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WWE SMACKDOWN TV REPORT
JULY 8, 2022
FORT WORTH, TX AT DICKIES ARENA
AIRED ON FOX
REPORT BY ALEX McDONALD, PWTORCH CONTRIBUTOR
Announcers: Michael Cole, Corey Graves
[HOUR ONE]
-The show opened with a Money in the Bank recap video. The video showed Bobby Lashley’s win over Theory for the United States title, then Theory’s entry and win in the Money in the Bank Ladder match.
-They then cut to a crowd shot. Many in the crowd were booing the video that was just shown. Michael Cole welcomed everyone to the show. He introduced Corey Graves and announced Pat McAfee won’t be on the show tonight. They then showed a graphic for Liv Morgan and Cole hyped her appearance for later in the show. The graphic changed Drew McIntyre and Sheamus and Graves hyped their match for later in the night. He announced that the winner will face Roman Reigns at Clash at the Castle.
-Roman Reigns’ music played and he made his entrance to a loud pop. He was flanked by Paul Heyman and the Usos. They were wearing awesome new Bloodline t-shirts. They then posed at the top of the ramp as the pyro went off. Reigns looked into the camera and said “the G.O.A.T. walks among you.” They then showed a graphic for Brock Lesnar against Reigns at Summerslam. Cole and Graves hyped the match. Cole said that only four Superstars in WWE history have held a World title longer then Reigns. The Bloodline posed in the ring again as another set of pyro went off. Theory appeared at the top of the stage with his Money in the Bank briefcase. Cole said that the Bloodline hasn’t realized he’s there and asked if Theory was going to cash in. [c]
(McDonald’s Analysis: Absence really does make the heart grow fonder doesn’t it? That has to be the most positive reaction Reigns has gotten since the turn. There wasn’t much of a divide there. From what I could see and hear, Reigns got cheered almost completely. Besides that, the Theory tease at the end is interesting. They sure didn’t waste any time doing that.)
-The Bloodline stood in the middle of the ring. The crowd cheered. Reigns asked Heyman for the mic as a small “you suck” chant began. Reigns looked around at the crowd. He then asked Fort Worth to acknowledge him. Reigns then acknowledged the mixed reaction. He then said that at the end of the day, when he’s there, business picks up. He said that means life is good and as long as God wakes him up, he can handle anything. Reigns then went through his routine for today and said he’s happy to be at work and on his show, Smackdown. He said it’s a privilege to see his family. Reigns then said he saw Heyman, and he looks like this. He asked what happened to him, and asked why Heyman looked so concerned. Reigns then asked Heyman, and told him he shouldn’t be concerned because Reigns is here and he has smashed them all. He said Heyman should be confident in him. Reigns said they’re not going back to where they were before. Reigns asked Heyman to put his hand out. Heyman did so reluctantly. Reigns gave Heyman the mic and told him to tell everyone what’s wrong with him.
-Heyman said that he loves Reigns and he loves the Usos, but they have a problem. He said the problem’s name is Brock Lesnar. The crowd cheered. Heyman said that Reigns is the greatest of all time and touted Reigns’ title run. Heyman said that Lesnar doesn’t respect that and he has one last chance against Reigns. He said that when Lesnar is cornered, he is at his most dangerous. Heyman said that Lesnar beat the Rock for the title at twenty-four years old. He said that Lesnar beat the streak against the Undertaker. Heyman then said that Lesnar will be a footnote, or he’ll be the one that ends it all. Heyman said he’s scared because they’re going to have to see Reigns go savage and beat down Lesnar. Heyman said that Reigns is going to have to show up at Summerslam and be the most violent, diabolical version of himself he can be so that he can defeat Lesnar. Reigns stood stoically. Heyman bowed to him.
-Theory’s music played and he ran down to the ring, then ran around the ring and back up the ramp. Reigns looked on quizzically.
