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This week's episode of SmackDown Live was way better than the previous installments of the show. The fact that SmackDown was more interesting than ever is courtesy of the decisions taken by WWE at SummerSlam.
SmackDown built momentum on it's up and running storylines involving Randy Orton and Jeff Hardy, major title changes, and great promos. SmackDown Live ended up being better than decent. With all the backlash SmackDown has received over the last couple of months, this was a great attempt to redeem some mistakes.
So what went right for SmackDown Live this week? Let's discuss 6 things WWE got right at the SmackDown Live after SummerSlam.
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#1 The encounter between Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair
Becky Lynch for the most part of her career has been a babyface. Debuting way back in 2002, Becky Lynch has been a constant face in the WWE since 2013.
Making a return at NXT, and being a part of the developmental arena from 2013 to 2015, Becky Lynch had a successful run as first ever SmackDown Live Women's Champion in early 2016. After a short lived championship reign, it was downhill from there for the future WWE Hall of Famer.
With Becky Lynch turning heel at SummerSlam, it was evident from the crowd reaction at Brooklyn that the heel turn was welcomed by the WWE Universe. SmackDown Live took the newfound rivalry between two old friends to a different level.
A great promo from Becky Lynch and the altercation with Charlotte Flair saw the entire female roster in the ring trying to separate the two superstars.
The women's division looks more complete now that the championship belt is between two wrestlers who can give a great title match-up. SmackDown Live has rightly succeeded in giving justice to the Women's Championship.
#2 New SmackDown Tag-Team champions
The New Day is an exceptional Tag-Team stable who haven't looked back ever since they became a team. The New Day are loved by the WWE Universe, and always get a loud pop whenever they enter the arena.
Huge credit to Eric Rowan who gave an amazing match even after reports claimed that he had torn biceps.
The outcome of this match might have been due to the fact that The Bludgeon Brothers will be out of action for a couple of weeks at least, but the result however is satisfying in every regard.
#3 Rusev and Andrade Cien Almas
Rusev and Andrade Cien Almas are both amazing athletes who deserve a major push towards the upper card of WWE.
Andrade Cien Almas was exceptional at NXT, and Rusev has found success with his Rusev Day gimmick. This was quite evident on last night's episode.
The WWE Universe awaits where these talented wrestlers will take the rivalry from here. It will be interesting to see both these superstars in an ultimate showdown at Hell in a Cell.
#4 The Miz and Daniel Bryan are not over
WWE added a new twist to the 8 year old tale of The Miz and Daniel Bryan. Mentor and student had somewhat of a decent match at SummerSlam, and although The Miz came out victorious, the match panned out in a way one wouldn't have expected.
The audience was excited when Brie Bella came into the picture, and Daniel Bryan announced a Mixed Tag-Team match.
#5 The Jeff Hardy and Randy Orton feud
Ever since Randy Orton turned heel, it hasn't been about belts and championships, but Jeff Hardy alone. 4 matches leaked for the Hell in a Cell Pay-Per-View suggested a match between Jeff Hardy and Randy Orton.
Last night's SmackDown Live saw Jeff Hardy avenging the beating he has received from Randy Orton over the last month. The feud looks interesting, and these superstars are capable of giving an amazing performance at Hell in a Cell.
#6 AJ Styles and Samoa Joe
They have taken it personally. Two of the best athletes in the WWE right now gave their best in the recently concluded SummerSlam, and the result though unsatisfactory, had a great ending which will only guarantee more amazing performances in time to come.
AJ Styles has mentioned in various interviews that he wants to retire early, and bringing family into the feud will only ensure greater emotional appeal and gravity in the bout.
