Smackdown Live Review 08/20/2019
SMACKDOWN LIVE REVIEW 08/20/2019
Tonight The King of the Ring Tournament continues with more opening round matches, who will move on to the second round when Kevin Owens takes on Elias and Apollo Crews takes on Andrade? Plus, who will Daniel Bryan and Rowan reveal as Roman Reigns attacker? Speaking of Daniel Bryan, how will he fare when he goes one on one with a man at the center of the Roman Reigns saga Buddy Murphy? Finally, after Randy Orton’s brutal attack on The New Day last night how will WWE Champion Kofi Kingston respond?
SmackDown Live comes to us from the Enny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
SmackDown Live kicks off with us being welcomed by Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton, and David Otunga.
In-Ring Segment: Randy Orton
Orton says unlike Kofi Kingston he is not a liar and he tells the truth and the truth is at SummerSlam Kofi Kingston ran from a fight because he is stupid. He tells how they decimated New Day again and the best part was holding Kofi’s body and making him watch as they shattered Xavier Woods leg because Kofi Kingston is stupid. He says every time he gives Kofi a chance to prove himself, he fails. He says the power of positivity can be stopped with the three most destructive letters in sports entertainment RKO. The New Days music then hits but there is no Kofi. Kofi then comes from behind and hits Orton with Trouble In Paradise. Kofi grabs a chair and puts it on the ankle of Orton. He then goes to the second rope but out comes The Revival. Kofi takes them out with the chair as Orton retreats.
My Opinion:
I love this side of Kofi and it is exactly what he needs if he is going to beat Orton. Sometimes you have to give what’s been given to you and Kofi definitely got some much-needed revenge tonight. You know Orton wants the WWE Championship but if Kofi is going to hold onto it he is going to have to show this side and be more destructive than Orton.
Backstage Segment:
Shane tells Owens not to destroy his office like he did last week or the 100,000 dollar fine will be like a slap on the wrist. Owens says it’s been a horrible week for him and he is focused on his KOTR match. He tells how he went home and looked at his family and it dawned on him how bad this fine actually is. He tells Shane they don’t come from the same background a hundred grand might not be a lot to him but it’s his mortgage and his kids future and he should be able to relate to that because he is a father. He tells Shane he wishes he’d reconsider. Shane says he will take it under consideration.
Match 1: Andrade vs Apollo Crews: First Round
Crews lands a huge clothesline and tries a cover but Andrade kicks out at one. Andrade is able to send him into the turnbuckle with a drop toe hold. He then hits double knees but it’s not enough to put Crews away. Crews locks an inside cradle but again Andrade kicks out. Andrade uses the ropes to stretch the left arm of Crews. Andrade flies off the top ropes but Crews picks him out of the air with a dropkick. Crews goes to meet him on the outside but Andrade pulls him off the apron and Crews crashes. Andrade then flies but he is caught. Andrade fights him off and sends him into the steps. Back in the ring, Andrade continues to stomp on Crews. He then hits him with vicious strikes in the corner and goes back to work on the arm of Crews. Crews is sent into the turnbuckles and Andrade then goes back to the submission working the arm of Crews. Andrade hits him with three suplexes and tries a cover but Crews kicks out. Andrade continues to toy with him before dropping him to the mat. Andrade goes up top but Crews knocks him down. Crews brings him back to the top rope and hits him with a series of chops. Andrade tries to fight him off but Crews stays on him. Crews is able to take it to him and hit him with double knees. Crews hits him with right hands and then lands a kick before going to a pump kick. Crews knocks him to the mat and is in control. Crews hits the Olympic slam and goes for the cover but Andrade kicks out. Andrade comes back with another drop toe hold into the corner. He tries double knees again but Crews slides out of the way. Andrade comes back and catches him with a kick. Crews comes back with one of his and hits an enziguri. He hits a standing star press but Andrade kicks out of the cover. Vega gets involved and it allows Andrade to hit a back elbow. He then hits a hammerlock DDT and gets the 1 2 3 on the cover. Andrade advanced.
Winner: Advances to the Second Round of KOTR
My Opinion:
Crews showed up in this one but as I’ve said this is what makes Andrade dangerous because he always has his insurance plan behind him. Vega helps him win this one and you have to imagine she is going to play a role in the next round. Whoever faces him next can’t make that one mistake and had to stay focused one him and only him and the numbers game will catch up. Andrade with Vega is definitely a favorite to go all the way.
Backstage Segment:
Bryan and Rowan bring someone who is covered up into a dressing room and Bryan says I know what you did, you what you did and tonight the whole world is going to find out what you did so in the meantime don’t you even think about moving from that chair or you will be very very sorry.
