WWE SmackDown Live Results: Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for July 4
By Grant Mannis
Independence Day Battle Royal
Match Result: AJ Styles wins the battle royal
Match Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Backstage, the real Renee Young conducted an interview with Mike and Maria Kanellis. Talking about how they intend to use the power of love on SmackDown Live, the duo were once again interrupted by Sami Zayn. This time, it was due to Zayn accidently knocking over some nearby equipment. He apologized profusely and applauded the couple’s work, but neither of them seem settled by the comment. Leaving the scene for the battle royal, another wrench was thrown into this developing rivalry.
Now, the time has come to focus on our main event of the evening. As an added bonus, Kevin Owens was on commentary to survey the contest. With a shot at the Prizefighter’s United States Championship up for grabs, all of the men involved understood the importance of this match. So, they had no problem fighting tooth and nail to achieve the win. Eliminations were rampant throughout, until the final four consisted of AJ Styles, Mojo Rawley, Sami Zayn, and Tye Dillinger.
Thanks to a Helluva Kick courtesy of Zayn, Mojo was the first of these four men to be eliminated. Dillinger mustered offense for a few brief moments here, but he too was taken out of the equation. This left Styles and Zayn, with the two engaging in a bitter battle until the Phenomenal One scored the final elimination with a pele kick.
Immediately after the contest, Kevin Owens ran into the ring and attacked Styles. Leaving the new number one contender in a crumpled heap, the United States Champion closed out the show with a very powerful display of his ruthlessness.
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So what did you think of tonight’s episode of SmackDown Live? Let us know in the comments down below.