mollyfamwatThis week, WWE kicks off the road to SummerSlam in the most epic way possible! The main event of the night will see Brock Lesnar and Randy Orton go head-to-head at Suplex City. This match was the main event of WWE’s SummerSlam Kickoff last year, and now Orton must hope to avenge his loss from last year and get the victory that he feels he deserves.
Who will end up in the Money in the Bank ladder match at July 24th’s WWE SmackDown Live?
On July 24 at SmackDown, the WWE will host the Cruiserweight Championship match between Enzo Amore and Kalisto. The two will battle in what is sure to be a highly competitive bout, and fans will undoubtedly be captivated by the action.
Last night’s SmackDown was definitely memorable, and there was much to think about and analyze after the show finished, but, as we witnessed on social media, there was even more to see afterward. As we go into SummerSlam season, SmackDown is running well, but not everything is perfect, and we’re here to showcase the good and bad of the night in a new feature called the SmackDown Rundown. We’ll be here every Saturday, so let’s start with a discussion of what we liked most about the show, what stood out the most, and what might need some work.
That Cena Energy: It’s clear that Cena’s return has injected some much-needed energy into the mix, as shown by the outpouring of support he gets as soon as his music plays, even after we’ve heard it a few times in quick succession. Seeing all of the footage of fans, particularly youngsters, responding to his entrances and returns on social media just adds to the excitement and hype around his comeback, and that was the case once again on SmackDown.
Because this little John Cena fan had no idea he’d be at #SmackDown last night, his response is pure joy.
https://t.co/v3GOyeYVI8 pic.twitter.com/MsJQCBvacX https://t.co/v3GOyeYVI8
July 24, 2021 — Ryan Satin (@ryansatin)
Heyman, Paul Paul Heyman, who gave one of my new favorite promos to start off the night when he not only put Cena in his place but also performed a version of Cena’s theme song that I now need as a ringtone, was the perfect counterpoint to all of that good energy. Amazing.
#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/euuA0zkeDn TIN TIN TIN TIIIIN
July 24, 2021 — Catch-Newz (@CatchNewz)
We have even more opinions on SmackDown, which you can see beginning on the following slide!
Let us know what you think of the inaugural SmackDown RunDown in the comments, and as usual, you can reach out to me on Twitter @MattAguilarCB to discuss all things WWE!
Baron Corbin’s Babyface Adventure
OUCH… @BaronCorbinWWE @FightOwensFight @ShotziWWE @TeganNoxWWE_ #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/Ndbawh86pz
July 24, 2021 — WWE (@WWE)
There hasn’t been a dramatic reversal in such a short period of time that has succeeded in a long time, and although some of the settings are clearly contrived, it is undoubtedly successful in evoking compassion for someone who was as despised as you can get only a few months ago. The turnaround is one of SmackDown’s most surprising triumphs, and I can’t believe it, but I’m pulling for the former King to succeed, and isn’t that what it’s all about?
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Toni Storm Wins Her First Race
What an incredible suplex by #ToniStorm! pic.twitter.com/MIupJFHJYb #SmackDown
July 24, 2021 — WWE (@WWE)
July 24, 2021 — WWE (@WWE)
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Edge and Seth Rollins
#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/h3KKfGpeyB.@EdgeRatedR wasn’t going to let @WWERollins get away with it…
July 24, 2021 — WWE (@WWE)
Those who were wondering what would happen to Edge now know, and it’s a win-win situation for both companies. In promos like this, Rollins’ new over-the-top character really works, and his reference to what occurred between them before was well timed, allowing Edge to run with it in the hero position. There’s no question that these two will put on a show in the ring, but we’ll need more promos like this to keep fans interested in the why behind it all.
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Missionary Promotion and Roman’s Swerve
Oh, and @WWERomanReigns and @HeymanHustle did go there. pic.twitter.com/3lFDuE3Xly #SmackDown
— July 24, 2021, WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX)
Reigns continues to be a machine when it comes to great promos, and last night was no exception. There were many memorable lines throughout, and the missionary line went viral on social media, but it was the manner and ease with with it was delivered that impressed me the most. While this is a rematch, watch their last promo battle and marvel at how different Reigns seems. It really seems like night and day, which is why, even with Cena’s star blazing brilliantly, Reigns still feels like the biggest thing on WWE television, which is, after all, the ultimate objective of it all. Oh, and denying Cena his match just adds to the mystery of how we’ll get there, even though we all know it’ll happen.
