WWE Smackdown results

Tonight's WWE SmackDown opens up with a look back at the Backlash pay-per-view. We cut to the SmackDown opening video.

- We're live from Philadelphia as Greg Hamilton introduces the new WWE World Champion AJ Styles. Out he comes to a pop as Mauro Ranallo welcomes us to SmackDown. He's joined by David Otunga and JBL.

Styles takes the mic and announces that the champ is here. Styles goes on about how he told ya so. Styles says everything he said he would do, he did. He beat John Cena at SummerSlam and now he's the face that runs the place. He beat Dean Ambrose at Backlash and now he's the WWE World Champion. AJ mentions how he could beat Cena with one hand tied behind his back. AJ goes on, yelling about how he's the champ that runs the camp. John Cena's music hits and out he comes.

Cena says AJ has something that belongs to him and he wants it back. Styles takes off the armband and says he doesn't need it anyway, he's got the WWE World Title. He throws the band at Cena. Cena says AJ still has something that belongs to him and the bad news for AJ is, Cena's finally decided that he'd like to take it back. Cena points at the title and quotes Ric Flair on beating the man to be the man. Cena says if he could hold that gold just one more time, then he's in the conversation with The Man. Cena says he can't think of a better person to make history off of than Styles. Cena says AJ is the face that runs the place but he's the man who doesn't quit. Cena says he has one goal - to announce that the 16-time champ is here. Fans mostly cheer. Dean Ambrose's music hits and out he comes to interrupt.

Ambrose comes right to AJ and he raises the title in Ambrose's face. Ambrose says AJ did something wrong when he kicked him below the belt. AJ became his enemy with that move. Ambrose says he's not just taking the title back, he's taking it back with interest. Cena turns Ambrose around. Cena knocks Dean for complaining about a low blow when he hung AJ by his crotch a few weeks ago. Cena says Steve Austin was right about Ambrose on his podcast. Cena is surprised the low blow hurt Ambrose. He says Ambrose is just showing everyone that he has no balls. A "Cena" chant starts up. Ambrose says Cena must be mistaking him for someone that gives a damn what he thinks. Ambrose has no patience for Cena, his speeches or his bullcrap. Ambrose calls Cena a lazy part-timer. Ambrose says WWE uses Cena for morning shows and things like that. Ambrose says we all know Cena can't get it done in the ring anymore. He couldn't even get past the chump AJ at SummerSlam and won't be able to get past him. Ambrose says he'll never back down from a lazy part-time Hollywood wannabe. Shane McMahon's music hits and out comes the SmackDown Commissioner.

Shane says he couldn't help but come out. He gives Cena and AJ props for tearing the house down at SummerSlam. He also gives AJ props for beating Cena in the middle of the ring. Shane finds the "face that runs the place" saying annoying but says AJ has earned it. Shane also comments on AJ and Ambrose tearing the house down at Backlash but says AJ took the easy way out and that's not how he would like to see the WWE Champion crowned but AJ is the champion. Shane says Ambrose is due his one-on-one rematch but they will discuss that later. Shane announces Styles vs. Ambrose vs. Cena for No Mercy with the title on the line. He also announces Cena and Ambrose vs. AJ and a partner for tonight, if he can find one. Shane says Daniel Bryan will find him one if not.

- Still to come, Nikki Bella vs. Carmella vs. Naomi vs. Natalya vs. Alexa Bliss to determine a new #1 contender. Back to commercial.



The Hype Bros. vs. The Usos

Back from the break and Zack Ryder and Mojo Rawley are out as are The Usos.

Jey Uso starts off with Zack Ryder and goes after his bandaged knee. Back and forth until Jimmy Uso comes in with Mojo Rawley. Mojo unloads on Uso and goes to work. Jey provides a distraction to the referee, allowing Jimmy to get an eye rake in, leading to a big superkick from Jimmy. Jey tags back in and nails a top rope splash for the quick win.

Winners: The Usos

- After the match, The Usos make their exit as we get replays. We come back to Ryder looking on from the ring as Mojo holds his eye.

- Still to come, Heath Slater signs his SmackDown contract. We see WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz walking backstage with Maryse. Back to commercial.



- Back from the break and we get a promo from Curt Hawkins.

- We go to the ring and out comes Maryse with WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz.



