The blue brand returns tonight, airing live from Orlando, Florida, How will AJ Styles respond to Samoa Joe‘s ambush last week? Will we see the Miz vs Daniel Bryan made official? Will tension continue to develop between Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch after Flair inserted herself into the championship picture last week? I’ve got your answers - and your preview - for tonight’s August 7 Smackdown!

A Quick Recap:

  • Becky Lynch cut a killer promo, but was interrupted by Carmella. The Princess of Staten Island sang Becky’s praises to start, but attacked Lynch when James Ellsworth’s music hit as a distraction. Charlotte Flair made her return to Smackdown Live, saving Becky from a complete beatdown.
  • Paige made Charlotte Flair vs. Carmella the main event for the evening. If Charlotte won, she would be added to the women’s championship match at SummerSlam.
  • The Bar def. the Usos, move on to face the New Day in the finals of the tag-team tournament to determine the #1 contenders for SummerSlam.
  • Samoa Joe critiques AJ Styles parenting abilities. Ruthless.
  • Jeff Hardy cuts a promo on the United States ChampionshipShinsuke Nakamura and Randy Orton, and calls Orton out for his attacks over the past few weeks. Orton enters the arena, but before he can square up with Hardy, Nakamura attacked the Charismatic Enigma. After teasing tension, Orton and Nakamura beat down Hardy.
  • Becky Lynch was interviewed backstage and expressed her disappointment at potentially competing in a triple threat at SummerSlam.
  • Zelina Vega def. Lana after Aiden English accidentally interfered.
  • Bludgeon Brothers promo. Meh.
  • Daniel Bryan and the Miz engage in duelling promos. It was fantastic, and I’m so damn excited for them to punch each other in the face.
  • Charlotte Flair def. Carmella, and was added to the Smackdown Women’s Championship Match at SummerSlam.

One Big Thought:

It hasn’t been a very happy Rusev Day lately, but at least he’s still being placed in a premium position.

I have to admit, I had my doubts that WWE would continue to feature Rusev after his unsuccessful championship opportunity last month. However, while it’s been heartbreaking, the Bulgarian Brute and compatriots Lana and Aiden English have been the subjects of a storyline with Andrade “Cien” Almas and Zelina Vega. I’m thrilled to still see Ru Ru featured, and with a potential mixed tag team match potentially looming at SummerSlam we’re bound to be celebrating a Happy Rusev Day soon once again.

State of the Championships:

AJ Styles is advertised to return tonight after missing last week’s Smackdown with “injuries” sustained during Samoa Joe’s attack the week prior. I’d assume he’ll be responding to Joe’s comments last week about the Phenomenal One’s less-than-phenomenal parenting skills, but perhaps they’ve made up since the comments were made and this can be solved in a rational manner.
The Bar will take on the New Day in the finals of the Smackdown Live Tag Team Tournament to determine the #1 contenders for the Bludgeon Brothers championships. While both teams are great in their own right, I don’t want to see either square up with Harper & Rowan at the Biggest Show of the Summer - could we be lucky enough to have SAnitY interfere and get added to the match? While I certainly hope so, I’d put the odds at 50/50 at best.
Last week, Charlotte Flair was added to the Smackdown Women’s Championship Match at SummerSlam after defeating current champion Carmella. This occurred despite the fact that the Queen has been absent from WWE programming for the better part of two months - something that wasn’t lost on co-#1 contender Becky Lynch. The Irish Lass Kicker was obviously displeased with the fact that her best friend was added to the match, though she stopped herself short of saying she didn’t want her to win her match last week. Is there tension brewing in Tea Time? That much remains to be seen, but expect to find out more tonight.
The United States Championship situation is hotter than it’s been in months, and that’s a testament to the work of the three men involved. Shinsuke Nakamura has been on his best run since being promoted to the main roster, Jeff Hardy is at his enigmatic best and Randy Orton has been viably entertaining for three freakin’ weeks, people. While there’s nothing advertised for tonight’s edition of Smackdown Live, expect further developments tonight.

Three Things to Watch For:

  • If you’re not already excited for Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz, you’re not truly a wrestling fan, are you? Even disregarding their previous history, the build to their - okay, still technically rumoured - match at SummerSlam has been nothing short of excellent. Tonight, the Awesome One will make a SummerSlam announcement - expect it to be something that Bryan isn’t happy about.
  • Naomi still exists, guys - just thought I’d point it out.
  • A friendly reminder that we’re lucky enough to be getting Samoa Joe vs AJ Styles in WWE. Just think about that.

That’s our show! You watching, wrestling fans? Let us know your thoughts by tweeting us tonight @WCSportsCA!

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Smackdown Live Preview: August 7
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Spencer Love

Once stood in front of Cedric Alexander in line at a hotel. Slightly big deal.

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