WWE SmackDown Live Full Results, Grades and Highlights for August 29, 2017

Smackdown Live Jinder Shinsuke

INTRO: Tom Phillips promised us a “land of opportunity” tonight in Little Rock. Randy Orton and Shinsuke Nakamura would team up to face WWE Champion Jinder Mahal and Rusev in the main event.

OPENING SEGMENT: The Singh Brothers stood on the entrance ramp to announce “YOUR WWE Champion” Jinder Mahal’s arrival. JBL said, “That is what a champion looks like” as Mahal stood still while looking jacked. We see a replay of Nakamura smoking the Singhs in a handicap match last week. JBL said that match wasn’t fair because the Singh Brothers were in street clothes. That comment doesn’t explain why they didn’t bring gear to the arena, or just fight shirtless.

Mahal said he’d display his superior ring skills and acumen tonight. Boos stall his comments, which is an upgrade over his normal reception. Bigger pop for Nakamura than Orton when Mahal named his opponents. The Maharaja said Americans don’t understand what it’s like to walk in his shoes. “USA” chant from Little Rock. Mahal said he received this disrespect when he walked through airports or checked into hotels, but he should be revered as WWE champion. He called the audience “jingoistic naysayers”, which is a decent burn. Mahal claimed he is nobody’s fool; he is the best of the best. He demanded to know who would pay the price for the crowd’s disrespect.

Samir Singh broke in, telling Mahal that he and his brother failed him last week. Sounding heartwounded, Samir said they’d like to apologize “to everyone in the great continent of Asia.” They’d also like to apologize to the 1.3 billion people in India, he said with his voice cracking, as well as “mommy and daddy.” But the Singhs especially wanted to apologize to Mahal. Sunil told Mahal they’d embarrassed him through their ignorance and lack of skill in the handicap match. They vowed that Nakamura would never touch the Maharaja again. That’s gonna be tough if they’re wrestling each other in like an hour.

On behalf of India, Sunil requested the privilege of kissing Mahal’s feet. The Singhs kneeled in front of Mahal, got down on the mat, then were interrupted by Nakamura’s music. Nakamura entered the ring as the Singhs formed the world’s weakest two-man wall. He nonchalantly cast them aside, then went face-to-face with Mahal. Nakamura hit Mahal with forearms, then struck the Singhs. As Nakamura returned his attention to Mahal, the Singhs went low to grab his legs, enabling Mahal to hit Shinsuke with a thrust kick. All three men beat down Nakamura. Orton ran to the ring, tossing aside the Singhs. Rusev entered the fray to knock down Orton with a running kick. Rusev ejected Orton from the ring as Mahal delivered the Khallas to Nakamura. Jinder held up the title as the Singhs trash-talked Nakamura.

Phillips announced that AJ Styles would reopen the United States Open Challenge tonight. We see Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin prepare for their SmackDown Live debut backstage. Byron Saxton said this would be the first time we’ve seen Benjamin compete in seven years on SmackDown.

We get an announcement that Orton and Nakamura would wrestle next week; the winner would receive a WWE championship match. In the ring, The Ascension waited for their opponents. Benjamin and Gable emerge to an energetic anthem that would sound good in da club. JBL called Benjamin one of the best athletes that WWE had ever seen, noting that he was a two-time All-American at Minnesota.

Shelton Benjamin and Chad Gable vs. The Ascension

JBL said Benjamin helped coach Brock Lesnar at the University of Minnesota. Gable starts off with Viktor, kipping up out of a wristlock and burying a knee into his opponent’s gut. Saxton said this team looks great on paper, but wonders how long it would take them to gel. JBL said it can take a while to find chemistry, and their athleticism didn’t ensure that they’d mesh. Benjamin entered to hit Viktor with forearms and a double-underhook butterfly suplex for a two count. JBL compared Shelton to a freak athlete like JJ Watt or Von Miller.

Benjamin tagged in Gable, who met Viktor with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex throw. This crowd clearly remembered Benjamin and rooted for him. Gable belted Konnor after catching him trying to interfere, but the big man paid him back by pulling down the top rope as Gable attempted to bounce off it, sending the former Olympian crashing to the outside. We go to break with Gable recovering on the floor.

