WWE SmackDown Live: Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for Oct. 3

With just one day left before the SmackDown exclusive pay-per-view, Hell in a Cell, rivals aim to gain momentum during the go-home show. But who was left standing tall and who was left battered and broken?

Before I get into my review, I have got to hand it to the crowd in Denver. Normally go-home shows feel like nothing but filler. They’re the elevator pitch to a PPV; they seldom ever propel a storyline. While I sat on my couch wondering what a loyal viewer of SmackDown would gain by watching this week, I was reminded to simply enjoy the show by the thousands of screaming fans in the stadium. This was the first time in a long time, the crowd actually had an impact on how I enjoyed the show.

With that out of the way, let’s focus on the in-ring action. This week, WWE announced that Tye Dillinger and Baron Corbin would go one on one. Tye has been a welcome addition to the United States Championship scene, even as just a footnote in the rivalry between Corbin and AJ Styles, he’s reestablished himself as a fabulous in-ring talent, and Corbin has brought out his aggressive side.

Last week, Randy Orton ruined Rusev Day and challenged the Bulgarian Brute to a match at Hell in a Cell? It’s assumed that Rusev has accepted, but how will he and Aiden English exact revenge on the Viper? I know many were skeptical about a Natalya Championship run, yet I find myself enjoying seeing her every week. Her run has helped reinvigorate the women’s division. Yet, she still has to go up against the Queen, Charlotte Flair at Hell in a Cell, while Money in the Bank winner, Carmella, threatens here at every turn.

The Usos and The New Day just might be having the feud of the year, and WWE has advertised their match at Hell in a Cell as the final showdown between two of the best tag teams of this era. Last week, Shinsuke Nakamura got the upper hand on Jinder Mahal, but I’m sure the Modern Day Maharaja has a few more words for the Artist.

Of course, the main event is the feud between Shane O’Mac and Kevin Owens. With tempers boiling over, the two are set to meet face-to-face in the ring before Hell in a Cell.

Let’s review tonight episode of SmackDown Live!