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WWE SmackDown Rankings: Is Randy Orton a Contender Again?

By Warsame A

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Smackdown. Photo by WWE.com

The SmackDown Live Mid Card Division

Highlights of the Division

It was entertaining to see Kevin Owens bringing up old footage of Shane McMahon as a guest referee screwing competitors out of their matches. That could be the key to determine who will win the United States Championship at Summerslam. Both Kevin Owens and AJ Styles have traded wins and losses to one another the past few months and Shane McMahon could be the deciding factor. If either man does lose the match at Summerslam, their sights will be directed towards Shane McMahon and potentially ousting him as the Smackdown Live Commissioner. 

Baron Corbin will face John Cena at Summerslam which could be a potential title contending match. Both men have been hovering around the title picture for weeks now and this match should be the deciding factor on who will move up to the title picture. This will be a test for Baron Corbin to see if he’s ready to be a main event talent on Smackdown. Holding the Money in the Bank briefcase is one thing but John Cena is a completely different stratosphere. If he can knock off the former 16 time WWE Champion, look for the Lone Wolf to be moving up to the WWE Championship picture. 

Rusev blindsided Randy Orton after his big win over Jinder Mahal on Smackdown. The Bulgarian Brute has one more week to demonstrate to the world that he should be favored in his Summerslam match against Randy Orton. He needs this win solidify any legitimate shot he has of being a high-profile competitor moving forward. It’s a must win for Rusev and he’ll need to proceed with that mindset next week before Summerslam.

 Let’s see the rankings for the division this week.

WWE United States Champion: AJ Styles (15 Wins – 12 Losses)

Contenders

  • No. 1 Contender: Kevin Owens (14 Wins – 15 Losses)
  • Contender No. 2: Sami Zayn (12 Wins – 18 Losses)
  • Contender No. 3: Baron Corbin (7 Wins – 16 Losses) (MITB Winner)
  • Contender No. 4: Chris Jericho (5 Wins – 9 Losses)
  • Contender No. 5: Rusev (4 Wins – 9 Losses)
  • Contender No. 6: Mike Kanellis (1 Win – 2 Losses)

Pretenders

  • Pretender No. 1: Tye Dillinger (5 Wins – 4 Losses)
  • Pretender No. 2: Dolph Ziggler (5 Wins – 15 Losses)
  • Pretender No. 3: Chad Gable (7 Wins – 9 Losses)
  • Pretender No. 4: Aiden English (4 Wins – 7 Losses)
  • Pretender No. 5: Sin Cara (2 Wins – 7 Losses)
  • Pretender No. 6: Luke Harper (2 Wins – 11 Losses)
  • Pretender No. 7: Erick Rowan (1 Win – 6 Losses)