WWE Smackdown Results (Live)
August 16, 2016
Austin, Texas
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 see Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan talking backstage about how “Team Blue” is going to be the brand to beat at SummerSlam. Shane then has Randy Orton come in and sign the contract for his match against Brock Lesnar this Sunday. Orton says the match might not go as long as anticipated. It only takes one RKO and a three count. Orton then signs the contract.
There is a knock at the door, and Heath Slater walks in carrying a basket of fruit. Slater tosses an apple at Orton, and Orton just stands there as it lands in his arms. Bryan says the tag on the basket says, “To Bob.” Slater says it was supposed to say “Boss.” Slater says he watched Smackdown Live from last week and saw they wanted to offer him a contract. He’s the hottest free agent in sports entertainment. Slater says he stood toe-to-toe with Lesnar last night on Monday Night RAW. Shane says that was impressive and he’s surprised to see him standing there. Shane says Slater dissed them last week by losing to Rhyno. They can’t keep giving him chances. Slater says they’re in a little pickle. Bryan says they aren’t. It’s the opposite of a pickle. Orton takes a bite of the apple and says he has an idea.
The Smackdown video plays, and we’re brought into the arena to see The Miz and Maryse in the ring. It’s time for Miz TV. Maryse says she wants every person in the arena to stand up and help her welcome the sexiest man alive, the A-lister, her husband, the Intercontinental Champion, The Miz. Miz welcomes everyone to the most must-see WWE talk show in history… before being cut off by Dean Ambrose’s music. The WWE Champion makes his way to the ring to a nice reception from the crowd. Ambrose says under normal circumstances, he can’t stand the sound of his voice…
Dolph Ziggler’s music cuts Ambrose off, and he makes his way to the ring looking very serious. Ziggler apologizes for cutting Ambrose off before taking it back. Ambrose says he doesn’t need to talk to make his point, and they go face-to-face. The Miz steps between them and says, “Whoa,” over and over again. Miz says this is his show. He invited them both out here to talk – not fight. There is a lot to talk about. Who would have thought even six months ago that Ziggler would be competing for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam? A lot of people had him written off thinking he was a flop like the Ghostbusters reboot. Ziggler came into WWE with promise and had success, but he fizzled out. However, through his need to prove the many critics wrong, he’s in a career resurgence. What happens if Ziggler loses at SummerSlam? Ziggler says he’s not worried about after SummerSlam. He’s only worried about this Sunday and the WWE Championship.
Ambrose smirks and says this is the new Dolph Ziggler with laser focus. A lot of people think Ziggler has turned the corner, but he doesn’t buy it. Miz goes to speak, but Ziggler shouts at him to keep his mouth shut. Ziggler asks what Ambrose wants from him. A “Shut your mouth” chant fires up for Miz. Does Ambrose want him to admit that he uses the critics as fuel for success? Does he want him to admit that everything he’s said to him over the last three weeks makes him want to kick his head off his neck? Ziggler says Ambrose is right, but Ambrose will have to admit after SummerSlam that he was the last push that put him over the edge to beat him for the title.
Ambrose says that’s really powerful stuff, so let’s say he wins somehow and proves everyone wrong. Does he think his life will transform and the critics will be quiet? Getting the title is when it starts getting really hard. All the critics, doubters, and demons are still there, only with a bigger target. They both know that Ziggler doesn’t like pressure. He can’t handle it. That’s why he never grabbed the ball and scored a touchdown. Ziggler is happy being the sarcastic star of his own crappy movie. Ambrose says the chip on Ziggler’s shoulder is huge and it’ll weigh him down and bury him because he’s never felt pressure like he’ll feel at SummerSlam. Ziggler will get schooled, beat up, and embarrassed. Ziggler will prove something to everyone by proving that he doesn’t want it bad enough and will never get it. Ambrose holds the title up. Ziggler says Ambrose doesn’t know a damn thing about him. The only thing Ambrose knows is that he’ll have to dig down deep this Sunday and it still won’t be enough. Ambrose doesn’t have enough to put him away. It won’t be enough. As Ambrose reaches down deep and pulls out his hair to look for one last move — Ziggler all of a sudden drops him with a superkick. The crowd boos him as Ziggler stares down at the fallen champion. Ziggler says, “This Sunday you’ll realize that I am that damn good.” Ziggler then walks off.
John Cena will face off against Alberto Del Rio later tonight. We’ll also see Randy Orton take on Heath Slater. If Slater wins, he’ll get a Smackdown Live contract. Coming up next, we’ll see The Usos, Hype Bros, and American Alpha face Breezango, The Ascension, and The Vaudevillains.
