WWE Smackdown Results
April 3, 2018
Nashville, Tennessee
Commentary: Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Corey Graves
Results by: Roy Nemer of Wrestleview.com
Smackdown Live kicks off and it’s the go home show before Wrestlemania this Sunday!
Daniel Bryan’s music hits and the crowd automatically goes for the “YES!” chants! Daniel Bryan introduces Shane McMahon and “Here comes the money” plays as the Smackdown commissioner makes his way down to the ring.
Shane says he wants to correct Daniel for what he said last week. He says Daniel is a role model and that he’s fought to come back for what he believes in which is being able to compete in the ring. He congratulates Daniel for his return.
Shane says he’s been hospitalized but he is now medically cleared. Daniel says there’s one thing he feels like he needs to address as a man. That is over the past 6 months he has made a lot of mistakes, especially when it comes to Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens. He allowed his friendship with them to lead him in directions it should never have gone to despite the fact that Shane warned him. He says Shane was right all along and he apologizes.
Shane says he wants to correct Daniel for what he said last week. He says Daniel is a role model and that he’s fought to come back for what he believes in which is being able to compete in the ring. He congratulates Daniel for his return.
Shane says he’s been hospitalized but he is now medically cleared. Daniel says there’s one thing he feels like he needs to address as a man. That is over the past 6 months he has made a lot of mistakes, especially when it comes to Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens. He allowed his friendship with them to lead him in directions it should never have gone to despite the fact that Shane warned him. He says Shane was right all along and he apologizes.
Shane says he was a bit stuboorn as well the past 6 months. Daniel jokes that a McMahon, stubborn? No! Bryan says when a tag team or partners have their differences, there’s only one way to resolve it. The fans start chanting “hug it out” as Daniel opens his arm. Shane says he’s been hot headed and he apologizes and extends his hand for a handshake. Daniel says wait a second, we just shook hands and that Nashville doesn’t want to see a shake of hands. Bryan asks if they want to see them hug it out and a loud “YES!” chant from them. Shane says he’s not much of a hugger but he appreciates it. Another “Hug it out” chant from the crowd. Both of them hug as the fans cheer. Shane says the hug worked and they are on the same page now. Daniel says they will get their payback for everything Sami and Kevin did. Daniel’s music hits as the two hug again.
Charlotte Flair’s music hits as she makes her way down to the ring.
I liked the opening segment of #SDLive. Shane and more specifically Daniel Bryan know how to work the crowd and get them hyped for the night. Although the whole "we are finally on the same page" gives me the idea that one is turning on the other at #WrestleMania.
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) April 4, 2018
-Commercial Break-
Charlotte Flair vs. Natalya
We come back from commercial break and a headlock takedown from Charlotte and both women get back up. A snap suplex by Natalya. A headlock takedown of her own from Natalya. Charlotte gets her up and throws her to the ropes as both women go for a shoulder to shoulder. A takedown from Charlotte and a quick two count.
Charlotte throws Natalya in the corner and begins to stomp on her. A scissor headlock by Charlotte on Natalya.
We come back from commercial break and a headlock takedown from Charlotte and both women get back up. A snap suplex by Natalya. A headlock takedown of her own from Natalya. Charlotte gets her up and throws her to the ropes as both women go for a shoulder to shoulder. A takedown from Charlotte and a quick two count.
Charlotte throws Natalya in the corner and begins to stomp on her. A scissor headlock by Charlotte on Natalya. Natalya slides to the outside of the ring as Charlotte goes for a baseball slide but misses. Natalya sends Charlotte to the post on the outside of the ring.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from commercial break and both women in the ring as Charlotte applies an abdominal stretch. Natalya elbows Charlotte’s knee and gets out of it. She sends Charlotte to the turnbuckle as she rolls ontop of the rope onto the apron and takes Natalya down. She goes on the top rope but Natalya throws her down on to the ring. She goes for the cover but a 2 count as Charlotte kicks out.
Charlotte with a few chops to the chest as the crowd does a “WOO” after every chop. Charlotte takes Natalya down and goes to the top rope. Charlotte goes for a moonsault but Natalya gets the knees up and reverses it. Both women go for a double clothesline.
Carmella’s music hits as she comes down to the ring with a referee. The referee’s are talking and as she’s handing the briefcase to the referee, Charlotte kicks the briefcase out of her hands. A boot to the face by Charlotte to Carmella, Natalya goes for a quick cover on Charlotte as she kicks out. She takes Natalya out and does the Figure 8 and Natalya taps out.
Winner: Charlotte Flair
Asuka’s music hits and the 2018 WWE Women’s Royal Rumble winner walks down the stage and into the ring. Asuka says at Wrestlemania, the queen will bow down to the empress because no one is ready… Charlotte snatches the microphone from her hand. Charlotte says she is ready but is Asuka ready? Both women look at the Wrestlemania sign and then stare down each other.
