Tonight is the first episode of Smackdown after the brand split, and it is interesting to see how the new roster shapes up. With newcomers like American Alpha, Carmella, and Alexa Bliss, Smackdown could prove to be the land of opportunity that Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan have promised. After last night’s episode of Monday Night Raw, they are going to have a hard time following it up.
Opening Segment
Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan join the Smackdown Roster in the ring to kick off the new era of Smackdown. McMahon nonchalantly announces that after SummerSlam will be Backlash, a Smackdown-exclusive Pay-Per-View.
Since Smackdown is home to the WWE Championship, they need to find a #1 Contender for Dean Ambrose’s title. Daniel Bryan announces a 6-Pack Challenge for the #1 Contendership, where the winner will face Dean Ambrose at SummerSlam for the WWE Championship. The entrants in the 6-Pack Challenge are John Cena, Bray Wyatt, Dolph Ziggler, Baron Corbin, and AJ Styles. After five spots are confirmed, the sixth spot will be determined by a battle royal up next.
#1 Contender Battle Royal
The winner of this match will be in the 6-Pack Challenge for a chance to become the #1 Contender to Dean Ambrose’s WWE Championship.
Eliminated, in order: Simon Gotch, Konnor, Viktor, Jey Uso, Erick Rowan, Mojo Rawley, Alberto Del Rio, Tyler Breeze, Fandango, Kalisto, Zack Ryder, Kane. Winner: Apollo Crews
During the commercial break, there is a video package that announces that Shelton Benjamin will return to Smackdown!
Becky Lynch vs. Natalya
This match is a rematch from Battleground. Becky Lynch wanted to get revenge on Natalya for unsolicited attacks throughout the previous weeks, but Natalya would force Lynch to tap out to the Sharpshooter. Perhaps Becky Lynch can change her game plan and score the victory tonight.
Natalya makes a slight misstep, and Becky Lynch counters into the Disarm-her for the victory. Winner (via submission): Becky Lynch
After the match, Alexa Bliss, Naomi, Carmella, and Eva Marie appear at the entrance ramp to introduce (or reintroduce) themselves to the Smackdown audience, and nothing really happens.
MizTV feat. The Miz
For the first iteration of MizTV on Smackdown Live, The Miz decides to interview the most must-see Superstar (according to him, anyway), The Miz. The Miz starts gushing with Maryse, and they are interrupted by The Viper, Randy Orton.
Randy Orton insults Maryse and The Miz, and challenges The Miz to a match. Maryse, frustrated, accepts the challenge for her husband.
Randy Orton vs. The Miz
This is Randy Orton’s first match in nine months, and he faces the Intercontinental Champion. Orton needs to prepare for his SummerSlam match against Brock Lesnar, and he needs to shake off the ring rust.
Orton hits two RKOs (only one out of nowhere) on The Miz to pick up a solid victory in his return. Winner: Randy Orton
In-ring Segment
There is an enhancement talent in the ring, and before a match gets going, he gets attacked by Heath Slater. Shane McMahon comes out to the stage, and Slater tries to make his case as a free agent signee for Smackdown. While Slater tries to convince McMahon, Rhyno comes from out of nowhere and hits Slater with a Gore.
John Cena vs. Baron Corbin vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Bray Wyatt vs. Apollo Crews vs. AJ Styles – Six Pack Challenge
One of these men will pencil their name in for the WWE Championship match at SummerSlam against Dean Ambrose. This is a great opportunity for these Superstars, but will the result of this match have as much of an impact as Finn Balor did last night on Raw?
Cena hits an Attitude Adjustment to just about everybody, and then AJ Styles hits Cena with the Phenomenal Forearm. Cena rolls out of the ring, then Dolph Ziggler hits Styles with a superkick to pick up the win and to become the new #1 Contender for the WWE Championship. Winner: Dolph Ziggler
