Smackdown June 23rd 2016

Smackdown

This weeks Smackdown opened with a small video package from Raw highlighting the confrontation and everything that went down between Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and the World Heavyweight Champion Dean Ambrose. What does this mean for the main event of Battleground? Hopefully we'll find out soon.

Seth Rollins Promo

Seth Rollins came out and discussed how it's unfair that he went through 7 months of recovery and he's worked the hardest out of everyone and after fighting the match of his life he still doesn't have the championship. He then went on to say that at Battleground he will prove that he was, is, and always will be the best member of the Shield, which I fully agree with.

Then, in an attempt to prove that he was more of a man than Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose, he issued an open challenge. The one to accept his challenge was Sami Zayn. After a rather pointless segment where Ambrose came out and did the Ambrose Asylum with the two, the main event of Smackdown was set. Sami Zayn vs Seth Rollins.

Cesaro defeats Alberto Del Rio

There wasn't much to this match except a semi botched back stabber where Cesaro jumped too late. Other than that unless this match is foreshadowing a rivalry between the two, which I wouldn't mind seeing, it was quite uneventful. However I don't expect to see a rivalry between Cesaro and Alberto Del Rio.

Sheamus defeats Apollo Crews in a Money in the Bank Rematch

At Money in the Bank Apollo Crews beat Sheamus via a roll up. On Smackdown Sheamus beat Apollo by giving him a brogue kick to the back and knocking him in to the steel steps. Apollo Crews didn't get back in to the ring in time and Sheamus won by count out. Unfortunately I think this means this rivalry will continue. It's boring and has no purpose, give them a real purpose to make the rivalry more interesting.

AJ Styles defeats Jimmy Uso

After a backstage segment between The Usos and The Club, Jimmy Uso challenged AJ Styles to a one on one match. During the match, Jey Uso was at ringside and got attacked by both Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson. Jimmy got distracted trying to save his brother which lead to Styles hitting him with the Phenomenal Forearm for the victory. It was a good match it's just too bad the Cena vs Styles rivalry didn't progress.

The New Day defeats The Vaudevillains

To me it kind of seemed like we'd seen this match way too many times. Whatever that's fine, because after The New Day's victory The Wyatt Family appeared on the Titantron. Bray Wyatt, flanked by Erick Rowan and Braun Strowman, told The New Day that they made a painful mistake interrupting their return. He added "and the thing about pain is it demands to be felt." He ended his promo by saying that no matter what "New...Day falls." I'd like to see the Wyatt Family win this rivalry to be honest since they've been away for so long. Side note: Where's Luke Harper?

Dana Brooke defeats Becky Lynch

After a distraction from Charlotte, Dana Brooke botched the roll up but nonetheless picked up the win over Becky Lynch. After the match Dana continued a beat down but when Becky threw her out of the ring, Charlotte attacked from behind who then threw Becky out the ring. Then Sasha Banks came out, yes!! She attempted to attack Charlotte who retreated, and instead Sasha applied the Bank Statement on Dana Brooke whilst looking in to the eyes of Charlotte. This gets me excited to see Sasha chase for the belt and hopefully win it at Battleground or even better, Summerslam.

Seth Rollins defeats Sami Zayn

After rolling back in to the ring when the fight spilled outside, Rollins quickly set up and hit Sami with the Pedigree pinning him 123. After the match a brawl ensued between Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose who was watching the match from ringside. It ended in the ring where Seth Rollins narrowly escaped Dirty Deeds from Dean Ambrose.

Star of the Night: Triple Threat is still on...for now

In between Seth Rollins' and Sami Zayn's entrances during the main event, they promoted The Shield triple threat match; Seth Rollins vs Roman Reigns vs Dean Ambrose. Now I know Smackdown is pre recorded on Tuesday but this may mean we could still get the match, despite Roman's suspension.

WWE is certainly making Battleground look like it will be a good pay per view so far, apart from Apollo Crews vs Sheamus,

which I'm sure will be on the Battleground card.

Until next time,

Devon Wizard