SD 2016: New SD posted (Joe/Rhyno, Tag Battle Royal)

Kickoff Show: Alberto Del Rio vs. Dolph Ziggler
Mauro reminded the audience that Ziggler hasn’t won a match since before Summerslam, as JBL talked about how this might be the best kickoff match in WWE history. It was a solid, stiff match between the two, who were given a good amount of time. Late in the match, Ziggler hit Del Rio with a Zig Zag. However, Del Rio’s momentum got him out of the ring, and when Ziggler finally rolled him back into the ring, Del Rio kicked out. Del Rio then took control from there, and gave Ziggler a few kicks. Del Rio yelled at Ziggler to stay down, but he wouldn’t. Del Rio eventually brought Ziggler to the ropes, hit him with his double stomp, and picked up the win.
Winner: Alberto Del Rio

The announcers questioned what Ziggler could do to get out of this huge slump at this point.

The main show started with a video package, followed by the announcers running down some of the matches still to come.

Usos Last Chance, Tag Team Titles: American Alpha (Tag Team Champions) vs. The Usos
The Usos came out wearing street clothes with new music, although still played to the crowd as faces. This was a more intense matchup than usual, with the teams both evenly matched. The announcers reminded the audience that if The Usos lose, they can never face American Alpha for the titles again. Late in the match, the action broke down as all four men were in the ring. Jordan gave Jey a belly-to-belly suplex, but walked right into a superkick from Jimmy. As Jey got up, he gave Gable a superkick as well. The Usos then gave Jordan a double superkick, and he rolled out of the ring. They waited for Gable to get up, and they gave him a double superkick as well. Jey then went up to the top rope for his splash, as Jimmy dove onto the outside. However, Jordan moved, and Jimmy missed his suicide dive. But in the ring, Jey was on the ropes, and hit his top rope splash onto Gable. Jey went for the cover, but the referee refused to count, citing that Gable wasn’t the legal man. Jey was confused, and Jordan rolled him up from behind, and it appeared Jordan put his foot on the ropes for leverage, but the referee didn’t see it, and Jordan got the three count.
Winners and still Tag Team Champions, American Alpha

American Alpha were pleased with still being champions, as The Usos looked in disbelief. JBL said that as long as American Alpha are champions, The Usos cannot get another title shot. Otunga mentioned how Jordan’s foot ended up being on the ropes, and wasn’t sure if it was intentional or not, but he hoped it wasn’t. Mauro said regardless of how it happened, it might be a long time before The Usos get another title shot.

Alexa Bliss vs. Nikki Bella
This was a bit of a come down from the opener, although fine for what it was in its own right. Nikki went for her forearm, but Alexa ducked, and hit her DDT. She went for the cover, but Nikki kicked out, and Alexa was in disbelief. She went for her DDT again, but Nikki threw her off. Nikki then picked her up for her TKO, but Alexa reversed it into a crucifix pin, and got the three count for the upset.
Winner: Alexa Bliss

Alexa looked very pleased, as Nikki looked annoyed with herself.

After a promo video aired for Survivor Series, Nikki was walking backstage. Miz and Maryse bumped into her, and Maryse mocked her for losing yet again. Maryse took her fingers and put an L on her forehead, like Nikki used to do when she was a heel. Miz and Maryse laughed as they left, and Nikki didn’t look happy.

Randy Orton was backstage cutting a promo. He said that after Summerslam, most men would have retired. But he used it as motivation to get right back to the top. Orton said that he and Styles have never met one-on-one and it’s a dream match for the ages, but he doesn’t care about dreams. He cares about being champion, and tonight, once again, he’ll be WWE Champion.

