WWE SmackDown Live: Results, Analysis, and Grades for Aug. 29

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Rusev and Jinder Mahal Pre-Match Planning

Rusev and Jinder Mahal meet in the locker room regarding their match tonight. Though nothing was ever mentioned of their time as tag team partners, Rusev was honest with the champion. The only thing hi cared about was winning their match and then pursuing the WWE Championship.

It was nice to see Rusev at least close to the title. I could almost imagine him wearing it, and that put a smile on my face for the briefest moment.

Bobby Roode vs. Mike Kanellis w/ Maria Kanellis

Result: Roode def. Kanellis via Glorious DDT

Rating: Squash

Roode and Kanellis squared off in the battle of the best theme songs on SmackDown. (Although, Mike entered during the commercial.) There was no doubt who was winning this match. In fact, it was surprisingly less competitive than last week when Roode defeated English.

After debuting at Money in the Bank, Mike Kanellis has gone pretty cold. Unsubstantiated rumors are that Mike Kanellis has heat backstage, which could have lead to him disappearing from TV for a while. As for Roode, many speculated he would take on the role as the top heel on the blue brand, but I am beginning to think that he is going to play a face or tweener. Both of his matches have been against heels and his in-ring and post match stuff has been face-leaning. I’m sure we’ll find out in the weeks to come.