WWE News: WWE makes change to tag team match on SmackDown Live
What's the story?
WWE had previously announced an eight-man tag team match for the latest episode of SmackDown Live, but the bout did not happen. It was instead replaced by a straight tag team bout that saw Shelton Benjamin and Chad Gable do battle with The New Day.
In case you didn't know...
Ever since The New Day moved to SmackDown Live as part of the post-WrestleMania Superstar Shake-up, the trio has been embroiled in a feud with The Usos over the blue tag team titles. The teams traded wins and championship success before Jimmy and Jey prevailed inside Hell in a Cell.
A truce has now been agreed between the two teams, meaning The Usos are in dire need of new challengers. SmackDown Live's tag team division looks pretty bare underneath the top two teams, however. Breezango are stuck in Fashion Files Groundhog Day, The Hype Bros are on the verge of splitting up, and The Bludgeon Brothers are yet to debut.
As of right now, Shelton Benjamin and Chad Gable are the number one contenders for the titles.
The heart of the matter
WWE had previously promoted an eight-man tag team match for last night's show in Milwaukee. The New Day was scheduled to team up with SmackDown Live Tag Team Champions The Usos to take on Benjamin and Gable and their partners, Rusev and Aiden English.
However, the match never happened and the WWE Universe was treated to a straight tag match between The New Day and the number one contenders instead. The Usos were on commentary for the match, which ended in defeat for Kofi and Xavier Woods following a kick to the back of the latter's head.
Rusev and Aiden English were nowhere to be seen on the show, however, and there is no word on why the change was made.
What's next?
Shelton Benjamin and Chad Gable are next in line for a shot at The Usos and the SmackDown Live Tag Team Championships, but there is no word on when that match will take place. Jimmy and Jey are scheduled to do battle against RAW Tag Team Champions Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose at the Survivor Series.
Author's take
Late changes to cards have been a part of wrestling since the sport began. SmackDown's tag team division is in need of repair work, so more straight bouts such as the one the WWE Universe got are undoubtedly the way forward.
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