WWE SmackDown Grades: Mandy Rose has to be enraged

Jeff Hardy and Sheamus

Jeff Hardy is back in full force on WWE SmackDown and in a feud with another veteran and multi-time world champion in Sheamus. The latter had a difficult time watching Hardy’s promo in the ring with Renee Young and came out to confront Hardy, though Hardy did see it coming. (See, babyfaces can be smart!)

Sheamus and Hardy had a strong back-and-forth, with Sheamus commanding the microphone well. It’s amazing how much better he’s gotten on the mic with age, to the point where he is legitimately one of the Blue Brand’s stronger promos.

In the end, Hardy hit the Swanton Bomb and upset Sheamus further, so you had better believe that after Hardy beats Cesaro on the Money in the Bank kick-off show, the two will clash next week on SmackDown.

Grade: B

Carmella and Dana Brooke Promo

Backstage with Kayla Braxton, close friends Carmella and Dana Brooke cut a promo together ahead of Sunday’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match. Neither of them are among the favorites to win, though Brooke is a legitimate sleeper pick after surprisingly qualifying with a win over two-time WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Naomi.

Brooke alluded to everyone’s surprise at her winning, while Carmella hinted at not honoring any alliances with Brooke, noting her own experience as a two-time (cough) Money in the Bank winner.

Overall, this was a solid, short promo that teases an interesting confrontation between the two women during the match.

Grade: B-