James Ellsworth Backstage Promo
Ellsworth cuts a promo saying how men are the superior specimen to Asuka.
Analysis: He’s a weird dude, man.
New Day Pancake Eating Contest
Byron Saxton is in the ring as the host. He introduces each member of The New Day and their accolades, except for Big E.
The pancakes in each plate are different colors—red, white and blue.
The timer is set for five minutes.
As soon as the contest starts, though, SAnitY comes out to spoil the party.
They attack The New Day from behind.
Analysis: I like SAnitY and Eric Young.
Asuka vs. James Ellsworth
Before the match starts, Carmella comes out.
Match ends in a double count-out after Asuka chases Ellsworth around the arena. Carmella attacks Asuka from behind after returning near the ring and Ellsworth and Carmella retreat.
Analysis: Literally no point in this. At all.
Kane and Bryan Backstage
The two men go over their game plan backstage and Kane provides a pep talk. Bryan does his “yes” gimmick after Kane asks if he’s ready for their match.
Analysis: I’m a little embarrassed watching this show.
Paige Announces Hardy vs. Shinsuke Nakamura at Extreme Rules
When we returned from commercial break, the commentary team told us Paige has announced a Hardy vs. Nakamura match at Extreme Rules for the United States Championship.
Analysis: No reason for this match. However, due to Nakamura’s injury, they were unable to further this storyline.
A.J. Styles vs. Aiden English
Before the match, Styles cuts a promo talking about how Rusev is bigger and stronger than him and wants to prove people wrong in beating him at Extreme Rules.
Rusev and English then come out and Rusev cuts a promo back at Styles saying Styles hasn’t faced a Rusev with the WWE Championship on the line.
When the match begins, Rusev distracts Styles and English attacks him.
Styles wins via submission. After the match, Rusev attacks Styles.
Analysis: Furthers nothing honestly. Very predictable.
Iiconics Promo
The two girls cut a promo talking about Peyton Royce facing Becky Lynch.
Analysis: This is a part where I’d fast-forward x4.
Carmella and Ellsworth Backstage
Carmella says she saved Ellsworth. Paige comes into the frame and says Ellsworth and Asuka have a rematch next week in a Lumberjack Match.
Analysis: Don’t care.
Becky Lynch vs. Peyton Royce
Lynch makes quick work of Royce.
Analysis: Like what is the point of all of this? Like who cares about this “feud” whatsoever?
Shinsuke Nakamura Promo
Nakamura cuts a promo talking about his future match with Hardy.
Analysis: I wonder where he got bit?
Team Hell No vs. The Usos
Team Hell No wins after a Kane choke slam.
After the match, the Bludgeon Brothers came out and stared the team down.
Analysis: You can definitely see Kane’s age. Way to make him look strong still, though. However, he shouldn’t be doing the “yes!” thing.
