WWE SmackDown Live Results And Grades For July 17, 2018

Jeff Hardy Opens The Show

After losing the United States Championship at Extreme Rules, Jeff Hardy comes out to address the crowd before his rematch tonight against Shinsuke Nakamura. Hardy says he does not feel like “Jeff Hardy” and that something is missing. He says he’s incomplete and that his heart is BROKEN. Directing his attention to Nakamura, he calls the current United States Champion a “jack-ass”.

Hardy will likely face Nakamura for the title in the main event of SmackDown Live tonight, so it’s a good thing he feels “mega clear”. Brother Nero wants to make Nakamura fade away and classify himself as obsolete.

Nakamura Segment

Shinsuke Nakmaura minces words in response. He calls Jeff Hardy a “sad clown”, noting that he wears face paint to hide his tears. Nakamura believes he will make the crowd “smile” by making a “clown”, Hardy, cry. He says, “God Bless America”, and that’s curtains.

We should be headed for a fantastic match between these two, with Nakamura being the clear favorite after quickly winning the title on Sunday. But don’t completely count out Hardy, who is seething with anger after suffering such a quick and embarrassing loss at the hands of the nefarious Nakamura.

Also, Nakamura is giving Miz a run for his money as the best male heel on the roster. This was seriously good promo work.

Grade: B-, both promos were solid and got us more excited for tonight’s expected main event.