WWE Smackdown Live Results
August 2, 2016
Nashville, Tennessee
Commentary: Mauro Ranallo, JBL and David Otunga
Results by: Mike Tedesco of Wrestleview.com
“Then. Now. Forever.” The WWE video leads us into the show.
We go backstage to see Randy Orton alongside Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan watching the clip of him giving Brock Lesnar an RKO last night on Monday Night RAW. McMahon says Orton jeopardized everything by putting his hands on Lesnar last night. Lesnar isn’t going to just sit down and let this go. He’d be shocked if he doesn’t try to get Orton before SummerSlam. McMahon says they need to be prepared for the repercussions and there will be repercussions for Orton personally. That being said, it was pretty awesome. Orton asks if the security is necessary, and McMahon says it is. There are a number of security guards near them. Orton says if Lesnar invades tonight, they don’t need security to protect Team Blue. It only takes one RKO to drop Brock Lesnar. Orton walks off. McMahon tells some of the security to go off with Orton and keep an eye out for Lesnar.
The Miz and Maryse walk up to McMahon and Bryan. Miz asks if they would treat Matt Damon like this. He’s their Jason Bourne. When he retained the Intercontinental Championship at Battleground and brought it Smackdown Live, did the entire roster hoist him on their shoulders like they did for Dean Ambrose? No! Miz says Bryan didn’t even sound excited to draft him. Bryan says he wasn’t excited to draft him – he was excited to draft the Intercontinental Championship to Smackdown Live. That said, it’s important so they’ll do a New Era Triple Threat Match with Baron Corbin, Apollo Crews (Bryan calls him Apollo Creed), and Kalisto. The winner will face him for the Intercontinental Championship at SummerSlam. Miz sarcastically thanks him and walks off.
Dean Ambrose walks up to them and says he’s going to address his people about the number one contender. Ambrose walks off, and Bryan says he likes that guy.
Dean Ambrose addresses his SummerSlam opponent
The Smackdown Live video plays, and we’re brought into the arena to hear Dean Ambrose’s music. The WWE Champion makes his way to the ring to a big reception from the crowd. Ambrose will face Dolph Ziggler with the WWE Championship on the line at WWE SummerSlam. Ambrose welcomes them to Smackdown Live and introduces himself. Ambrose says he got here by busting his butt day after day and year after year. He got here by beating both of his Shield brothers and becoming the number one undisputed man in this industry. Now it’s about staying on top because he likes the view from up here. He likes being captain of the blue brand. It’s about representing Smackdown Live, representing the history of this championship, and building his legacy. He’s not a one hit wonder. He’s here to stay.
That brings him to SummerSlam and Dolph Ziggler, the show-off and booty shaker. Last week on Smackdown, Ziggler beat five top superstars to earn a shot, so in the interest of live television and a possible confrontation, he wants to call out Ziggler to the ring.
Dolph Ziggler’s music hits, and he comes out to a decent reception from the crowd. Ziggler says he’s a big fan of Ambrose and they have a lot in common. Ambrose says they are nothing alike because Ziggler is all show and he’s all go. Ambrose scratched and clawed his entire life to get the title and no one will take it from him. Not at SummerSlam or ever and especially not Ziggler. Ziggler says Ambrose started at the top with The Shield and he’s here. Ziggler came in as a male cheerleader. They didn’t start on level playing fields. If you want to talk about scratching and clawing, Ziggler is the guy. Ambrose asks if he’s done feeling sorry for himself. Everything Ziggler said is true, but he wastes his time complaining. When people said Ambrose wasn’t championship material, he didn’t care. Still doesn’t. When people put road blocks in front of him, he stepped over them because he knew he would prove them wrong. Ambrose did when he became the WWE World Champion. Ziggler can’t say the same thing because he’s too worried about his image. Ziggler is too worried about his hair, tights, and what the fans think of him. Ziggler worries about stealing the show. Ziggler should worry about winning. Ambrose will tell him who he is and where he is. Ziggler is facing him for the WWE Championship at SummerSlam and he’s going to lose. Ziggler will steal the show, make the highlight reels, and do his fancy moves while they have a great match, but Ambrose will do what he does. Ambrose says he’s a winner. Ziggler can steal the show, but he’ll lose in the process.
