The first SmackDown Live after WrestleMania is here and it is just as big as last night’s episode of Raw. Paige is the new General Manager, Carmella is now the SmackDown Women’s Champion, and Daniel Bryan takes on AJ Styles.
SmackDown Live Gets a New General Manager
To kick off the show, Shane McMahon comes down to the ring to thanks the fans for a great WrestleMania Week and to announce that Daniel Bryan has resigned as General Manager. Now that Bryan is back to being a full-time Superstar, the spot is filled by former Divas Champion Paige. Paige just made her in-ring retirement last night on Raw and she kicks off her tenure with a bang when she announces tonight’s main event: Daniel Bryan vs. AJ Styles.
The Usos vs. The New Day – #1 Contender’s Match (SmackDown Tag Team Championships)
Even though the Usos only lost the SmackDown Tag Team Championships two nights ago to the Bludgeon Brothers, they have to fight the New Day for a chance to win them back. Whoever wins here will challenge the Bludgeon Brothers for the titles at the Greatest Royal Rumble event in Saudi Arabia.
With Big E outside the ring, Jimmy and Jey Uso double-team Xavier Woods and finish him off with the Uso Splash to earn their title shot. Winners: The Usos
Naomi vs. Natalya
Because of a backstage segment on WWE.com earlier today, the pettiness of Natalya has led to this match. At WrestleMania, Naomi won the first-ever WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal.
After an enzuigiri in the corner, Naomi hits a split-legged moonsault on Natalya to secure the win. Winner: Naomi
The Iconic Duo Debuts
Charlotte Flair comes to the ring to address her match with Asuka when she is interrupted by Billie Kay and Peyton Royce, the Iconic Duo. The former NXT Superstars attack the SmackDown Women’s Champion and say that they are the future, claiming that the division is “theirs.” They proceed to assault Flair two-on-one, ending it with a double powerbomb to the floor.
Charlotte Flair (c) vs. Carmella – SmackDown Women’s Championship (MITB Cash-in)
After almost 300 days of holding the Money in the Bank briefcase, Carmella finally picks her time to cash it in. The second Charlotte Flair gets to her feet, Carmella hits her with a superkick to win her first ever championship. Winner, and NEW SmackDown Women’s Champion: Carmella
Randy Orton vs. Bobby Roode vs. Rusev – #1 Contender’s Match – United States Championship
In quite the surprise, Jinder Mahal won the Fatal Four-Way match at WrestleMania to become the new United States Champion. Whoever wins this match will face Mahal for the title at Backlash.
Orton interrupts Rusev’s Accolade and sends him out of the ring. He then hits Roode with an RKO to get closer to the title he just lost, reigniting his feud with Jinder Mahal. Winner: Randy Orton
AJ Styles vs. Daniel Bryan
This could headline the biggest WrestleMania of all-time but instead, we get it for free on Smackdown Live. The former General Manager returns as a full-time competitor to face the only other man who is undoubtedly one of the best in the world.
The match nears its end when Shinsuke Nakamura interferes and attacks both men. After hitting both of them with the Kinshasa, the show closes. Result: No Contest