(McDonald’s Analysis: Every aspiring wrestler, manager, announcer, and writer should watch Paul Heyman and take notes. That’s how you make a match feel important. No one else does it as effectively in today’s wrestling world. He was phenomenal here and added weight to a match that felt redundant at this point. Reigns was great here, as usual. He came off as cool, confident, and most importantly, a huge star. Theory’s pair of teases were interesting for what they were. They made sense for his character, so at least that was consistent.)
-Cole and Graves were at ringside. Cole threw to a video package on the new, vicious, Viking Raiders. After the video, their music played and the Viking Raiders made their entrance. Graves said that he’s happy he’s on Raw and far away from the Viking Raiders. They showed a graphic for the Viking Raiders against Jinder Mahal and Shanky. Cole hyped the match for after the break. [c]
-Mahal and Shanky made their entrance.
(1) VIKING RAIDERS (Erik & Ivar) vs. JINDER MAHAL & SHANKY
Ivar stared down Shanky. Mahal tagged himself in. Ivar went on the attack right away. He took Mahal to the corner and tagged in Erik. They double teamed Mahal, then Erik put Mahal in an armbar. Mahal kicked Erik and went to tag Shanky, but Shanky was on the floor, dancing. Shanky jumped on the apron, but he was knocked off. The Raiders hit a double team move and pinned Mahal for the win.
WINNER: The Viking Raiders (Erik & Ivar) in 1:00
-The Viking Raiders beat down Mahal. The New Day’s music played and they appeared at the top of the stage. Kofi Kingston said that the Raiders kicked their butts the last two weeks, but their butts are still here. Xavier Woods said the beatings weren’t sanctioned, so they didn’t count. Woods said they found sanctioned, ass beating tickets. They showed a pair of stickers that said “ass beating” on them. The New Day then stormed the ring and went after the Raiders. The Viking Raiders immediately took them down. Ivar hit a slam on Kingston from the middle rope. The Viking Raiders stepped over the New Day’s bodies and exited the ring. Cole said that they dominated again.
(McDonald’s Analysis: What a waste of time all that was. The Raiders dominate two teams, one of them being the New Day, again. What’s the end game here? Don’t the New Day have to get some comeuppance at some point? And once they do, and beat the Viking Raiders, where do we go from there? There’s no good that comes from this on either side as one of the two teams will be defined down. WWE desperately needs more babyface teams on Smackdown to help remedy this issue.)
-Cole and Graves sat ringside. Cole said that McAfee isn’t on the show tonight, and then threw to a video from after Money in the Bank went off the air. The video showed McAfee being beat down by Happy Corbin. Corbin also accepted McAfee’s challenge for Summerslam. They then showed the graphic for the match. Cole hyped the match. Corbin appeared at the commentary table. He said that he’s taking over for McAfee. Cole said that McAfee is playing golf today, and will be back next week. Cole also mentioned the new contract McAfee signed.
-Gunther made his entrance with Ludwig Kaiser in tow. Cole said that Gunther may be holding an Intercontinental title open challenge. Graves said that no one would be dumb enough to step up. [c]
-They showed a graphic for Sheamus and McIntyre later tonight. Graves hyped the match and said the winner will face Reigns at Clash at the Castle.
-Kaiser took the mic. He said that there isn’t a competitor worthy of standing in the ring with Gunther, much less competing with him. He said that the people in attendance aren’t worthy of watching Gunther compete. Kaiser then said he knows that it’s customary for IC champions to defend against anyone in an open challenge. Gunther then took the mic and said that any champion who defends his title without preparing is a fool. He said someone needs to earn the opportunity to face Gunther.
(McDonald’s Analysis: I get the whole fighting champion thing, but Gunther has a point. Who would be dumb enough to face a guy they didn’t prepare for?)
-Shinsuke Nakamura’s music hit. Corbin freaked out and danced on the announce table to mock McAfee. Graves joined him and they played air guitar on the announce table. Nakamura entered the ring. Kaiser looked confused. Nakamura took the mic and stood face to face with Gunther. Nakamura said that Gunther doesn’t want to accept him. He said Gunther can keep his title for now, then he challenged Kaiser. Kaiser accepted.
