Smackdown Live in Evansville: Monroe Sky, Lass Kicking &

Finally! It’s the Smackdown Live Debut of Monroe Sky! Great to see Maryse and the Miz back on TV together again in anticipation of the Miz and Mrs. debut. We learn that the premiere party will be tonight as well as the Summerslam WWE Championship contract signing. Who could Styles’ challenger be? I’m in.

Back in the ring, Randy Orton addresses his vicious attack on former US Champion, Jeff Hardy. Honestly, he’s been both a face and heel so many times over the years, I’m really interested to see what his reasoning is this time around. The second generation superstar blames the WWE Universe for their lack of respect towards him, saying that they are the REAL legend killers. Sure. Why not? He’s better as a heel anyway. After some quick jabs at Hardys, The Bullet Club, and indy guys, Orton says he’s been the one constant over the past 16 years. (cough…Kane…cough)

WWE always does a phenomenal job with their video packages, as we see a recap of the historic all women’s PPV announcement. Sign me up for this event as it sounds like there’s going to be some big time matches. My only issue is the recycling of the Evolution name, but I really can’t complain. (How about Revolution instead?) Regardless, it’s going to be fantastic.

Rusev w/ Lana vs. Andrade Cien Almas w/ Zelina Vega

Our opening match sees Cien Almas in another high profile match against Rusev. The bulk of the match may as well have been a Rockette’s show, because it was nothing but kicks! Lana and Vega come to blows on the outside. Aiden English comes down the ramp to restrain Lana, but is inadvertently pushed into her by Vega. The momentary distraction allows Cien Almas to hit a hammer-lock DDT on Rusev for the pinfall. HUGE win for Andrade Cien Almas early in his main roster career.

Winner: Andrade Cien Almas

R-Truth vs. Samoa Joe

What’s up?! It’s great to see R-Truth back in action again. As I feared Samoa Joe made quick work of the veteran by locking the coquina clutch very early. Truth taps quickly. Glad I got to see his flying corkscrew attack though. That makes another quick victory for Joe so I’ll stick with him as my pick to challenge for the WWE title.

Winner: Samoa Joe by Submission

Asuka vs. Billie Kay w/ Peyton Royce

Since Wrestlemania, it’s been abundantly clear that Asuka CAN lose matches. After a bit of a losing streak, it’s great to see Asuka back in the win column after a devastating kick to Kay. I have no idea what’s going on with the first ever Women’s Royal Rumble winner, but I hope the winning continues.

Winner: Asuka

Heel Shinsuke cuts a selfie promo teasing Jeff Hardy and warning Orton that he bites back. If this is setting up a triple threat United States Championship match for Summerslam, I am 100% on board. Great potential booking here on SD’s end.

Paige plugs Evolution as she announces the return of Trish and Lita for the PPV. Awesome. AJ Styles makes his way to the ring and says he is proud to work for the WWE after the Evolution announcement. He says he immediately thought of his daughter and there is nothing she can’t do. Styles then signs the contract, but Ellsworth interrupts before we find out who the #1 contender for the title is. I love the dynamic between Paige and Ellsworth lately as she calls him a joke. Ellsworth gets smart with her and out of nowhere Paige FIRES Ellsworth! I love it. Paige is a no nonsense GM and I’m a fan. Meanwhile, as I had guessed Samoa Joe jumps Styles in the ring and locks in the coquina clutch. After putting Styles to sleep, Samoa Joe signs the contract for the WWE title match at Summerslam. Done and done. As far as I’m concerned this is a home run for Summerslam. Great storytelling and great job all around here.

Becky Lynch vs. Carmella (If Becky wins, she gets a title shot at Summerslam)

After a handful of quick matches, I’m glad this match got a bit more time. After several failed dis-arm-her attempts out of the gate, Lynch busted out what I can best describe as a very impressive matrix move pin escape. (A personal fave) Carmella fought back with a flat-liner and nearly stole the match off of a cheap pin using the ropes. However, Becky Balboa finally punched her ticket to Summerslam by forcing the Women’s Champion to tap. Becky’s time is NOW. As far as I’m concerned we are 2 for 2 when it comes to SD Live Summerslam matches!

Winner: Becky Lynch by Submission

The New Day vs. Sanity (Tag Team Tournament)

I love that the Usos are eating pancakes at commentary. I digress. Another short match here, but solid. I was surprised to see the New Day win here as I know there had been a lot of talk about them competing for singles titles. Plus I know Sanity has been on the up and up. I was even more (pleasantly) surprised to see the return of the Bar. Looks like it will be The Bar vs. The Usos next week. Put me down for The Bar to win.

Winners: The New Day

Good to know Sin Cara is qualified to babysit by the way. Miz coming out with his baby girl in a front carrier was absolutely priceless. Okay, so maybe the kid wasn’t really in the ring. Regardless, we had Monroe Sky chants. Daniel Bryan checks in as expected with some funny doctored Miz and Mrs. promo footage. As he makes his way to the ring to attack the Miz, the A-lister throws the fake baby at Bryan for the distraction. After hitting the skull crushing finale on D. Bry, The Miz reveals the baby backstage was an actor. Oh yeah, and of course he ends the show with the Miz and Mrs. plug. Not my favorite ending in the world, but they’re killing two birds with one stone here.

-Rob Crowther IV