WWE SmackDown Outcomes: Winners, Reside Grades, Response, Highlights From Could 17

Welcome to Bleacher Report’s stay protection of WWE SmackDown on Could 17.

We’re simply over every week away from the King and Queen of the Ring pay-per-view, so most of this week’s segments have been associated to build up the cardboard for that occasion.

Here’s a have a look at what was marketed for Friday’s present:

Let’s check out what went down throughout Friday’s present.

SmackDown opened with a video hyping the King and Queen of the Ring matches set for the present and confirmed a number of Superstars arriving for the present. Belair’s music hit for her entrance once we lastly went stay within the enviornment.

Each of those girls satisfaction themselves on combining energy and agility, so this match was very bodily and featured plenty of fast-paced motion that highlighted their strengths.

Stratton has continued to look extra assured with every efficiency and Belair works properly with nearly anybody. The EST is as over as any babyface in WWE and Stratton all the time performs an incredible heel, so the gang was reacting to nearly every part.

This bout went forwards and backwards with each rivals coming near successful a handful of occasions earlier than Belair hit the KOD for the win. She continued promoting her injured leg after the match was over, so that may seemingly carry by to her subsequent bout.

Outcome: Belair defeated Stratton

Grade: B+

Notable Moments and Observations

The second match of the night time was the KOTR quarterfinal bout between Tonga and Knight. Solo Sikoa, Tonga Loa and Paul Heyman have been all at ringside.

Tonga tried to hurry Knight after the opening bell, however The Megastar noticed it coming and unloaded with some jabs.

Loa and Sikoa supplied some distractions that allowed Tonga to take management. They made this appear to be a tricky struggle for Knight so his eventual comeback would get an excellent larger response.

Regardless of being in management, Knight ended up dropping when Sikoa distracted him lengthy sufficient for Tonga to hit a flatliner for the win.

Outcome: Tonga defeated Knight

Grade: B-

Notable Moments and Observations

Throughout the contract signing with Paul and Rhodes, Paul ripped up the contract as a result of it mentioned his title can be on the road. They ended up signing a brand new contract for simply the Common Championship earlier than Rhodes put considered one of Paul’s buddies by a desk.

Jax gave a fast interview backstage earlier than heading to the ring for her quarterfinal QOTR match towards Cargill.

Jax took management early and introduced the struggle out of the ring. Jax tried to make use of a chair, however Cargill grabbed it and used it first, getting herself disqualified within the course of.

They saved brawling at ringside, however the crowd was vocal about its unhappiness. This felt like an inexpensive solution to defend Cargill with out having her advance within the event and face Belair.

The post-match struggle was type of enjoyable, however every part else about this was underwhelming to say the least.

Outcome: Jax defeated Cargill by countout

Grade: D

Notable Moments and Observations

Austin Idea and Grayson Waller sat with the commentary group to observe Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa tackle Angel and Berto.

This was an unannounced match with out a lot of a narrative behind it, however with the champions at ringside, it appeared like WWE needed to arrange the winners as the subsequent No. 1 contenders.

The ref caught Santos Escobar and Elektra Lopez cheat and ejected them, however DIY gained a second later earlier than they have been even midway up the ramp.

This was first rate however nothing to put in writing house about. DIY is a good group however wants extra probabilities to have longer matches to remind everybody how good they’re.

Outcome: DIY defeated Angel and Berto

Grade: C+

Notable Moments and Observations

This week’s most important occasion was the KOTR quarterfinal bout between Hayes and Orton. Hayes had a few segments to hype the match and arrange a feud with Knight.

This was an attention-grabbing matchup as a result of it paired a newcomer to the principle roster with considered one of WWE’s mot tenured performers.

The Legend Killer turned irate after Hayes smacked him behind the pinnacle, so he began asserting his dominance and throwing HIM everywhere.

This was an entertaining efficiency that made Hayes appear to be a future star, however he took one too many probabilities and jumped proper into an RKO to offer Orton the win.

Outcome: Orton defeated Hayes

Grade: B+

Notable Moments and Observations

This week’s SmackDown featured 5 matches and several other non-wrestling segments, however the two greatest segments bookended the present.

Belair and Stratton opened the present with a incredible efficiency, and Orton and Hayes closed the present the identical means.

Rhodes and Paul saved their feud going, Jax and Tonga each superior within the tournaments, and DIY scored a fast win over Legado Del Fantasma.

King and Queen of the Ring is simply over every week away however WWE nonetheless has a little bit work to do build up the cardboard. Let’s hope it sticks the touchdown.

Grade: B-