WWE SmackDown Grades: Randy Orton Is Back In His Element

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1. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Jeff Hardy

Many fans wondered if Shinsuke Nakamura would ever capture a main roster championship in the WWE.  After several unsuccessful attempts to capture the WWE Championship from AJ Styles, Nakamura directed his attention towards Jeff Hardy and the United States Championship.

The two squared off at Extreme Rules for the title and The King Of Strong Style’s heel tendencies took over, hitting Hardy with a low blow before the match even started and winning the match in six seconds to become U.S. Champion.  The rematch would come quickly, however, with Nakamura defending his title against Hardy in the main event last night.

Considering they didn’t have a real match at Extreme Rules, this match was expected to be a memorable one.  And it would live up to those expectations with both men pulling out all the stops to walk out of SmackDown as the U.S. Champion.  But just as The Charismatic Enigma was seemingly about to win back the title, Randy Orton interrupted the pin and caused a disqualification.  The Viper wasn’t done there, however.

Orton sadistically attacked Hardy on the outside and gave no reason as to why he has targeted Hardy since his return at Extreme Rules.  He topped it all off by viciously stretching out Hardy’s earlobe.  This was a phenomenal heel act by one of the greatest heels of all-time.  It is so refreshing to see The Viper back in his element once again after a few years of being a generic babyface.

But as far as just Nakamura vs. Hardy goes, it was a very good match that got even better after the match was over.

Next: WWE SmackDown Review For July 17 Show

Final Grade: A-