With Money in the Bank in the books, sights are set on the next Pay-Per-View: Battleground. Battleground is the last big event before the Brand Extension, where Smackdown and Raw will each have their own unique rosters. Will WWE keep Smackdown run-of-the-mill until July 19, or will they start putting effort in the last few Thursday Night Smackdown episodes before it goes live?
Opening Segment
To start off the show is the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion, Seth Rollins. As expected, he complains about how Dean Ambrose cashed in the Money in the Bank briefcase on Rollins last Sunday. To prove that he is more of a “man” than Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins issues an open challenge, which is accepted by Sami Zayn.
Dean Ambrose interrupts Rollins insulting Sami Zayn to start an impromptu edition of the Ambrose Asylum.
Ambrose Asylum feat. Sami Zayn & Seth Rollins
Nothing really happens other than confirming the main event: Seth Rollins vs. Sami Zayn.
Replacing the recently suspended Jerry Lawler on commentary is David Otunga, the former WWE Superstar who is frequently seen on Monday Night Raw pre-shows.
Cesaro vs. Alberto Del Rio
Both Cesaro and Alberto Del Rio competed in the Money in the Bank ladder match last Sunday, but unfortunately lost the match. There was a close call with Alberto Del Rio falling onto a ladder, but after a day of rest (Smackdown records on Tuesdays) it is good news that Del Rio is healthy enough to compete.
Out of nowhere, Cesaro reverses the Cross Armbreaker and counters it into the Neutralizer to put Del Rio away. Winner: Cesaro
Apollo Crews vs. Sheamus
At Money in the Bank, Apollo Crews rolled up Sheamus quickly to pick up a [somewhat] surprising victory over the Celtic Warrior. Sheamus, who hates the idea of the “New Era,” gets a chance to redeem himself tonight in a rematch against Crews.
Sheamus assaults Apollo Crews outside the ring, ending with him slamming Crews into the steel steps. Taking the easy way out, Sheamus rolls into the ring and waits until the count of 10. Winner (via cont-out): Sheamus
Backstage Segment
The Club is backstage talking about their assault on John Cena Monday Night Raw when they are interrupted by the Usos. Jimmy Uso has had enough of Styles running his mouth and challenges him to a one-on-one match.
Jimmy Uso (w/Jey Uso) vs. AJ Styles
AJ Styles gave his “word-ski” that The Club would not interfere in this match. If Sunday and Monday are any indication, The Club will probably still interfere. As much I complained about the Usos facing The Club, having Jimmy Uso in a singles match against AJ Styles is a way to shake things up. With this following Styles vs. Xavier Woods last week, Smackdown is turning into a show where tag team wrestlers shine in singles matches.
The Club comes down to the ring (Surprise!), and Jimmy Uso gets distracted by Gallows and Anderson attacking Jey Uso. Styles takes advantage, hitting the Phenomenal Forearm on the former Tag Team Champion for the win. Winner: AJ Styles
The Vaudevillains vs. The New Day
The Vaudevillains have two Tag Team Championship match losses against the New Day: one match at Extreme Rules, and the fatal four-way tag team match last Sunday. A win here, as unlikely as it is, would automatically give the Vaudevillains their third Tag Team Championship opportunity in less than three months.
In a surprise to nobody, The New Day nonchalantly picks up another victory over Aiden English and Simon Gotch. Winners: The New Day
Becky Lynch vs. Dana Brooke (w/Charlotte)
Last Sunday after Lynch and Natalya lost a tag team match to Charlotte and Dana Brooke, Natalya turned on her partner. After another attack from Natalya on Raw, the third-generation Superstar decided that she needs to focus on herself. Tonight, Lynch looks to change her focus to Dana Brooke.
Charlotte interferes in the match, then Dana Broke rolls up Lynch for the win. Winner: Dana Brooke
After the match, Sasha Banks makes her way down to the ring with no plans on playing nice. Charlotte escapes, but Banks hits the Bank Statement on Brooke, making a statement towards the Women’s Champion.
Sami Zayn vs. Seth Rollins
Earlier tonight, Seth Rollins issued an open challenge that was accepted by Sami Zayn. Zayn looks to change his focus from Kevin Owens, and a win over Rollins would mean big things for the Underdog from the Underground.
Seth Rollins catches Zayn as he enters the ring and hits him with a surprise Pedigree for the victory. Winner: Seth Rollins
