WWE SmackDown Live Recap & Results, August 1, 2017: Who will face Jinder at SummerSlam?

Dusty Finishes Suck

Kevin Owens and AJ Styles had one heck of a match to kick off the show. Referee Mike Choita made a dumb mistake. Owens’ shoulder was higher off the mat than Tommy Chong in a boxing match. Owens is visibly upset and blew up on Shane and D-Bry backstage. Owens even threw Chiota across the backstage area. Shane decided to give Owens a rematch at Summerslam, and through some verbal berating, Daniel Bryan named Shane McMahon as the guest referee for the match.

I bet no one got it, but it was beautiful

The Fashion Files this week ripped off what I think was Twin Peaks. There was a lot there. Calling Sting Eraserhead, Tony Chimmel the Blob, and Velvet McIntyre reference was superb. The actual skit was weird to the max, with The Ascension laughing and pouring honey on a log. It was convoluted, kind of out there, and perfect for a wrestling show.

Rusev is not of this world

John Cena beat him in a flag match, except he didn’t according to the Bulgarian Brute. No one beats Rusev. He said no one wants to face Rusev at SummerSlam because they are all afraid. He might have forgotten about a certain 13-time World Champion who identifies as a snake. Orton challenged Rusev to a match at the biggest party of the summer, then RKOed him. If anything, it should be interesting.

SummerSlam is taking shape

It looks like we are getting at least three more matches after this episode. AJ and KO will go again for US Title, Randy Orton and Rusev will have a go at one another, and Nakamura will face Jinder for the WWE Title. The card is totally not how anyone predicted, and I am perfectly ok with that. We are seeing new faces take on new roles. It is amazing.

Quick Hits:

• The Usos ripping off the New Day was fantastic.
• I am starting an online movement to have WWE Music release Aiden English and Elias Samson covers of Simon and Garfunkel songs.
• The Kannelis Couple have a catchy entrance tune. It’s too bad that isn’t enough to get me to care.
• The best thing about Jinder’s backstage interview with Renee Young was Jinder’s tie
• John Cena is still a class act

Card Recap:

• AJ Styles def. Kevin Owens via pinfall to RETAIN the United States Championship 3.5 STARS
• Aiden English def. Sami Zayn via pinfall 2 STARS
• Becky Lynch and Naomi def. Carmella and Natalya via submission 2.25 STARS
• Rusev def. Chad Gable via submission 3.5 STARS
• Shinsuke Nakamura def. John Cena via pinfall to become Number One Contender for the WWE Championship 4.5 STARS

Did you think SmackDown Live tonight was better than Battleground? Let us know in the comments below!