Back from commercial, Konnor prevented Gable from making the tag with a big spinebuster. Viktor tagged in to stomp at Gable. Viktor and Gable exchanged chops before Viktor overpowered his opponent into the corner. Konnor entered and picked up Gable, who flipped away from him and nearly made the tag again before being hurled into the corner. But Konnor missed an ensuing shoulder-tackle, striking the post. Both men tagged out. Benjamin clotheslined and back-body-dropped Viktor. An interfering Konnor caught Benjamin’s boot, but Shelton whirled around to strike him with his other foot. He threw Viktor into the turnbuckle, vaulted over the top rope, and hit him with a roundhouse kick.

Benjamin ascended the top rope and scored with a clothesline on Viktor. Konnor broke up the pin. He charged at Gable, who paid his opponent back by pulling the top rope down and watching him spill to the arena floor. Gable threw Viktor into Benjamin, who leaped up to snare him with Paydirt for the win.

Result: Shelton Benjamin and Chad Gable beat The Ascension when Benjamin pinned Viktor with Paydirt.

Grade: B

Phillips said that The New Day and The Usos would fight in a non-title match tonight. The winning team would pick the stipulation for their upcoming tag team championship rematch. Byron Saxton said Styles would wrestle whoever came out to challenge him next. We see Baron Corbin walking backstage for a few seconds before Renee Young approached him for an interview. She said it has been two weeks since Corbin “squandered” his Money in the Bank contract. Corbin took offense at that term, claiming John Cena distracted him, then hid from him on Monday Night Raw. The Lone Wolf said he’s tired of being asked where his briefcase went. But Styles guaranteed him a shot at the U.S. title last week, so he planned to cash in on that opportunity.

Styles made his way out as his name was chanted. Hot crowd so far that’s reacting to everything like WWE would want them to react. Styles reminded everyone that Kevin Owens could never challenge him again for the U.S. title as long as the Phenomenal One holds it. He said the open challenge starts … right … now.

We’re expecting Corbin, but Tye Dillinger walks out. Not sure if Corbin is still in catering. Ah, there he is. Corbin walked out and engaged Dillinger in a shoving match. Corbin waited until Dillinger turns his back before attacking him. No logical surprise that two wrestlers tried to claim the same free, unearned title shot. Corbin walked around the ring and got up on the apron. Dillinger recovered to run into the ring and throw Corbin’s face into the ring post, taking him off the apron. He beckoned for the referee to start the match, which he did. Styles looked surprised.

U.S. Champion AJ Styles vs. Tye Dillinger

Styles started with his high-speed combination strikes, but Dillinger floored him with one big left. He hit Styles with strikes in the corner, mounting him for the “Ten” punches. Styles stymied Dillinger’s charge into the opposite turnbuckle, but Tye countered the Phenomenal Firearm by seizing AJ off the top rope in a fireman’s carry. Dillinger missed the Tyebreaker, giving Styles the chance to apply the Calf Crusher. A desperate attempt to scramble toward the ropes proved fruitless, as Dillinger tapped out.

Result: AJ Styles beat Tye Dillinger via submission with the Calf Crusher.

Grade: C-

After the match, Corbin pulled Dillinger out of the ring and hurled him into the barricade. He entered the ring to eat a running forearm from Styles. Corbin yelled angrily as Styles held up the championship belt. Corbin told the announce desk that Styles is “done for”.

Backstage, Rusev laced up his Machka boots in the locker room. Mahal walked up to rouse him with a pre-match speech, telling Rusev that their two great nations would stand victorious over Nakamura and Orton. Rusev told him tonight wasn’t about nationalism, it was about revenge. He told Jinder that they were not friends. Rusev came to SmackDown to be WWE champion. He grabbed at Mahal’s title, telling the champion that he was coming after his title.

Saxton said that Bobby Roode would compete after the commercial break. We see a screen with three photos of a be-robed Roode.

We return to Mike and Maria Kanellis sharing eskimo kisses over the top rope. Did he know he was signing up for this when he agreed to work in WWE? If Mike and Maria weren’t married, this duo would likely be split. Roode made his entrance while wearing a big smile on his face.

Bobby Roode vs. Mike Kanellis

Saxton said Roode forced the rest of the NXT roster to up their game during his tenure in Florida. He dumped Kanellis on his face with some chain-wrestling moves, then smothered Kanellis, doing two revolutions while rotating on his opponent’s back. Roode stood up to shout, “Glorious!” He repeatedly played to the crowd after they shouted along with him. Roode strutted around the ring. He backed Kanellis into the corner, but Kanellis cheap-shotted him during a ref-enforced break and took over on offense.

