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The go-home episode of SmackDown to SummerSlam 2021 was a big one. With SummerSlam's main event and many marquee matches from SmackDown, it was clear that this episode was going to be a big one.
The stakes of the main event were raised significantly, and a lot of storylines will culminate at the biggest party of the summer. Here are a few things WWE subtly told us on the SmackDown before SummerSlam:
#7. Baron Corbin's story on SmackDown doesn't involve much redemption
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While we're still curious to see how the storyline plays out, the likeliness of a Baron Corbin face turn seems lesser now than before. While the initial part of the storyline on SmackDown signalled a face turn and a redemption arc, we've only seen Baron Corbin get more desperate about getting money back.
Unfortunately for him, this meant various methods - like asking Drew McIntyre for $100,000, trying to sabotage Finn Balor and attempting to secure the main event spot at SummerSlam, and most recently, stealing the Money in the Bank briefcase from Big E.
He lost to Kevin Owens last time on SmackDown and lost the chance to win a $1000. However, he stole Big E's Money in the Bank briefcase, and it came back to bite him this week. He faced Kevin Owens in an attempt to get a "winners cheque" from WWE.
However, the match on SmackDown ended in a DQ after Big E attacked Corbin. The latter managed to get away with the briefcase anyway, signalling that their story is far from over.
However, the possibility of Corbin turning face on SmackDown seems slim.
#6. Is Apollo Crews sliding down the card again?
Apollo Crews has lost a lot of steam in recent months. He had momentum on his side during WrestleMania season, and it culminated with an Intercontinental title win over Big E. However, that was as hot as his 2021 has been.
His Intercontinental title reign was ok at first, but it seemed as though WWE began to give up on him again. He cooled down considerably by the time crowds came back, which is a shame since he was an important star for WWE during the pandemic era.
This week on SmackDown, he teamed up with Commander Azeez to take on King Nakamura and Rick Boogs. It was Boogs who ultimately ended up pinning Crews, signalling the end of his push on SmackDown.
#5. Chaos on Friday Night SmackDown, glory on Saturday night for The Mysterios?
Rey Mysterio faced "main event" Jey Uso on SmackDown. Before the match, Rey Mysterio had his usual pep talk with Dominik, whose inexperience has been showing week after week.
We've seen several matches between either member of The Mysterios against The Usos where a leg on the back was used as assistance. While The Usos did it first, Dominik cleverly adopted it during one episode of SmackDown as well.
This week on SmackDown, Dominik tried the same thing, but referee Charles Robinson caught him and told him to go away. The chaos led to Jey Uso taking advantage and getting the splash and pin on Rey Mysterio.
Dominik Mysterio's inexperience keeps showing on SmackDown, and the same happened this week. But this seems to be the perfect set-up for the father-son duo to become 2-time SmackDown Tag Team Champions.
It would be a mistake not to have a title change, especially since it's been over a year since the last SummerSlam where Dominik Mysterio made his incredible debut. We expect Dominik Mysterio to win and get the pin in the process.
#4. Edge takes Seth Rollins down memory lane on SmackDown
Edge opened SmackDown this week with a spine-chilling promo. Looking at his body language, promo ability, and facial expressions, it's clear why Edge is an all-time great.
He has an all-round experience about him in every department that most superstars in WWE simply don't have. Either way, it was an intense promo where he admitted that he knows one curb stomp can end his career.
What was more notable, however, was when Seth Rollins came out later to respond to him on SmackDown. The crowd in Phoenix couldn't get enough of Edge and constantly reminded Seth Rollins by chanting his name.
After that, a red light began to flash, and Edge appeared on the screen. He told Seth Rollins that he had to bring out his dark side, and Seth Rollins was doused in black liquid that fell from the top. It was a true "Brood" way of doing things - a throwback to Edge's old gimmick and partnership in his early days.
It got a great reaction as well, but it's unlikely that we'll see that side of Edge at SummerSlam. Will Seth Rollins' humiliating moment on SmackDown lead to a win for him at SummerSlam?
#3. Shotzi Blackhart & Tegan Nox earn unexpected title shot on SmackDown
Shotzi Blackhart & Tegan Nox made a big splash on SmackDown in their Championship Contender's match against Women's Tag Team titleholders Natalya & Tamina.
It was a quick and fun match on SmackDown, with Shotzi getting a roll-up pin on Natalya. It's clear that the young tag team is next in line. But will they be able to displace Natalya and Tamina? It seems a bit too early to happen.
#2. Bianca Belair is SummerSlam ready
SmackDown Women's Champion Bianca Belair had a huge task on her hands. Just one night before her SmackDown Women's title defence, she voluntarily took on Zelina Vega and Carmella in back-to-back matches.
Bianca Belair won after struggling a bit, but she didn't look like she was under threat by any means. We were a bit surprised not to see Sasha Banks on the go-home episode of SmackDown before SummerSlam.
But it was a strong showing for Bianca Belair. She isn't guaranteed to retain the SmackDown Women's title at SummerSlam, and it wouldn't be too surprising to see Sasha Banks dethrone her in their rematch.
#1. Roman Reigns ups the stakes on SmackDown...a bit too much?
The go-home segment for SmackDown was a face-off between Roman Reigns and John Cena, as it should have been. It was a good showing for both men. John Cena carries a certain energy about him that truly sets him apart.
Roman Reigns held his own this week on SmackDown, so much so that he may have even spoiled their SummerSlam match. Roman Reigns hasn't been defeated as The Tribal Chief, and that's a fact - whether it was on SmackDown or pay-per-view.
John Cena threatened to win the Universal title and go back to Hollywood, which wouldn't have gotten cheers if any other superstar said that. But as always, John Cena had complete control of the crowd on SmackDown.
Roman Reigns upped the stakes in a big way. So big that he couldn't stand the idea of losing to John Cena. He told Cena that if he were to lose at SummerSlam, he would leave WWE.
This essentially spoiled the result of the main event, but many fans seemed to be aware that John Cena's chances of becoming the Universal Champion are slim.
However, it just got slimmer. John Cena "pinned" Roman Reigns in a somewhat awkward final moment on SmackDown. Michael Cole botched the call, but Pat McAfee rightfully said that Roman Reigns kicked out at 2.5. Either way, it's a psychological advantage for John Cena heading into SummerSlam.
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