Backstage Segment:
Elias plays his guitar and then tells a guy to get over here. The guy is referee Cone and Elias asks where is he. He points to a crate. Elias opens it and grabs Maverick. He then tells Maverick to read this. Maverick reads the 24:7 title rules have been suspended for the night so Elias can focus on his first-roundOTR match with Kevin Owens, no exceptions. Sincerely The Best In The World Shane McMahon.
A Moment of Bliss:
Bliss welcomes everyone and says she is the host and this is her dear friend Nikki Cross but you can call them the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. She says they are humbled by their title reign but it won’t change anything and they will welcome the less fortunate who don’t have titles of their own. She says her guest tonight requested to be on the show and welcomes the 9-time champion, Charlotte Flair. Flair comes out and says the throne chair is a little more her style. Bliss brings up Charlotte’s win over Trish and says it seems like a passing of the torte. Charlotte says she didn’t pass it she took it and proved she is the queen of all eras and the best on the SmackDown Women’s division. Bliss says some would say Bayley is the best, not her but some. Charlotte says she is the brand and she is marketable, unlike Bayley. She says she is SmackDown and Bayley is an afterthought, which is why the division and the title is an afterthought. Bayley comes out and says it all sounds like a bunch of excuses because at the end of the day she is the champion which means she is better than Charlotte and that just eats Charlotte up inside. Charlotte asks Bayley if she even knows how people feel about her and that title. She tells Bayley at SummerSlam, everyone, what talking about her and she has to bring back the prestige when she beats her for the title at Clash of Champions. Bayley says if that’s a challenge then she accepts and she can’t wait to do all these people a favor and shut her mouth. She then says I almost forgot and decks Charlotte knocking her over.
My Opinion:
Charlotte has been on a hot streak as of late so there is no doubt she does deserve this title shot. Bayley messes up tonight hitting Charlotte because that is only gonna make her angry and come at her even harder. This is going to be a tough title defense for Bayley but if she beats Charlotte she can really prove herself but if Charlotte wins there is no doubt she cements herself as the best as she says.
Backstage Segment:
Reigns comes up to Murphy and says we can do it like we did a couple of weeks ago or we can have a conversation. He says he wants to know if he is lying to him or to them. Murphy says he said he is pretty sure he saw Rowan do it. Reigns says he needs to know yes or no. Murphy says he was only trying to help him. Reigns says he hopes so because if he finds out he is lying again he is going to come back here and whip his ass.
Match 2: Daniel Bryan w/ Rowan vs Buddy Murphy
*** Bryan grabs the mic and says so you think you saw Rowan. Bryan calls him a liar and says he is the worst kind, a cowardly liar. He says he and Rowan will reveal the culprit and they will reveal that Murphy had something to do with it too.
As the match begins Murphy hits him with a knee to the face and tries a cover but Bryan kicks out. He then stomps him out in the corner. Murphy brings Bryan back into the ring and goes to the top guy Bryan goes to the outside. Back in the ring Bryan gets in control and hits Murphy with kicks. Murphy backs him in the corner with big rights. Bryan lands a kick and takes Murphy down. Bryan stays in control and bounces him off the turnbuckle. Murphy tunes the table and hits him with chops. Bryan tried to come back but is sent to the outside. Murphy flies and takes out Bryan as SmackDown Live goes to break.
As SmackDown Live returns, Murphy hits a huge dropkick. Murphy is sent to the apron but he lands a kick to the neck. He comes off the top with double knees and then tries a cover but Bryan kicks out. Bryan comes back with a kick of his own. He then is able to work him to the mat and locks in the laBell lock. He then pulls on the arm of Murphy and locks in rings of Saturn. Murphy finally gets to the ropes with his leg. Bryan then goes to the yes kicks unloading on Murphy. Bryan continues to tell him to stay down. He tries one more kick but Murphy comes back with a huge strike. Bryan fights right back and gets him in the tree of woe. He then hits a huge dropkick to the face. Off the top rope, Bryan hits the belly to back suplex. He goes for the cover but Murphy kicks out. He then kicks Murphy in the corner and calls him a liar. Up top again Murphy is able to fight off and hit a superkick. He hits a running power bomb hut it’s not enough to put Bryan away. Murphy hits him with a forearm and Bryan comes back with an uppercut. The two then continue to trade blows. Mouthy lands more kicks but Bryan fights him off with uppercuts. Murphy tries a backslide cover but gets a near fall. Murphy then hits a brainbuster but Bryan gets his foot on the ropes on the pin. Rowan gets on the apron and distracts Murphy. Bryan tried to capitalize but can’t. Murphy hits Rowan with a superkick. Murphy fights him off and hits Bryan with Murphy’s law. He goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Buddy Murphy
My Opinion:
Wow, another impressive performance for Buddy Murphy and the biggest win he has had in the main roster. With a lot ahead for Murphy this builds so much momentum and he looks poised for big things in the future. There is no way Bryan will take lightly to this do Murphy better watch his back but for now, he needs to soak this is and stay hot in the ring!