Miz starts in about how he's not a coward and plugs his Intercontinental Title World Tour continuing. He's quickly interrupted by Dolph Ziggler. They have words and Miz refers to Ziggler's career being six feet under. Ziggler agrees and says he's at a crossroads in his career, he's in a slump. SmackDown General Manager Daniel Bryan comes out after Maryse gets in Ziggler's face. Bryan says Ziggler will get a rematch. Miz cuts him off and rants about Ziggler not deserving it. Miz says he told Bryan at Backlash that he wants to renegotiate his contract. Miz says Bryan won't get what he wants until he gets what he wants. Miz says the title won't be defended on any show until he gets what he wants. Miz says he's calling his own shots and there's nothing Bryan can do about it. Bryan has entered the ring now. Miz drops the mic and leaves with Maryse as Bryan and Ziggler look on.

- Styles is walking backstage when he sees Baron Corbin. Styles mentions Corbin vs. Apollo Crews tonight but asks Corbin to team with him instead. Corbin turns him down and says he'd rather have the title, not team with AJ. Corbin walks off and we go to commercial.

Baron Corbin vs. Apollo Crews

Back from the break and out first comes Baron Corbin. Apollo Crews is out next.



Crews poses in the corner but Corbin nails him from behind. Corbin takes it to the floor and destroys Crews before the bell hits. Jack Swagger's music hits and out comes the RAW Superstar. They face off and Corbin quickly leaves the ring. Swagger takes the mic and says as of 12:01 today, SmackDown is his new home. Swagger cuts a promo and says we may think we know what he can do in the ring but he's going to be a big problem for everyone else on SmackDown. Scratch that, we're going to be a big problem... he does the "We The People" line and his music hits.

- Still to come, Ambrose and Cena vs. Styles and a partner. We see SmackDown Women's Champion Becky Lynch walking backstage. Back to commercial.

- Back from the break and Baron Corbin is announced for the Talking Smack post-show.

- We go to the ring and out comes new SmackDown Women's Champion Becky Lynch. She's interviewed in the ring by Charly Caruso and talks about how much the win means to her. She says she's a fighting champion and tells the others to bring it on.



Fatal 5 Way for the #1 Contendership: Naomi vs. Nikki Bella vs. Naomi vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Carmella

Naomi makes her way out first. Otunga calls her the Nicki Minaj of WWE. Nikki Bella is out next followed by Natalya. Alexa Bliss is out next and Mauro calls her the Harley Quinn of WWE. Carmella is out last.

The bell rings and they all go at it. Nikki unloads on Carmella, sending her to the floor for a breather. Natalya with an early pin attempt on Nikki as Carmella breaks it up. Natalya floors Carmella with a clothesline. Natalya with a snap suplex on Nikki and then one for Bliss. Natalya hits a Michinoku Driver on Naomi for a 2 count. Nikki goes at it with Natalya now. Nikki with a big knee to the head for a 2 count. Carmella and Nikki come face to face but Carmella runs to the floor and talks trash. Nikki comes out and leaps off the steel steps with a clothesline on the floor. Naomi drops Natalya in the ring with a kick to the head and rolls her up for 2 as Nikki breaks it.

Naomi goes at it with Nikki and targets the neck now. Nikki gets her in an Electric Chair and drops her. Bliss steals the pin but Naomi kicks out at 2. Bliss with a 2 count on Nikki. Natalya grabs Bliss and knees her. Natalya with a thrust in the corner. Bliss blocks the next but gets hit with an enziguri from Naomi. Naomi with a Full Nelson bomb on Bliss. Natalya hits a low dropkick on Bliss while she's held by Naomi for a 2 count. Nikki with a Bella Buster on Natalya for a 2 count. Naomi with a Rear View on Nikki for a 2 count. More back and forth. Natalya slams Naomi's head into the steps. Nikki sends Natalya into the barrier hard. Nikki comes back in with Bliss and takes her to the corner. Nikki gets kicked to the mat in the corner. Nikki ends up going for the TKO but Carmella superkicks her. Bliss dumps Carmella to the floor and steals the pin.

Winner and New #1 Contender: Alexa Bliss

- After the match, Becky stands up from her chair at ringside and applauds. Bliss goes to the floor and runs her mouth but Becky raises the title.

- AJ approaches Kane backstage and asks him to be his partner. Kane just laughs at him.

- Still to come, Heath Slater puts pen to paper. Back to commercial.



