WWE SmackDown Grades: Rusev Day Chasing The WWE Championship
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The post-Money In The Bank edition of WWE SmackDown immediately addressed the WWE Championship picture for Extreme Rules while also addressing other key angles.
The June 19 edition of WWE SmackDown saw a new number one contender for the WWE Championship crowned as well as a SmackDown Tag Team Championship rematch and the debut of one of the best teams in NXT history.
With Extreme Rules just under a month away, the blue brand has a lot of momentum and that momentum keeps adding new layers seemingly each week. Let’s take a look at a few grades from last night’s WWE SmackDown.
5. Opening Segment
Carmella had the biggest challenge of her SmackDown Women’s Championship reign up to this point at Money In The Bank this past Sunday. But through hook or crook, she managed to escape the pay-per-view with her title in hand after a little help from an old friend.
James Ellsworth’s surprising return at Money In The Bank distracted Asuka to the point where Carmella was able to take advantage and get the win to retain her title. And as expected, Carmella was basking in her accomplishment last night to open up the show. The segment went from a fake motivational speech to the usual Carmella before Ellsworth came out dressed as Asuka again.
The two continued to take shots at Asuka and Ellsworth said how Carmella is the greatest woman in history, even better than Mother Theresa. But The Empress Of Tomorrow had finally heard enough and she stormed down to the ring and eventually kicked Ellsworth right off his feet. The Princess Of Staten Island would get the last laugh, however.
While Asuka was slightly distracted, Carmella hit her with a huge kick and walked away with Asuka still laying in the ring. It was a pretty good segment and the chemistry between Carmella and Ellsworth has always been effective, just like it was last night. Expect to see Asuka get another shot at Carmella’s title in the near future, however.
The SmackDown Women’s Champion has had everyone’s number lately and apparently, nobody is ready for Ellsworth.