A choppy (even a botch) to the beginning of the Charlotte and Natalya match. However it picked up after the commercial break. I'm liking the constant tease of having Carmella cash in her Money in the Bank. Charlotte and Asuka could be match of the night candidate at #WrestleMania
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) April 4, 2018
Loved when Saxton said this is the last time Asuka and Charlotte will be in the ring before #WrestleMania but then had Corey Graves insult him and correct him saying they will be in the Mixed Match Challenge later tonight. Graves can be a great heel commentator at times.
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) April 4, 2018
They air an AJ Styles interview from earlier during the day where he discusses last week’s WWE Smackdown Live. He says last week Nakamura made AJ seem like a dog but this dog bites. He says AJ’s emotions aren’t his weakness, they are his strength. He says Nakamura’s weakness is he takes him too lightly. It’s Wrestlemania and he’s the WWE champion, it’s a dream match. And that this isn’t a dream, it’s a reality. And the reality is that he will defeat Nakamura.
Has to be said, the build for the #WWE title match between Nakamura and Styles has been dull (for me, anyways). I haven't enjoyed it much and wonder (promo wise) how much they can do with Nakamura as champion. Still, another potential show stealer at #WrestleMania.
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) April 4, 2018
AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin later tonight.
-Commercial Break-
A video package airs in regards to the tag team match involving Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan vs. Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens.
Bobby Roode’s music hits and he’ll be doing commentary for Rusev vs. Jinder Mahal.
-Commercial Break-
Rusev vs. Jinder Mahal
A loud “RUSEV DAY” chant as soon as Aiden English shows up. He introduces Rusev to the ring with Mahal already in the ring. The bell rings and Rusev quickly looking for the Accolade but Mahal rolls out of the ring.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from commercial break and Rusev sends Mahal to the ropes as Mahal delivers a knee to the face. He goes for the cover but a two count kick out by Rusev. Mahal choking Rusev with the side of his foot. A neck breaker by Mahal. He goes for another cover but another kick out by Rusev. A forearm to the back of the head by Mahal.
He throws Rusev into the corner and a snapmare takedown by Mahal. A loud “RUSEV DAY” chant by the crowd and Rusev starts fighting back. Mahal with another snapmare takedown. Rusev gets out of it and sends Mahal to the ropes. He delivers a running wheel kick and takes Mahal out. He gets ready for the Accolade but Mahal quickly grabs the ropes to get out of it.
A kick to the face by Mahal to Rusev. Mahal picks Rusev up but Rusev pushes him off and a knee to the gut by Rusev. A kick to the side of the face onto Mahal takes him down. Both men exchange blows and the Machka kick by Rusev. He goes for the cover and gets the 3 count!
Winner: Rusev
As Rusev is celebrating, Randy Orton with an RKO out of no where! Aiden English then attacks Orton from behind. He climbs the top rope waiting for Orton to get up. Bobby Roode pushes Aiden off the ropes and Randy Orton with an RKO. Both he and Roode stand in the ring as Roode picks up the United States title. He hands it over to Orton but holds it tightly before letting it go. Both men look at the Wrestlemania sign hanging in the arena as Orton’s music hits.
I can't be the only one looking forward to Rusev's #WrestleMania entrance!
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) April 4, 2018
Not a bad match at all by Rusev and Mahal, I enjoyed that one. Would very much like to see Rusev given the U.S title while he's red hot with the crowd but I think Roode gets the win. Also, I can't believe #WrestleMania lands on #RusevDay this year!
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) April 4, 2018
They air a backstage interview with Nakamura. He says AJ thinks Nakamura is playing games? He is right because he takes this game very seriously. He’s proved it his entire life. He doesn’t take AJ Styles lightly. He knows Styles very well and he knows AJ Styles is very emotional. And that he will become WWE champion with the knee to the face.
-Commercial Break-
Backstage we have The New Day promoting Wrestlemania on the WWE Network and how it’s free for first time subscribers. Woods ask Big E for his phone. Big E grabs a pancake, a box of cereal and then gives him his phone. Woods says he can stream Wrestlemania on any device.
They get interrupted by The Usos. They say it’s free to new subscribers but The New Day and Bludgeon Brothers will have a price to pay. The Bludgeon Brothers walk up behind them as The New Day and the Usos leave the scene.
Baron Corbin is on his way to the ring.
Zack Ryder, Fandango, Dillinger and Tyler Breeze vs. Dolpg Ziggler, Mojo Rawley, Baron Corbin and Primo
Mojo starts the match against Zack Ryder. Both men exchange blows as Mojo throws Zack into the turnbuckle. Ryder pushes him off, gets on the top rope and a flying dropkick. He throws Zack into his corner as all 8 competitors get in the ring.
