The 06/19/18 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 this episode of WWE SmackDown Live by tweeting us, @TheRumbleRamble.
Moonwalkin’ Since ’87
What do @Beyonce, @AmyDumas, and @WWEAsuka have in common? @realellsworth believes @CarmellaWWE is better than ALL OF THEM! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/fmGqtowdgx
— WWE (@WWE) June 20, 2018
Carmella came to the ring to be real with the fans. She gave a heartfelt speech about her struggle with self-confidence and how she worked to become a champion (to which the crowd gave no respect whatsoever). Turns out the crowd was right to not take her seriously, as she quickly changed her tune, saying she’s been moonwalking confidently since day one.
She continued the familiar narrative of “I did ____ all by myself,” this time referring to beating Asuka on Sunday. James Ellsworth then did Asuka’s entrance, in full Empress gear, to join Carmella. He said he came back to serve the champ, who is clearly better than every other women’s wrestler ever.
Asuka did not appreciate Ellsworth’s mockery of her and came out to show her displeasure by kicking him in the gut. While Asuka was preoccupied with Ellsworth, Carmella attacked her, leaving her lying in the ring as the princess and her toad fled back up the ramp. Asuka grinned as she watched them go, so at least there’s hope for The Empress to open up a can of whoop ass in the near future.
Billie Kay vs. Becky Lynch
It’s all fun and games until @BeckyLynchWWE shows up with LASS KICKING on her mind! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/GgY5KLOvpi
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) June 20, 2018
The IIconics came out first, throwing insults at both the Toledo crowd and Billie’s opponent, Becky Lynch. Billie and Peyton never fail to entertain with their pre-match promos and this was no exception.
Becky got her revenge once the action got started, getting aggressive with Billie the moment the bell rang. With the help of Peyton Royce, it didn’t take long for Billie to gain control, but she couldn’t withstand the straight fire and eventually tapped out to the Dis-Arm-Her.
Winner: Becky Lynch
1, 2, Jeff Hardy’s Coming for You
.@JEFFHARDYBRAND wants @ShinsukeN to know one thing. He sees him. #SDLive pic.twitter.com/W0GVUGBXMu
— WWE (@WWE) June 20, 2018
Facing away from the camera, Jeff Hardy cut a great promo regarding his recent match against Shinsuke Nakamura. He said that as much as the loss hurt him, it helped him in the long run by opening his eyes. He turned to reveal a painted face and white contacts. Absolutely cannot wait for this feud.
Daniel Bryan Interview
“…What about @mikethemiz?” – @ReneeYoungWWE
“I said 3 of the BEST Superstars…” – @WWEDanielBryan#SDLive #GauntletMatch pic.twitter.com/IYmpybhK90— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) June 20, 2018
Renee Young interviewed Daniel Bryan regarding the upcoming gauntlet match, in which he would have to defeat four other competitors. He said he had already proved that size didn’t matter, he was going to defeat three of the baddest superstars in WWE — and The Miz.
The Usos vs. SAnitY
That’s one way to make a statement…#SAnitY has arrived. #SDLive pic.twitter.com/6VqcoTc9c1
— WWE (@WWE) June 20, 2018
The Usos came to the ring first to tell everyone that SAnitY couldn’t handle the Uso penitentiary. SAnitY wasted no time in proving them wrong, destroying Jimmy and Jey before the bell ever rang. Now, all we need is Nikki Cross to make the group complete.
Shinsuke Nakamura Responds
Sure, @JEFFHARDYBRAND‘s eyes have been opened… but @ShinsukeN won’t hesitate to CLOSE them if need be. #SDLive pic.twitter.com/4Qzc3TJMv3
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) June 20, 2018
Shinsuke Nakamura responded to Jeff Hardy in an interview with Renee Young. He said that he would be champion today if it weren’t for the lightning-quick-counting, English-speaking referee. As far as Jeff was concerned, Shinsuke said he would be happy to close his eyes for him if he crossed him again.
The Bludgeon Brothers (c) vs. The Club
SmackDown Live Tag Team Championship Match
.@LukeHarperWWE, meet SPINEBUSTER! #SDLive @KarlAndersonWWE pic.twitter.com/kOOontB9dD
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) June 20, 2018
The Big LG and Abs Anderson took on Harper and Rowan in tag team action. This was even more competitive than the Money in the Bank match, The Club seems to have The Bludgeons’ number at this point.
It’s good to see The Club in the spotlight again, they’re always fun to watch. The Club almost brought Harper and Rowan down, but they took Gallows out by tossing him over the barricade and then used their size and numbers advantage to pin Anderson after a Bludgeoning.
Winner: The Bludgeon Brothers
Gauntlet Match – Daniel Bryan vs. Big E
.@WWEBigE is making a BIG SPLASH in this #GauntletMatch… #SDLive pic.twitter.com/S3VDRMKlIz
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) June 20, 2018
Previously announced by SmackDown GM, Paige, this gauntlet match was to determine who would face the WWE Champion, AJ Styles, at Extreme Rules. Before the match, Daniel Bryan yes chanted his way down to the ring, stopping to have a staredown with The Bludgeon Brothers as they headed up the ramp, but passing by unscathed.
This was an awesome opener to the 5-man gauntlet match. Bryan and E held nothing back, throwing hard-hitting offense and submission moves back and forth until Daniel won with the running knee.
Winner: Daniel Bryan
Gauntlet Match – Daniel Bryan vs. Samoa Joe
.@SamoaJoe just Powerslammed @WWEDanielBryan into next week. #SDLive #GauntletMatch pic.twitter.com/rJMxFaHC15
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) June 20, 2018
Daniel Bryan always impresses us with his never-ending endurance. After a grueling match against Big E, he did it all over again with Samoa Joe.
Samoa Joe caught Bryan in the coquina clutch outside of the ring, but it backfired when he was unable to make it back before the referee’s count of 10. Bryan managed to make it in with half a second to spare, winning the bout.
His victory was short-lived, however, as The Bludgeon Brothers re-appeared to beat down everyone’s favorite vegan.
Winner: Daniel Bryan
Gauntlet Match – Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz
#AWESOME timing + A #SkullCrushingFinale = @mikethemiz has ELIMINATED @WWEDanielBryan from the #GauntletMatch! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/U0CeXfuL5n
— WWE (@WWE) June 20, 2018
The Miz took advantage of an incapacitated Daniel Bryan and defeated him with one Skull Crushing Finale.
Winner: The Miz
Gauntlet Match – The Miz vs. Rusev
#RusevDay celebrations will be off the charts if @RusevBUL can take @mikethemiz down in this #GauntletMatch!
We’re down to the final two competitors RIGHT NOW on #SDLive! pic.twitter.com/Paf42AVzh9
— WWE (@WWE) June 20, 2018
Neither Miz nor Rusev had used any energy on previous matches, so they went all-in on this one. We had no idea who was going to win, which made it an even better time to watch. The Miz might have won it all had he not gotten a little too cocky, taunting Rusev with a “Yes” chant while he was down. Rusev had just enough time to recover and won the title opportunity with The Accolade.
Post-match, AJ Styles shook hands with The Bulgarian Brute. Aiden English tried to be cheeky by refusing the champ’s hand and paid for it with a punch to the face.
Winner: Rusev
What letter grade would you give tonight’s show? #SDLive
— Rumble Ramble (@TheRumbleRamble) June 20, 2018