Kanellis fired away on Roode with some stomps and a few good-looking right hands. Roode rose to hit Kanellis with some sharp chops. He delivered an elbow and clothesline, then landed a flying forearm off the ropes. Running clothesline for Roode in the corner. Kanellis reversed an Irish whip into the opposite turnbuckle, but Roode booted him and connected on a blockbuster off the middle rope. Roode played to the crowd, then ran across the ring into Kanellis’ elbow. He shrugged it off to drop Kanellis with a tight spinebuster. Roode twirled his arms, then hooked the Glorious DDT for the win.

Result: Bobby Roode pinned Mike Kanellis with the Glorious DDT.

Grade: C+

We go backstage to Kevin Owens, who Saxton said appeared to be going to the ring. Owens didn’t appear intent on doing anything, but we’ll see after the break.

Aiden English sang us back from break. I still hate that Mozart of Melody line. Owens interrupted during the “Beethoven of baritone” portion. He entered the ring and told English that “none of these unrefined Arkansas hillbillies” were mentally capable of appreciating his talent. He invited English to leave the ring so he could get down to business, warning that he wouldn’t ask twice. English acquiesced. Owens said he appreciated that courtesy, but didn’t appreciate Shane McMahon’s actions last week. He said he didn’t pick McMahon as the referee last week, but got him anyway. We see the clip of McMahon usurping Corbin as special guest referee for last week’s U.S. championship match, costing Owens the title.

Owens asked what gave McMahon the right to put his hands on the official referee (Corbin) last week. Then he put on a ref shirt and made a three count, “like it’s supposed to mean anything.” Good point. Anyone could have worn a referee shirt and made a meaningless “official” decision, although Shane’s status as commissioner would likely lend him power in that scenario. Owens said he was crowned Universal champion one year ago today in WWE’s greatest moment ever. Tonight, he stood in this ring without his U.S. championship because Shane screwed him out of it twice.

This travesty could never have happened on Raw, Owens claimed, because the “lovely” Stephanie McMahon would not abuse her power like that. He scoffed at SmackDown branding itself as the “land of opportunity”, dubbing the show McMahon’s “personal playground.” As Owens called him an egomaniac, McMahon walked onto the entrance ramp. Shane bowed to the crowd. Owens insulted McMahon for stealing the spotlight and making it about himself. Shane did just that by shouting out Little Rock for a cheap pop. He told Owens that he picked his own special guest referee last week. McMahon claimed that Corbin was “extremely biased” during the match, which is debatable. Shane stated that Corbin didn’t even finish the match, which was attributable to the program’s commissioner pulling him out of the ring when he was counting a pinfall. Owens does have a gripe here.

When Corbin took a walk, Shane took it upon himself to ensure the title match had a winner. And he counted Owens’ shoulders “to the ground”. What? McMahon told Owens he lost to Styles. Owens yelled that he didn’t lose, McMahon screwed him. Again. McMahon said Owens could call it whatever he wanted. This conversation is over, he said, because everyone is tired of hearing him complain. McMahon ordered Owens to vacate the ring and English to reenter it, as Aiden has a match against Sami Zayn. So English was just standing around ringside for this entire segment? Owens joined the commentary team, inviting Saxton to step to him.

Sami Zayn vs. Aiden English

English pounded on Zayn to start. Owens said he can’t put into words what he’s feeling, which made him as useless as Saxton. Nice vertical suplex from English, who celebrated with a bow. Zayn reversed an Irish whip, then clotheslined English over the top rope when the Shakespeare of Song held onto it. Zayn crashed into English with a somersault dive over the top rope. He rolled English into the ring for a two-count. Meanwhile, Owens grew increasingly agitated at ringside. He claimed this match’s referee wasn’t doing his job right, just like McMahon failed to do his job last week. Therefore, KO decided to “show people how things work.” As Sami climbed the top rope, Owens rolled into the ring and stripped the referee’s shirt off his back, then donned it.

Owens declared himself the match’s official referee. Having knocked English off the turnbuckle, Zayn looked at Owens and froze. He jumped off the top rope after Owens started counting at him. Zayn protested Owens’ antics, giving English time to recover and ambush him from behind. Owens then grabbed Zayn and threw him into the ropes for a Pop-up Powerbomb. He offered up Sami to English, who eagerly covered him as KO administered the fast count.