(2) LUDWIG KAISER (w/ Gunther) vs. SHINSUKE NAKAMURA
They locked up, but Nakamura took Kaiser to the corner, then hit his sliding German suplex. Nakamura rolled out of the ring and went face to face with Gunther. Nakamura got back in the ring, but Kaiser attacked him and threw him to the floor. Gunther stood over Nakamura as they cut to break. [c]
Nakamura fought up from an arm bar. Nakamura came off the ropes and hit Kaiser with a big kick. Nakamura hit a knee to the gut of Kaiser then took him down with an axe kick. Kaiser rose to his knees and Nakamura hit him with a series of kicks and ended with a kick to the face. Nakamura propped Kaiser up in the corner and kicked him in the gut. Nakamura covered Kaiser for a near fall. Kaiser took over and hit a beautiful butterfly suplex on Nakamura. Kaiser went for a running kick, but Nakamura moved and took Kaiser down. Nakamura then hit the Kinshasa for the win.
WINNER: Shinsuke Nakamura in 5:00
-Kaiser laid on the mat and Gunther entered the ring. Gunther yelled at Kaiser in German. Kaiser looked up at Gunther, upset. He rose to his feet. Gunther chopped Kaiser’s chest, hard. Gunther chopped Kaiser again and Kaiser collapsed. The crowd chanted “one more time” as Gunther told Kaiser to get up. Gunther chopped Kaiser again and Kaiser crumpled. Cole asked what kind of a man Gunther was. Graves said Gunther was sending a message.
(McDonald’s Analysis: This took a weird turn. I actually expected Kaiser to win as I thought they would protect him for a while. I assumed when he lost it would just set up Nakamura as the challenger for Gunther at Summerslam. That still may be the case, but this new wrinkle is definitely interesting. I hope they don’t do this too often. Kaiser being subservient to Gunther as opposed to being the one who can wrangle Gunther is a different take on the situation, though. I’m interested to see where this goes, I just hope it wasn’t too soon.)
-Cole and Graves were at ringside. Cole smiled as he said “the underdog won the ultimate prize”. They then played a video recap of Ronda Rousey’s win over Natalya, followed by Liv Morgan’s cash in at Money in the Bank. They also showed highlights of the Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder match.
(McDonald’s Analysis: Really well done video package, even if it was small. I like the difference in tone between this one and the one that featured Theory earlier on. It’s a subtle thing, but I’m glad WWE paid enough attention to handle it that way.)
-Liv Morgan’s music played and she made her entrance. Graves said congratulations to Morgan, but now is when the hard work begins. Morgan posed with the title as Cole hyped her segment for after the break. [c]
-They returned with post card shots of Fort Worth, Texas. Afterwards, they hyped the Sheamus and McIntyre main event again. Graves hyped the stakes yet again. He threw to Cole, who was in the ring with Liv Morgan.
[HOUR TWO]
-Cole introduced Morgan. Morgan said thank you. Cole paused and the crowd chanted “you deserve it”. Cole agreed, then said Morgan climbed the ladder, then cashed in two hours later to win the title. He said that before Morgan gets too excited, Rousey had suffered a knee injury against Natalya. Cole said that Rousey will want a rematch, maybe as early as Summerslam. Morgan said that Rousey can bring it. She said that the title is a culmination of years of hard work. She said she’ll do whatever it takes to stay there. Morgan said that no one wants the title more than her. Cole then recapped Morgan’s ten year journey to the title. He said Morgan wears her heart on her sleeve and has faced many setbacks. He asked Morgan what it meant to her to be champion. Morgan said it meant everything to her and she dreamed of it her whole life. She said she thought she would never get here, but here she is. She then said never give up.
-Natalya’s music played and she made her entrance. Natalya said she dreams of when Morgan will finally shut up. Natalya said that Morgan is only champion because of her. She said that the dream is going to be over after Summerslam and Morgan only won the title because Natalya injured her. Natalya then said she enjoyed seeing Rousey lose the title to Morgan.