Ziggler says he’s a kid from Cleveland that went to a WWE Live Event when he was five and said that would be him one day. He was the guy that walked onto the wrestling team at Kent State University and broke records in the hope that one day he’d get a shot at being a superstar. He’s also the guy that for the last seven years has been disrespected, undervalued, overlooked, told one day that he’s not good enough and the next that he’s too good. Does Ambrose want to know who the hell he is? He’s the man that’s going to walk into SummerSlam, burn Brooklyn to the ground, beat Ambrose’s ass, and become champion because he is that damn good. Ambrose sneers at him and just looks down at him. The crowd is starting to buzz. Ambrose simply says, “No you’re not.” Ziggler isn’t going to do any of that. It’s not a conspiracy theory or people holding him down. Ziggler’s real problem is that he isn’t as good as he thinks he is. Ambrose drops the microphone and walks off as Ziggler looks conflicted.
Bray Wyatt’s video flashes on the screen and the lights go out. When they come back on, Wyatt is holding Ziggler and drops him with Sister Abigail. Wyatt laughs as he says that Ziggler is worthless and doesn’t deserve the power of being called a champion. Wyatt tells the crowd to look at Ziggler. Do they really believe this is the next WWE Champion? Wyatt says Ziggler stole something from him, and he wants it back. Wyatt is going to offer him a challenge for tonight. Face him right here in this very ring. If Ziggler wins, he’ll prove to the people once and for all that he’s worthy of being the #1 Contender. However, if Ziggler falls, he’ll take his place at SummerSlam and will be the #1 Contender. Wyatt tells him to prove that he really is that damn good. The crowd starts a “YES” chant as Wyatt yells, “Follow the buzzards!”
AJ Styles has a message for John Cena tonight. We’ll also see the debut of American Alpha. Coming up next, we’ll see a triple threat match to determine the #1 Contender for the Intercontinental Championship with Kalisto taking on Apollo Crews and Baron Corbin.
-Commercial Break-
Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan are talking with security backstage when Dolph Ziggler walks up. McMahon tells him to not worry about Bray Wyatt’s challenge. Ziggler says he wants it. Bryan asks why he wants the match. If he loses, he’ll lose the #1 Contender spot. Ziggler has a clear path to the WWE Title. Ziggler says Ambrose and the people don’t think he deserves the shot. Ziggler says he’ll prove everyone wrong and demands the match be made right now. McMahon gives him the match.
The Miz is on commentary alongside his wife, Maryse.
#1 Contender’s Match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship
Kaliso vs. Baron Corbin vs. Apollo Crews
Charles Robinson, the best referee ever, is the official for this match. The bell rings, and Corbin punches Kalisto before punching away at Crews. Kalisto jumps on Corbin’s back, but he’s thrown off. Corbin knees Crews in the midsection before throwing Kalisto into him. Kalisto flips over Crews. Crews punches Corbin, and Kalisto joins in to knock Corbin over the top rope. Kalisto quickly rolls Crews up for a two count. Kalisto avoids a clothesline, but he gets shoulder blocked down. Crews hits the ropes, but Corbin pulls the top rope down to get him out of the ring. Kalisto then wipes Corbin out with a suicide dive.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Kalisto and Crews down in the corner with Corbin standing tall. During the commercial break, Corbin took them both out. Corbin hits them with corner clotheslines before Crews moves. Crews charges Kalisto and avalanches him. Crews charges Corbin, but Corbin big boots him down. Kalisto jumps off Crews’ back and hits Corbin with a hurricanrana that takes him out of the ring. Crews then grabs Kalisto and connects with a Samoan Drop for a near fall. The Miz really puts Crews over on commentary. Corbin hits the ring and catches Crews with the Deep Six for a near fall. Corbin argues with the referee and points at The Miz.
Corbin stomps away at Kalisto and Crews. Kalisto kicks back at him, and Crews punches him for good measure. Kalisto goes for a diving hurricanrana, but Corbin holds him up. Crews then dropkicks Corbin out of the ring. Crews then grabs Kalisto with a school boy for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Apollo Crews
Match Rating: * 1/2
Apollo Crews will take on The Miz for the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Baron Corbin attacks Kalisto from behind and punches away at him. Crews hits the ring to help, but Miz runs in and hits him with the Skull Crushing Finale. Corbin then grabs Miz and takes him out with the End of Days. Maryse is not happy after watching that. Corbin walks off.
AJ Styles has a message for John Cena later tonight. Becky Lynch will take on Eva Marie, next.
-Commercial Break-
Becky Lynch vs. Eva Marie
Before the match begins, Eva Marie signals she may have hurt her hamstring. The referee calls for a trainer to get in the ring. Becky looks very confused. The referee says Eva can’t compete and calls off the match. Becky looks flabbergasted. Eva uses the help of the trainer and the referee to walk off.
