Smackdown Live Coverage: Styles New #1 Contender

Regardless of what you thought when WWE Summerslam went off the air, the one undeniable fact was a unanimous truth that the “biggest party of the summer” concluded creating an incredible amount of controversy. The dual branded main event featuring both brands Raw and Smackdown’s biggest stars Randy Orton and Brock Lesnar ended in quarrel as a TKO (total knock out), the winner being Brock Lesnar. The amount of blood loss from Orton was staggering, Lesnar would repeatedly beat on Orton to the point that Smackdown Commissioner Shane Mcmahon would confront the beast, predictably Shane took a F-5 and the show concluded.

Smackdown’s main event caliber match of A.J Styles vs. John Cena stole the show, they went 45 minutes and made the top 5 list for the best matches of 2016. The WWE title stayed with Dean Ambrose after a lackluster match with Dolph Ziggler, what would happen tonight on the road to the first brand exclusive pay per view since 2007?

Tonight’s Smackdown Live began with A.J Styles putting the lockerroom on “notice” claiming he is the new “face that runs the place”, after his colossal victory over John Cena. A.J then got in Dolph Ziggler’s face and a massive brawl began, it was shortly broken up by security. The camera panned to the ring where we witnessed two new titles for the blue brand be unveiled. Both the Smackdown Live Women’s division and Tag Team division were addressed. Bryan made the first announcement regarding the Women’s title match at Backlash. There will be a six-pack challenge match between Carmella, Alexa Bliss, Naomi, Natayla, Becky Lynch, and returning Nikki Bella for the new title.

Bryan also addressed the Tag Team division and announced a tournament that will conclude at Backlash. Heath Slater interrupted and demanded a spot in the tournament, Bryan responded and stated that if Slater could find a partner by tonight he would be entered. The tournament began tonight. Just as you though the segment concluded with freshly victorious A.J Styles interrupting Bryan, but before he could make a point Dolph Ziggler attacked him and the brawl continued until the two were separated by security and referees again.

Matches/Segments:

Becky Lynch vs. Alexa Bliss: An impressive match with the victor being Becky Lynch via submission using the Disarmer.

The Ascension: Viktor and Konnor vs. The Usos: The tag team tournament for the new Smackdown Tag Team titles began with the typical and recycled tag team bout. The Ascension began the match dominating but by the end the Usos prevailed with the famous Uso splash for the pinfall.

A.J Styles addressed his huge victory over John Cena at Summerslam. Styles told the WWE universe that they don’t need to be Cena fans anymore, they can be A.J Styles fans. Styles then stated that he should be the #1 contender for the WWE title. Ziggler then came out again and as it seemed the brawl would resume GM Daniel Bryan addressed them both. Styles was named the #1 contender, Bryan then made the match for tonight. Ziggler vs. Styles if Ziggler won, he would be added to the Backlash main event.

As Nikki Bella was being interviewed backstage, Carmella pulled a surprising heel turn completely jumping Nikki and finishing her off with the X Factor.

Randy Orton came out to address his TKO loss against Brock Lesnar at Summerslam. As Orton was cutting a promo, he was interrupted by Bray Wyatt. Wyatt made the point that Orton is just a man, he is a god, and as a god, he can never die.

Shane McMahon is interviewed about receiving the F-5 from Brock Lesnar at Summerslam. Shane then stated that “this thing between Me and Brock Lesnar is far from over.”

Heath Slater and Rhyno form as a tag team backstage.

American Alpha: Chad Gable and Jason Jordan vs. Breezango: Tyler Breeze and Fandango: The second match in the Tag Team tournament began with the cliché early Snapmares and attempted pinfalls.The USA chants became apparent and real as did American Alpha’s chances of winning this match. American Alpha got the win with Grand Amplitude.

A.J Styles vs. Dolph Ziggler: An extremely athletic match, many Dropkicks and technical showings. Many shots to the head from Styles to Ziggler, whether it was throwing Ziggler into the turnbuckle or delivering Roundhouse Kicks, the head was the main target of Styles in the match. Many close pinfalls after Superkicks and Zig-Zags, the crowd was really into the match. Styles got the win with the Styles Clash. The main event for Smackdown Live’s Backlash is set, A.J Styles vs Dean Ambrose.