Result: Aiden English pinned Sami Zayn after the referee executed a Pop-up Powerbomb.

Grade: C

English blew a kiss down at Zayn. JBL said Owens just sent a message to Shane McMahon. KO walked over to the erstwhile referee at ringside and tossed his shirt back. That ref looked pretty buff without the stripes.

We get the Burger King All-American whatever of the week. Sgt. Slaughter recited the Pledge of Allegiance. He waved some flags, then is painted as a flag. Patriotically.

Back on SmackDown, we see a replay of Owens hijacking the Zayn/English match. Saxton said we just witnessed Owens suffering a “total meltdown”. Backstage, Young asked McMahon about the stunt that Owens pulled. Shane said he’s very upset and that match would not count for the record. He also heard that Owens just left the arena, as McMahon himself was about to do. Why is he leaving before the show ends? It’s only two hours and he’s the commissioner. Does he have somewhere better to be?

Dasha Fuentes stood by with Dolph Ziggler. She asked him what the WWE Universe could expect from him after promising a new persona. Ziggler said they’re in Little Rock, so you can expect … “nothing”. Well done. He said he’d only get one chance to make a first impression. Fuentes asked what motivated this change. Ziggler said it was being the best athlete in sports entertainment year after year for a decade without having anything to show for it. He said he gave and gave but got nothing in return. Ziggler said he was taken for granted and treated as an afterthought, but he’s really a star. The fans get distracted by twinkling lights and fancy jackets. In fact, the Cena “you can’t see me” gesture means nothing. Oddly specific comment there.

Ziggler complained about Elias playing a guitar in the ring. He whined about needing a four-wheeler like Steve Austin to get attention, or perhaps dousing himself in paint like Finn Balor. He then suggested he become a superhero named “Zig-Man”. Ziggler said his years of sacrifice mean nothing. So, if the WWE Universe wanted all flash and no substance, that’s what they would get. Next week. Interested to see what he’s going to pull out to follow through on that promise.

The Usos walk to the ring as highlights played from their SummerSlam match. Hellacious double-team move on Woods as he’s alley-ooped over the top rope into a Samoan drop. In real time, New Day made their entrance. Big E doused three fans in Booty-Os as we go to break.

SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos vs. The New Day

We join this match in progress as Jimmy Uso delivered a corner dropkick to a prone Big E. He countered a follow-up running smash by grabbing and slamming Uso with one arm. As you’ve probably guessed, Kofi is the other active New Day member. The injured Xavier Woods played trombone, exhorting Big E to make the tag. Kingston scored with a springboard ax-handle onto Jey Uso. He knocked his opponent down with two-hand chops, a high dropkick, and a leaping clothesline. Kofi hit the Boom Drop and clapped for the Trouble in Paradise. Jey evaded the move, then nailed his own reverse crescent kick. He hurled Kofi into the corner, but Kingston sprung up onto the top rope and executed a cross-body-block that Jimmy had to break up.

Jimmy pushed Kofi back into the corner, then intercepted Big E with a superkick. Kofi avoided Jimmy’s corner charge by squirming through the ropes and getting his boots up. He went back up top, then jumped over Jey to safety. Jey tried to Samoan drop Kofi, but Kingston held on and applied a dragon sleeper. He broke the hold (rather unnecessarily) to knock Jimmy off the apron. Jey and Kofi tussled over an O’Connor roll. Jimmy tagged in as Kofi executed the move, then tumbled over him to bring Kingston down in a schoolboy pinning combination. A handful of tights ensured the victory.

Result: The Usos beat The New Day when Jimmy Uso pinned Kofi Kingston with a schoolboy pinning combination.

Grade: C+

The Usos now got to select the stipulation for the two teams’ upcoming title match. JBL said this choice would give the Usos a home-court advantage in their next fight.

Backstage, Dasha attempted to introduce her next guest. Ellsworth cut her off by grabbing the microphone and introducing Carmella. It took nearly 90 minutes to see anything from the women’s division. He asked Carmella to tell the WWE Universe what’s next for her. Carmella responded by informing Ellsworth she’s never telling him anything again. Last week, he opened his mouth and blabbed her plan to Natalya. If it wasn’t for him, Carmella said, she’d probably be champion now. Funny facial reactions from Ellsworth, who appeared to know that he’d earned this chewing-out. He apologized and asked if she got the flowers he sent. Carmella said the flowers came with a card that read, “With Sympathies”. She asked if Ellsworth stole flowers from a funeral; he asked what she meant by “steal”.

