WWE SmackDown, 9th August: Preview
After an above average RAW, SmackDown now has the responsibility of adding more meaning to the SummerSlam card. Several top wrestlers still haven’t made their way into a match and SmackDown could be the right place for that to happen.
Let us now look at the matches we will get to see on SmackDown this week.
1. Randy Orton vs RVD
RVD still hasn’t made it to the SummerSlam match card, which is pretty sad after his huge return at Money in the Bank. Even Randy Orton isn’t in a match at SummerSlam, but it doesn’t hurt him as he can still make a huge appearance courtesy his MITB briefcase.
But you can’t expect wrestlers of the likes of Orton and RVD to miss out on an event such as SummerSlam and hence, this match can prove to be the initiation to a mini feud until SummerSlam. After a huge RKO last week on SmackDown, RVD missed out the opportunity to challenge Del Rio for the title. Will this lead to a match between them at SummerSlam? Let’s hope it does.
2. AJ Lee/ Big E Langston & Dolph Ziggler/ Kaitlyn: Miz TV segment
It was announced on RAW this week that a Miz TV segment including these four will take place. After Kaitlyn cost Ziggler a match on RAW this week, it became obvious that she was somehow involved in Ziggler’s feud between AJ and Big E.
Also, Kaitlyn is extremely furious about AJ’s action and we will get an explanation as to why AJ turned Layla on Kaitlyn. Will Miz instigate AJ into losing control? Or will Ziggler make fun of her again? As far as I see it, a match between the four is on the cards.
3. Fandango vs Kofi Kingston
The Jamaican high-flyer made a successful return to WWE this week after he beat Fandango on RAW. The ballroom dancer, on the other hand, has been going through a serious of losses, a few of which he chose himself by walking out.
In desperate need for a win, Fandango needs to make use of this opportunity to try and salvage some respect for him by beating Kingston. Also, it seems as though the WWE is planning a match between the two since they’ve been given chances to square off after their match at RAW.
4. Kane vs 3MB (3 on 1 handicap match)
Kane this week challenged Bray Wyatt to a Ring of Fire match at SummerSlam, which left them in a bit of a fix. Looks like the old Kane is back and we don’t have to see his funny side any more.
Kane, after repeated attacks from the Wyatts, will be fuming, and this could prove to be an effective sparring match for him. He can warm up to the idea of beating a three man group which the Wyatts represent. Though the 3MB aren’t anywhere close to the Wyatts, Kane can at least draw relevance with the numbers.
Further, we might get to see the Wyatts responding to Kane’s challenge and possibly, even another attack on Kane.
5. Daniel Bryan vs Wade Barrett
Barrett got the most valuable asset of his life taken away on RAW this week as Bryan shaved of his beard. Barrett, who came out as a barber, did what the Chairman Vince McMahon told him to, but instead, Bryan fought Barrett and returned the favor.
Looks like Barrett is looking for some vengeance and this week at SmackDown could be just the right place. Anyway, getting back to the real discussion, Barrett is most probably going to job to Bryan again, this time in a traditional way.
6. Christian vs Alberto Del Rio
A non-title match between the Champion and the top contender. Del Rio has been going through a rough patch, as he has had three matches in the past few weeks which has hugely reduced his credibility.
Del Rio will look to gain some momentum by beating his No.1 challenger and proving to the world that he is no lesser champion. Christian on the other hand can gain huge momentum by beating the Champion himself.
Another aspect of this storyline that WWE can try and explain is Del Rio’s attack on Rodriguez, and whether the latter will have something to say after the merciless beating he got at the hands of his former friend.