Smackdown Live Review 07/16/2019

Tonight is the Fall-Out Edition of SmackDown Live following this past Sunday’s Extreme Rules PPV! Shane McMahon has announced to hold a SmackDown Live Town Hall, but what exactly will be said and which Superstars will air their grievances? Plus, what will Daniel Bryan’s career-altering announcement be that is set to shake SmackDown to its core? Kofi Kingston overcame the odds and retained the WWE Championship on Sunday but who will be next coming for the champ? Shinsuke Nakamura won the Intercontinental Championship on Sunday but what will this new age of Shinsuke bring? Finally, who will Ember Moon find to be her partner as she takes on Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville?

---

SmackDown Live comes to us from the DCU Center in Worcester, MA.

SmackDown Live kicks off with a backstage segment featuring Shane McMahon and Kevin Owens from earlier today.

Backstage Segment:
Shane McMahon stands with a security team and tells them Kevin Owens should be here any second, you know what to do if anything happens. Owens comes in and sees what’s happening. Shane tells Owens as he enters that he is having a town hall when people can give suggestions and air grievances. He tells Owens he isn’t standing for insubordination though. Owens says he doesn’t work for Shane. Shane tells him he works for the McMahon family and he won’t have Owens going out there and spreading lies so he has the night off and tells him to have a good night.

In-Ring Segment: SmackDown Live Town Hall
Shane tells the crowd as you can see Kevin Owens has the night off and he has been not allowed to come into the building but he did give him the idea to hold the first SmackDown Live Town Hall. As long as they are respectful he is happy to hear what they have to say. Roman Reigns comes up first and tells Shane nobody in the room respects him. He says as far as diplomacy he can kiss his ass. Shane says that’s not exactly respectful so he will be fined and he will deal with him later.
Shane then calls out Charlotte. Charlotte says that was so uncalled for and tells Shane from one family to another thank you so much. She says the McMahon’s have been so gracious since he was born. She says it makes her sick Kevin Owens would take advantage of his kindness. Liv Morgan steps up and tells Charlotte to stop being a phony and asks if there is anything real with you. Charlotte asks who she is and questions if she even works there. Liv tells her it’s people like her that keeps someone like her from getting a spot. Shane tells her that is enough.
He then calls Buddy Murphy. Murphy tells that Owens should keep his name out of his mouth because he can fight his own battles and he will slap the taste out of his mouth. Shane says they will talk later.
He then calls out Apollo Crews. Crews says everyone agrees with what Owens said last week. Zelina steps in she and Andrade doesn’t like that Crews is sucking up to the WWE Universe. She tells him if he wnats a spot to prove it in the ring against Andrade tonight.
Elias then steps up and says he is not Kevin Owens, he is Elias. Big E interrupts and says he is the biggest jackass in SmackDown Live History. Kofi says he isn’t gonna say he likes Kevin Owens because the north remembers but he is making a point because look how long it took for him to get an opportunity. He says everyone here has the ability but no one is getting the opportunity. Kofi’s mic is then cut.
Shane says that was a good start, but the first SmackDown town hall has concluded. Cesaro then grabs a mic and says he has something to say. Shane says he is on Raw and not on SmackDown Live. He says no he’s not but he came here to challenge somebody. He then challenges Aleister Black to pick a fight with him. Shane tells him he has his wish. Shane says he hopes this demonstrates that he doesn’t have to rule with an iron fist. Owens comes from behind Shane and hits him with a Stunner.
My Opinion:
I liked this start a lot, I mean there were some good shots thrown in there with a lot of valid points. You still had the heels playing their roles and it felt like a very meaningful segment if this leads to more people getting opportunities. This could be the point of the turnaround and if so there is so much talent that needs that spotlight. I see no problem with bigger names no competing as much on tv and giving spots to those who aren’t on the PPV’s. As for Kevin Owens, he is channeling his inner Stone Cold and it is awesome! The crowd loves it and I think he is becoming everything they wnated him to be. This is gonna be a huge pay off for Owens if they do this right.

