8/9 WWE Smackdown Live Update – Randy Orton announced for singles action

Smackdown Update: WWE has announced Randy Orton for in-ring action on Smackdown.

Orton is scheduled to face Alberto Del Rio in a singles match two weeks before facing Brock Lesnar at Summerslam.

WWE Smackdown Live Preview 8/9

Week 3 of the Brand Split takes the Smackdown roster to Bakersfield, California for this week’s Smackdown two weeks out from Summerslam.

Included is the latest hype for WWE World Hvt. champion Dean Ambrose vs. Dolph Ziggler at Summerslam.

One match announced in advance is Rhyno facing Heath Slater for a spot on the Smackdown roster.

Then, things get complicated with who will actually be on Smackdown from the Smackdown roster.

WWE has a tour of Australia & New Zealand that begins on Wednesday and top Smackdown roster members John Cena and A.J. Styles are scheduled to be part of the tour.

Also scheduled for the tour is Apollo Crews, who is the #1 contender to Intercontinental champion The Miz. Plus, Miz is not advertised for either Smackdown or the Australian Tour.

This has created a situation where only four wrestlers are officially advertised for the taping – Ambrose, Bray Wyatt, Big Show, and Alberto Del Rio.

The arena website is advertising Ambrose vs. Wyatt.

Torch Reader Alert: We’re looking for a correspondent at the TV taping. Email us at pwtorch@gmail.com if you plan to attend.