- Back from the break and Shane McMahon is in the ring with a cover and the table for a contract signing. He gives props to Heath Slater and introduces him. The first-ever SmackDown Tag Team Champions Rhyno and Slater make their way out.

Slater cuts a promo and thanks Shane, Bryan, Rhyno, his wife Beulah and especially all of his kids. They mention facing any other team and eventually are interrupted by The Ascension, who want a title shot. Shane makes the match and we go to commercial.



WWE SmackDown Tag Team Title Match: The Ascension vs. Rhyno and Heath Slater

Back from the break and Konnor is going at it with Slater. He takes control and in comes Rhyno. Rhyno gets dumped as well. Konnor and Viktor double team Slater for a 2 count as Rhyno breaks it up. Rhyno sends Konnor into the ring post and he rolls to the floor.

Slater finally makes a tag and unloads on Viktor. Rhyno with the spinebuster for a 2 count as Konnor breaks it. Slater jumps on Konnor's back for a sleeper but he gets tossed to the floor. Rhyno sends Konnor to the floor. Rhyno nails a Gore on Viktor for the win.

Winners: Heath Slater and Rhyno

- After the match, Slater and Rhyno stand tall with their titles.

- Bryan approaches AJ backstage and asks about finding a partner. AJ says he doesn't need one. Bryan introduces AJ's partner - James Ellsworth, who got squashed by Braun Strowman on RAW a few weeks ago. Fans cheer Ellsworth as AJ walks off.

- Still to come, Randy Orton has a message for Bray Wyatt. Back to commercial.



- Back from the break and out comes Randy Orton to a pop.

Orton cuts a promo on Bray Wyatt and tells him to come to the ring, if he has the balls. Wyatt appears on the big screen and basically warns Orton to watch out. The lights go back out and Wyatt is now at ringside. The arena is lit up by fireflies and a spotlight is on the ring. Orton yells at Wyatt to come into the ring.

The lights go back out and when they come on, Erick Rowan is behind Orton. He lays Orton out and starts beating on him. Orton manages to nail a RKO outta nowhere as the crowd pops. Wyatt is nowhere to be seen. Orton's music hits as fans cheer.

- Still to come, AJ and Ellsworth vs. Cena and Ambrose. Back to commercial.


Back from the break and out comes WWE World Champion AJ Styles. His partner, the jobber James Ellsworth is out next with no music but a big pop from the crowd. He's quickly attacked from behind by WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz. AJ looks on from the ring somewhat impressed. Miz beats on James and holds his face to the camera, sending a message to Daniel Bryan that he's the real main event. Miz heads to the ring and joins AJ.
John Cena is out first for his team. Dean Ambrose is out next.

The Miz and AJ Styles vs. John Cena and Dean Ambrose


Back from the break and Miz takes control of Cena. Cena tries to fight back but Miz nails a DDT for a 2 count. Miz finally goes down and in comes Ambrose. Ambrose unloads on Miz. AJ is in next. AJ comes off the top but Ambrose catches him with a swinging backbreaker. Ambrose goes to the top for the elbow drop and nails it for a 2 count. Ambrose takes AJ to the corner and unloads. Ambrose with right hands as fans count along. Miz gets knocked off the apron. Ambrose goes to the floor and sends Miz into the barrier, telling him to stay down.

Ambrose comes back in but AJ nails a pele kick. We go to commercial with Ambrose down.

Back from the break and Miz comes off the top and takes Ambrose down. AJ tags in and keeps control of Ambrose for a few minutes. Ambrose finally gets the tag. Miz also comes in but Cena hits the shoulders. Cena with the big slam and the Five Knuckle Shuffle.

Cena goes for the Attitude Adjustment but AJ runs in. Cena dumps him over the top. Ambrose runs the ropes and dives out onto AJ. Cena grabs Miz and nails the AA for the pin.

Winners: John Cena and Dean Ambrose

- After the match, Ambrose returns to the ring and has his hand raised with Cena as Cena's music plays. Cena celebrates until Ambrose hits him with Dirty Deeds to mostly boos. Ambrose gets riled up and yells at Cena about disrespecting him. We go to replays and come back to Ambrose's music playing. Ambrose exits the ring as AJ looks on from the ramp with his title. Cena tries to recover in the ring. SmackDown goes off the air with AJ showing off his title.