Match 1: Aleister Black vs Cesaro
Black hits Cesaro with big forearm shots. Cesaro comes back with a knee and then an uppercut. Black comes back with big strikes and it sends Cesaro to go to the outside to regroup. Black sits in the ring and looks at him. Cesaro gets back into the ring and continues to battle back. He is able to land vicious strikes to Black and then hit an uppercut that sends him to the floor. Back in the ring, he continues with the uppercuts. Black battles out of the corner but is brought right back into it. Cesaro hits him with a kick and is able to get him on the mat where he locks in a chin lock using Black’s own arm against him. Black is able to break the hold and create space. He hits him with an uppercut of his own. Cesaro sends him off the ropes and throws him into the air to hit him with another uppercut. Cesaro goes back to a chin lock as he has Balck on the mat. Black fights to his feet but Cesaro stays the course and brings him right back down to continue with the headlock. Black is able to roll Cesaro off of him. Cesaro comes back with a hip check but Black stays on him and is able to sweep the leg and hit a sliding knee. Black hits a moonsault from the middle rope and goes for the cover but Cesaro kicks out. Cesaro fights back and gets him in the corner. In the corner, he delivers an uppercut. Cesaro is able to land a big boot and goes for the cover but Black kicks out. Cesaro then goes to a cross face. Black is able to turn it into a pin but Cesaro kicks out. Cesaro then runs into the ring post. Black measures Cesaro and lands Black Mass. Black goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3. Winner: Aleister Black
My Opinion:
A huge win for Black and in this it really seemed like he was too much for Cesaro. Cesaro fought hard and gave him his best shots but Black just wouldn’t give. It took one Black Mass and it was over. This now two wins over Cesaro and Black made it look easy. I think Black is on his way to big things but I hope they don’t waste this. Cesaro was good to test him in his return but I think it’s time Black start going for titles and taking the brand by storm. Everyone loves Black and we know what he can do, plus with his promos, he would be a perfect guy to help carry SmackDown.

Backstage Segment:
Ziggler tells Shane someone needs to teach Owens a lesson and it needs to be tonight. Shane tells him he’s probably long gone. Ziggler says he can make it happen. Shane says if he can make it happen then it’s on because he has some incendiary remarks himself.

Backstage Segment:
Charlotte Flair heads to the ring to face Liv Morgan.

Match 2: Charlotte Flair vs Liv Morgan
Charlotte quickly knocks Morgan to the mat. Morgan comes back with big strikes. Morgan is able to take her to the mat and keep Charlotte down as she tries to get up. Morgan gets around on her but Charlotte fights out. She then hits Morgan with an elbow to the back of the neck. She then punishes Morgan on the ropes raking on the back of her neck. Morgan comes back with a step-up enziguri. She then lands a stomp to the back of the neck. Morgan goes for the cover but Charlotte kicks out. Charlotte catches her and hits the powerbomb. Charlotte then locks in the Figure 8 and Morgan taps out. *** After the match Liv says Charlotte was right and when she comes back she is going to be real
Winner: Charlotte Flair
My Opinion:
Big props to Liv for coming out and doing her best tonight but Charlotte is just too much. Charlotte has that champion DNA so no matter how much you throw at her it takes everything including the kitchen sink to keep her down. Morgan says she will come back real and I hope she does. She has talent in the ring and just needs time to really show it. I feel so bad she got split up from the Riott Squad because that group worked so well but hopefully, she finds her way.

Backstage Segment:
Dolph asks referee Drake Younger for a number (presumably Owens) and gets it.

Backstage Segment:
Ember Moon heads to the ring for her tag team match against Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville.