Kane & The Hype Bros vs. The Wyatt Family
This was a standard six-man tag that one would expect, with The Wyatt’s taking turns beating up on Ryder midway for a few minutes. Late in the match, as expected, all six men entered the ring. As the action was spilling all over, Kane went for a big boot, but accidentally hit Ryder. Kane right after was fighting Harper, as Rowan was fighting Mojo. However, this allowed Wyatt to pick up Ryder, hit him with Sister Abigail, and get the win for his team.
Winners: The Wyatt Family

The Wyatt’s celebrated their victory on the ramp, as Wyatt put Kane’s original mask back on. The lights went out and The Wyatt’s disappeared, while Ryder didn’t look happy with Kane in the ring. Ryder was yelling at Kane saying it was intentional, and he should’ve never trusted Kane because of everything that Kane’s done in the past.

#1 Contender’s Match: Dean Ambrose vs. The Miz w/Maryse
As a reminder, if Ambrose wins, he’s next in line for a rematch for his previously held WWE Title, and if Miz wins, he’s next in line for a rematch for his previously held Intercontinental Title. This was a decent match, although it didn’t have the heat that one would necessarily expect. It picked up late after Ambrose rallied back and hit his Lunatic Lariat. Ambrose went for his Dirty Deeds, but Miz kicked him, and planted his DDT for a near fall. Miz was warming up for his Skull Crushing Finale, but Ambrose shook out, and they clotheslined each other. After that, Maryse went onto the apron, shouting words of encouragement for Miz. This distracted Ambrose briefly, and Miz rolled him up, but Ambrose kicked out. Maryse was still on the apron, and out of nowhere, Nikki Bella came down and pulled her off. Nikki then grabbed Maryse and gave her a forearm to the face. This distracted Miz a bit, and Miz turned around, Ambrose kicked him, and planted him with Dirty Deeds. Ambrose went for the cover, and got the three count.
Winner: Dean Ambrose

After the match, Nikki did the L on her forehead to get back at Maryse, and Ambrose motioned to the crowd that he was going to become WWE Champion again.

Todd Philips was standing backstage with Samoa Joe. Joe said that tonight is historic. He said for over a decade, he’s been waiting to get his hands on John Cena. And he has a few times in the past few weeks, and he’s enjoyed each time. But tonight will be even sweeter than before. Joe said tonight is the first time that John Cena is defending the Intercontinental Title. And tonight will also be the last time that John Cena defends the Intercontinental Title.

Handicap Match, Women’s Title: Eva Marie (Women’s Champion) & Tamina vs. Becky Lynch
Eva and Becky started things out, but Eva quickly tagged out. Tamina and Becky did a lot of the wrestling in between. Eva tagged back in, and actually hit a Russian leg sweep for the near fall. Eva tagged back in Tamina, and Tamina hit Becky with a superkick, but Becky kicked out right before three. Tamina was picking Becky up, but Becky then mostly locked in the Dis-armher, until Eva broke it up. Eva and Tamina started teaming up on Becky, and Eva wouldn’t get out of the ring, so the referee called for the bell, which drew boos from the crowd. Becky started fighting off Tamina and Eva, and Daniel Bryan came out. Tamina and Eva left the ring, but Bryan said he doesn’t want to see a title match end this way. He asked Becky if she wanted the match to continue with no disqualification, and Becky nodded, so the match was restarted. The announcers questioned this decision by Becky since it was a handicap match with no disqualifications, but Otunga said that she wants to be the Women’s Champion that badly.

Eva and Tamina went back in the ring, and Becky rolled Tamina up, and was incredibly close to a three count. However, because there were no disqualifications, Eva and Tamina started teaming up on Becky. Becky was able to put the Disarm-her on Eva, but Tamina gave her a superkick to break it up. Eva then ordered Tamina to go to the outside, and start taking things off the announce table. They got Becky to the outside near the table, but Becky started fighting them off. However, Eva took her nails and started raking Becky’s eyes for a few seconds. Tamina then picked Becky up, and gave her a Samoan drop through the table. Eva rolled Becky back into the ring, and Eva ordered Tamina to go to the top rope. Becky was still knocked out from the table stop, and Tamina hit a splash from the top rope. She went for the cover, and Eva sat on Tamina’s back, and they both pinned Becky.
Winners and still Women’s Champion, Eva Marie (& Tamina)

Otunga was saying how what happened was a crime, while JBL was saying that Becky had the chance to not restart the match and fight another day, but she wanted the title that badly, and it cost her.