Renee Young is backstage with Carmella. Carmella says the injury looks serious, but she can spot a scam from a mile away being from New York. Eva Marie might be on Team Blue, but she doesn’t trust her. Natalya walks up and asks what Carmella is doing here. Natalya says she should be the one getting interviewed. She was saying to her uncle, Bret Hart, that the Women’s Division on Smackdown needs a winner and leader like her. Carmella says she’s the Princess of Staten Island and doesn’t need anyone’s help to get to the top. Natalya says she was the last one drafted to Smackdown Live. Carmella says they both wound up in the same spot, so Natalya should put her crazy cat lady costume on and she’ll show why she’s the most fabulous chick on the roster. Natalya says she needs a lesson in humility and snaps at her before walking off. Carmella scoffs at her.
American Alpha will debut, next.
-Commercial Break-
The Vaudevillains vs. American Alpha
Chad Gable will start against Simon Gotch. Gable applies a waistlock and takes him down before grabbing the leg. Gotch gets out and wrenches the arm. Gable twists and bridges out before taking him down with a leg scissor. Gable then applies an arm bar. Jason Jordan is tagged in, and he dropkicks Gotch down for a two count. Gotch knees him in the midsection and tags in Aiden English. They go for a double hip toss, but Jordan lands on his feet and tags in Gable. Jordan ducks a double clothesline, and Gable takes The Vaudevillains out with a diving double clothesline. American Alpha connect with stereo dropkicks and celebrate with the crowd.
The Vaudevillains soon get the best of Gable. English punches away at Gable in the corner and tags in Gotch. They chop Gable before whipping him down for a two count. Gotch applies a chin lock before uppercutting him. English tags back in, but he misses a running back elbow. Gotch charges, but Gable throws him out of the ring. Jordan is tagged in, and he punches English down twice before dropkicking him. Gotch runs in, and Jordan tosses him with a leg capture suplex. English then gets caught with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex. Jordan hits a running shoulder thrust on English. Gable is tagged in, and American Alpha executes Grand Amplitude for the win.
Winners by Pinfall: American Alpha
Match Rating: * 1/2
Coming up next, AJ Styles will deliver a message to John Cena.
-Commercial Break-
A video package recaps John Cena hosting the Teen Choice Awards.
AJ Styles delivers a message to John Cena
AJ Styles makes his way to the ring to a nice reception. Styles demands his music be shut off. He’s out here for one reason and one reason only: to talk about John Cena.
John Cena’s music hits to interrupt him. Cena makes his way to the ring to a great reception. Cena says for days Styles has been talking about how he has a message for him. Cena says he’s standing right here so he can talk. Styles says this is typical John Cena thinking everything is about him. Styles says he could do his most favorite thing to do: beat up John Cena. Cena approaches him, but Styles laughs him off. Styles says he’s figured Cena out. Before Cena rudely interrupted him, he had a message for the “Cenation.” Since Cena is out here, he needs to hear it. A light “Soccer Mom Hair” chant breaks out. Styles looks furious. Cena says he’s not going to make a minivan reference tonight.
Styles says he was going to tell the people what his problem really is with Cena. Styles has beaten Cena up and in the ring, but he’s still in the WWE. Styles doesn’t want Cena here. Cena asks what he’s trying to say. Styles knows exactly what his problem is with Cena. Cena doesn’t belong in the ring with him. The only reason he’s here is because he does his song and dance while people think he’s some noble hero. The truth is the people are weak-minded. Nashville, Tennessee is the weakest of all, which he knows all too well. The stupid idiot, delusional little kids love Cena. Who are just as delusional as the kids? The parents. The crowd is really booing him. They’re the type of parents that think their kids deserve a trophy for participating in a sport. Who are just as delusional as the kids and parents? John Cena because he actually believes what the parents and kids think is true about him. The hard truth is that you don’t get dessert before dinner, you don’t stay up late before school, you don’t get a trophy for participation – you get a trophy for being a winner! AJ Styles is a winner. AJ Styles beat John Cena. Where’s his trophy? He’s the elite and the greatest. He is “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles!
Cena says Styles is a dude that clearly has some issues he needs to work out. Styles doesn’t see all there is to see going on here. Cena has never forced the people to believe anything. When he comes out to the ring, the crowd makes up their own words to his theme song. Every time he stands in the ring, the crowd says, “Let’s go Cena,” and Styles finishes that by yelling, “Cena sucks!” A “Let’s go Cena/Cena sucks” chant fires up. Styles sneers at Cena. Styles says he is going to prove to the Cenation that Cena is no more than a fraud. Cena said the future goes through him and at Money in the Bank, Styles went through him, so why is he still here?
