Two weeks from now, Smackdown will no longer be on Thursdays. This is one of the last episodes where the matches will be good, but meaningless. Time to enjoy some good in-ring action.
Opening Segment
Before the show starts, we see Seth Rollins walking into the arena and he runs into Jey Uso. Rollins makes a joke at the fact that Roman Reigns, Jey Uso’s cousin, was suspended. Uso was offended so much by this that he challenged the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion to a singles match.
Jey Uso vs. Seth Rollins
Along with being a surprisingly unique Smackdown match, there is also a guest ring announcer for this match: WWE World Heavyweight Champion Dean Ambrose. Mauro Ranallo notes that this is the first one-on-one match between Jey Uso and Seth Rollins in just about three years.
During the whole match, Dean Ambrose tries to distract Rollins and give Jey Uso the biggest advantage possible. However, Rollins prevails and hits Jey Uso with a Pedigree for the victory. Winner: Seth Rollins
Zack Ryder vs. Sheamus
In the main event of Monday Night Raw (Team USA vs. Team World), Zack Ryder was an American hero when he eliminated Sheamus to pick up the victory on Independence Day. Tonight, Sheamus tries to get some revenge on the Long Island Iced Z.
Ryder knocks Sheamus off of the top turnbuckle, and follows it up with an Elbro Drop to pick up the surprise victory over the Celtic Warrior. Winner: Zack Ryder
After the match, Tom Philips asks Zack Ryder what is next after this little wave of momentum he has faced. Ryder looks to make himself a two-time United States Champion, and officially challenges Rusev to a title match.
Rusev says backstage that he wants this United States Championship match to take place next week on Monday Night Raw.
Becky Lynch vs. ???
Becky Lynch starts making her way down to the ring but gets attacked by Natalya before she even makes it to the ring. After Natalya assaults Lynch at the entrance ramp, she locks in the Sharpshooter to end the assault. Natalya will face Lynch in a couple of weeks at Battleground.
Enzo Amore (w/Big Cass) vs. AJ Styles (w/The Club)
Sugar Ray Amore normally competes against AJ Styles for the first time ever. This matchup stems from Monday Night Raw. On Raw, The Club was going to beat up John Cena (as they have said many times), but the Realest Guys in the Room prevented the assault and evened up the odds. Amore, Big Cass, and Cena will face The Club at Battleground.
AJ Styles knocks Amore off of the turnbuckle, and hits Smacktalker Skywalker with the Styles Clash for the win. Winner: AJ Styles
The Miz (w/Maryse) vs. Kalisto
To kick off the Independence Day episode of Monday Night Raw, WWE hosted a barbecue that, not surprisingly, ended in a food fight. The first victim of the food fight was The Miz, followed up by his wife, Maryse. Earlier today, some of the Superstars were watching the video of Miz getting food on him and laughing. Miz interrupted the viewing party and things started to get heated, which led to this match.
The Miz sidestepped a springboard attack from the Lucha Dragon, and hits the Skull Crushing Finale for the pinfall. Winner: The Miz
Backstage Segment
WWE announces Brock Lesnar’s opponent for SummerSlam on August 21: The Viper, Randy Orton.
Sami Zayn vs. Chris Jericho
Since the Money in the Bank feud started, Zayn and Jericho have been facing each other in every way possible. While this is inevitably a good match, I had absolutely no interest in watching this match because of how much I have been exposed to the combination of Jericho and Zayn in the same ring. This is the first match in a long time that I have legitimately just skipped.
Owens is at ringside, which does not end up hurting Zayn’s chances. Zayn picks up the victory over the seasoned veteran, ending this episode of Smackdown. Winner: Sami Zayn
