WWE SmackDown Live: Results, Analysis, and Grades for Aug. 29
By Rob Furness
WWE.com
Shelton Benjamin & Chad Gable vs. The Ascension
Result: Benjamin def. Viktor via Downward Spiral
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
No longer going by American Alpha, Benjamin and Gable came out to new music that seem to fit this newly formed partnership. Meanwhile, the somehow loveable Ascension got jobber entrances again. In some alternate universe The Ascension defeated American Alpha in the Tag Team Turmoil match at Elimination Chamber and enjoyed a long and dominating run as SmackDown Tag Team Champions. Unfortunately for this reality, they are just going to lose.
During the first tag in, there seemed to be a little team miscommunication. Benjamin was tagged in and waved off Gable who was holding down Viktor for a double team move. At first this seemed intentional, but nothing was ever born from it. Not in this match at least. I t will be interesting to see if any sort of story is tucked away into their team dynamic.
Benjamin has a very decorated past both as a singles competitor and as a tag team. Maybe, he wants the spotlight all to himself or isn’t will to help out the “New Kid.” Regardless this was the best match of the night. The Ascension did manage some offense, which was a change of pace for them. But ultimately, Viktor was hit by what looked like a cross between a Downward Spiral and a Zig-Zag and took the pin.
Baron Corbin Backstage
All anyone wants to talk about is Corbin’s failed cash in, but unlike the rest of the loser in the WWE Universe Corbin isn’t concerned with the past. Despite losing, Corbin sent Cena running to Raw and now he has his sights set on AJ Styles US Open Challenge.