While the “Raw after ‘Mania” is always the talk of the WWE Universe, the brand split has made tonight’s episode of SmackDown Live equally as intriguing. This is normally the week for NXT call-ups, and with the Superstar Shake-up next week, this could be the last time we see some of the Superstars on Tuesday nights. Advertised for tonight is the SmackDown Women’s Championship rematch between Naomi and Alexa Bliss.
Opening Segment
To kick off SmackDown Live, the new WWE Champion, Randy Orton, makes his way to the ring. Orton calls himself Bray Wyatt’s “master” after defeating him for the WWE Championship two nights ago. Wyatt appears on the Titantron to say otherwise, then he proceeds to challenge Orton to a House of Horrors match for his championship rematch. No one knows what this is, but Orton accepts the challenge.
Wyatt appears behind Orton from out of nowhere, and the two brawl until a returning Erick Rowan shows up. Orton seems to be outnumbered, but an unlikely ally in Luke Harper shows up and sends his former family retreating.
Naomi (c) vs. Alexa Bliss – SmackDown Women’s Championship
When Naomi won her first SmackDown Women’s Championship, she defeated Alexa Bliss in a singles match. Two nights ago, she captured the title for a second time from Bliss in a six-pack challenge. Bliss immediately enacted her rematch clause, but with her being 0-2 against Naomi, her chances seem slim.
Bliss tries to pin Naomi while using the ropes for the leverage, but the referee catches her cheating. The champion then reverses the pin and transitions into the same submission that forced Bliss to tap out at WrestleMania, which succeeds for the second time. Winner, and STILL SmackDown Women’s Champion (via submission): Naomi
Curt Hawkins vs. Tye Dillinger
Before the match starts, Curt Hawkins is in the ring alone talking about the Superstar Shake-up when he gets interrupted by the first (and possibly only) NXT call-up of the night, Tye Dillinger. Dillinger finished his NXT career losing a feud to SAnitY and he was a surprise entrant in the 2017 Royal Rumble match.
After hitting, well, ten punches in the corner to Hawkins, Dillinger finishes him off with the Tye Breaker. Winner: Tye Dillinger
In-ring Segment
The Miz and Maryse lost their mixed tag team match at WrestleMania, and they come out to the ring dressed as John Cena and Nikki Bella to make fun of them one last time. They finish their promo and start to leave when they are interrupted by none other than Shinsuke Nakamura. The King of Strong Style does his iconic and erratic entrance, bows to the crowd, and the Miz and Maryse are nowhere to be found, ending the segment.
Dean Ambrose (c) vs. Baron Corbin – Street Fight
Two nights ago, Dean Ambrose successfully defended the Intercontinental Championship against Baron Corbin (in arguably the worst match on a great WrestleMania card). With the Street Fight stipulation added, Ambrose and Corbin can put on a better match that suits their styles more than a regular singles match.
Ambrose hits Corbin with an elbow drop through a table, but that does not put the Lone Wolf away. Corbin manages to hit the End of Days on Ambrose, scoring a pinfall over the Intercontinental Champion. Winner: Baron Corbin
In-ring Segment
Shane McMahon, who gave a hell of a performance against AJ Styles at WrestleMania, comes down to the ring to address the Superstar Shake-up. He says that the Raw Superstars should be praying to come to SmackDown Live, then he is interrupted by Styles. Styles does not want to leave SmackDown because it is the “house that AJ Styles built,” and then the Phenomenal One shakes McMahon’s hand out of respect for their match two nights ago.
Bray Wyatt & Erick Rowan vs. Luke Harper & Randy Orton
While Bray Wyatt and Erick Rowan have always been family, Luke Harper and Randy Orton are far from pals. Just a few months ago, they were beating each other senseless. This match is the result of a “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” type situation. This is Rowan’s first televised match since suffering an injury several months ago.
Bray Wyatt turns off the lights to escape the ring, and Erick Rowan fails to take advantage. Luke Harper hits his former brother with a superkick, then Orton finished him off with an RKO. Winners: Luke Harper & Randy Orton