-Commercial Break-
During the commercial break, The Miz was talking trash about Apollo Crews (he was calling him “Apollo Creed”). Crews came out to correct him on his name. Miz talked back to him, so Crews gave him a spinout powerbomb.
The Usos, American Alpha, and The Hype Bros vs. The Vaudevillains, The Ascension, and Breezango
Tyler Breeze will start the match against Chad Gable. They lock up, and Breeze powers him to the corner. Viktor tags in and stomps Gable before punching him down. Viktor talks trash before giving him an uppercut for a two count. Viktor lifts him up, but Gable gets out and takes him down with an arm drag. Mojo Rawley tags in and clips the knee. Rawley avalanches him in the corner before tagging in Zack Ryder. Konnor runs in, and a brawl breaks out between all the teams.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Ryder and Konnor down. Aiden English and Jey Uso are tagged in. Many of the participants are still on the floor. Jey clotheslines English down before knocking Fandango off the apron. Jey clotheslines English again before kicking him in the midsection and punching him. Jey catches him with a Samoan Drop before getting the crowd going. Jey hits a running hip attack before Jason Jordan blind tags in. Jordan and Jey have some words Jordan gives English an Alphaplex. Konnor breaks it up, and Ryder gives him the Broski Boot. Rawley cuts Viktor off before he can attack, and they give him The Hype Ryder. Breeze runs in and drops Ryder with the Beauty Shot. Rawley then levels Breeze with a right hand. Fandango superkicks Rawley, and Jimmy Uso superkicks him. The Usos then give Simon Gotch a stereo superkick. Jey then takes out the majority of the competitors with a plancha. English attacks Jimmy from behind. American Alpha then gives him Grand Amplitude for the win.
Winners by Pinfall: The Usos, American Alpha, and The Hype Bros
Match Rating: * 3/4
Dean Ambrose is seen angrily pacing in his locker room. He’ll face Erick Rowan later tonight. Coming up next, we’ll finally see Eva Marie’s “Spectacular Debut.”
-Commercial Break-
A replay is shown of Eva Marie’s wardrobe malfunction that prevented her from making her debut last week once again.
Naomi has a brand new entrance with black light, new tights, and throwing out party favors. It’s pretty impressive.
Naomi vs. Eva Marie
The announcer goes through the long entrance for Eva Marie before saying that she’s been delayed due to traffic and will be unable to compete. The debut has been put off again.
Footage is shown from Hell in a Cell 2015 when Alberto Del Rio made his return to WWE to defeat John Cena for the WWE United States Championship.
Alberto Del Rio is warming up backstage when AJ Styles walks up to him. Styles says he’s jealous that he gets to knock the smirk off the face that runs this place. Styles says he saw him beat Cena for the United States Championship at Hell in a Cell last year. Del Rio asks if he’s done living in the past. Styles gets excited about “Beat up John Cena,” but he’s been doing it for a long time. He doesn’t need Styles’ pep talk. Styles says maybe that’s why he’s in the main event and Del Rio isn’t even on the card. Styles walks off as Del Rio looks furious.
Later tonight, we’ll see Dean Ambrose take on Erick Rowan. Coming up next, Heath Slater will compete for a Smackdown Live contract… against Randy Orton.
-Commercial Break-
A video airs for Curt Hawkins with these ridiculous facts such as he doesn’t flush toilets – he scares the crap out of them. He’ll be debuting soon.
If Heath Slater wins, he’ll receive a Smackdown Live contract
Randy Orton vs. Heath Slater
The bell rings, and Orton quickly takes him down with one kick to the midsection. Orton sends him shoulder-first into the ring post before repeating the move. Orton clotheslines him down and starts stomping his limbs. Orton kicks him before putting him in the corner. Orton uppercuts him a few times before wildly punching away at him. The referee tries to get Orton to let him out of the corner. Orton clubs the chest before the referee calls for the bell.
Winner by Disqualification: Heath Slater
Match Rating: 1/2 *
Orton angrily looks at the referee before throwing Slater out of the ring. Orton then throws Slater over the commentary table. Orton drags Slater’s limp body from behind the table before hooking his head. Orton then gives him a front suplex onto the barricade before laying him out with a draping DDT to the floor! The crowd starts chanting for an RKO. Orton gets Slater to his feet and puts him in the ring. Slater is completely unconscious in the ring. Orton starts walking around him as Slater comes to. Slater gets to his feet, and Orton gives him a German Suplex before bouncing around like Brock Lesnar does. Orton picks him up and gives him another German Suplex. Orton then stalks him and gives him an RKO for good measure. Orton poses on the turnbuckle.
