Preview
Shinsuke Nakamura defends the U.S. Title against Jeff Hardy
The WWE Universe was stunned by Shinsuke Nakamura’s United States Championship victory at WWE Extreme Rules, which saw him hit Jeff Hardy with a low blow before the bell, then bulldoze him with a Kinshasa for the three-count and the title.
Though he also suffered a post-match low blow from a returning Randy Orton, Hardy demanded his contractually obligated rematch for tonight on SmackDown LIVE. Paige has granted The Charismatic Enigma’s wish, but will he be recovered enough to dethrone The King of Strong Style?
What’s next for AJ Styles?
AJ Styles fended off the challenge of Rusev at WWE Extreme Rules, retaining his WWE Championship when Aiden English’s meddling backfired on The Bulgarian Brute.
With Rusev in his rearview mirror and SummerSlam rapidly approaching, will anyone step up to challenge The Phenomenal One?
How will Asuka react to her loss to Carmella?
Asuka may have thought she had Carmella all to herself with James Ellsworth suspended above the ring in a shark cage. Unfortunately, that didn’t stop Ellsworth from meddling in the bout, first by dropping foreign objects into the ring to the SmackDown Women’s Champion, then by escaping the cage and inadvertently distracting The Empress of Tomorrow, allowing Carmella to shove Asuka head-first into the cage and steal the victory.
Though Asuka got a measure of payback on Ellsworth by pummeling him as he dangled upside down from the cage, she did not leave Pittsburgh with the SmackDown Women’s Title. Will her hunt for the gold continue on SmackDown LIVE?
Will Daniel Bryan bounce back from Team Hell No’s defeat?
After a vicious beating at the hands of The Bludgeon Brothers, Daniel Bryan had the unenviable task of facing Harper & Rowan by himself for most of their SmackDown Tag Team Title Match on Sunday. Though Kane came out to even the odds, he did so in a walking boot for a broken ankle, leaving the door open for The Bludgeon Brothers to retain their titles.
With his tag team partner on the shelf, how will Bryan rebound? Find out tonight on SmackDown LIVE at 8/7 C on USA Network!