WWE SmackDown Results, Highlights, And Grades For August 21, 2018

SummerSlam was a massive success, and most of the best shows and moments came from the WWE SmackDown Live side. Tonight’s post-SummerSlam show could be even hotter than Raw’s post-SummerSlam show, because even without The Shield and Mr. Monster in the Bank, SmackDown has plenty of characters involved in personal feuds.

When WWE SmackDown begins at 8 p.m. ET on the USA Network, all eyes will be on Becky Lynch. She seemingly turned heel at SummerSlam against her best friend Charlotte Flair, after Charlotte snatched a victory from her. Becky had the SmackDown Women’s Champion, Carmella, dead-to-rights in the center of the ring, trapped in the Dis-Arm-Her. But suddenly, Charlotte swooped in, as always, with a bit of Natural Selection.

Naturally, the crowd didn’t boo Becky, as they cheered the vicious beatdown of her friend. While Charlotte referred to Becky’s actions as a “turn” in a tear-filled, post-match promo on Sunday, many WWE fans are hoping that Becky will be a Stone Cold babyface. When she explains her actions tonight, we’ll learn more about the future of her character.

Meanwhile, there is no ambiguity about Randy Orton’s character. He is on a mission to destroy Jeff Hardy and erase him from the collective memories of the WWE Universe. Hardy will get a chance to exact revenge on Orton when SmackDown Live begins tonight, but let’s just say that he has an uphill battle ahead.

The other marquee match tonight is a rematch of a SummerSlam title bout that went awry. After winning the SmackDown Live Tag Team Tournament set up by General Manager Paige, The New Day faced The Bludgeon Brothers at SummerSlam for the titles. Harper and Rowan got themselves disqualified, and it seems like they are in a vulnerable position tonight when they put their tag titles on the line against The New Day in a No Disqualification match.

AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe reached new heights at SummerSlam despite a disqualification finish of their own. Styles will give an interview about what transpired, and I have a feeling Joe may interrupt the proceedings again.

Naomi called out the IIconics for their promo about not being on the SummerSlam card. Peyton Royce will “Feel The Glow” tonight, and there’s absolutely nothing she and Billie Kay can do about it. This feud should be exciting, and it’s great to see that Naomi will get an interesting program.

Finally, The Miz made use of Maryse’s invaluable aid at SummerSlam to defeat Daniel Bryan in their first meeting since Bryan’s in-ring return. I wonder how The Miz will celebrate, and I am especially interested to hear his exact words when he gloats about a tainted victory.

Check back here at 8 p.m. ET for live results, highlights, grades, and analysis of tonight’s WWE SmackDown.