WWE SmackDown Review: Seth Rollins vs. Cesaro

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We get a Sasha Banks vignette about why she’s the boss. Banks really is the boss in the ring. The Divas division is miles ahead of where it was before with her (and Charlotte and Becky Lynch’s) debut.

King Barrett Promo

King Barrett comes out and cuts a promo on how peasants lost sight of what was really important at Battleground: King Barrett becoming the best King in history. He says to take him out you better hit him straight between the eyes because you only get one shot.

Part of me wanted R-Truth to come out, but then I remembered I’ve seen that match 47 times now.

Kevin Owens vs Rusev

Result: Rusev def. Owens by countout

Rating: 2.8 stars out of 5 stars

We get a recap of the attempted partnership between Owens and Rusev on RAW that resulted in Owens knocking Rusev out and leaving the ring. Owens cuts a promo in the ring.

He says he didn’t tap at Battleground, instead he gave John Cena the toughest fight of his career. Owens says he didn’t want to suffer a career ending injury so he could still provide for his family. Owens says he left because he wasn’t going to fight three guys with someone distracted by “which Lana he wants to get to second base with,” which prompts Rusev to come storming out form the back.

Back from the break and we see Owens in control of Rusev. Owens hits a Cannonball early and keeps control of the big Bulgarian. “Let’s go Rusev” and “Fight Owens Fight” chants break out, with the Owens ones being significantly louder. Rusev begins to fight back and take control, trying to lock in the Accolade. Owens rolls out to the outside and decides to walk away and get counted out.

Rusev yells at Owens calling him American, and Owens calls him and idiot since he’s French Canadian. Great little touches there. I don’t agree with making Owens leave another match as it does make him look kind of weak, but I agree it does get him good heel heat. The match was fun and competitive, and easily the best match so far.