John Cena was in his locker room backstage talking to Nikki Bella. Cena asked Nikki why she was getting involved in such a high stakes matchup, and Nikki reminded Cena of everything that Miz and Maryse have been trying to do to them over the past couple months. As Cena was acknowledging that Nikki was right, all of a sudden, Miz showed up, grabbed Cena’s Intercontinental Title belt, and hit Cena in the face with it. Nikki shouted as referees eventually came in, and Miz left looking pleased.

After video packages aired, Samoa Joe came out first. John Cena followed as Nikki Bella came out with him, but Cena did not seem 100%.

Intercontinental Title: John Cena (Intercontinental Champion) w/Nikki Bella vs. Samoa Joe
Making his in-ring debut (on the main roster), Joe was sporting his same attire that he had in NXT. As soon as the bell rang, Joe immediately started pounding away on a dazed Cena. Joe was getting in a ton of early offense, but Cena gave him an AA out of nowhere. Cena went for the slow cover, but Joe kicked out after two. The two proceeded to both get in some offense as time went on, with more of it being by Joe. Cena eventually hit his moves of doom and Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena went for the AA, but Joe slipped out, and tried locking in the Coquita Clutch while standing. Cena powered out of it, and hit his moves of doom and Five Knuckle Shuffle for the second time. Cena went for the AA again, but Joe powered out, and they did a double clothesline, and were both down.

They came up, and Cena went for another AA, but Joe slipped out again, and once again tried locking in the Coquita Clutch. However, Cena slipped out, tripped Joe, and locked in the STF. Joe tried rolling around for a bit, and Cena had it locked in. However, Joe rolled around again, got out of Cena’s grip, and locked in the Coquita Clutch while they were both still down on the mat. Cena was trying to power out of it, with the crowd rallying behind him. However, Cena started fading away, and he became motionless, and the referee rang for the bell.
Winner and new Intercontinental Champion: Samoa Joe

On commentary, Otunga mentioned that Cena wasn’t 100% due to the backstage attack from The Miz. JBL said it doesn’t matter, and the fact of the matter is that in his first match, Samoa Joe defeated the greatest of all-time, clean in the middle of the ring, to win one of the most important titles in the history of WWE, making this hands down the most impressive debut in WWE history. There were some crowd shots of pro-Cena fans looking upset, or in disbelief. Nikki was attending to Cena, as Joe held up his newly won title, while getting some “Joe” chants from the crowd.

Todd Phillips was standing by with AJ Styles. Styles said that he’ll continue to proudly wear Cena’s armband on his head, since clearly Cena “doesn’t have it anymore”. Styles said that for over a decade, people wondered what would happen if he eventually fought the best WWE has to offer, in John Cena and Randy Orton. He said that he beat John Cena multiple times, and before the night is over, he’ll have beaten Randy Orton.

WWE Championship: AJ Styles (WWE Champion) vs. Randy Orton
The two had a staredown as the bell rang, and the crowd seemed into it, even if a tad burnt out from the previous match. There were dueling chants throughout the match, as the crowd was split. About eight minutes in, the pace started to pick up. Orton eventually hit his middle rope DDT. He then started to pound the mat for an RKO, but Styles rolled out of the ring to regroup. Styles went back on the apron, and motioned like he was going to go for the Phenomenal Forearm, but Orton looked like he was going for an RKO counter, so Styles stopped himself. Orton walked over to Styles as Styles tried to get back in the ring, and Orton kicked him, and hit another middle rope DDT. He went for another RKO, but Styles threw him off again, and hit a pele kick, as both men were down.