Match 3: Ember Moon & Bayley vs Fire and Desire (Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville)
As the match starts Rose and Deville jump, Bayley and Moon. Deville hits Bayley with stiff knees to the gut and brings her to the corner. Rose gets the tag and Deville hits Bayley with a sliding knee. Rose goes for the cover but Bayley kicks out. Rose does her best to control her on the mat but Bayley fights back and lands a big suplex to Rose. Moon gets the tag and comes in hot. She hammers on Rose in the corner and then goes to the top. Bayley takes care of Deville and Moon then hits the Eclipse on Rose. Moon goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3. *** Kayla congratulates Bayley and Ember on their victory. She then asks Bayley who her next opponent will be at SummerSlam. She says she is happy her chapter with Alexa Bliss has ended because now she can go back to elevating the SmackDown Live Women’s Division. She says she wnats to face someone who is dedicated to the champion should she lose. She then picks Ember Moon as her opponent. Kayley asks what she thinks and Moon says hell yeah.
Winners: Ember Moon & Bayley 
My Opinion:
Moon and Bayley worked very quick in this match and Moon got some much-needed retribution. Rose and Deville started well but it obvious Rose is more of the weak link this group. Moon took over and she and Bayley gelled well together which made it an easy win for them. I love that Moon is getting a title opportunity she very greatly deserved. I know her and Bayley care so much about being the best so this one definitely should be good!

Backstage Segment:
Shinsuke is congratulated on winning his title. He says he is free to reign down chaos on the whole universe. Ali comes up and says I just wnated to say congratulations champ.

*** Kevin Owens is on his way back to the arena.

In Ring Segment: The New Day
Kofi says no that they don’t have any more technical difficulties with the mic, let’s give it up for your boys The New Day. Woods then tells how Kofi dismantled Samoa Joe this past Sunday. Kofi then turns to Big E and Woods and how they became 6-time WWE Tag Team Champions. Kofi says they are like three African American leprechauns because they have all the gold. Big E says before we have to sit through a 10-minute lecture, they accept his tag team title rematch right here in Worcester.
Out comes Daniel Bryan and Rowan. Before Bryan speaks he and Rowan had to the back. They then turn around and come back and head down the ramp. Bryan goes to speak but once again says nothing and they turn around again. Once more they come back out but Bryan says nothing and drops the mic.
Samoa Joe then comes out. Joe says it seems Daniel Bryan isn’t in the mood for championship opportunities but he doesn’t suffer the same affliction. He tells Kofi to take his henchman’s lead and put the WWE title on the line tonight. He tells Kofi to be the man he claims to be. Here comes Elias. Elias comes out and tells Joe he had his chance and it didn’t work out. He says if there is anyone who is primed to take that title it’s Elias. Now here comes Randy Orton. Orton says it’s been a while since he has had that gold around his waist so he thinks he is gonna take and he is gonna do so by using the three most destructive letters, R K but then he stops as the crowd cheers O. Elias says they can’t all have title opportunities tonight but they can send a message to them tonight. The New Day talks it over and says they accept their 6-man challenge. Orton says he’s good. Kofi says the guy with the nickname The Viper you’d think he’d be ready to strike at any time but it seems he’s gone a little limp. Orton turns back around and heads towards the ring.
My Opinion:
First, I’m disappointed they hyped up this Daniel Bryan announcement and we got nothing with it. On the other hand, what did take place, I liked a lot, as WWE champion the pressure has to stay on Kofi. there is an argument to be made why any of the three men that came out could deserve a title opportunity. I’m very curious to see who is picked because now we are at one of the big 4 PPV’s so you know it has to be big.