-Rousey’s music played and she made her entrance. Rousey sold a knee injury on her way to the ring as she slapped hands with fans. Rousey congratulated Morgan. She then said that challenging the title is a lot easier than defending it. Rousey then turned to Natalya and asked her if she heard her correctly. Rousey awkwardly asked the crowd if they want to see her beat up Natalya. The crowd cheered, but Natalya attacked Rousey and took her down. Morgan grabbed Natalya and tossed her over the top rope to the floor. Natalya backed away up the ramp. Morgan posed with the title in the ring.
(McDonald’s Analysis: Everything about that was awkward. It’s saying something when Natalya is the best talker in a segment. I admit, I’m not the biggest Morgan fan, but I hope she seizes this opportunity and becomes a big star. Promos like this aren’t going to help her cause. Rousey, was even worse. Did she forget where they were? Was the credit line on purpose? This segment didn’t do anything to help anyone. The good news for Morgan is that Rousey won’t outshine her with a microphone. The bad news is, I don’t know who’s going to do the talking for the feud. I pray it doesn’t turn into a battle of who can be more awkward, because this felt like the start of that.)
-Rousey’s music played in the arena. Her and Natalya were in the ring. Graves said the match was made official during the break.
(3) NATALYA vs. RONDA ROUSEY
Rousey attacked Natalya’s knee. Rousey limped as she backed away from Natalya. Natalya rolled to the outside and Rousey followed her. Rousey slammed Natalya’s knee on the apron, and Natalya rolled away to the other side and retreated up the ramp. Rousey kicked at the back of Natalya’s leg, then lifted her on her shoulders and dropped her on the apron. Rousey put Natalya in an ankle lock on the apron. Natalya rolled into the ring and Rousey went for another ankle lock but Natalya fought up. Rousey slammed Natalya, then put her in another ankle lock. Rousey laid down and wrapped her legs around Natalya. Natalya tapped out.
WINNER: Ronda Rousey in 2:00
(McDonald’s Analysis: So Natalya went toe to toe with a healthy Rousey at MITB, but got squashed in two minutes by an injured Rousey here? WWE logic at its finest. Just a defining back down of Natalya here. I guess they’ll explain it away with Rousey’s “anger” or something.)
-Megan Morant was in the back. She welcomed Drew McIntyre. She said that McIntyre has a chance to earn a title match, and only Sheamus and the Brutes stand in his way. McIntyre said that Clash at the Castle is going to be huge and he’s coming after whoever champion after Summerslam. McIntyre said everything is bigger in Texas. He said that he knows all about the Brutes and he said they have three. McIntyre said he has the deadliest three himself. He then counted down and said boom. Cole let us know he meant the Claymore.
-They showed the ring attendants setting up the stage for the Maximum Male Models. Graves and Cole hyped the segment. [c]
-The lights were out in the arena. Max Dupri appeared in the ring under a spotlight. He said last week’s debut was a success. He then said they will present the 2022 tennis collection. He said this man’s looks will serve you inner needs and desires, Mace. Mace appeared in full tennis attire and did a series of poses. Dupri said that Maximum Male Models is all about fashion and athleticism. Dupri marveled over the measurements and body of Mace. Dupri then introduced a man who oozes appeal and the essence of game, set, and match, Mansoor. Mansoor appeared in tennis gear of his own and struck a few poses. Dupri put over Mansoor’s muscular arms and chest. Dupri said that only the most penetrating look can be represented by his models. He said if anyone thinks they have what it takes, submit your fully body photos to their website. He said if you don’t have the same qualities as Mace and Mansoor, don’t bother. Mace and Mansoor reappeared and posed. Dupri dropped the titillate your guilty pleasures line again.
(McDonald’s Analysis: I don’t know how many times they’re going to do this, but I don’t hate it. I want to see how it translates in the ring and in an actual match setting but I go all in on it though.)
-Cole threw to a video recap of the beginning of the show. It showed Reigns in the ring and Theory’s appearance and run around the ring.