Bray Wyatt’s video flashes on the screen. Wyatt says, “Austin, Texas… we’re here.”
-Commercial Break-
A doctor is examining Heath Slater in the trainer’s room. Slater complains that he’s hurting all over. Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan come in clapping for him and mention that he technically won. Slater says he’s shown Brock Lesnar and Randy Orton no mercy. Bryan says that’s a good name for a PPV. Slater thinks Bryan is Mick Foley and says he loves the reality show. Shane gives Slater a contract, and Slater says he looks beautiful, thinking he’s Stephanie McMahon. Shane then takes the contract away.
Erick Rowan w/ Bray Wyatt vs. Dean Ambrose
During the commercial break, Bray Wyatt went face-to-face with Randy Orton as he made his way to the back.
The bell rings, and Ambrose quickly gets him into the corner before punching away at him. Rowan shoves him off and shoulder blocks him down. Rowan puts him in the corner and stomps him before digging his forearm into his face. Rowan gets him on his shoulder, but Ambrose slides off and goes for Dirty Deeds, but Rowan gets out. Ambrose hits the ropes, ducks a spin kick, and dropkicks him over the top rope. Ambrose then wipes him out with a suicide dive. Ambrose sends him into the barricade and puts him in the ring. Ambrose ducks a clothesline, but gets caught with a powerslam attempting a cross-body. Ambrose goes outside to recover, but Rowan takes him out with a baseball slide. Rowan sends him into the barricade and puts him back in the ring for a two count. Rowan applies a chin lock, but Ambrose fights up. Rowan quickly takes him down and taunts the crowd. Rowan sends him hard into the corner and steps on him. Rowan head-butts him a few times before sending him to the opposite corner and running into a boot. Ambrose then pulls the top rope down to get him out of the ring. Ambrose avoids a running big boot and starts punching and chopping him. Ambrose hits the ropes and punches him before hitting a back suplex. Ambrose goes to the top rope for a diving elbow drop for a near fall. Rowan pushes him into the ropes and takes him down with a spinning heel kick for a near fall.
Ambrose fights out of a slam, but Rowan goes for a powerbomb. Ambrose slides off and connects with a rebound clotheslines. Rowan rips at his face, but Ambrose kicks him in the midsection and drops him with Dirty Deeds for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Dean Ambrose
Match Rating: * 1/4
Bray Wyatt looks disgusted sitting in his rocking chair at ringside. We then see replays of the highlights of this match. Wyatt stares down at Rowan’s sheep mask and leaves it on his rocking chair before walking off on him.
Tonight’s main event will see John Cena take on Alberto Del Rio. Coming up next, we’ll see Becky Lynch and Carmella face Natalya and Alexa Bliss.
-Commercial Break-
Natalya and Alexa Bliss vs. Carmella and Becky Lynch
Footage is shown of Alexa Bliss defeating Becky Lynch last week on Smackdown Live.
Natalya will start the match against Carmella. They lock up, and Natalya powers her into the ropes. Natalya gives a clean break, and Carmella starts punching away at her. Carmella then takes her down with a head-scissor takeover. Carmella does a moonwalk before hitting the ropes, but Natalya drops her with a discus clothesline. Natalya taunts Becky before trying to hit her, but Becky avoids it. Alexa Bliss is tagged in, and they slam Carmella down. Alexa stands on Carmella and stomps her for a two count. Alexa applies a chin lock, but Carmella fights up and connects with a jawbreaker.
Natalya and Becky are tagged in. Becky avalanches Alexa in the corner and sends Natalya into her. Becky gives Natalya a springboard kick before connecting with a pair of clotheslines and a jumping heel kick. Becky gets the crowd going before hitting a running forearm in the corner and an exploder suplex for a near fall. Natalya elbows her back and punches away at her. They then hit the ropes and take each other out with a double cross-body block.
Eva Marie’s music hits, and she makes her way to the stage before blowing a kiss to the crowd. Naomi’s music hits, and she comes out to challenge her. Eva begs her off and runs away. Naomi chases her around the ring. Eva gets in the ring. Natalya grabs Naomi as she gets in and throws her out of the ring. Natalya then rolls Becky up for a two count. Becky kicks out and applies the Dis-Arm-Her for the submission victory! Eva isn’t happy with the result.
Winners by Submission: Carmella and Becky Lynch
Match Rating: * 1/4
Coming up next, we’ll see the Lesnar/Orton: 15 Years in the Making video.
