SmackDown was from Nashville, TN, tonight, and we were shown the matches that we were promised and additional intrigue from WWE superstars heading into Bad Blood. The gimmick matches were intertwined throughout the episode and provided great action. Words, however, may have stolen the show.
AJ Styles on SmackDown!
The Phenomenal One made a triumphant return to kick off SmackDown tonight to a roaring Nashville crowd. AJ, always great on the mic, was just starting his promo in the ring and was abruptly interrupted by Carmelo Hayes. Hayes cannot resist trying to steal the spotlight. Hayes started jawing at Styles, and now we have LA Knight.
Knight went on to say in his colorful manner that he would give the winner of AJ Styles versus Carmelo Hayes a shot at the US Title next week. Once the match started, it was easy to see that Styles and Hayes had chemistry in the squared circle. The action was phenomenal until Styles hurt his leg and this allowed Hayes to capitalize and get the win. Later on, Nick Aldis told Carmelo that they would discuss the match next week.
Women of Words
Bayley wanted to call out Jax in the ring before Bad Blood, and she did just that. When Jax came out, she was accompanied by Tiffany Stratton, as usual. Bayley gave Jax props in the ring; however, civility eventually broke down, and fisticuffs ensued. While down, there was an extended tease from Tiffy Time about a cash-in on Jax. The WWE is slowly building tension, and something is up with Stratton. She is plotting to take the WWE Women’s championship off of Jax.
Triple Threat Ladder Madness
Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa could barely retain the titles in this ladder match. Both DIY and The Street Profits targeted them early on to try to take them out of this match and reduce the odds. The action was a little slow early on for a ladder match, possibly due to the match being on television and pacing with commercial breaks. This is the first triple-threat ladder match on SmackDown.
Returning from the commercial, though, the action was dialed to eleven and there were several spots where all six men were on the ladders trying to get the prize at the same time. High-flying dives onto piles of men and ladders as weapons were also employed viciously. A late pop when Montez Ford got a table from under the ring, which later would see him hit a huge splash onto Tonga Loa through that same table.
Each team hit a modified version of their finisher, although from much higher heights. All the take-flight moves were amplified and destruction and bodies were everywhere in this match. Tonga Loa could slowly climb the ladder after The Street Profits and DIY had taken each other out for the victory. Loa was just able to unclasp the carabiner and secure the belts.
Additional Highlights
Jade Cargill, Bianca Belair, and Naomi: In a quick backstage vignette, the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions announced that they, along with Naomi, will be hosting Bad Blood tomorrow night.
Naomi vs Tiffany Stratton: Naomi and Tiffany Stratton were pre-scheduled for this match, and the match itself was nothing special. The two traded roll-up-type pinning maneuvers after some wicked-looking dropkicks. Naomi was able to reverse Tiffy’s pin attempt to get the quick win.
Chelsea Green vs Michin – Dumpster Match: Chelsea Green and Michin put on a great performance and utilized weapons and trash cans throughout this match. A great spot featured Michin jumping off the top rope onto Chelsea Green, who was stuffed inside a garbage can. The can crumpled around her, and she was defeated enough to move toward the dumpster. A final spot of putting Green through the table that was inside the dumpster led to Michin being able to close the lid and get the win.
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