WWE SmackDown live results: Nakamura vs. Hardy US title match
Tonight, new United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura defends against Jeff Hardy in a rematch from Extreme Rules. Nakamura defeated Hardy for the title with a low blow and Kinshasa in just a few seconds on Sunday. After the match, Randy Orton made his return and gave Hardy another low blow. Hardy is looking for payback and to regain the title.
WWE Champion AJ Styles successfully defeated Rusev at the pay-per-view. SummerSlam is fast approaching, and Styles is looking for his next challenger. He’ll face Andrade “Cien” Almas tonight.
The future of Team Hell No is in serious doubt. The Bludgeon Brothers defeated them at Extreme Rules and “severely injured” Kane. Daniel Bryan is without a partner but will attempt to bounce back after the loss.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Carmella once again defeated Asuka at the PPV. Asuka should react to that loss tonight, and we’ll see what’s next for the women’s division.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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SmackDown started off with the former United States Champion Jeff Hardy heading to the ring. He said he might look like Jeff Hardy but he doesn’t feel like Jeff Hardy. He feels incomplete and heartbroken because he’s no longer the U.S. Champion. Hardy promised to make Shinsuke Nakamura fade away and will classify him obsolete. He promised to win the title back later.
Renee Young interviewed Shinsuke Nakamura in the back about Hardy’s comments. He mocked Hardy and promised to make him cry again.
WWE Champion AJ Styles defeated Andrade “Cien” Almas (w/ Zelina Vega) in a Non-title Match
This match was made after Zelina Vega challenged Styles in the back. Almas controlled the match early. Styles attempted a standing dropkick but Almas hung onto the middle rope and posed. Vega mirrored the pose underneath him on the apron.
Styles attempted the Styles Clash but Almas dropped him on the apron. Styles went from the Phenomenal Forearm but Almas knocked him off. Almas went for a moonsault off the top but Styles rolled away. Almas landed on his feet and hit a standing moonsault instead for a close near fall.
Styles attempted a superplex but Almas countered into a double foot stomp. Almas hit the double knees for a very close near fall. Styles countered the Hammer Lock DDT into the Calf Crusher for the win.
Aiden English approached Lana in the back. He apologized for costing Rusev the WWE Championship at Extreme Rules. Lana didn’t understand why he’s apologizing to her. She wondered if English is what’s best for Rusev. English is looking for a second chance and said that we all deserve second chances. Lana promised to take it into consideration.
Becky Lynch defeated Mandy Rose (w/Sonya Deville)
Rose had a new entrance and theme song. The screen got all hazy like a guy seeing his dream girl in a 90’s teen comedy. Rose gained the advantage and controlled the match. Rose hit a dropkick and knee for a two count. Lynch made a comeback and applied the Dis-arm-her for the win.
After the match, Lynch said she’s been patient but feels it’s time she becomes the SmackDown Women’s Champion and challenged Carmella.
In the back, Paige asked Carmella if she heard the WWE Universe cheering. Paige asked about Carmella’s boyfriend James Ellsworth. Carmella was disgusted and said he’s not her boyfriend. Carmella demanded Paige throw her a Melabration next week. Paige said only if Carmella can defeat Lynch in a non-title match next week. If Lynch wins she receives a title shot at Summerslam.
R-Truth approached Tye Dillinger. Dillinger wasn’t interested in a pep talk after Samoa Joe attacked him last week. Truth was able to get Dillinger pumped up for the match but it was revealed that Truth was on the phone with his mom. He actually said to smile more not fight Samoa Joe.
Samoa Joe defeated Tye Dillinger
Dillinger jumped Joe to start the match. They brawled on the floor until Joe sent Dillinger face first into the ring post. Joe locked on the Coquina Clutch for the win.
The Miz held a special funeral for Team Hell No. Three pallbeares brought out a fake Kane head on a pillow. Corey Graves was fake crying on commentary. Miz promoted Miz & Mrs. debuting soon and noted he participated in the Celebrity All Star Game. Miz quoted Kane’s favorite band NSYNC and said it’s time to say “Bye, Bye, Bye” to Team Hell No.
Miz recounted Team Hell No’s friendship and feud. He asked everyone to stand up and for a moment of silence for Team Hell No. Obviously, the crowd eventually started a “Yes” chant. He said that Daniel Bryan was just trying to stay relevant.
Miz said Bryan’s return from injury was a bust and each week he comes out he’s tarnishing his legacy. He said Bryan’s days of headlining Wrestlemania are over and his career is dead like Team Hell No. Daniel Bryan came out and attacked Miz and the three pallbearers. He gave one of the pallbearers the running knee and Miz ran off.
In the back, Xavier Woods and Big E. pumped up Kofi Kingston for his upcoming match with Eric Young of SAniTY.
Eric Young (w/Killian Dain & Alexander Wolfe) defeated Kofi Kingston (w/Xavier Woods & Big E.)
They went back and forth early but Young gained the upper hand. Kingston fought back and sent Young to the floor. Young regained control of the match and slowed down the pace. Kingston made his comeback and scored a close near fall.
Kingston hit a dive jumping over the referee and landed on SAniTY. SAniTY tired to interfere but The New Day went after them. Finish came when Dain threw Woods into Kingston. Young then hit the Wheelbarrow neckbreaker for the win.
United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Jeff Hardy Ended When Randy Orton Interfered
Hardy jumped Nakamura to start the match. Nakamura attempted a low blow but Hardy avoided it. Hardy jumped off the steel steps onto Nakamura against the barricade.
Nakamura took over and was firmly in control until he missed a knee drop. Hardy fought back and a hit jaw breaker and splash for a two count. Nakamura regained control and rocked Hardy with a knee.
Hardy hit whisper in the wind for a close near fall. Nakamura fought back and hit the running knee in the corner for a two count. Nakamura attempted the Kinshasa but Hardy countered into the Twist of Fate. Hardy hit the Swanton Bomb and had the match won when Randy Orton pulled him out.
Orton rammed Hardy into the steps and gave him a vicious beatdown. Orton asked Hardy if he wanted to know why he attacked him. Orton then started to pull on the hole in Hardy’s ear. This looked incredibly brutal and painful. Orton then gave Hardy the draping DDT off the announce table to the floor.
Next Week: Paige will announce WWE Champion AJ Styles next challenger for the title at Summerslam. Plus, SmackDown Women’s Champion Carmella takes on Becky Lynch in a non-title match. If Lynch wins she receives a title shot at Summerslam.