WWE SmackDown Live Results: Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for July 18

SmackDown Live, WWE.com

In just five days time, the men and women of SmackDown Live will participate in the Battleground event. Here is everything you should know heading into the episode:

For the very first time, Mike Kanellis will enter the squared circle to compete on SmackDown Live. With his wife Maria Kanellis alongside him, he’ll be facing an established veteran in the form of Sami Zayn. Can the Underdog from the Underground stand tall, or is the “Power of Love” going to run rampant on the Blue Brand?

This Sunday, Randy Orton looks to regain the WWE Championship from Jinder Mahal. The two men will be battling inside of the ominous Punjabi Prison, but they aren’t waiting until Battleground to introduce the structure. Tonight, the Maharaja is going to be bringing the Punjabi Prison with him to SmackDown Live.

Rather than promoting two feuds in two different segments, WWE has decided to book a high-profile tag team match. Tonight’s main event will have AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura teaming up against Baron Corbin and Kevin Owens. Considering that both teams could use some momentum, it’ll be interesting to see which duo will emerge victorious.

During tonight’s episode, SmackDown Live Women’s Champion Naomi is going to have her eyes set on her fellow competitors. At Battleground, five of the Blue Brand’s top women are going to square off to determine a new number one contender. For those of you that don’t know, the competitors are Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, Lana, Natalya, and Tamina Snuka.

Ahead of their Flag Match at Battleground, John Cena is set to talk about the upcoming contest in an exclusive interview. How will the Bulgarian Brute respond to the comments, and could his reaction lead to a physical altercation?

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So without further ado, here is the live results and analysis for the July 18 edition of SmackDown Live.