-Kayla Braxton was in the back. She welcomed Theory. She asked Theory what message he was trying to send to Reigns earlier. Theory said he wanted to show that he’s always around. He said he wants to cash in on Lesnar after how Lesnar treated him, but he wouldn’t mind cashing in on Reigns after he saw how arrogant he was. Theory then said he knows everyone doesn’t like him. He said he’s going to beat Lashley for the U.S. title, then he’s going to cash in after Last Man Standing at Summerslam. Theory walked off. Madcap Moss appeared, he said it’s a big briefcase, but he thinks he can fit all of it in Theory’s mouth and he can’t wait to try.
-Aliyah made her entrance. Cole hyped a tag team match for after the break. [c]
-Aliyah stood in the ring, and Evans made her entrance. Graves mentioned a less than thrilling response. Evans walked back behind the curtain then re-emerged and got a larger response. Graves said the crowd needs to put respect on Evans’ name. The music stopped, then she went to the back again. Graves and Cole questioned Evans’ actions. Evans emerged a third time. Halfway down the ramp, the crowd started to boo. The music cut off before Evans entered the ring. She took a mic from ringside. She started to speak. The crowd booed. She said she was disgusted by the crowd. She questioned the response from the crowd. She asked if the crowd knew who she was and what she had been through. Evans said she knows they know, because she told them. She questioned why she did it, when they gave her no reaction. She said they look at a woman like her and feel about themselves because they know they can’t go through the same struggles she has. Evans said she should get a standing ovation when she makes her entrance. She asked if the crowd was too weighed down by the pork and brisket to stand up. She said that’s what it looks like. Evans called the crowd disgusting. A “you suck” chant broke out. She called herself an American hero. Evans said that until she gets the respect she deserves, the crowd can go to hell. Evans went to leave and Aliyah tried to stop her. Evans hit Aliyah with the Woman’s Right and took her down.
(McDonald’s Analysis: Well, that didn’t take long. Evans is better as a heel. This promo actually wasn’t bad. The coming back out thing was interesting. I haven’t seen that before, or at least for a long time. It’s different and it is annoying, so maybe it will work to get her some heat. With Morgan now on the show as a babyface champion, she will need some heels to face, so this makes sense. Evans could be a good B-level PLE opponent for Morgan down the road. Or Rousey, if they decide to go back to her.)
-They hyped the main event between McIntyre and Sheamus again.
-The Usos’ music played and they made their entrance. Cole threw to a video recap of the Usos’ match against the Street Profits at Money in the Bank. Cole and Graves discussed the controversy at the end of the match. Graves said they will detail it after the break. He hyped the Usos against Los Lotharios. [c]
(4) THE USOS (Jey & Jimmy) vs. LOS LOTHARIOS (Angel Garza & Humbero Carrillo)
Jimmy and Carrillo were in the ring as the match began during the break. Garza tagged in and they double teamed Jimmy. Jey tried to intervene but Lotharios double teamed them also. Garza tossed his pants at Jimmy. Carrillo and Jimmy squared off again in the ring but Jey tagged in and hit a Samoan Drop on Carrillo. Jimmy superkicked Garza on the apron. Jey got a near fall in the ring. Jimmy took out Garza with a superkick on the outside. Jey hit a superkick on Carrillo then tagged in Jimmy. The Usos hit the One and Done for the win.
WINNER: The Usos (Jey & Jimmy) in 3:00
-Kayla entered the ring. She questioned the Usos win at Money in the Bank, then threw to a video replay of the finish. The video showed Montez Ford’s shoulder off the mat. Kayla said they got away with cheating. Jey asked if it looked like they needed to cheat. Jimmy said if pinning the Profits is cheating, then they cheated. Jimmy said it’s on the ref, not the Usos. Kayla said there will be a special guest ref for the rematch at Summerslam. Jey said that he has a ref in mind. Jey said as long as they can count to three, it doesn’t matter. The Usos said the Profits are the twos, and they are the ones.