Backstage Segment:
We see the guy Rowan and Bryan are keeping locked up in the room.
Backstage Segment:
The Revival head to the ring for their match.
Backstage Segment:
Murphy is about to be asked about his match but instead gets jumped by Rowan as Bryan is in the background yelling at him. Bryan tells him he doesn’t deserve the spotlight, he is a coward and a liar. Bryan and Rowan have to be backed off.
Match 3: The Revival vs Heavy Machinery
*** Before the match The Revival talk about how The New Day isn’t championship material and then challenge them to a title match at Clash of Champions.
Tucker and Wilder start the match and Wilder tries to get around on him but Tucker takes him down and is able to lock in a bear hug damaging the ribs of Wilder. Ottis comes in and is handed Wilder to continue the bear hug. Wilder fights off but Ottis keeps control and tags Tucker. They both hold up Wilder and Dawson and hit a double suplex. They then send The Revival to the floor. Tucker goes out after Wilder but is stopped by Dawson. Wilder takes Dawson off and sends Tucker into the ring post. The Revival continues to control him on the outside. Back in the ring, Dawson continued the best down with knees and elbows and a headbutt. Dawson beats on Tucker and then hammers him in the corner. Wilder comes in and stays on Tucker. Wilder gets a chin lock in Tucker and wears him down. Tucker gets to his feet but Wilder pulls at the hair to take him down. A bulldog off the top and a cover from Wilder but Tucker kicks out. Dawson tags in and tries an elbow drop but Tucker moves. Wilder comes in and tried to stop Tucker but he is slammed to the mat. Ottis comes in and runs through The Revival. He slams wilder and then crashes onto him. Ottis then hits the caterpillar. Tucker tags in but Dawson’s stops Heavy Machinery. Wilder rolls up Tucker and gets the 1 2 3.
Winners: The Revival
My Opinion:
A big win for The Revival and tonight they showed again how great of a team they are waiting for their opportunity and capitalizing. I don’t know if I like them getting a title shot since there are teams in SmackDown who could use that opportunity but nonetheless you know they will make the most of it if they get it. Plus, they should have an awesome match with New Day if this is accepted.
Backstage Segment:
Chad gable is asked about being called an underdog. He says he agrees with them and says that’s been the case his whole life. He tells about his past and says his life’s work has been to prove other people’s expectations are not his reality. He says next week in KOTR he will open some eyes. He then sees a paper Shelton Benjamin put on the down saying you must be this tall to participate in KOTR.
Backstage Segment:
Rowan and Bryan’s guy still sits in the room.
In-Ring Segment: Miz TV
Miz welcomes everyone and says his guest requested to be on this forum and he is just as curious as you to see why. He then welcomes Sami Zayn. Zayn says he doesn’t really care about Miz or the show but he needed tv team to get things off his chest. Miz says he’s been doing a lot of losing so he is sure Sami has time to think while he was on his back staring at the light. Zayn says he has been and he had an epiphany last night and realized he got caught in the trap for greed and realized his path for redemption is through altruism and helping other people. He says there is a lot of people in SmackDown who need his help. Miz asks like who and Zayn says one of them ready to come out now. Out comes Shinsuke Nakamura.
Miz asks him why he would need to associate himself with Sami Zayn. Zayn asks Miz what language he expects him to answer him in. Zayn says Nakamura is Japanese and he is an artist. He says he and Nakamura have a bond no one will understand. He says they understand each other and are two sides of the same coin. He says from here on out if you want to talk to Shinsuke you talk to him. Zayn says they can express themselves in a language even he can understand. Miz is then kicked and attacked by Shinsuke. Zayn tells him that was perfect. Zayn asks Miz if he is okay and then calls for Shinsuke who then hits the Kinshasa.
My Opinion:
Zayn and Nakamura definitely haven’t been given what they deserved on the main roster so maybe this partnership can be a great thing for both of them. Having someone have your back can do wonders and really bring you to that next level. It may be an odd pairing on the surface but they are alike and I’m very interested to see how this plays out and exactly what they plan to do together.