Match 4: The New Day vs Randy Orton & Elias & Samoa Joe
Kofi locks up with Elias and Elias is able to work a side headlock. Off the ropes, Elias lands a shoulder tackle. Kofi comes back and is able to take him down. Kofi goes for the cover but Elias kicks out. Elias fights back and gets him in the corner. Joe gets the tag and hammers on Kofi. Joe then heaves Kofi into the corner. Kofi jumps at Joe and drops him with double knees. He goes for the cover but Joe kicks out quickly. Kofi keeps the pressure on and tags Woods. Woods takes him down with a kick and then hits an elbow. Big E tags in and lands a big splash on Joe. He goes for the cover but Joe kicks out. Joe fights back and tags Elias. Elias comes in but gets caught and Big E wrenches on him with an abdominal stretch. Woods tags in and he and Big E land a double team on Elias. Woods goes for the cover and Elias kicks out. Woods is able to land a boot and then hit honor roll. Woods goes for the cover but can’t get the 3. As the ref is distracted Orton hits Woods from behind. Elias then lands big rights in the corner. He continues the attack on Woods but fails on a pin attempt. Joe gets the tag and picks up Woods from the outside. Back in the ring, Joe taunts Woods as he tries to crawl to his corner. Joe keeps Woods down and tags Orton. He holds the leg of Woods as Orton lands a knee to the face. Orton gets Woods on his feet and throws him to the outside. Orton continues the beat down. Orton brings him into the ring and tags Elias. Elias stomps on Woods and keeps control. Elias goes to the chin lock but Woods gets to his feet and fights out. Woods continues to fight with big rights but he is dragged down to the mat. On the outside, Joe takes out Big E and Kofi. Woods is able to fight Elias off the turnbuckles. Woods then lands a missile dropkick. Kofi gets the tag and takes out Orton. He takes out Joe and Elias before hitting the Boom Drop on Orton. Kofi misses on Trouble in Paradise. Orton misses on the RKO. Kofi hits a cross body but the pin attempt is broken up by Elias. Big E takes out Elias. Joe takes out Big E, and Woods takes out Joe. on the outside, Joe comes back and locks Woods in the Coquina Clutch. Elias then takes out Big E with a knee. Kofi hits Elias with Trouble Paradise but then out of nowhere, Orton hits the RKO. Orton goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
Winners: Randy Orton & Elias & Samoa Joe
My Opinion:
The team of Joe, Orton, and Elias was so dominate in this one. They really controlled The New Dat for most of the match and if I’m Kofi I’m definitely worried about what’s to come. All three men showed what they can do and Kofi is in an uphill battle for sure. Orton made the biggest statement by pinning Kofi and to me, Orton is the most dangerous. He has been champion many times before and he knows how to get the job done. He should he could put Kofi away with the RKO and who knows what will happen if he gets a shot at the title. He is the legend killer and the legend of Kofi Kingston could be coming to an end if Orton has anything to say about it.

Backstage Segment:
Carmella looks for R-Truth and finds him hiding in a washing machine. She asks what he is doing in there and he says he is hiding. She helps him out as he was stuck in there. Truth says he doesn’t know how Kane did this there isn’t any bathroom in here. Carmella tells him he could hide in plain sight but he has to wear a costume. She tells him to go to comic con. He says don’t call me con I did my time and paid my debt to society. Carmella laughs it off and tells him lets go.

Match 5: The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane w/ Paige) vs The Iconics (C)
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Match
Royce slaps Sane and Sane comes back with a wicked chop. Sane is able to land a head scissors. Asuka comes in and she and Sane double team Royce. Asuka tries a tag but can’t get the 3. Royce catches her and tags Kay. Kay takes it to Asuka but Asuka comes back with a huge kick that sends her to the outside. Kay goes to get in the ring but she and Royce then realize they will retain the titles if she gets counted out. Kay drops to the floor and she gets counted out.
*** After the match Sane and Asuka take out Kay. Asuka then lands a kick on Royce and Sane hits the Insane Elbow on Royce.
Winners: The Kabuki Warriors: Via Count Out: Still Tag Team Champions: The Iconics
My Opinion:
This was a cheap way to win but obviously, it was smart as The Iconics keep their titles. I’m so disappointed with the state of the tag titles as they have become forgotten and they don’t mean much right now. It’s so heartbreaking because it was such a special thing that is getting spoiled. The Kabuki Warriors could do well with the titles and they should win them and need if the titles have a chance to mean something. You see no one else wanting the titles besides them and it’s a shame. Yes, there are a lot of titles in WWE but if you did it right titles could all be featured spread out across two weeks and then the cycle repeats. I hope they get these on track because they can’t take them back now after all the deal they made about them.

Backstage Segment:
Andrade and Zelina Vega head to the ring for Andrade’s match against Apollo Crews.

