WWE SmackDown aired live from the ThunderDome in Tampa. Seth Rollins faced Cesaro, and King Nakamura battled Baron Corbin in MITB Qualifying matches. It was announced that Toni Storm will be joining the SmackDown roster during tonight’s show. Shotzi Blackheart and Tegan Nox also made their debut during tonight’s episode of SmackDown.
SmackDown Results (7/9)
- King Nakamura def. Baron Corbin to qualify for the MITB Ladder Match
- Shotzi & Nox def. Tamina & Natalya
- Seth Rollins def. Cesaro to qualify for the MITB Ladder Match
Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:
Reigns & The Usos Are On The Same Page
Universal Champion Roman Reigns made his way to the ring and said a lot of people didn’t like that he wasn’t present last week. Reigns noted that there were a lot of things that he didn’t like last week and called Edge a liar. Reigns admitted that there was some fear when Edge got him locked in a submission but he used that fear to propel him. Roman then boasted about defeated Edge and Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania.
Reigns told Edge that it is not possible for him to be in his head and that he wasn’t even thinking about Edge because he has so much to deal with in regards to his family. Jimmy Uso made his way to the ring but was interrupted by Jey.
Jey said it was time to get back to being the tag team champions and hugged Jimmy. Roman claimed he has been saying that all along and that they all need to work together. Reigns and The Usos then shared a hug as the camera panned in on Reigns.
King Nakamura Qualified For The MITB Ladder Match
Shinsuke Nakamura squared off against Baron Corbin tonight in the first match of the night (25 minutes into the show). It was a MITB Qualifying Match. Corbin attacked Nakamura during his entrance but Boogs broke it up. Big E was ringside for the match and sat with Pat McAfee on a couch.
Nakamura dominated the match early and knocked Corbin to the outside. Corbin knocked Boogs down and hit him with a Brainbuster on top of the announce table as SmackDown went to a commercial. When SmackDown returned, Corbin hit Deep Six for a near fall.
Corbin followed it up with a big Clothesline but Shinsuke battled back. Nakamura hit a few knees to the face and followed it up with the Kinshasa for the pinfall victory. King Nakamura qualified for the MITB Ladder Match.
Shotzi & Nox Debuted & Pinned The Champs
Natalya and Tamina came to the ring for a non-title match. Natalya said that they are facing a team that has never been on SmackDown before. Shotzi Blackheart & Tegan Not then made their way to the ring in the tank.
Tegan and Natalya started off the action. Nox took control and tagged in Shotzi. Blackheart hit a Dropkick and rolled up Natalya for a near fall. Nox sent Tamina to the corner and hit her with a Cannonball. Shotzi slammed Natalya to the mat and hit a Senton for the pinfall victory. ‘
Carmella Will Face Belair Next Week, Liv Morgan Is In The MITB Ladder Match
Sonya Deville came to the ring and announced that Bianca Belair will not being defending the SmackDown Women’s Championship at Money in the Bank PPV. Deville said that Belair will put the title on the line next week against Carmella in Houston.
Carmella made her way to the ring but was interrupted by Liv Morgan. Liv pointed out Deville’s favoritism and vowed to smack Carmella’s smile off her face again. Liv got in Sonya’s face and told her it is inexcusable. Sonya told Liv to shut up and that she is replacing Carmella in the MITB Ladder match. Liv told Carmella that she hopes she wins the title next week so she can take it from her.
Seth Rollins Qualified For The MITB Ladder Match
Cesaro and Seth Rollins faced each other once again in a MITB Qualifying match. Cesaro dominated the action early and knocked Rollins out of the ring. Seth threw a tantrum as Kevin Owens watched on from commentary. SmackDown went to a break with Rollins throwing things around outside the ring as Cesaro posed.
When SmackDown returned, Rollins hit Cesaro with a kick to the back of the head and went for the cover but Cesaro kicked out at two. Cesaro went for a springboard Crossbody but Rollins caught him with a forearm to the face for a two count.
Seth rolled up Cesaro and used the ropes for leverage but Cesaro was able to kick out. Cesaro was bleeding from his head and Rollins sent him out of the ring with another forearm shot. Rollins planted Cesaro with a Brainbuster on the steel and rolled him back in the ring. Seth then hit the Stomp for the pinfall victory. Rollins has qualified for the MITB Ladder match.
After the match, Seth Rollins was interviewed backstage and noted that he cashed in on Roman Reigns to win the title. Seth said he waited for the perfect opportunity last time he won the MITB contract and maybe this time he will win the contract and cash it in on the same night.
Edge appeared behind Rollins and said he heard this nasally whine and wanted to see where it is coming from. Edge added that he is going to the ring to call out Reigns before walking away.
Edge Sent A Message To Roman Reigns
Edge came to the ring and called out the Universal Champion. Roman Reigns was shown backstage with The Usos and told them to stay in the locker room. Reigns said he will handle this on his own and left the room. Reigns was then shown slowly walking with the Universal Championship. Roman handed the title to Heyman and made his way to the ring.
Jimmy and Jey were warned to stay backstage but ignored Reigns’ orders. The Mysterios then rushed the ring and brawled with The Usos. Edge slammed Reigns to the canvas and set up for a Spear but The Usos broke it up.
Rey and Dominik set up The Usos on the ropes and Dominik hit a 619. Edge hit Jey with a Spear as Roman Reigns retreated up the entrance ramp. Edge locked in a Crossface with part of the steel chair on Jey for a bit before WWE rolled highlights to fill time. Edge than got Jimmy in a Crossface with the chair and Reigns sat and watched from the top of the entrance ramp. Reigns walked backstage to close the show.
Opinion: It was odd to see Jimmy Uso without any reference to the elephant in the room. Overall, this week’s SmackDown felt like a rerun. We’ve seen Corbin vs. Nakamura and Cesaro vs. Rollins several times. It will be great to have a live crowd back next week. I’m guessing there won’t be only three matches and over an hour of talking with a crowd in attendance.