As the dust settled on Hell in a Cell, we returned to Smackdown action last night – and it didn’t disappoint.
Sunday’s PPV wasn’t without its controversy with AJ Styles just about clinging on to his WWE Championship, and drama as Becky Lynch getting control of the women’s division from Charlotte.
How these stories, and a few others, would move on was anyone’s guess – so here are the best bits from Smackdown.
A new day is dawning
If this doesn’t fill your heart with sadness what does?
Yes, it has been teased in recent weeks, but who can honestly say their wanted to see the end of Rusev Day?
Nope.
First up, Rusev’s match with Shinsuke Nakamura was pretty awesome, but it’s what happened next that will have everyone talking.
Costing Rusev the match on what seemed like an accidental distraction, Aiden English would then go on to attack the Bulgarian Brute with the mic leaving him prone in the ring.
Quite what a feud between the two of them would look like remains to be seen, but that is now, sadly, inevitable.
Side note: That primal scream from Lana. Wow.
Becky Balboa continues to land shots on Charlotte
Disclaimer: I love new Becky Lynch. Scratch that. I love Becky Lynch.
Since her patience with Charlotte ran out at SummerSlam, the LassKicker has been absolute gold – and this was no exception.
In arguably her best performance on the mic since the start of this run, Lynch was cutting, cocky, and chopped The Queen down at every opportunity.
And the crowd is still poppin’!
Getting the better of the physical battle at the end, was the cherry on top.
AJ Styles v Andrade Cien Almas, with a little bit of Joe
How good is Andrade Cien Almas?
After a barnstorming couple of weeks working with Daniel Bryan, Almas really hit the heights with AJ Styles.
Their work together was captivating, and throwing Samoa Joe into the mix only added more fruit to an already rich recipe.
The attack from Joe was almost inevitable, but leaves all avenues open.
AJ and Almas will dance again, while the heat between the Phenomenal one and Joe just intensifies.
I worry what will happen between the two post Super ShowDown, but for now, let’s enjoy the ride.
Maryse leaves Smackdown
This was supposed to be fun wasn’t it?
Arguably the biggest rivalry in WWE, with genuine levels of toxic heat, Daniel Bryan and The Miz was the story line we all wanted since D-Bry’s return.
Sadly things just seem to be limping along right now – with no better evidence than this slot on Smackdown.
Hell in a Cell’s mixed tag was a little bit of filler to extend things out a while, but things need to take a sharp upturn if this isn’t going to simply burn out.
Maryse leaving Smackdown is of no great consequence, and also means Brie Bella can now stick to RAW and not pull double shifts.
However, creative needs to get, um, creative with the main combatants in this feud – and now they are left to their won devices hopefully that can happen.
Something needs to save what could have been the story we all tuned in for, fast.
The best of the rest
Cesaro defeated Kofi Kingston in a nice little trailer for The Bar v The New Day
Asuka defeated Billie Kay – oh what has become of Asuka? The women’s division’s hottest property to this. Such a shame.