Match 6: Andrade w/ Zelina Vega vs Apollo Crews
Before the match begins Andrade stomps away on Crews and he is down. The bell rings and Andrade hits him with a knee. Crews tries to fight back but is swatted down and Andrade stomps on him. He brings him to his feet and hits him with forearm strikes. He then hits a back elbow and he gets Crews in the corner. Andrade hits double knees and then goes for the cover. Crews reverses the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Apollo Crews
My Opinion:
Crews does pick up the win tonight but he had no offense so it was more of a lucky victory which doesn’t help Crews with where he wants to be. Andrade dominated that quick match and I’m sure he will get his retribution. On the other hand, if this leads to something for Crews he’s gonna have to get offense in and not just get lucky victories but a win is a win.

Backstage Segment:
Dolph Ziggler heads to the ring to face Kevin Owens.

Match 7: Dolph Ziggler vs Kevin Owens
Owens goes right at Ziggler and looks for the Stunner but Ziggler backs off and goes to the outside. Owens then flies to the outside and takes out Ziggler. Owens goes to the top and looks for the senton but Ziggler gets his knees up. Ziggler hits the famouser and goes for the cover but Owens kicks out of the cover. Ziggler lands an elbow and another but neither can put Owens away. On the mat, Ziggler keeps the pressure on and wrenches on Owens. Back on their feet Ziggler lands a neck breaker but can’t put away Owens. Ziggler then wrenches on the nose of Owens before going to a chin lock. Owens throws him into the corner but misses on the larriet attempt. Ziggler crashes into him in the corner and then plants him on the mat. The cover and Owens kicks out. Ziggler misses in the corner and Owens hits him with a superkick. Owens goes up top and hits the senton. A cover and Ziggler kicks out. Shane McMahon with a bunch of WWE SuperStars behind him surrounds the ring. Owens gets distracted and Ziggler hits the Zig Zag on him. Ziggler goes for the cover but Owens kicks out. Ziggler then sends Owens into the ring post. Owens hits Ziggler with a slap and this causes Ziggler to come back with vicious right hands. Once again Owens crashes into the ring post. Ziggler looks for a superkick but Owens counters and hits the Stunner. Owens goes for the cover but Shane pulls him out of the ring on the cover. Owens then hits him with a Stunner. Owens then retreats as the Superstars chase him. *** Kayla tells Shane things didn’t go as he planned tonight. Shane says Owens is gonna pay and he is gonna pay bad.
Winner: No Contest
My Opinion:
This was a good match between these two even though it was quick. Ziggler and Owens gave each other their best shots but there is no doubt Owens had him put away there at the end if not for Shane. The more important thing is Owens gets another one up on Shane and you see Owens is being smart about this and taking his shots. I’m so intrigued with where this going to go and I can’t wait to see what Shane tries to do to make him pay. It looks like Owens is one step ahead and this is gonna be fun to watch. We know who Owens is emulating and he’s currently killing it.

Final Thoughts:
This wasn’t the most craziest SmackDown Live but we got some good things out of it, first the opening with the town hall was a good concept and points were hit but it’s only going to be a good segment if in fact it eventually leads to change and opportunities. I loved the fact that Ember Moon was named the #1 Contender for Bayley tonight as Moon deserves this and I know she and Bayley will tear it up in there. I thought Kofi Kingston got a dose of reality tonight as not one man but three are coming after him. If he has to face Orton, Orton proved he can put him away with the RKO and with his experience in WWE Orton would be his most dangerous opponent to date. One thing I was disappointed with was the Daniel Bryan announcement because they hyped it up and it leads to nothing. The Women’s Tag Titles Match did disappoint me as well because the titles are fading into oblivion and I hope they fix that soon. The interaction with Ali and Nakamura was awesome because I really want to see Ali win a title soon. Finally, the main event was a good match with both men getting a lot in with short time. Owens continues to be defiant and gets one over on Shane again. Like I said I can’t wait to see this play out and it seriously could lead to a huge payoff. I hope Owens rides this out and takes it all the way to the top because people are loving this. Overall it was a decent show, it wasn’t the best but not the worst.
Overall Rating: 5/10