-Commercial Break-
We see Baron Corbin smashing Kalisto’s head into a metal garage door. Corbin says some people are born to be victims. Every time he gets up, he’ll put him back down. Corbin says he does whatever he wants whenever he wants to whoever he wants.
Video Package: Brock Lesnar vs. Randy Orton: 15 Years in the Making
Naomi, Becky Lynch, and Carmella will take on Natalya, Eva Marie, and Alexa Bliss at SummerSlam.
AJ Styles’ music hits, and he makes his way to the ringside area. He’ll be scouting John Cena, his SummerSlam opponent, in this next match. Cena faces Alberto Del Rio, next.
-Commercial Break-
Alberto Del Rio vs. John Cena
The bell rings, and they circle the ring before locking up. Del Rio applies a side headlock, but Cena whips him off. Del Rio comes right back with a shoulder block. Cena quickly pops up, and they circle the ring. A “Let’s go Cena/Cena sucks” chant fires up. They lock up, and Del Rio applies another side headlock. Cena whips him off, drops down, leapfrogs him, and takes him down with a hip toss. Del Rio quickly rolls out of the ring and jumps into the crowd to recover.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Del Rio come off the top rope with a diving punch for a near fall. During the commercial, Cena and Styles went face-to-face before Del Rio kicked Cena down. Del Rio applies a chin lock, but Cena fights up. Del Rio quickly kicks him into the ropes. Del Rio goes for a splash against the ropes, but Cena moves. Del Rio crashes and burns on the floor. Cena puts him in the ring and goes for an AA, but Del Rio slides off and pins him with a German Suplex bridge for a near fall. Del Rio stomps and boots him in the head. Del Rio sets up for a big kick and connects with it. Del Rio signals for another one, but Cena moves and starts punching away at him in the corner. Cena sends him into the opposite corner, but Del Rio sidesteps him. Cena hits the turnbuckles sternum first, which gives Del Rio a two count. Del Rio sends him sternum first into the corner again and kicks him in the spine for another two count. Del Rio hooks the head and plants him with a DDT for yet another near fall. Del Rio taunts the crowd as we go to commercial.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Del Rio on the top rope. Cena dropkicks him out of mid-air once he comes off. Cena starts his comeback with a pair of shoulder tackles and a back suplex powerbomb. Cena connects with the 5 Knuckle Shuffle before going for the Attitude Adjustment, but Del Rio slides off and connects with a Backstabber for a near fall. Del Rio looks very frustrated. Del Rio sets up in the corner for a superkick, but Cena blocks it and goes for the STF. Del Rio fights out and takes him down with the tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Del Rio goes for a step-up enzuigiri, but Cena avoids it and clotheslines him down. Cena goes to the top rope, but Del Rio floors him with a step-up enzuigiri for a near fall. Del Rio punches the mat in frustration.
Del Rio taunts the crowd and signals for the Cross Arm Breaker. Del Rio goes for it, but Cena counters into the STF! Del Rio quickly claws to the bottom rope. Del Rio kicks him in the midsection and kicks him in the face for a near fall. AJ Styles takes his jacket off in frustration at ringside. Cena goes for an AA, but Del Rio slides off and applies the Cross Arm Breaker. Cena quickly picks him up and slams him down. Cena then connects with the AA for the win!
Winner by Pinfall: John Cena
Match Rating: ** 1/2
AJ Styles angrily gets up from commentary and wipes Cena out with a Phenomenal Forearm. The crowd loudly boos Styles as he stands over Cena. Styles says, “I am sick and tired of hearing the future goes through John Cena. This Sunday when I beat you, Cena, I will be the face that runs this place! You say you love the WWE? That’s great because I’m going to make your passion your prison. As I already told you once, boy, your time is up. My time is now!” The crowd boos Styles as he goes to leave the ring. Styles then stops and goes for a Styles Clash, but Cena comes back with an AA!
Cena goes outside and takes the top off the commentary table before removing the monitors. Cena slams Styles’ head off the steel steps and sets them up in front of the table. Cena gets him on his shoulders and climbs the steps before slamming him through the table with a vicious AA! Cena gets in the ring and poses for the crowd.
Quick Match Results
* The Usos, American Alpha, and The Hype Bros def. The Vaudevillains, The Ascension, and Breezango
* Heath Slater def. Randy Orton via DQ
* Dean Ambrose def. Erick Rowan (non-title)
* Carmella and Becky Lynch def. Natalya and Alexa Bliss via Submission
* John Cena def. Alberto Del Rio
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