Both men got up, and were exchanging rights and lefts. Styles got in a few shots, and grabbed Orton, and went for the Styles Clash. Orton flipped Styles over, but Styles landed on his feet, and hit Orton with another pele kick. Styles then went for the Styles Clash, and hit it. He went for the cover, but Orton somehow grabbed the rope with a few of his fingers, just as the referee was counting to three. Frustrated, Styles went to the apron for his Phenomenal Forearm. Orton got up, Styles went for it, but Orton ducked, and Styles connected with the referee. Orton then hit Styles with an RKO. He went for the cover, but realized there was no referee to count, so he got up before knowing if Styles would have been down for the three count (which JBL was quick to point out). Orton was trying his best to get the referee up and was able to get the referee to his knees, but the referee was obviously dazed at best. On the apron, Styles took what appeared to be brass knucks from his trunks, and put them on his hand. As Orton turned around, Styles went for the Phenomenal Forearm using knucks. In mid-air, Styles saw that Orton was moving out of the way, so Styles cleanfully landed on his own, rolling at the end. Styles got up, Orton punched him, but Styles punched Orton back with the brass knucks, knocking Orton down cold to the ground. As the referee was getting better, Styles grabbed a knocked out Orton, picked him up, set up for the Styles Clash, and hit it. Styles went for the cover, and got the easy three count.
Winner and still WWE Champion, AJ Styles

Mauro said that AJ Styles has now beaten John Cena, Dean Ambrose, and Randy Orton at three pay-per-views in a row. JBL said that Styles just cemented his WWE legacy as having had the best first year in WWE history. Otunga countered that he just cheated his way to victory. Orton was still down and holding his head, while Styles held his WWE title up high to close the show, as Mauro said that no matter how it happened, AJ Styles is still the face that runs the place.

Smackdown kicked off with Dean Ambrose to the ring. He immediately said, “AJ Styles, get out here now”. After waiting for about 20 seconds, Styles obliged and came out, and headed to the ring. Ambrose said that Styles undeservingly snuck by at No Mercy once again, but Ambrose doesn’t care. Pacing around, Ambrose said that Styles is on borrowed time, and Ambrose is getting his WWE Title back. Just then, Randy Orton’s music hit as he came out. Orton said that he gives credit to Styles- Styles cheated his way to victory. Orton said that he’s “been there, done that”, so he can see where Styles is coming from. Orton also said that Styles was smart to do it, because he knows deep down, that one-on-one without shenanigans, he knows that he can’t beat Orton, especially on a big stage.

Ambrose interrupted Orton and said he’s enjoying hearing what Orton has to say, but Ambrose told Orton that he has to go to the back of the line, or at least the middle of it, since Ambrose is the #1 contender. Just then, Shane McMahon came out to a pretty big pop. Shane said based on No Mercy, Ambrose is the #1 contender. So at Survivor Series, it would be AJ Styles vs. Dean Ambrose for the WWE Title. But, because of what happened at No Mercy, just like how Ambrose was given a chance to become #1 contender again, he’s extending a chance for Orton to become #1 contender again. Shane said that next week (which drew boos from the crowd), it would be Dean Ambrose, taking on Randy Orton, one-on-one. And if Orton wins, then he’s added to the Survivor Series match, making it a triple threat. Orton and Ambrose both seemed content, although Styles didn’t seem happy. Orton grabbed the microphone and said, “No matter what, I owe something to AJ Styles…...a punt to the skull”. Orton smirked as Styles looked pretty fearful of that last comment, while Ambrose just shrugged.

Todd Phillips was interviewing The Usos backstage, coming off of their crushing loss at No Mercy. Phillips asked The Usos what their plans are, as they cannot receive a tag team title shot as long as American Alpha are the champions. The Usos just looked around, said nothing, and walked away.

A graphic was shown, advertising John Cena vs. The Miz in tonight’s main event.

