Welcome to the Smackdown Review for July 3 2018. For both this and Raw, I will go over what the big talking points were, pick the match of the night, and look ahead to the next show
Talking Points
No/Yes
While Team Hell No is a welcome return to the WWE, I was a little concerned how the act would play out now. Daniel Bryan and Kane worked best when they were at odds with each other and how would that work now. That question was answered as Bryan brought up everything bad Kane had done and Kane brushed it off with a shrug. The best moment was this exchange (Kane: “You are like a brother to me” Bryan: “You set your brother on fire.”) Bryan and Kane might not last long, but we will enjoy ever moment of it.
Battle of The Sexes
James Ellsworth showed up for his beating.. I mean match against Askua. Like the true hero he is, Ellsworth decided the best move was to get counted out. Carmella was at ringside, but she did not play as big a part as one might expect. Before the run away, Askua smacked Ellsworth so hard it echoed through the arena. Ellsworth will not be able to escape next week, as Paige ordered a rematch in a Lumber-Jill setting. I wonder if Becky Lynch will reconnect with Ellisworth
Red White and Blue
The New Day decided to kick off the Fourth of July festivity with a pancake eating contest. It barely got started when Sanity attacked from behind. The Insane Ones proceeded to destroy each member. One of the best parts was Eric Young forcing Xavier Woods to watch his friends get destroyed. It speaks a lot to the crazy style Sanity is known for. Woods was sent through a table to end the segment. I think New Day will get a match against Sanity at Extreme Rules, possible a table match.
Match of the Night
Jeff Hardy vs. The Miz (Hardy wins by pinfall)
Jeff Hardy brings out his best when he is offering an open challenge for the US Title. His opponent was The Miz and the two proceeded to have the longest match of the night. This was a simple back and forth with a few big moves peppered in. Hardy jumping from the stairs only for Miz to sidestep him into the ring barrier shows that Hardy still puts his body on the line. There is also more Delete gestures to go along with that sweet face paint.
Conclusion
Becky Lynch beat Peyton Royce. AJ Styles beat Aden English only to be jumped by Rusev. Shinsuke Nakamura will finally get his match against Hardy and Extreme Rules. Happy Fourth of July and stay safe.