Cena says he’s here to shut Styles’ mouth. Styles can say anything he wants, but there comes a point where you need to be responsible for what he says. Styles just called out kids and parents for being stupid for believing in something. Then Styles asked a question that he doesn’t want to know the answer to. Cena says he’s going to make him look ridiculous. Styles asked him why he’s still here. With all the stuff going on outside WWE and the fact that he’s been here for fifteen years, why is he still here? That’s an easy answer that hasn’t changed in a decade and a half. Cena is here out of love. They don’t say love in the WWE because it makes you not look tough, but he doesn’t give a damn. He’s a grown ass man. He’s here out of love. Cena points to a kid in the crowd. Cena loves the look on that kid’s face excited to cheer his favorite superstar. Cena loves when parents pull him aside for thanking him for doing what he does. Cena should thank them. Cena loves doing the ESPYs, Teen Choice, and The Today Show and loves answering “never” to the question of when he’ll leave the WWE because it’s his home. Tomorrow when Styles is enjoying his day off, he’ll be on Stephen Colbert representing Smackdown Live. Cena doesn’t know what a day off is. Cena loves the people that allow him to live his dream. The only reason Styles is here is to be a really good wrestler. If it doesn’t work out for him, he’ll pack shop and move elsewhere. There is no other place for him. The reason he’s here is the words honor, loyalty, and respect are his heartbeat. Cena is here out of love. What the hell is Styles doing here?
Styles derisively claps for Cena and pretends to be emotional. Styles says that’s exactly what he thought Cena would say. That’s the Cena that everyone knows. That’s the Cena that never backs away from a challenge. Styles challenges Cena to a match at SummerSlam. No excuses, no Club. Just the two of them. Cena says, “I need to teach your ass a lesson. You’re on!” Styles says the best part of SummerSlam will be when he beats him. Then on Tuesday night on Smackdown Live, Cena will say that Styles is better than him. If Cena doesn’t, he’s a liar. If he does, then he’s a loser. Either way, Styles wins. Styles then walks off.
Tonight’s main event will see Dolph Ziggler take on Bray Wyatt. If Ziggler loses, Wyatt will take his WWE Championship opportunity at SummerSlam.
-Commercial Break-
Security is positioned around the ringside area in the fear that Brock Lesnar will seek revenge.
Fandango w/ Tyler Breeze vs. Randy Orton
A replay is shown of Randy Orton dropping Brock Lesnar with an RKO last night on Monday Night RAW.
The bell rings, and they lock up. Fandango punches him before whipping him to the corner. Orton pops out of the corner with a clothesline. Orton starts stomping his limbs as an “RKO” chant breaks out. Orton stomps the midsection before hitting a suplex for a one count. Orton scares Breeze off the apron before turning into a dropkick. Fandango picks up a one count before punching away at him. Fandango applies a chin lock, but Orton quickly fights up and takes him down with a back suplex. Orton connects with a pair of clotheslines, sidesteps him, and connects with a powerslam. Breeze runs in, and Orton powerslams him as well. Fandango rolls to the apron, but Orton grabs him and connects with a draping DDT.
Orton gets the crowd going before turning to ringside to see Brock Lesnar laughing at security. Lesnar hops over the barricade and easily gets through security. In the ring, Orton drops Fandango with an RKO. Lesnar immediately gets in the ring and gives Orton a vicious F5! The referee calls for the bell.
Winner by Disqualification: Randy Orton
Match Rating: 1/2 *
Shane McMahon, more security, and referees run down to beg Lesnar to leave. Orton comes to and angrily stares at Lesnar. Lesnar turns his back and simply walks off.
-Commercial Break-
Footage is shown of Brock Lesnar being escorted out of the arena during the commercial break. Lesnar says he was just returning the favor. Paul Heyman shows up and has the car ready for him. They drive off.
Daniel Bryan is talking to someone on the phone about Brock Lesnar when he notices Heath Slater in his office. Bryan asks how he got in. Slater says he got in through the back door. Bryan says security was busy with Lesnar. Slater says he’d look good on the SummerSlam poster. Slater says there is nothing bigger than him right now. He’s the hottest free agent in sports entertainment. Bryan says if Slater wants a contract, he’ll have to earn it. Bryan will give him a match next week. If he wins, he’ll get a contract with Smackdown Live. Slater asks who his opponent is. Bryan tells him to guess. Slater guesses Jumping Jim Lunde, the made-up partner of Jericho. Rhyno all of a sudden comes in and Gores him. Rhyno smiles and walks out. Bryan says they’re going to need a medic in his office.