(McDonald’s Analysis: I don’t like that the match started during the break, but considering what time it is, it seems like they are about against it tonight, time wise. Match never had a chance to be anything and the heel versus heel dynamic is weird. The Usos’ promo was solid. They actually have a point, it was the ref’s mistake, not theirs. They didn’t technically do anything wrong, so I don’t know why Kayla was told to say they cheated. Any guesses on the special guest ref? Mick Foley? Solo Sikoa would be a fun twist.)
-McIntyre’s music played and he made his entrance. Graves hyped the main event again as the graphic was shown. [c]
-Cole and Graves hyped next week’s Smackdown, including Theory against Madcap Moss.
-Sheamus made his entrance with Butch and Ridge Holland in tow. Sheamus took the mic. He said their match is big as the winner will go on to Clash at the Castle. Sheamus said he has McIntyre’s number. Sheamus started to cough. He said he can’t wrestle until he gets a Covid test. He said not to worry, though, Butch is going to wrestle McIntyre instead.
(5) DREW McINTYRE vs. BUTCH (w/ Sheamus & Ridge Holland)
Butch ran at McIntyre but McIntyre hit him with a belly to belly throw. Butch recovered and hit a knee of the middle rope, then locked McIntyre in an armbar. McIntyre fought him off and hit a Glasgow’s Kiss followed by another throw. Holland jumped up on the apron and McIntyre knocked him down. Butch capitalized and went to the top rope but McIntyre caught him. McIntyre hit a neckbreaker followed by a Claymore for the win.
WINNER: Drew McIntyre in 2:00
-Holland hit the ring and McIntyre hit him with a Future Shock DDT. Sheamus checked on Butch at ringside. Cole said we still don’t know who will challenge at Clash at the Castle. Sheamus got on the apron. McIntyre pointed the sword at him. McIntyre swung the sword at Sheamus, who jumped off the apron. The sword sliced the top rope, then McIntyre’s promo went off. McIntyre’s sword was bent after cutting the rope. The Brawling Brutes retreated up the ramp as McIntyre posed in the ring with his bent sword.
(McDonald’s Analysis: What a bait and switch that was. They advertised this match like six or seven times throughout the night, and they gave us, this. Really disappointing. I hope this means McIntyre is going to lose the sword now. It makes me feel a little bit better knowing it probably couldn’t hurt anyone if it bends that easy after hitting the rope. I assumed something was up when I saw what time it was. Also, no way WWE decides the next challenger a full two months ahead of time with all of the TV they have to fill. I assume we’ll get this match with the proper stipulation eventually, but probably not until Summerslam.)
FINAL THOUGHTS: Well, this show started off great, and really ended on a sour note. With the announced main event and the excellent opening segment, I thought we were going to get a really solid bookended show. Instead, the show just never got back to the level it started on. With that said, there was some good here. The Gunther and Kaiser segment was interesting and introduced a new dynamic between the two. I really hope they didn’t go to this too soon, but we won’t know until we see it play out. I really hope it doesn’t become a regular thing, but I wouldn’t mind it when Kaiser does lose. I just don’t want Kaiser to be defined as a loser. The Women’s Division has a new face in Liv Morgan and her run on Smackdown got off to a little bit of a rough start. There’s still plenty of time to recover, however. WWE also set up another possible challenger for Morgan in Lacey Evans. It’s not the best option, but they’re trying something, and setting up a new heel on the brand shows that they are committed to a babyface champion, whether that remains Morgan or ends up being Rousey again. The Viking Raiders destroyed the New Day again, with no end anywhere in sight. WWE needs to be careful here. New Day is the only face team on Smackdown. They have to retain some credibility of some kind. Well, what they have left anyway. It all poses the question as to what’s next for the Raiders after this? Is WWE showing their hand for a Profits title run and feud against the Raiders? Or are we just going to get Usos and Raiders anyway? Not a terrible episode, but it definitely got a boost from the appearance of Reigns and Heyman. I don’t know what this show would be without that opening twenty minutes. Luckily, Summerslam is three weeks away, so Lesnar and Reigns should be more present in order to build their match. For Smackdown fans, that’s a good thing.
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