WWE SmackDown Live Results: Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for July 25

WWE: Nakamura and Baron Corbin

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Baron Corbin

Result: Nakamura def. Corbin via Kinshasa

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Perhaps the most forgettable match at Battleground was Corbin vs Nakamura. So when I saw this match announced as “Next,” I was none too optimistic that it would be any better, especially with less time and as a TV match.

Nakamura started the match off quickly and aggressively. According to Byron Saxton, Nakamura was visibly upset with how the match at Battleground ended, as he should be.

I went into this match with low expectations, what I didn’t account for was the nuanced storytelling that Nakamura and the Lone Wolf would show in the ring. There were small (and obvious) details in this match that showed a progression of thought between the two as they continued their rivalry.

For instance, at Battleground, Corbin dodged one kick and was hit by the second Pele kick. However, on SmackDown Corbin dodged them both and hit The King of Strong Style with the chokebreaker, a move he was unable to land at Battlegrounds. The more obvious example was Nakamura dodging Corbin’s attempt at another low blow.

It certainly wasn’t match of the night, but the story was there to make it enjoyable.

Naomi Interviewed

After Natalya became the number one contender for the SmackDown Women’s Championship at Battleground, Naomi came out to shake hands with the challenger, but was ignored. When asked about it, Naomi said she respects Natalya, but felt disrespected.

The Queen of Black Hearts shows up and claims Naomi has turned the prestigious women’s championship into a toy. She says that she was one of the leaders of the women’s evolution (Women’s Revolution), and that Naomi is disrespecting that.

Carmella shows up with a “FREE Ellsworth” shirt and reminds Naomi she has the Money in the Bank Briefcase.