Backstage Segment:
Bryan tells the guy he is not in a good mood right now but it’s about to get a lot better but not for him because he called for Roman and he is about to find out exactly what he did.
Backstage Segment:
Owens comes in and Shane tells him as he knows he can not put his hands on a WWE official but he hasn’t heard an apology. Owens then apologizes. Shane says he is reconsidering the fine but if he does and Owens puts his hands on another WWE official he will be immediately fired. Owens goes for the handshake but Shane says he’s not there yet.
Match 4: Kevin Owens vs Elias: First Round Match of the KOTR
Owens gets a headlock but is backed to the ropes. Elias hits him with a shot to the midsection. Elias takes him down and tries a cover but Owens kicks out. Owens fights back and is able to send him to the outside. Owens looks to fly but Elias escapes. Owens goes after him and hits him with chops. He then tries to send him into the barricade but Elias counters and sends Owens into the barricade instead. Back in the ring, Elias hits him with a chop. Owens fights back and hits a release German suplex. He the. Hits the cannonball and tries a cover but Elias kicks out. Out comes Shane McMahon as SmackDown Live goes to break.
As SmackDown Live returns, Elias has Owens in a chin lock on the mat. Owens hits him with an elbow but can’t fight out. Owens gets to a vertical base and hammers on Elias to break the hold. Elias though stops him with a knee to the face. Elias goes for the cover and Owens kicks out. Owens stomps on him and is in control. Owens is bounced off the turnbuckle and Elias then tees off on him in the corner. Elias hits a power slam and goes for the cover but again Owens kicks out. Elias then goes back to the chin lock. Owens tried to fight out but is hit with a knee. Off the ropes, Owens hits a DDT. Owens hits a back elbow and then a dropkick. Owens hits the senton. He then looks for the pop-up powerbomb but Elias avoids it. Elias hits a sit down powerbomb but it’s not enough to put Owens away. Owens is brought it he top and Elias meets him up there. Owens fights him off and Elias crashes to the mat. Owens then goes for the senton but Elias gets his knees up. Owens fights him off and sends him to the floor. Owens then hits a cannonball. Shane steps in front of Owens and tells him no more. He then takes off his shirt and has a ref shirt on. Owens fights off Elias and looks for the stunner but almost runs into Shane. Elias rolls him up and Shane counts a VERY quick 1 2 3.
Winner: Advances to the Second Round of the KOTR
My Opinion:
Once again Owens gets screwed by Shane and it’s too bad because Owens really could have gone far in this tournament. Obviously, his struggles with Shane are not over and he still had an uphill battle to fight. I did like though they started to show a softer side of Shane and then the heel comes back out. Hopefully, Owens can figure something out and find a way to get back at Shane once again. As for Elias this is s huge opportunity and I’m excited to see how he does next round!
Backstage Segment:
Reigns asks if this is the guy. Bryan says he tried telling him and the whole world that Murphy is a liar. Bryan says he found the man who nearly ended his whole career. Bryan pulls off the towel and it’s a guy who looks like Rowan. Reigns looks confused as SmackDown goes off the air.
My Opinion:
This is very confusing and a little disappointing because once we are left with more questions. I like the suspense and letting it play out but this was an off choice but hopefully the pay off for this is a big one for Reigns and the others involved. This story definitely has catapulted Murphy do hopefully it does the same for everyone else.
Final Thoughts:
We had another good show tonight and I like the way the KOTR is shaping up. Elias and Andrade get the big wins and I can’t wait to see what they do in their next round matches. For Owens, his story with Shane continues and you can expect Shane to be a thorn in his side for a while to come. The new pairing of Sami Zayn and Shinsuke was very interesting and definitely an intriguing part of the night that I’m excited to see how it plays out. We have a renewed rivalry between Bayley and Charlotte and with Bayley’s actions this definitely seems like it’s going to be a good one between them! I loved the Fire Kofi brought tonight getting some revenge on Orton and I do believe this is what he needs to do if he can keep up with The Viper and continue to be the WWE Champion. Also a big congrats to Buddy Murphy for his huge win tonight. Though he got attacked backstage he still pulled off the victory and gives himself a ton of momentum going into KOTR. Finally to end the night we didn’t get many answers to the Roman Reigns story but now we have to wonder who this mystery guy is. It seems more like a cover-up and I still feel like Rowan is suspect number one. Overall, it was a good night and there are a lot of developing things to look forward to!!!
Overall Rating: 6/10