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Balor vs. Reigns
“Maybe you’re interested in mine if you’re not interested in @JohnCena’s challenge?” #SmackDown@FinnBalor @WWERomanReigns @HeymanHustle pic.twitter.com/ZUpJGozayq
July 24, 2021 — WWE (@WWE)
The same could be said for the most recent twist in the Reigns storyline, which saw Reigns reject Cena only for Finn Balor to challenge the Tribal Chief. While I had concerns about the crowd’s general involvement throughout the night, this was received precisely how it should have been, and it was also the correct decision in more ways than one. By placing Balor in the title picture, you not only maintain the heat on his comeback, but you also build up a fantastic triumvirate surrounding the championship that will keep the Universal Championship as WWE’s most talked-about men’s title. Plus, we get a great match and maybe more, so it’s a win-win-win situation.
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The Cena Formula must be changed as soon as possible.
.@JohnCena wants to know… Who are you rooting for?! Is it #TeamCena or #TeamRomanReigns on #SmackDown? pic.twitter.com/pSO0wb6Z2v
July 24, 2021 — WWE (@WWE)
While the excitement over Cena’s return to WWE is obvious, it doesn’t mean everything is great. Cena has basically delivered the same promo while talking about Reigns for the second night in a row, and chances are he will do it again next week as we get closer to the eventual confrontation. I have to say that if Heyman hadn’t been a part of this, the luster would have worn off that formula by next week’s Raw, and I can see it being swiftly played out. It’s great for Cena to be on every program, but he has to be doing something new in each of them, so perhaps he has something unique planned for next week to keep things moving.
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The Audience Hasn’t Clicked Yet
“Even if you’re at home, acknowledge me.” – @WWERomanReigns #SmackDown w/ @HeymanHustle pic.twitter.com/Pjxcy1iQsq
— July 24, 2021, WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX)
As I already said, Cena’s entrance exploded like crazy, and there were a few electrifying moments like the Reigns line and the Balor showdown, but there’s simply something missing with real audiences back in attendance. Sometimes I simply want to listen to the promo and evaluate it on its own merits, without having to listen to random shouts or, worse, the What chants, which can’t come soon enough. The crowd’s reactions aren’t always predictable, particularly when it comes to the What chants. They used to be reserved for major heels, but now they’re utilized all the time, even in John Cena’s huge comeback promo on Raw, and other bouts are interspersed with an intensity that seems low not because of the match itself, but because the audience isn’t being directly engaged with. Things will most likely calm down with time, so keep your fingers crossed.
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Belair and Carmella need new foes.
@BiancaBelairWWE will go to whatever length to prevent @CarmellaWWE from winning the championship! #RollingLaugh #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/T4qxnCVXBK
July 24, 2021 — WWE (@WWE)
Belair and Carmella had a nice match, although the audience didn’t appear as enthusiastic at points, but to be fair, it was at a festival that included more than just WWE fans. We’re all for WWE attempting new things, but we also need to find a new opponent for Belair and Carmella. This program seems to be a direct consequence of Bayley’s injury, which is clearly no one’s fault, but this match-up doesn’t feel fresh, and both of them could need some new vigor to get things going. Sasha Banks or Becky Lynch (or both) returning to the ring will do the trick, but that may not happen until SummerSlam, so anything in the meantime would suffice.
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Please, Zelina, can you get a win?
On #SmackDown, #ZelinaVega is ready to face #ToniStorm, @YaOnlyLivvOnce, and anyone else stands in her way. pic.twitter.com/SvTrGE7SKe @TheaTrinidad
July 24, 2021 — WWE Network (@WWENetwork)
July 24, 2021 — WWE Network (@WWENetwork)
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The “SmackDown” brand isn’t the only thing that’s in the WWE right now. This week’s show is going to be one of the most important episodes of the year for the WWE, because it’s the last before the brand split, and the last before Raw moves to Monday nights. The show will also be the last on the USA Network, which is the WWE’s current television home.. Read more about wwe new fight smackdown and let us know what you think.
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