1. Return of the US Open Challenge or is it? Smackdown Live opened with a NEW US champion in AJ Styles who was crowned at a house show this week. He issued an open challenge and it was answered by the guy who should answer it, John Cena. Just before they can lock up we get an attack from Kevin Owens and Rusev which will of course lead to a tag team match later in the night. The tease of Styles vs. Cena again gave me the feels and I would have lost my mind if that match actually happened. Cena is so much better when he has someone like Styles, Punk, or Rollins pushing him not only on the mic but in the ring. One more note from this is just how slim Rusev and Kevin Owens are looking.
2. No ten counts needed Mahal gets the three count: Tye Dillinger gets some much needed TV time and didn’t work the dark match tonight. Jinder Mahal picks up the win as he should however it was nice for Dillinger to get a match against the champion that didn’t end immediately. After the match Mahal cut another paint by numbers promo and is losing me each and every week. If he just adds a bit of depth outside of “You people don’t like the way I talk or look and tell me how many people are in India” I think he could be ok. He definitely looks the part and is presented well.
3. Xavier Woods keeps in REAL in the penitentiary: We are treated to a quick singles match between Xavier Woods and Jey Uso. This longtime wwe staple of having singles matches between tag teams leading up to a PPV. This match is very quick and not really much to talk about except Woods cool finish which was an elbow off the top of the ropes onto Jey Uso.
4. Money In The Brawl: Nakamura and Corbin is up next and it never gets into the ring as Nakamura and Corbin brawl into and out of the crowd. They are doing everything they can to hype up this feud for Battleground.
5. Teddy Long Books The Women: We are treated to the most paint by numbers thing yet on SDL. Charlotte and Becky lose to Tamina and Natty due to interference from Lana. Tamina hits a stiff looking super kick and pins Charlotte.
6. Meanwhile backstage: Gable calls Zayn, Sami Wow Wow when Maria goes looking for Zayn. Zayn finds Maria and Mike and they slap Zayn after he degrades them and Mike breaks a case on Zayn. Fashion Files as cowboys and they confront Hype Broskis about who attacked him. Ryder and Mojo show more signs of dissension.
7.Hustle Loyalty Style: We close the night with Cena, Styles, Rusev, and Owens putting on a very good tag team match. I won’t lie Cena and Styles is a dream team. I would love to see another Cena and Styles match especially if it’s for the US title. Likely won’t happen but man these two have amazing chemistry. Cena raises Styles hand and we go off the air.
[irp posts=”27330″ name=”RAW Review July 10 2017 – 10 Talking Points From The Episode (RawView)”]
8. Battleground Giveaway: You asked for it and since I’ve seen increased support I want to show some love. I will be doing another giveaway this time for Battleground. The prize? An AJ Styles & Kevin Owens funko pop. How to enter? Follow me (@awesomephinatic) and look for the upcoming entry article from @InnerN3rd. You will have to comment in the article as well as follow me. Thanks for the increased support of my articles and IWNerd.com if things continue to grow I’ll continue the giveaways. Until next time be awesome.