Welcome to the Smackdown Review for July 24, 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
Legend
Randy Orton opened the show and spoke about why he attacked Jeff Hardy. Dissmissing all previous theories, Orton spoke about how he started his carrer here and no one gives him respect. Talking as the last man standing from the era long past, Orton took shots at the crowd and at those who came up from the indies. This was a fantastic promo and you could feel the anger even if Orton never raised his voice. Heel Orton is back adn who knows what superstar he will target after Jeff Hardy.
Contract
AJ Styles received a very loud welcome as he came to the ring to sign his contract for Summerslam. Paige was going to introduce the opptent, but James Ellsworth interrupted. His trash talk got him fired and was led out by Paige and security. Styles was enjoying this and did not see Samoa Joe sneak up behind him. Joe choked him out and then signed the contract. Joe left the ring with fire and fury in his eyes. Joe vs Styles is a big money match and could see a new champion be crowned.
Rusev
Rusev and Lana came to the ring , without Aden English, to face Andrade Alms and Zelina Vega. Almas and Rusev had a pretty good back and forth match. It would be Lana and Vega who would decided the outcome. As the two women began fighting outside the ring, English appeared to break it up. His actions knocked Lana down and Rusev was distracted enough to be pinned. Afterwards, Rusev had words with both. This trio might not be around much longer.
Match of the Night
New Day vs. Sanity (New Day wins by pinfall)
The New Day were finally able to pull out a victory against Sanity. This loss does not hurt the deranged ones as no one can be undefeated for ever. The New Day will now face the winners of the Usos vs The Bar match next week for a chance at the Bludgeon Brothers at Summerslam. But with that being the ultimate prize, is it really a win?
Conclusion
R-Truth lost to Samoa Joe. Askua beat Billie Kay. The Miz was able to beat Daniel Bryan at his own game. Becky Lynch beat Carmella and gets her title shot.
