The 07/17/18 episode of WWE SmackDown Live just wrapped up. We’ve got the match results and our overall thoughts on the show for you to check out below. Let us know what you thought about episode #987 of WWE SmackDown Live by tweeting us, @TheRumbleRamble.
Jeff Hardy’s Heart is Broken
“I feel like something’s missing…my heart is BROKEN.” – @JEFFHARDYBRAND #SDLive pic.twitter.com/WuhqzWfBvL
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 18, 2018
Jeff Hardy opened the show with a promo regarding his loss to Shinsuke Nakamura at Extreme Rules. He said that Nakamura broke his heart by low-blowing him and stealing his title, but that he would be getting his revenge in their rematch tonight.
Shinsuke Nakamura Interview
New #USChampion @ShinsukeN doesn’t feel too sad for @JEFFHARDYBRAND… HE’S ALL SMILES! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/LMI8cPt0IM
— WWE (@WWE) July 18, 2018
After Jeff Hardy’s promo, Renee Young interviewed Shinsuke Nakamura about how he was feeling. Nakamura said everyone was going to have a reason to smile when he made the clown (Jeff Hardy) cry after beating him in their rematch. Also, god bless America.
AJ Styles vs. Andrade “Cien” Almas (w/ Zelina Vega)
Is @AndradeCienWWE on the verge of DEFEATING @WWE Champion @AJStylesOrg?! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/V6EJf4VTGb
— WWE (@WWE) July 18, 2018
We lost our minds a little when this match was announced on Twitter and it’s no surprise that Almas and Styles delivered. Andrade was given an opportunity to give the audience a glimpse at how talented he really is, getting in every bit of offense possible against The Phenomenal One.
Hopefully this leads to a full-on feud because we were certainly left wanting more after Styles reversed Almas’ finisher into the calf crusher, tapping out El Idolo for the win.
Winner: AJ Styles
Aiden Attempts to Make Amends
“The question is now: Are YOU best for @RusevBUL?” – @LanaWWE to @WWEDramaKing #SDLive pic.twitter.com/BOhDI9uJ5c
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 18, 2018
Aiden English approached Lana backstage and begged for forgiveness for his part in Rusev’s loss at Extreme Rules. Lana said she was not the one he should be talking to, but that Rusev needed his space.
This could be the end of the Rusev/Aiden duo, but is it still Rusev Day without Aiden telling everyone so in beautiful song?
Becky Lynch vs. Mandy Rose
“You hear that, @CarmellaWWE? Straight fire is comin’ for ya. I think it’s time #BeckyBalboa became the #SDLive #WomensChampion AGAIN!” – @BeckyLynchWWE pic.twitter.com/L2OscouUSr
— WWE (@WWE) July 18, 2018
Mandy Rose is on her way to greatness, but it’s not her time quite yet. After a short bout, Becky Lynch defeated her opponent with the Dis-Arm-Her.
Following the match, Becky Lynch grabbed a mic and threw down the gauntlet for the SmackDown Live Women’s Championship, declaring that Becky Balboa’s time is now.
Backstage, Paige and Carmella were shown discussing the crowd’s (very positive) reaction to Becky’s challenge. Carmella was clearly disinterested and requested another Mellabration, which Paige approved, on the condition that she beat Becky Lynch in their match next week on SmackDown. On the other hand, if Becky wins, Carmella will have to face her again at SummerSlam – this time for the championship.
Winner: Becky Lynch
Tye Dillinger vs. Samoa Joe
THIS has gone bad in a hurry for @WWEDillinger…#SDLive @SamoaJoe pic.twitter.com/8pdgxnK6rB
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 18, 2018
R-Truth told Dillinger that he needed to smile some more, which he misunderstood as “take on Samoa Joe”, so here we are.
In retaliation for Joe’s assault on the ramp during a dark match last week, Dillinger hot-started the match, attacking Joe before the bell rang. The Perfect Ten bit off more than he could chew, however, and was quickly brought down by the Samoan Destroyer. More specifically, put to sleep by the Coquina Clutch.
Winner: Samoa Joe
Team Hell No is Dead?
One of @mikethemiz‘s own pallbearers just took one for the #ALister…in the form of a KNEE PLUS from @WWEDanielBryan! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/v23ymxHpaa
— WWE (@WWE) July 18, 2018
The Miz held a memorial service in honor of Team Hell No, complete with black suit, eerie music, and disembodied Kane mask on a furry pillow.
He asked everyone to stand for a moment of silence (after getting in some subtle digs on Daniel Bryan), but instead of respect, he got Yes Chants. After this, the charade was over and Miz went in on both members of Team Hell No. He reminded everyone that he had been right about them all along, they were both sad losers and Team Hell No was dead.
Daniel Bryan had heard enough and came out to break up the funeral. He attacked Miz’s pallbearer, tore up the set, and led the crowd in more Yes Chants while Mis escaped up the ramp. Every week, we get a little closer to an in-ring Bryan/Miz feud and we couldn’t be more excited.
Kofi Kingston vs. Eric Young
AIR KOFI CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF!#SDLive @TrueKofi pic.twitter.com/1lC5NLiORW
— WWE (@WWE) July 18, 2018
It was pancakes and chaos once again in this match between representatives of SAnitY and The New Day. Eric Young dominated the first half of the action, but Kingston was relentless, determined to wear down the leader of SAnitY. We thought Kofi might just pull off a victory, but disaster struck in the form of Killian Dain when he hurled Xavier Woods into Kingston, allowing Young to get the pin.
Winner: Eric Young
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Jeff Hardy
United States Championship Match
This #USTitle match has ended in a disqualification…because of @RandyOrton! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/j4ruXaEFXl
— WWE (@WWE) July 18, 2018
An ultra-focused Jeff Hardy wasted no time in getting his rematch with Nakamura started, timing his first punch perfectly with the bell. Nakamura teased the low-blow, but we got some real competition this time around.
This gave us everything we missed out on with the six-second match at Extreme Rules. Hardy and Nakamura tore each other apart, both men giving it their all. Jeff Hardy nearly got the victory following a Swanton Bomb to Nakamura, but Randy Orton broke the pin by yanking Hardy from the ring. Orton then went to work bashing Hardy’s head in against the stairs.. and the ring.. and the floor. Then tried to rip Hardy’s earlobe in half, and finished things off with a DDT to the floor.
Winner: Jeff Hardy (via Disqualification)
What letter grade would you give tonight’s show? #SDLive
— Rumble Ramble (@TheRumbleRamble) July 18, 2018
