WWE SmackDown Live Recap, Grades & Opinion: July 23, 2019

WWE SmackDown Live Recap: July 23, 2019

A.K.A. The One With New Day On Commentary

After Monday night’s Raw Reunion, what will SmackDown have in store? Daniel Bryan is set to make the career-altering announcement he couldn’t get out last week. As well, Kofi Kingston is set to issue a Summerslam challenge. Who will get a shot at his WWE Championship? Will Kevin Owens be around to hit the Stunner on Shane McMahon once again? Let’s find out together.

Results:

Shinsuke Nakamura def. Apollo Crews
Ember Moon def. Charlotte
Kofi Kingston def. Samoa Joe by disqualification when Randy Orton interfered
Roman Reigns versus Kevin Owens goes to a no-contest

Match of the Night: Shinsuke Nakamura def. Apollo Crews by pinfall following a Kinshasa

Apollo Crews got a chance to shine on SmackDown Live, and shine he did. His delayed vertical suplex on Intercontinental Champion Nakamura was a great display of his strength. After taking KUSHIDA to the limit last week, Crews got another opportunity here and made the most of it. Nakamura was good as always, but New Day on commentary kept pointing out how great Crews looked. Hard to disagree with Woods & Big E’s assessment.

Three Thoughts:

Friend Versus Fiend

Bray Wyatt is the most interesting part of WWE programming right now. Tonight, Finn Balor came out to question why the Fiend attacked him on Raw last week. It was Firefly Funhouse Wyatt that answered him instead.

.@FinnBalor challenges @WWEBrayWyatt to a match at #SummerSlam… And #TheFiend ACCEPTS! #FireflyFunHouse #SDLive pic.twitter.com/HCp0kH6Nn9

— WWE (@WWE) July 24, 2019

This duality of Wyatt and the Fiend is incredible. Wyatt is a “super duper” fan of Balor, but the Fiend is not. Wyatt slowly losing himself in the Fiend side of himself should be great to follow. His first match against Balor at Summerslam? Must watch.

Kingston Stares Down A Viper

It took all of one promo segment to sell me on Kofi Kingston versus Randy Orton at Summerslam. These two will meet for the WWE Championship after Kingston challenged Orton to a match. The promo between the two uncovered so many layers. Kingston believes Orton held him back from reaching the main event by using his influence (something that is believed to be true backstage, not just in kayfabe). He also mentioned using the power of positivity to get him through to the main event.

"You think I used my influence to hold you back? Damn right I did." – @RandyOrton to #WWEChampion @TrueKofi #SDLive #SummerSlam pic.twitter.com/fFLou5vsNx

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 24, 2019

Orton’s responses to Kingston were amazing. He said he’s the reason Kingston even got a title shot because he legitimately injured Ali, allowing Kingston to take Ali’s spot. Orton also says he’s never had to work hard because he’s just that good. Within a few minutes, these two sold me on animosity and unfinished business. Orton tried to RKO Kingston during his match, but Kofi caught him with Trouble in Paradise instead. As of now, this should be the main event of Summerslam over Brock Lesnar-Seth Rollins.

Latest Wrestling News

Moon Rises

In a quick segment, Ember Moon was made to be both an intelligent and opportunistic challenger. Moon rolled up Charlotte for a quick victory in their first-ever matchup thanks to a Bayley distraction. She then smartly tossed Bayley into the ring to be viciously attacked by Charlotte. Moon picked up the scraps and hit Charlotte and then Bayley with the Eclipse. All it took was one decision by Moon to make her look like a savvy challenger to Bayley. It also shows Moon as more of a tweener than a pure heel. That could be valuable if WWE decides to make it a triple threat with Charlotte at Summerslam.

Message SENT by @WWEEmberMoon! #WomensTitle #SDLive @MsCharlotteWWE @itsBayleyWWE pic.twitter.com/LYaXtN0UUx

— WWE (@WWE) July 24, 2019

Grade: B

This was a show buoyed by promos. Orton-Kingston was a masterclass in setting up a program quickly. The Fiend/Wyatt duality continues to be the most interesting part of WWE programming. Owens got to stunner Shane McMahon. Charlotte even had a chance to shine on the microphone. Nakamura and Crews put on a good match, and that’s enough to make this an enjoyable show.

Another #SDLive, another Stunner for @ShaneMcMahon… #SDLive @FightOwensFight pic.twitter.com/P8SMMg7RLS

— WWE (@WWE) July 24, 2019

One More Thing:

Charlotte was heated about her being left off of the Summerslam card so far. Three options exist for her: triple threat title match, face off against Ronda Rousey, or battle Sasha Banks. What would be the best option?

.@MsCharlotteWWE vows to prove that she is the greatest female WWE Superstar of ALL TIME at #SummerSlam! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/Mc5zTYQSvT

— WWE (@WWE) July 24, 2019

– Evan Gomes is the Managing Editor of Pro Wrestling for Full Press Coverage. Like and follow on Follow @EvanGomes_ Follow @FPC_Wrestling and Facebook.