Sounds like a good show. Looking forward to catching it later

Decent enough show again, Im really liking the angles they've moving some of the guys, especially Miz. I've been one of his biggest critics but he's been excellent recently.

Good show and some great angles, really enjoying the Miz and his constant needle with Bryan but wondering what the pay offs gonna be - Bryan can't wrestle so does he just continue to take it?

Also I hope they don't go straight into a program between Styles and Cena because it's too soon - I know Smackdown is a bit light on faces but Styles needs a few months as champ under his belt before going back into a run with Cena especially as everyone knows Cena will come out victorious

Miz is killing it. His promos haven't changed that much but his whole persona in the ring feels far more intense and serious. I swear he is hitting his finisher better now too. The best heel in the company right now

Smackdown beats Raw this week imo ... again!

Id have Styles win at no mercy and actually set up a feud with Cena and Ambrose. Really think that would be a good view. Styles could feud with Orton maybe, if the Wyatt feud is over, or maybe a new star on the roster.

I'm enjoying most things on SmackDown! particularly The Miz, I don't know if it's having Maryse out there with him thats giving him more confidence or not but he is absolutely killing it, like everyone else i'm unsure where this whole angle with Bryan is leading, normally you can telegraph come backs but as this is oretty out the question  I'm wondering if it'll lead to Bryan 'personally signing' someone like Bryan Kendrick to fight for him, whatever it is I hope The Miz hangs onto that bwlt for another few months, he really is elevating it.

I liked Ambrose turning on Cena, weirdly enough those actions nornally get guys cheered but the crowd seemed to be pretty weighted in Cena's favour, I found that quite interesting, I think a feud with Cena would benefit Amrbose big time, it's enable him to trade wins & losses without worrying about the belt becoming a hot potato and would hopefully push him further into the Main Event, I still feel he's lacking.

This would open the door for AJ to feud with Cesaro, I think he'd be perfect for SmackDown! and if reports are to be believed he'll be on his way to the blue brand soon, this is good thinking, if he can win the Series against Shaemus he can go to SD in pretty good shape booking wise and if Cena is going to miss the rest of 2016 post-October then it's a great oportunity to give Cesaro that Main Event run over the title with AJ...their matches would be insanely good and I actually think Styles could be the guy that makes light click with Cesaro.

Liked the fact Jack Swagger joined SmackDown! again it looked like it meant something him just showing up, he's another guy who has everything, has the height, looks decent, has a great gimmick and has a catchphrase the fans are really into, as a past World Champion he also has the gravitas that if he is presented in the right way could be soldmas a big deal, plenty of options for Swagget on SD, I'd like to see them do what they shoulda done 6 years ago, go down the Kurt Angle route.

Ambrose has not been well received lately, Austin did rip on him quite harshly for having an average match with Ziggles.

I thought he came out of the brand split really strong though tbh. It was just he had no feud to go into

His promo on Cena was some of his best mic work though recently though that isn't saying too much

He needs an image change IMO

He looks like the definition of ordinary, I've felt that way for a while to be fair.

Never liked the whole wifebeater look. If anyone could have kept the shield attire it should have been him. Letting Roman keep the whole thing has not exactly gone down well anyway

Yeah I agree with that, it was desperate from the WWE to keep Roman as basic to his Shield roots as possible but it backfired, now they're on different shows i'd like to see Ambrose go back to it.

Do people like Bray's promos? I can't take him seriously.

I always fast forward them.

Three years ago I loved his promos, they got very stale very quickly though IMO

If he couldn't talk he'd be in TNA by now.

It's not a gimmick that works in the mid-card.
Someone with a gimmick like that needs to be borderline unbeatable

I agree with Cassius.

I just can't buy into the gimmick any more, a charismatic cult leader that, in three years, has successfully converted ZERO people into his cult. Not to mention his shocking PPV record.

I said it a year ago and I still think it now - Bray Wyatt could be a huge babyface, he's screaming out for it. Would love a babyface Wyatt v Miz fued which would end with Bray winning his first singles title.

Has he still not won a singles title? Oh my days!

Needs to be a face against the right figure - think he'd have been great as the man to take down the Authority

Think the gimmick really only works for a legend like the Undertaker who commands respect regardless. Doesn't have the same gravitas for Jethros fat cousin.

He was a good face in NXT as the rebel against the man and the voice of the misunderstood. Could work again but Smackdown is crazy light on top heels right now.