WWE SmackDown Outcomes: Winners, Dwell Grades, Response, Highlights From Aug. 23
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- The Bloodline vs. Avenue Earnings (Tag titles)
- Jade Cargill, Bianca Belair and Naomi vs. Alba Fyre, Isla Daybreak and Blair Davenport
- LA Knight vs. Santos Escobar (U.S. title)
- Cody Rhodes on the Grayson Waller Impact
SmackDown.WWE
Welcome to Bleacher Report’s reside protection of WWE SmackDown on August 23.
Here’s a take a look at what was marketed for the penultimate SmackDown earlier than Bash in Berlin subsequent weekend:
Let’s check out what occurred on Friday’s episode of SmackDown.
The Grayson Waller Impact
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- Waller was streaming this section on Instagram, too.
- Waller stealing Rhodes’ line was humorous.
- WWE utilizing footage of Chris Jericho within the video package deal was an fascinating alternative.
SmackDown.WWE
SmackDown opened with a recap of final week’s Bloodline actions. Once we went reside within the area, Waller and Austin Idea welcomed Rhodes because the visitor for the Grayson Waller Impact.
Waller appeared irritated by Rhodes taking time to pose and say his catchphrase. He referred to as Rhodes egocentric and mentioned all of his buddies hold getting crushed up due to him.
The American Nightmare identified the hypocrisy of this and requested when Idea would smart up and depart Waller. This led to Waller enjoying a video of KO betraying all of his previous buddies.
Owens got here out and tried to guarantee Rhodes that might not occur. Nick Aldis got here out and booked KO and Cody vs. A-City Down Beneath for the principle occasion. Owens unintentionally hit Rhodes throughout a brawl but it surely appeared nice.
This was a reasonably customary speak present section. Owens interjected some wanted vitality within the final couple of minutes.
Grade: C+
Notable Moments and Observations
LA Knight vs. Santos Escobar
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- Escobar’s double underhook elevate seemed nice, however the impression of his knee on Knight’s chest was weaker than supposed.
- Knight had a brand new customized chyron throughout his entrance.
SmackDown.WWE
The USA Championship was on the road within the first match when Knight took on Escobar, who had Legado Del Fantasma by his facet for help.
Angel and Berto attacked Knight throughout the official introductions as Escobar and Elektra Lopez watched whereas laughing. The ref booted all of LDF from ringside, however a number of injury was already performed.
Knight determined to compete and nearly received with a schoolboy rollup. As soon as Escobar regained his composure, he started to dominate. Knight saved making fast comebacks solely to finish up again on protection.
After two segments, The Megastar hit the BFD for the win to retain his title. This match had nice vitality and a few enjoyable moments, but it surely felt like they left a number of room to develop in future encounters.
Grade: B
End result: Knight defeated Escobar
Notable Moments and Observations
Naomi, Belair and Cargill vs. Fyre, Daybreak and Davenport
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- It is a bit bizarre when present champions are overshadowed throughout entrances.
- Naomi, Cargill and Belair’s gear was a reference to Simone Biles.
- Davenport has a lot untapped potential. She is already superb for less than being 28 years previous.
SmackDown.WWE
Naomi, Belair and Cargill had an opportunity to tackle the ladies who’ve made their lives hell, Fyre, Daybreak and Davenport.
Daybreak and Belair started for his or her groups with an alternate of takedowns. The heels managed the tempo towards the EST by the break and into the following section.
Noami went on a rampage as soon as she was tagged in and ended up profitable with a Break up-Legged Moonsault on Davenport.
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One of many downsides of a match like that is that it may be tough for everybody to get sufficient time within the ring. With Belair being remoted for thus lengthy and Naomi getting in all the offense on the finish, it felt like Cargill was misplaced within the shuffle.
End result: Naomi, Belair and Cargill defeated Fyre, Daybreak and Davenport.
Grade: C+
Notable Moments and Observations
The Bloodline vs. Avenue Earnings
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- Fatu wrestling with a boot on his superkicking foot was funnier than it ought to have been.
- Sikoa utilizing a promotion to his personal enforcer as the rationale why Fatu had to surrender the belt was a weak excuse.
- B-Fab lastly being given some mic time is nice. She needs to be greater than only a valet. She has a number of charisma.
Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu put the tag titles on the road towards Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins, however not earlier than Solo Sikoa delivered a promo. He advised Fatu to present his belt to Tanga Loa as a result of he was injured.
Dawkins and Loa began for his or her groups, but it surely did not take lengthy for Loa and Tama to isolate him for some double-team offense.
When Ford tagged in, he fell sufferer to the identical factor. The champs dominated till the present lower to a break, a lot to the delight of the would-be Tribal Chief and his enforcer.
The challengers started to construct some momentum as soon as the present returned. Dawkins received a scorching tag and went wild taking down each brothers.
Sadly for the Earnings, going through anybody within the Bloodline means you might be going through the entire household. Sikoa interfered and helped his boys win and hold their titles.
This bout had some good spots however by no means felt like a really aggressive struggle. DIY got here out to help Ford and Dawkins however they ended up receiving a beating.
End result: The Bloodline defeated The Earnings
Grade: B-
Notable Moments and Observations
A-City Down Beneath vs. Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes
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- Nia Jax was proven overhearing Chelsea Inexperienced and Piper Niven speaking about how Tiffany Stratton will in all probability activate Nia quickly.
- Idea’s rolling dropkick seemed actually good.
- Owens received the most important pop for a scorching tag.
This week’s essential occasion was the tag match with Idea and Waller taking over Rhodes and Owens which was booked throughout the first section.
The American Nightmare took management of Waller instantly and tagged in Owens for a fast two-count. The babyfaces had the Australian Celebrity reeling till he was in a position to attain his accomplice.
After the business break, it turned a way more aggressive struggle. All 4 males had some standout moments, however the principle story being advised was whether or not Owens would activate Rhodes.
Unsurprisingly, The Prize Fighter and American Nightmare received the victory when KO hit a Popup Powerbomb.
End result: Owens and Rhodes defeated Idea and Waller
Grade: B
Notable Moments and Observations
The Remaining Phrase
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Friday’s SmackDown ended up being about as run-of-the-mill because it will get, however there have been some moments price seeing.
Knight and Escobar had a enjoyable U.S. title bout, and the principle occasion had some strong motion, however nothing from the present caught out as must-see TV.
On the plus facet, WWE continued the buildup for Bash in Berlin with a number of segments and video packages, together with one for Mia Yim that made her look higher than she ever has on the principle roster.
It is a toss-up for Match of the evening between Escobar vs. Knight and the principle occasion tag bout, however if you happen to solely watch one factor, KO and Rhodes vs. A-City Down Beneath is your greatest guess.
Grade: B-