Rhyno vs. Zach Brown
Rhyno hadn’t been on TV for a couple months, but came back to a pretty big pop. Rhyno squashed this local talent, and finished him off with a Gore in under two minutes.
Winner: Rhyno

Samoa Joe was backstage, entering Daniel Bryan’s office. Bryan congratulated Samoa Joe on becoming Intercontinental Champion by defeating John Cena. Joe thanked him, and said that Bryan should be counting his lucky stars that Samoa Joe came to Smackdown, and not Raw. Bryan said that speaking of that, with Survivor Series next month, he needs to build a team of five male superstars to take on the very best that Raw has to offer; and he wants Joe to be on the team. Joe said that he doesn’t play well with others, but he’ll be on “Bryan’s stupid team”, as long as Bryan recognizes Joe as the best that Smackdown has to offer, by making Joe captain. Bryan then said he’ll think about it. Joe then responded by saying if he’s not made captain right now, then he’s not on the team, period. Joe said it’s a simple yes or no, and he might be new around here, but that doesn’t mean that he isn’t the best in that locker room. Feeling pressured, Bryan caved in, and said that Joe is the captain. Joe smirked, and said “That’s what I thought. And you better find me a good team”.

Alexa Bliss vs. Nikki Bella
This was a rematch from two nights ago, and somewhat of a surprise since it didn’t get hyped up at all. This was another quality match between the two. The finish was similar, in that Nikki went for her TKO, but Alexa tried countering into a crucifix pin. However, as Alexa was trying to pull Nikki down for it, Nikki used her strength to get Alexa back on her shoulders, and she hit the TKO. Nikki went for the cover, and got the three count to get her win back.
Winner: Nikki Bella

After the commercial break, Becky Lynch came out to a decent reaction. Becky looked unhappy, as she grabbed a microphone. She said that week after week, month after month, Eva Marie is finding ways to screw her over, and be a black mark on the Women’s Championship, and the division in general. Becky said that it was two-on-one at No Mercy, and the two still had to resort to cheating. She said she’s not leaving the ring until she gets her hands on Eva Marie. After about a ten second pause, Daniel Bryan came out.

Bryan came into the ring, and he said he knows where Becky is coming from. A few years ago, Bryan got screwed week after week, month after month. There were times where he thought that no matter what, he would never get what he was chasing. But he kept trying and trying, failing and failing, clawing and clawing, until he became WWE World Heavyweight Champion at Wrestlemania. Bryan says that he sees the same fire in Becky, and her time will come. But Bryan said that Survivor Series is less than six weeks away, and he also needs five women to represent Smackdown. Becky slightly rolled her eyes because she knew what was coming, and Bryan said that he wanted Becky to be on the team. Bryan said he knows what Becky ultimately wants, but he needs her on the Smackdown team. After hesitating for a few seconds, Becky agreed. Bryan appreciated it, and said he had something that might make Eva happy. He said next week (which again, drew boos from the crowd), he would give Becky a chance to take on Eva Marie, in a non-title match. But, the winner becomes captain for the Smackdown Women’s team; and the best part for Becky, is that Tamina is banned from ringside for the match. Becky looked pleased to end the segment.

Fatal Four-Way: Apollo Crews vs. Baron Corbin vs. Kalisto vs. Zack Ryder
This match was quite random, although the announcers talked about how this is potentially a showcase for the Smackdown men’s team at Survivor Series. This match actually got a decent amount of time, and the crowd got more into it, as they were flat early on. Late in the match, each person started hitting their signature moves. Ryder gave Kalisto a Broski Boot, but walked right into a Deep Six from Corbin. Corbin and Crews fought, as Kalisto went to the top rope. Kalisto hit Ryder with a Shooting Star Press, but right around the same time, Crews impressively hit Corbin with his Sit-Out Powerbomb. Crews covered Corbin around the same time that Kalisto covered Ryder, and the referee counted to three. He raised Crews’ hand, which Kalisto wasn’t happy about.
Winner: Apollo Crews

Otunga mentioned how Crews just made a case to be on the men’s team at Survivor Series, while JBL mentioned how Kalisto may have just made a case as well.

Alberto Del Rio walked by Dolph Ziggler backstage. Ziggler wasn’t really saying anything, and Del Rio was laughing. Del Rio said that we might have to wait until next year’s Survivor Series to see Ziggler win a match. Ziggler continued to say nothing, as Del Rio said that next week, they’ll have one more match, with the winner being on the Survivor Series team. Del Rio said it was a joke, as Ziggler shouldn’t be anywhere near contending for anything, other than unemployment. Del Rio laughed as he walked away.