Their bickering was interrupted by Natalya. She told Carmella she should be grateful that Ellsworth spilled the beans. Because if Carmella ever tried to cash in that contract, Natalya vowed, she’d make her “the Baron Corbin of the women’s division.” Even Ellsworth had to “oooh” at that line. Natalya further promised to make Carmella pay when they wrestled next week. Carmella and Ellsworth both told Natalya she’d made a big mistake by agreeing to that match. They walked away and Naomi entered. She told Nattie she seemed a bit on-edge for a champion. She advised Natalya to take a catnap, because, in two weeks, they are squaring off for Naomi’s championship rematch. Naomi finished this promo by smiling and chirping “Meow Meow”.

Later tonight, Breezango is back on duty with Season 2 of the Fashion Files.

Lana stood mid-ring, clearly not dressed to compete. She announced the woman who was bringing the “Ravishing Revolution” to life, Tamina. Saxton said this was one of the most compelling relationships he’d ever seen. That comment richly deserved a Corey Graves rebuttal of “Shut up, Saxton.” JBL said Tamina had a scary focus right now.

Tamina vs. Tina Stock

Stock looked scared to start this fight. She threw some leg kicks at Tamina, then tried some forearms. Tamina shoved her to the mat. Speaking into a mic at ringside, Lana commanded Tamina to “Get her! Tamina – crush!” Tamina stared at Lana, then grabbed Stock and flung her sideways into the turnbuckle. She picked up Stock and began bashing her with headbutts. Primal scream from Tamina, who hit Stock with a running knee in the corner. She tossed Stock across the ring with a beel throw, then cracked her with a superkick for the win.

Result: Tamina pinned Tina Stock after a superkick.

Grade: D+

After the match, Tamina threw Stock out of the ring. She got whipped neck-first into the bottom rope on her way out. Lana beckoned two photographers into the ring, and both men gave Tamina the red carpet treatment. Phillips said Lana is placing Tamina on the path to gold.

The announce team said that SmackDown could now be watched on SuperSport in Africa. Saxton awkwardly segued from that announcement to selling his sadness over Breezango potentially hanging up their water guns. But have no fear, he said, for it is time for season two of Fashion Files.

Open credits roll for Fashion Files Back 2 Basics. The program features Tyler Breeze and Fandango, as well as a screen acknowledging “And Still Not Starring Chuck Norris”. We open a shot of the Two B note found in that disgusting pie from a few weeks ago. Bulletin board photos include Brie Bella, Beau (but not Blake) Beverly, Bob Backlund, Buff Bagwell, Bull Buchanan, Billy Baldwin, and Barbara Bush. Breeze said they could focus on solving their biggest crime ever now that their vacation was over. Fandango reminded him that crime never took a vacation. Breeze showed off the new tech from “the boys in the lab.” Their new goodies included red headphones, a black-light flashlight, and a belt that Fandango insisted on calling a title. That’s funny. Breeze confirmed that the belt just held your pants up. He then explained that their last items, friendship bracelets, made friendships stronger.

The detectives tried out some of their new toys. Breeze dimmed the lights and used the blacklight. After scoping out Dango’s new Fashion Patrol t-shirt, Breeze noticed that the tool showed arrows taking the form of a triangle on some boxes. He kept following all three sides around over and over again, but got nowhere. Fandango turned one of the boxes around, and an arrow pointed to the Two B notecard. The message now read, “Two B OR NOT Two B”. The boys clapped the lights back on. Breezango rattled off some words inspired by the clue – “Shakespeare, poetry, artist.” On cue, Fandango spoke the names they were thinking of, which turned out to be “Bob Ross” and “Shinsuke Nakamura”. They corrected their thinking to implicate Aiden English. Fandango donned sunglasses over the pair he was already wearing, then tucked a third pair into his shirt. This adventure will be continued.

Shinsuke Nakamura and Randy Orton vs. WWE Champion Jinder Mahal and Rusev

As the last man to enter the ring, Orton feigned going to the corner to strike his trademark pose, then went right at Rusev. He and Nakamura cleared the ring of their opponents, and took the brawl outside. Orton heaved Rusev into the barricade as Nakamura lobbed Mahal into the timekeeper’s area. The two faces paced the ring and we go to our last break.

