WWE SmackDown Results and Grades: Payback was just a few days away and SmackDown was the last show before the PPV.
The main event of that show features Roman Reigns, Braun Strowman and The Fiend clashing for the title.
However, there were a couple of surprises on the show, and here are the results and grades from this week’s WWE SmackDown.
Hardy vs Nakamura
Vince McMahon told Adam Pearce to get the signatures of all three men who are to fight for the title at Payback.
Jeff Hardy was willing to defend his Intercontinental title against anyone in the back except AJ Styles.
He faced off against Shinsuke Nakamura and it was the champion who got the win.
However, former champion Sami Zayn made his return and smashed Hardy as he aims for the title.
Hardy beats Nakamura
Grade B
Styles did a great job on commentary but Zayn returning to WWE is great. He lost the title through no fault of his own and should be back in the picture.
Riddle vs Gable
The next match saw Matt Riddle challenge Baron Corbin, however, it was Short G/Chad Gable that replaced the King.
Not cool, BRO.@SuperKingofBros battles #ShortyG RIGHT NOW on #SmackDown! @WWEGable pic.twitter.com/w051h9em6W
— WWE (@WWE) August 29, 2020
Riddle got an easy win and was attacked by Corbin but the Original Bro was able to get the better of the King.
Riddle beats Gable
Grade C
This was a wasted segment as WWE should set up Corbin vs Riddle. We don’t need pointless matches between Riddle and G anymore.
Bayley-Banks breakup?
Bayley cracked some jokes in the backstage and even claimed that she was responsible for Banks losing her Raw Women’s title to Asuka. She also spoke how Banks had never defended the Raw title successfully.
However, Banks didn’t take the bait and the pair promised to stay tag champions after Payback.
Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler appeared next and also claimed they would win the titles.
Grade A
WWE teased a breakup soon especially with Bayley taking shots at Banks. That would be a great rivalry and it will be interesting to see what happens next at Payback.
Strowman destroys
Braun Strowman faced off against Drew Gulak and got an easy win. He was also seen signing the contract from Pearce.
This isn't going to be pretty…#SmackDown @BraunStrowman @DrewGulak pic.twitter.com/Yp75nQAqKs
— WWE (@WWE) August 29, 2020
Kalisto then mocked his Lucha House Party teammates and faced off against Cesaro. The pair of teammates tried to save Kalisto but the distraction helped Cesaro get the win.
Incredible.
INCREDIBLE.#SmackDown @KalistoWWE @WWECesaro pic.twitter.com/MGrsjlmmdV
— WWE (@WWE) August 29, 2020
Strowman wins; Cesaro wins
Grade C
The only reason the matches get a C is due to the Cesaro and Kalisto clash. Kalisto also seemed to make up with Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado despite the loss.
However, Strowman vs Gulak served no real purpose.
Big E Machinery
Big E didn’t want to feature on Miz TV and teamed up with Heavy Machinery to take on The Miz, John Morrison and Sheamus.
.@WWESheamus is leaving @mikethemiz & @TheRealMorrison on their own! #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/2xOlZdyrU0
— WWE (@WWE) August 29, 2020
There was a lot of interference and confusion during the latter stages of the match and E picked up the win.
Big E and Heavy Machinery win
Grade B
This was a decent enough match with six good workers in the ring. E getting the win was great but he should be in singles matches and not tag ones.
The new Paul Heyman guy
Pearce got the signature of Bray Wyatt during a Firefly Fun House segment. He then got Roman Reigns to check it out too but it was revealed that he was sitting with Paul Heyman as he signed the contract.
BELIEVE. THAT. 😮 😮 😮 😮#SmackDown #WWEPayback #UniversalTitle @WWERomanReigns @HeymanHustle pic.twitter.com/4IMYLyp27f
— WWE (@WWE) August 29, 2020
Grade A
The reveal at the end was shocking and great at the same time. Reigns vs Lesnar was a real rivalry and seeing Heyman switch sides was brilliant.
However, it is to be seen if this stays for long or is a temporary alliance.
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