-Commercial Break-
Fandango and Primo are the legal men. Fandango takes Primo down with a suplex. He goes for the cover but Ziggler breaks it up. Zack Ryder takes Ziggler out. Primo tags Corbin in and he goes after Fandango but Fandango pulls the ropes down and goes over the top rope. Ryder takes Mojo out. Dillinger throws Ryder and out. Ziggler takes Dillinger out and a super kick by Tyler Breeze onto Ziggler. Corbin picks Breeze and throws him out of the ring. He turns around and delivers The End of Days on Fandango for the 3 count win.
Winners: Dolph Ziggler, Mojo Rawley, Baron Corbin and Primo
A short, fun 8 man tag match. Made to hype up The Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. No idea who wins that match and honestly don't care at all. Historically, the winner hasn't gotten much (Corbin won Money in the Bank but if we are honest, he hasn't done anything lately).
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) April 4, 2018
Up next is AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin.
-Commercial Break-
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn show up and stand on top of the announce table. Owens says this is still the Sami and Kevin show and Wrestlemania will still be the Sami and Kevin show. Sami says they saw Shane and Daniel’s apology session. They say they apologize for Daniel’s wife and daughter because of what they will do to Daniel Bryan at Wrestlemania. Sami says their dream is to fight them. Owens says that will be their Wrestlemania moment.
Shane and Daniel are shown backstage watching them. Referees are surrounding Owens and Sami, trying to get them down. As they are talking, their microphones get cut. Security escortes them out. Shane McMahon’s music hits as both Shane and Daniel Bryan make their way to the satge.
Bryan asks them to stop. Daniel says for everyone to get their camera’s on Sami and Kevin because this is history in the making. The very last time we will see Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens on Smackdown Live. Shane starts singing “Na na na na, na na na na, hey, hey, hey, goodbye” as the crowd chants along with him.
Absolutely loved that Sami and Kevin segment. Not trying to compare but it had an NWO/Outsiders feel to it. The promo delivery was spot on by both men. One of the better (if not the best) build up match for Wrestlemania.
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) April 4, 2018
AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin
Nakamura starts the match with Chad Gable. Both men reverse holds. Nakamura goes for a head kick on Gable but Gable gets out of the way. Both men grapple and an arm bar by Nakamura but Gable takes Nakamura down. Nakamura gets back up as both men are still grappling. Nakamura goes to tag AJ Styles and he taps AJ on the head. AJ gets in the ring and the two begin to argue. Meanwhile, Benjamin and Gable attack them both. Gable stomping on AJ Styles.
-Commercial Break-
Back from commercial, AJ tags Nakamura and Shelton is the legal man. Gable tags himself in. Benjamin takes Nakamura out with a knee to the head. Chad working on Nakamura’s arm with an armlock. Nakamura gets out of it and goes for hte punch but Gable ducks and a german suplex. He tags Benjamin in. Benjamin with an arm lock on Nakamura but he starts fighting back. Benjamin with an elbow to the back of the head. Some right hands by Shelton. A snapmare by Shelton and gets Nakamura in a choke hold.
Nakamura fights out of it and both men exchange right hands. A spinning kick by Shelton. He runs towards Nakamura but Nakamura reacts with a back jumping kick. Nakamura tags AG in and Shelton gets Bagle in. AJ with some right hands and kicks takes Chad down. Overhead kick by AJ onto Benjamin. AJ with a neckbreaker onto Chad. He walks up to Nakamura and stares at him. He goes for the Phenomenal Forearm while looking at Nakamura. He goes for the cover and gets the 3 count.
Winners: AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura
Styles goes to the outside and grabs his WWE title and celebrates on the outside of the ring with Nakamura on the inside. Both men trash talk as AJ walks away. Shelton attacks Nakamura from behind as Styles is watching on the outside. He gets on the ring apron as Nakamura fights off Benjamin. He turns around, AJ goes for the Phenomenal Forearm but doesn’t deliver it. Nakamura ducks as AJ stands on top of him. AJ taps Nakamura on the head the same way Nakamura tapped him on the head last week. Styles grabs his title and walks away.
Great ending to the show. Loved the chemistry between Chad and Nakamura in the ring. Fantastic ending with AJ doing the forearm while looking at Nakamura. Also, the post match only added to the (less than impressive) build up to the WWE title match.
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) April 4, 2018
Overall, not a bad show. Some good wrestling as we head into the biggest show of then year. All the storylines were pushed a little more and the #SDLive matches at #WrestleMania look promising. The little segment involving the tag teams was great.
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) April 4, 2018
What did you think of the 4/3 episode of #SDLive?
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) April 4, 2018
Quick Match Results:
* Smackdown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair def. Natalya
* Rusev def. Jinder Mahal
* Dolph Ziggler, Mojo Rawley, Baron Corbin and Primo def. Zack Ryder, Fandango, Tyler Breeze and Tye Dillinger in an eight man tag team match
* WWE Champion AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura def. Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin in a tag team main event match