Just like Raw, Smackdown starts with a cold open of video from last weeks show. The difference was this time the focus of the recap was Shane versus Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. The show started with the familiar music of Shane-O-Mac.
While He Was Sleeping
Shane came out to talk about what he thought was going to happen on Smackdown as he was in the hotel room relaxing last week. Instead of running down what didn’t go as expected, he invited Daniel Bryan out to explain himself. Bryan, who has been fired before says everyone deserves a second chance. Daniel Bryan explains that all the terrible things that Owens and Zayn have done, they’ve done in the desire to grab the brass ring. Bryan challenges Shane to fire him if he wants a Yes! man.
Over the last few months Shane and Bryan have been on the same page more than they have been opposed. Adding the friction between the two of them could lead to some wrinkles in the storyline over the next few months.
Pancake Time
The New Day vs. Benjamin & Gable
Big E brought down pancakes for the announce team and The Usos who were ringside. Although the newer of the two teams, Benjamin and Gable show off some double team moves early in the match to gain control. After an extended dominating performance from Benjamin & Gable, Woods was able to hit a dropkick and got the hot tag to Kofi. Kofi misses the Trouble in Paradise and forces Benjamin outside. A dive out of the ring and a knee drop across Benjamins face later, the New Day are our winners.
Winner: The New Day
The announce team, and The Usos were pushing Benjamin & Gable throughout the match. The results were a bit of a surprise. It is rather obvious that the goal is to turn Benjamin and Gable heel over time.
Women’s Invasion: Smackdown Edition
We’re reminded that Smackdown had their own version of a women’s invasion last week as Riot, Morgan, and Logan are seen attacking members of Smackdown. Flair, Naomi, and Natalya comment in reminding these upstarts of their place. Hopefully, for them, they took notes last night and did not find themselves separated and attacked like the veterans on Raw.
Hype Bros vs. The Bludgeon Brothers
We are told that the Hype Bros demanded this match after their lose last week. It feels like the new music and looks are exactly what Harper and Rowan needed. They are able to show off the speed and athleticism that they were unable to show off as part of the Wyatt family. A few power moves later, and the Bludgeon brothers have another win.
Winner: The Bludgeon Brothers
The fresh look and style of Harper and Rowan were needed. It feels as if this is one of those few makeovers done right. The look and style show off the talents of the two much more than their previous gimmicks.
After the match, the Hype Bros give an interview on what needs to happen to get back on track. As Zack Ryder talks about hitting rock bottom and needing to refocus, Mojo Rawley takes out Ryder from behind screaming that the Hype Bros are dead.
Speaking of much-needed change, where Mojo and Ryder go from here should be interesting.
A Glorious Challenge
Bobby Roode is asked to rehash what happened last week. In typical Roode fashion, he yells through his promo about Baron Corbin fearing him. Corbin sets the record straight that he is not scared but gives a definitive “No” when asked to take on Roode tonight.
AJ Styles vs The Singh Brothers
Before the match starts, the Singh Brothers and Jinder Mahal attacked Styles. The show cut to break Styles was laid out on the floor. The announcers wonder if the match would even take place. As the break ends, Styles can make it into the ring and begin to mount some offense until the numbers catch up with him again. Styles takes a sustained beatdown from the Singh Brothers until he is able to defend himself from the top rope and reverse his fortunes. Styles eventually sets up a Styles Clash off the top rope for the win.
Winner: AJ Styles
The match did an excellent job of showing how desperate Jinder Mahal is to get his title back. Styles comes off looking strong. The only reason that the Singh Brothers had any offense came because of a pre-match three on one situation
We are not Paige and Absolution.
Ruby Riott, Sara Logan, and Liv Morgan come out to remind everyone who they are. Ruby has named her team the Riot Squad. The blonde that isn’t Mandy Rose says she is some type of firework that is going to pop off. Then the one that isn’t Sonya Deville talks about being from the south and hunting big game. Then Riott, who is the only one of the three that doesn’t seem to be in completely over her head, says something about it being a riot next.
Liv Morgan, Ruby Riott, Sara Logan vs. Charlotte, Natalya, Naomi
Can someone please tell Natalya that she looks ridiculous with those cat ears on? Within a few minutes, Natalya had enough and left Naomi and Flair to a two on three situation. Flair and Naomi were able to control most of the match until Logan and Morgan came over to attack Naomi on the outside of the ring. The duo used the ring stairs in ways I have never seen before to take Naomi out of the match. Flair put up an admiral fight until the numbers got to her and Riott got the win.
Winner: Riott Squad
The Riott squad is green. REALLY green. Having them be part of the six-woman match just exposed how green they really are.
Where does he get those wonderful toys?
Randy Orton vs. Kevin Owens
Orton took control of the match early while making his way out of the ring. Orton finds a Kendo stick hidden under the ring and begins to work over Owens with it. After breaking a stick, Orton finds another one and continues to work in Owens. While trying to catch a breather on the outside of the ring, Owens finds another Kendo Stick. Seriously who just leaves piles of Kendo sticks under the ring. As the action moved away from the ring, Sami Zayn made his way out to the ring to attack Orton. Technically Zayn was not ringside, so I guess he was within the rules. Moving back to the ring, Orton attempted an RKO only to have his knee taken out and a frog splash. Kevin Owens is our winner.
Winner: Kevin Owens
Having Daniel Bryan’s plan backfire again will more than likely lead to more tension between him and Shane. The question is what type of obstacles will be placed in front of Owens and Zayn next.
