WWE SmackDown looked like the A-show on this leg of the build to June 17’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view. After a shoddy Raw, the blue brand came through with a spirited episode.
Daniel Bryan and Jeff Hardy thrilled in the main event with Samoa Joe lurking nearby. The Miz’s bitterness paired perfectly with The New Day’s absurdity. Shinsuke Nakamura flourished as AJ Styles’ antagonist.
Tuesday’s show cleared up a number of unknowns about the Money in the Bank card, as well. Two more Superstars qualified for the women’s ladder match, and the WWE Championship bout now has its stipulation in place. Not every segment was a winner, but everything had a clear purpose.
There was a lot to buzz about after Team Blue’s latest effort. Read on for a full breakdown of Tuesday’s SmackDown.
The New Day on Miz TV
- “God, I can get you to do anything tonight.”—The Miz to the crowd.
- “You’ll never be taken seriously because you don’t take yourself seriously.”—The Miz to Big E.
- The New Day throws pancakes at The Miz and shouts “Shame!” at him.
The Miz promoted his docuseries before welcoming The New Day.
Xavier Woods, Kofi Kingston and Big E all at first claimed they were the one representing the team in the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match. Woods talked up The Miz’s accomplishments but called him self-centered.
The Miz tried to antagonize The New Day. Their unity and positivity annoyed him.
The group wanted Big E to fight The Miz, but the heel wasn’t having it. Backstage, though, general manager Paige ordered him to wrestle.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
Grade
A-
Analysis
SmackDown kicked off with a strong segment that showcased both The New Day and The Miz.
The New Day was its usual vibrant self. The Miz’s brief, angry rant was engrossing stuff, helping to hype his appearance in the Money in the Bank ladder match.
We didn’t get an answer on which The New Day member will head to the PPV, but a bit of mystery won’t hurt the bout.
The A-Lister laid out some truths about each man’s career. He was a means to tease a potential New Day split.
The Miz vs. Big E
- “You are no Michael Cole.”—Woods to Corey Graves.
- Big E stomps on The Miz’s chest to the rhythm of the “New Day rocks” chants.
- Kingston refreshes his partner with a swig of pancake syrup.
- Kingston leaps off Cesaro’s shoulder to take down Sheamus.
Big E toyed with The Miz early on. Woods raved about his tag team partner on commentary.
Eventually, The Miz was able to slow things down and take control. When he had the powerhouse grounded, he mocked him and focused on his ribs with a methodical attack.
A series of suplexes allowed Big E to rally back.
The Bar charged in and attacked Kingston and Woods. That allowed The Miz to pounce on a distracted Big E for the victory.
Result
The Miz wins via pinfall.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
Grade
B
Analysis
The match offered a good mix of drama and goofy moments.
The attack on The New Day keeps the trio’s rivalry with The Bar going while giving The Miz a cheap win. And they keep finding ways to make the pancake shtick feel fresh.
Big E’s antics, in particular, are plenty of fun. If he’s ever going to chase the WWE title as the announcers foreshadowed, he will need to tone that down a bit.
Lana vs. Billie Kay (Money in the Bank Qualifier)
Aiden English introduced Lana via song. Peyton Royce and Billie Kay countered with their usual pre-match taunting routine.
The IIconics argued with English outside the ring before Lana stunned Kay inside it. The Ravishing Russian hit two moves and scored the…
