WWE SmackDown Results, Highlights, And Grades For July 31, 2018
"We shouldn't be tearing each other down; we should building each other up!" A different tune from #SDLive #WomensChampion @CarmellaWWE... #WWEEvolution @BeckyLynchWWE pic.twitter.com/xyT6rW0r1t
— WWE (@WWE) August 1, 2018
Becky Lynch Kicks Us Off
In a refreshing change of pace, WWE SmackDown begins with a segment from a superstar in the Women’s Division, as Becky Lynch kicks off the show. After defeating Carmella last week, she is the new challenger to Carmella’s SmackDown Women’s Championship at SummerSlam. But could a returning Charlotte Flair be ready to insert herself into the equation?
Lynch spoke honestly about having never received a shot at the title since WrestleMania 33, which was well over a year ago. Because of this, she said she couldn’t sleep after defeating Carmella, and she feels honored to have a chance to walk into the Evolution Pay Per View as the SmackDown Women’s Champion.
And then Carmella had to ruin all the warm feelings by making her pompous entrance.
The crowd is absolutely fired up for this SummerSlam match, as after Becky was applauded by the crowd, Carmella was jeered just as loudly. Carmella received boisterous “You Suck!” chants and quieter “We Want Ellsworth!” chants. James Ellsworth was fired last week after insulting Paige.
A sign of sportsmanship from @CarmellaWWE? #SDLive #SummerSlam @BeckyLynchWWE pic.twitter.com/4NBIKXyFTl
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) August 1, 2018
Weirdly enough, Carmella starts praising Becky. She is all humble and honest, recalling Becky’s success in NXT and the help she gave her. But then she started talking about the draft, when Becky was SmackDown’s first pick and Carmella was list. Carmella notes the WWE Universe has always loved Becky, but tearfully admits that they don’t think Carmella deserves to be champion.
Mella is in tears, referencing the comments made by fans on social media. The crowd’s “You Suck!” chants only get louder.
She wishes Becky “good luck”, offers to shake Becky’s hand, and then Ellsworth’s music hits to a huge pop. But it’s a ruse, because there’s no Ellsworth. Mella blindsides Becky, but a returning Charlotte Flair comes in to make the save! She still has Becky’s back!
Grade: A-, Amazing promo from Carmella. We’ve seen the swerve promo before (by her, of course), but this was better than most of them. She brought up real stuff, and I love it when that happens. It was great to see Charlotte back, too. We’ve missed her.