Todd Phillips was standing by with American Alpha. He asked American Alpha about their victory against The Usos, and if Jordan intentionally had his foot on the ropes at No Mercy. Gable was offended by Phillips’ question thinking they would need to bend the rules to beat The Usos. Jordan said that next week, they’ll meet The Usos in the ring and clear the air, face-to-face.

After the commercial break, Todd Phillips was backstage again, this time standing by with John Cena. Phillips asked Cena how he’s feeling after No Mercy. Cena said that he feels like an ass kicking is owed to The Miz. He said that he takes nothing away from Samoa Joe; it was Joe’s debut match, and Joe made him pass out in the middle of the ring. Cena said that we’ll never know what would’ve happened if Miz hadn’t attacked him backstage right before his match with Joe. But Cena said that the Intercontinental Title had eluded him his whole career, and Miz couldn’t stand him being the champion that Miz could never be. Cena said that he’s going to finish this all tonight. Cena’s music then hit as the promo ended.

John Cena w/Nikki Bella vs. The Miz w/Maryse
The crowd was pretty hot for the main event, as Cena took down Miz right away and started pounding on him. Miz started running around the ring on the outside with Cena chasing after him, and Miz got the better of it when they got back in the ring. They went back and forth for about seven more minutes after that, with what you’d expect from these two. Cena then went on offense and hit his usual moves, culminating in the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena set up for the AA, but Miz countered out of it, and hit his DDT for a near fall. Miz then set up for the Skull Crushing Finale, but Cena wiggled out, tripped Miz, and locked in the STF. As Miz was about to tap, Maryse pulled the referee out, and slapped him. Miz tapped out in the ring, but it didn’t matter, as the referee called for the bell for the disqualification.
Winner: John Cena (By Disqualification)

Cena looked annoyed, as Nikki started chasing Maryse around the ring. This distracted Cena, and Miz gave Cena a low blow from behind, and hit him with the Skull Crushing Finale. Nikki then saw this, and went to the ring to check on Cena, as Miz and Maryse went up the ramp. They looked proud of themselves, as Cena and Nikki looked pissed off at them, to close the show.

I Iiked No Mercy. I think the best part about booking this period is having the creative liberty to take WWE into new directions. It was all made possible with the Draft, and it’s crazy to think that I sometimes get nostalgic about WWE 2016 when I hate the product four years on. I would have maybe doubled down on the Usos turning heel with their new character, but it is interesting you’re reverting American Alpha back to their more brash and arrogant ways reminiscent of their NXT run. Kane teaming with the Hype Bros is an odd ball decision, but it works as it allowed the Wyatt Family to take a win. I see Dean Ambrose is back in contention for a WWE Championship shot, that could work although hopefully you’ll stray from the James Ellsworth route. I’d like to see you book Ambrose more credibly than the wacky, comedic fun babyface he was in WWE. Clearly we’ve got seeds planted for Nikki Bella opposite Maryse, and I like the idea of that being a slow burn. Eva Marie as SmackDown Women’s Champion - holy sh*t. Kind of similar to what they’re doing now with Doudrop as her heavy, and I guess it’s a use of Tamina - but god, hard pass on seeing her in a title match - even if a gimmicked handicap match. I’m sure we’ll see Becky Lynch gradually climb the ranks. John Cena appeared to have a very short WWE Intercontinental Championship run, and it was fascinating to see Samoa Joe destroy him in his debut. It’s a strong debut, but seeing Cena compete on SmackDown the next week - I would have maybe had him sell the Coquita Clutch and kept him off. The Cena and Miz discourse revolving Nikki and Maryse is pretty cool. I am interested in why you went with Randy Orton to face AJ Styles here, but it’s a strong main event and it gives Styles another big victory. Overall, pretty good stuff. I look forward to more. Hopefully the interpromotional stuff surrounding Survivor Series doesn't impact the SmackDown brand too much - keep us posted on what happens on RAW in the coming weeks if that's the case!