Renee Young interviews Dean Ambrose. She asks how he feels about Dolph Ziggler facing Bray Wyatt for the #1 Contender spot. Ambrose says anything can happen in the New Era. When he walked in, he thought he’d be facing Ziggler, but now he could be facing Wyatt. Ambrose says he knows Wyatt like the back of his hand. What surprised him is that Ziggler put his spot on the line. It usually takes Ziggler longer to self destruct. Maybe he’ll be surprised twice in one week.
Dolph Ziggler will face Bray Wyatt in tonight’s main event.
-Commercial Break-
Replays are shown of Brock Lesnar hitting Randy Orton with an F5 a few moments ago.
We go backstage to see Charlie Caruso attempt to interview Randy Orton coming out of the trainer’s room, but he just walks off without saying a word.
Carmella comes out doing her introduction shtick when she’s attacked from behind by Natalya. Natalya sends her into the barricade before hitting a snap suplex on the floor. Natalya then locks her in the Sharpshooter. Carmella screams in pain and taps out. Natalya then walks off.
Dolph Ziggler is warming up backstage when Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan walk up to him. Bryan says he gets Ziggler’s situation when people didn’t believe in him. Bryan says they believe in him. McMahon says he could be giving up his shot against Dean Ambrose. Ziggler says they don’t believe in him either. Ziggler says, “Screw you,” and walks off.
-Commercial Break-
“Talking Smack” with Renee Young and Daniel Bryan will debut after Smackdown on the WWE Network.
Dean Ambrose will be on commentary for the next match.
Winner is the #1 Contender for the WWE Championship at SummerSlam
Bray Wyatt vs. Dolph Ziggler
The bell rings, and Ziggler immediately connects with a dropkick and a famouser for a near fall. Ziggler punches the mat in frustration. Wyatt quickly gets out of the ring to avoid the superkick. Ziggler charges him at ringside, but Wyatt viciously clotheslines him on the floor. Wyatt sends him headfirst into the barricade before screaming at the audience. Wyatt puts him back in the ring. Wyatt stomps him before punching him down. Ziggler ducks a clothesline and rolls Wyatt up. Wyatt clearly rolls his ankle on the way down. Wyatt kicks out and immediately goes to the ropes holding his ankle. That could be bad.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see both men fighting on the second rope. Finally, Wyatt is able to connect with a superplex. Wyatt does the crab walk before covering him for a near fall. Thankfully Wyatt is showing no ill effects from rolling his ankle. Wyatt applies a chin lock. Wyatt yells at the crowd as he keeps Ziggler grounded. Ziggler fights up, punches him, and connects with a jawbreaker. Wyatt runs into a back elbow. Ziggler ducks a clothesline and connects with a pair of flying clotheslines. Ziggler splashes him in the corner before following up with a neckbreaker. Ziggler drops an elbow for a near fall.
Ziggler sets up for a superkick, but Wyatt blocks it and punches him. Wyatt catches him with a release suplex before crushing him with a senton splash for a near fall. Wyatt goes to the corner and goes into a trance before arcing his back. Wyatt then unties the top turnbuckle pad. The referee admonishes him. Ziggler catches him with a surprise Zig-Zag for a near fall. Ziggler can’t believe it. Ziggler then goes over to the corner and removes the turnbuckle pad. Ziggler goes to slam him off the exposed turnbuckle, but Wyatt counters with a Sister Abigail attempt. Ziggler counters that with a roll-up for a near fall. Wyatt immediately follows up with a one-armed slam for a near fall. The crowd is starting to buzz. Wyatt picks him up, but Ziggler punches him. Wyatt angrily punches and stomps him down. Wyatt sends him to the corner, but Ziggler avoids the exposed steel. Wyatt runs into a back elbow. Ziggler bounces Wyatt’s face off the exposed turnbuckle in full view of the referee and isn’t disqualified for some reason. Ziggler then superkicks him for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Dolph Ziggler
Match Rating: **
Dolph Ziggler retains his WWE Championship opportunity against Dean Ambrose at WWE SummerSlam. Ziggler yells at Ambrose. Ambrose stands on the commentary table and raises the WWE Championship up. Erick Rowan attacks Ziggler from behind. Rowan punches away at him until Ambrose runs in. Wyatt attacks Ambrose before Rowan drops him with a slam. Rowan throws Ambrose out of the ring. Wyatt then grabs Ziggler and drops him with Sister Abigail.
Quick Match Results
* Apollo Crews def. Kalisto and Baron Corbin
* American Alpha def. The Vaudevillains
* Randy Orton def. Fandango via DQ
* Dolph Ziggler def. Bray Wyatt
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My thoughts on this episode of Smackdown will be up soon.
Check out my recap of last week’s RAW and my thoughts on it.
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