4th of July Smackdown Live: Results and Analysis

Tonight’s Smackdown Live was mainly built on the 4th of July and provided solid hype for ‘Battleground’.

John Cena opened up the show

The new “free agent” addressed the crowd and most importantly the fact that it was Independence Day. Using the most important holiday in the United States is the best way to gain support or draw heat. Cena always does great with any major holiday to work the crowd.

Rusev interrupts Cena to cut anti-American promo

In contrast to Cena’s much-anticipated return, Rusev pointed out that there was no hype for him. This was the cliché “You got this and I didn’t get anything”. “Your American dream is a lie; like America is a joke”. That was a brilliant heel builder.

Cena retaliated with a patriotic promo and a “flag match” challenge. Rusev denied the challenge for a different date.

Analysis

It was a good way to open up this special edition of Smackdown Live. No one in the roster has USA printed in bold letters on him other than Cena. If it wasn’t the 4th of July, Rusev would have been beyond generic with his promo.

AJ Styles vs. Chad Gabel: Winner enters battle royal

Right away, the youngster applied his Greco-Roman wrestling background for the early advantage. Gabel’s mat work is very entertaining. Shades of Kurt Angle. Eventually, AJ was able to turn the tables. Gabel did manage to counter the Styles Clash into the ankle-lock. The counter turned into a counter, with AJ applying the Calf Crusher. He got the pinfall victory with a Phenomenal Forearm. Despite the loss, Gabel showed respect to the veteran.

Carmella cut a promo prior to Naomi’s bout against Lana

Hands down, Carmella is one of the best female heels in recent history. Just as Carmella was getting deeper into her promo, Naomi interrupted Carmella; reminding her that she is still Smackdown Women’s Champion. Both women are capable of having a great feud, starting with a MITB cash-in.‘Naomi vs. Lana’ did end up happening; but it was a few seconds.

Analysis

Daniel Bryan came in to confirm that Ellsworth was banned from the arena and he would be fined $10K if he entered. That just didn’t make sense and it was a waste of time.

The New Day vs. The Usos: Rap Battle, with Wale as referee

The “rap battle” did provide a few laughs. For example, when Kofi was billed as Jamaican. The New Day burned the Usos by saying that they carry Roman Reigns’ bags.

Analysis

There were unnecessary fat jokes and penis jokes. This didn’t accomplish anything for their feud.

Randy Orton vs. Auden English

This was a simple squash match. Jinder Mahal came to cut a promo on their upcoming Punjabi Prison match. Since it’s the 4th of July, he went with an anti-American promo.

Analysis

‘Orton vs. Mahal’ is an interesting feud. Using the anti-American base for a promo was being stretched out too far. If it wasn’t for the holiday, Mahal wouldn’t have to squeeze out the remaining anti-American narrative.

Main Event: Battle Royal to determine #1 contender for US Championship

At the announcer’s table, Kevin Owens joined in to scout his future opponent. Erick Rowan and Luke Harper mounted a good about of offense and a few eliminations before being tossed out of the ring themselves. It came down to AJ, Tye, and Sami Zayn. Zayn got the elimination over Tye; AJ made sure his momentum was short lived, as he tossed out Zayn for the victory and the number one contender spot.

KO tried to make a statement by beating up his future opponent. AJ had nothing of it and also tried to fight back. KO got a good kick to the head to end the show.

Analysis

Overall, this episode of Smackdown Live was alright. It seemed hard for WWE to balance out the 4th of July into the show along with Battleground, but they managed.