Back from commercial, Mahal worked over Nakamura inside the ring. Shinsuke fought back with a spin-heel kick, but Mahal cut off the tag as the Singhs applaud. Mahal bashed Nakamura with right hands and applied a chinlock. The announcers stressed that both teams would have short-lived partnerships, as all four men wanted the WWE championship. Nakamura fought out off the chinlock with a jawbreaker, and tagged Orton.

The Viper bombarded Mahal with a flurry of strikes, hitting everything from uppercuts to foot stomps. Orton narrowly missed an RKO attempt. Mahal fled the ring, but met a clothesline on the concrete. Orton dropped Jinder spine-first on the barricade. He went for the rope-drape DDT, which Mahal escaped. Orton perservered, tossing Mahal with a fall-away slam. He again went for the DDT. This time, Mahal pushed Orton out of the ring, where Rusev immediately sent him into the ringpost. The Bulgarian Brute tagged “in” and stomped Orton on the outside. Back in the ring, Rusev got a two count. He stomped Orton in his team’s corner, then distracted the referee so Mahal could plant a boot in Orton’s throat. Rusev applied a standing front-face-lock. Eventually, Orton freed himself, only to be set down again with a wheel kick.

Mahal tagged in and connected with a jumping knee drop for a two count. He whipped Orton into the corner, but missed a charge, slamming his shoulder into the ring post. Both men tagged out. Nakamura floored Rusev with a running kick. He teed up Rusev with more kicks, the last of which Rusev caught before Nakamura kicked him with the other foot. Nakamura hit his running knee in the corner for a two count. He went for a reverse exploder, which definitely wasn’t happening after Cena got dropped on his head prior to SummerSlam. Rusev elbowed his way out of that move. He threw a wild punch at Nakamura, who dodged it and maneuvered Rusev into a cross armbreaker. Mahal broke it up, then things got sloppy. He ran at Orton, who ghosted him over the top rope (Mahal struggled to get both legs over). Orton went for the rope-drape DDT, but Mahal appeared to fall off the ropes as the timing was off. Orton picked Mahal off the mat and gave him a regular DDT. Oh, well.

Orton tried to RKO Rusev, who shoved him away. Orton booted him, and a dazed Rusev stumbled into a flying knee from Nakamura off the middle turnbuckle. Shinsuke lined up a Kinshasa and hit it for the win.

Result: Shinsuke Nakamura and Randy Orton beat Jinder Mahal and Rusev when Nakamura pinned Rusev after a Kinshasa.

Grade: B

After the match, Nakamura performed his idiosyncratic movements and poses. He and Orton exchanged words, then appeared to share a smile over one of their comments. Suddenly, Orton executed an RKO outta nowhere. They face off next week.

 

HIGH SPOTS

U.S. Open Challenge
This title defense format provides numerous benefits to WWE. The U.S. champion doesn’t need to be thrown into a heated feud that takes up an entire month before culminating at a pay-per-view. That title means more because it’s given a weekly focus. And AJ Styles gets to showcase his in-ring ability on every episode of SmackDown.

Full Roster Use
We saw English, Dillinger, and Kanellis wrestle matches tonight. Even Tamina is getting pushed as a monster heel in a way that smartly utilizes Lana’s strengths. This week’s program reinforces that you’re going to get a chance to succeed if you’re on the SmackDown brand.

 

LOW BLOWS

Napalm for the Ears
Aiden English’s theme music is atrocious. As in, Right-to-Censor unlistenable. I can’t remember hearing this song prior to this week’s SmackDown because the program usually joins him in-ring, allowing English to serenade the audience. This caterwauling theme is intentionally annoying and would be better left unheard ever again.

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

It feels like a foregone conclusion that Nakamura will beat Orton next week. Unless Shinsuke has caused those in power to lose faith in him and deem Orton a more reliable dance partner for Mahal, he’ll get that title rematch. Roode working as a crowd-pleasing face has the potential to work long-term. He can still brag about his money, talent, and possessions; he just can’t insult the fans directly. Ric Flair himself provided the template for being a rich, arrogant playboy who still gets cheered. When Breezango finally discovers who’s attacking them, that feud will be the most well-built on SmackDown.

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