Our WWE SmackDown results for tonight include Finn Balor taking on Tama Tonga, United States Champion Trick Williams clashes with Carmelo Hayes in non-title action, and new Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk returns. Here’s our review and grades for tonight’s show, live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
WWE SmackDown Card:
- Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk returns
- Finn Bálor vs. Tama Tonga
- Trick Williams vs. Carmelo Hayes
WWE SmackDown Results:
Highlights from Monday Night Raw’s Undisputed WWE Championship match air as the show kicks off.
SmackDown GM Nick Aldis is in the ring. Aldis notes that he feels completely justified in his actions, and he recognizes the harm caused. After mediation, Aldis announces he has been reinstated as GM. Aldis introduces the new Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk. Cult of Personality blares through the PA system as the champion makes his way to the ring.
And NEW!
Punk joins Aldis in the ring. Aldis welcomes Punk to SmackDown and gives him the floor. The crowd chants for Punk as he paces in the ring. Punk is sporting a black eye. Punk tells the crowd he missed them. The past few months, he’s been negotiating with Aldis and USA Network to join the brand. That was escalated when Aldis called and told him they needed a championship contender. Punk hypes the crowd. Punk intends to be a champion-champion and defend the championship week in and week out. He’s going to make this simple for anyone in the back: If they think Punk has something that belongs to them, come get it. Punk is going to defend the championship with his blood, sweat, and tears for the people. If Sami Zayn wants a shot, he can have a shot.
Punk mentions taking on Gunther, Finn Bálor, Royce Keys, and Trick Williams. Cody Rhodes‘ music hits. Rhodes asks Punk how his eye feels. Punk quips that’s not why Rhodes is here. Punk mocks Rhodes by asking what he wants to talk about. Rhodes goes in a big circle to get to the idea of Rhodes vs. Punk. Punk says they are friends, and he thought if this match ever happened, it would be in the main event of a WrestleMania, but they can’t wait for that. Rhodes notes that the last time they were in the ring, he told Punk to just say when. Punk gets in Rhodes’ face and says when. Rhodes responds, “SummerSlam”. Aldis makes the SummerSlam match official.
Grade: B-
Good opening promo. Aldis’s mention of his HR issues made this writer chuckle. Punk and Rhodes are a money match, so it’s no shock they are fast-tracking this for SummerSlam.
Finn Bálor vs. Tama Tonga
Bálor is all over Tonga as the match kicks off. Tama lands a lariat. Bálor rolls through on a sunset flip and lands a basement dropkick. Tama is sent over the top rope by a clothesline. Bálor sets up a dive, but Talla yanks Bálor’s leg. While Bálor is distracted, Tama clobbers Bálor from behind. Tama works over Bálor. Bálor fires up and lands a slingblade.
Bálor goes up top for his finish. Tama distracts Bálor. Bálor misses his double stomp. Tama lands Cut Throat, followed by a modified Angel’s Wings! Bálor kicks out! Bálor sends Tama over the top again. A big dive from Bálor takes out Talla and Tama. Bálor lands the Coup de Gras for the win.
Winner- Finn Bálor
Grade: B
This was a great TV match with just enough outside interference that it didn’t take away from the main action; it added to the story of the contest. Solid pro wrestling here.
Backstage, Jimmy Uso and Jacob Fatu are looking for Solo Sikoa. They ask R-Truth if he’s seen him. Truth says no. Fatu asks if Truth has seen Royce Keys. Truth says he hasn’t seen Keys before in his life. Damian Priest walks in and tells Fatu they saw Keys earlier. Truth looks terrified. Fatu tells Jimmy they are going to head to the ring. Truth asks Priest why he did that. Priest says he doesn’t care about Keys. Keys isn’t their friend.
Royce Keys vs. Jimmy Uso
This event is ongoing. This information will be updated as the event progresses.
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