SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...
TEAM HELL NO BACK IN ACTION…
Recap: The show opened with Daniel Bryan and Kane in the ring for an interview with Renee. Bryan said the great part of their team is that they sometimes fight and sometimes hug, but whenever they step into the ring. He stated that together, they are unstoppable.
Renee asked Kane why he came back. Kane said Bryan can have a bit of a temper, and as a result, after Bryan was attacked by the Bludgeon Brothers, he know Bryan would get himself into trouble soon. Kane then stated that Bryan always has a demon looking over him. Bryan said he didn’t necessarily agree with that statement.
Bryan went on to remind Kane of their prior disagreements, including Kane tombstoning him on the floor and trying to abduct his wife. Kane tried to blow off the past, stating that he’s always had Bryan’s back. Bryan disagreed. This devolved into alternating shouts of “yes” and “no” between the two.
The Usos then appeared, stating that Team Hell No didn’t deserve its title shot at Extreme Rules. Bryan responded by issuing an immediate challenge to the Usos. Kane, however, said they would consider it as a team and get back to the Usos.
Paige then appeared. She stated that the tag title match would continue as planned, but if the Usos could beat Team Hell No tonight they would be added to the match.
Later backstage, Bryan demanded that Kane apologize for a list of ways Kane had wronged him back in 2012. Kane said Bryan is like a brother, after which Bryan reminded him that he had set his brother on fire. Kane then apologized and the two appeared to be on the same page.
After defeating the Usos in the main event, Bryan pointed to the sky and started a “yes” chant. Kane followed along with halfhearted pointing. Bryan scolded Kane’s halfhearted pointing. Kane then continued with more enthusiasm. The two then hugged. Before the show ended, the Bludgeon Brothers came to the ramp to stare down Bryan and Kane.
Evaluation: Most of tonight revolved around bringing back the “bickering couple” dynamic of the original Team Hell No, while taking the edge off of Kane’s more brutal actions from the first incarnation of the team. It seemed to work, and the crowd liked the team.
Forecast: With Kane likely needing to return to his political duties and Bryan likely to move forward with a program with the Miz, I would expect Team Hell No to lose at Extreme Rules.
RUSEV GOES FULL HEEL…
Recap: During the second hour, AJ Styles came to the ring for a matchup with Aiden English. He took the mic and guaranteed victory over Rusev at teh pay per view. Rusev interrupted and also guaranteed victory.
During the match, Rusev distracted AJ, allowing English to gain an early advantage. Styles came back and hit the Calf Crusher for the win.
After the match, Rusev jumped AJ, hitting him with both the Machka Kick and Accolade.
Evaluation: With Rusev going back and forth between face and heel portrayals over the past month, tonight seemed designed to make him a very clear heel. He not only cheated early in the match, but also jumped AJ afterward.
Forecast: This still seems like a one match feud to kill time. AJ will win at Extreme Rules.
SANITY SAVES US FROM PANCAKES…
Recap: Byron Saxton hosted an Independence Day pancake eating contest in the ring between the three members of New Day. Early into the contest, however, Sanity interfered, taking out the New Day, capped by putting Xavier Woods through a table.
Evaluation: I can’t be the only one that dreads each week’s new use for pancakes. To people like me, Sanity came across as huge babyfaces for making a quick end of what was sure to be a segment I’d hate.
Sanity had such a strong gimmick in NXT that it seems like a step down to be dealing with New Day’s silly comedy act. Unfortunately, whenever anyone comes onto the main roster from NXT their star power seems greatly diminished.
Forecast: I would expect an Extreme Rules kickoff show match between Sanity and New Day. Pancakes will be involved.
NOW CHECK OUT LAST WEEK’S COLUMN: TOP 3 DEVELOPMENTS – SMACKDOWN 6/26: The Return of Team Hell No, Rusev Issues a Challenge to AJ, Another Non-Finish for a Title, and Topanga in the Crowd
I thought the same thing when Sanity attacked the New Day. The pancake schtick is stupid, and I’m over it. So Sanity were definitely the babyfaces to me. Now if they would’ve taken out Saxton too, I’d have immediately gone online and bought Sanity gear.