Matt Riddle vs AJ Styles
Matt Riddle makes his main roster debut on Friday Night Smackdown. He has done very well on NXT. However, Riddle is a former MMA fighter with a record of 8-3-1. This match was very exciting as AJ Styles is a very formidable opponent as he is the Intercontinental Champion. Both are known for their striking and aerial attack as we saw both use that to their advantage. Riddle picked up the win and now inserts himself into the Intercontinental title picture. Even though I am happy he debuted, I feel like he should not get a push so early and contend for a title.
Result: Riddle pins Styles for the win.
Grade: B
Shorty G vs Mojo Rawley
Prior to the match, Mojo Rawley attacked Shorty G while he was being interviewed. However, Shorty G saw the attack coming and was able to knock down Rawley before entering the ring. Rawley being angry from what transpired, attacked Shorty G before the match started. The match was pretty boring and there wasn’t anything exciting to say the least. However, a rivalry could be brewing. Shorty G rolled up Rawley for the win.
Results: Shorty G defeats Mojo Rawley via pinfall.
Grade: D+
The New Day (Big E and Kofi Kingston) vs. Lucha House Party (Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik)
The New Day are the reigning and defending Smackdown Tag Team Champions. Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik are some of WWE’s best high-flyers the business has to offer. Smackdown Women’s Tag Team Champions and Smackdown Women’s Champion Bayley and Sasha Banks are at ringside. This match has been back-and-forth and very aggressive. Big E is using his power and throwing the Lucha House Party at ease. Big E and Kofi eventually picked up the win. After the match, Cesaro and Nakamura attacked The New Day. Cesaro and Nakamura defeated The New Day last week on Smackdown. They made a statement as they attacked the tag team champions and they feel they deserve a title match soon.
Results: The New Day (Big E and Kofi Kingston) defeat Lucha House Party (Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik) via pinfall.
Grade: B+
Nikki Cross vs. Sasha Banks
After a promo involving Lacey Evans, Alexa Bliss, Naomi, Dana Brooke, and other women, Nikki Cross sprinted to the ring to attack Sasha Banks and Bayley. Alexa Bliss than sprinted to help Cross and separate the two teams. Cross demanded a fight and Bayley accepted the challenge on Banks behalf. These two teams have had a heated rivalry and has progressed ever since Banks and Bayley won the Smackdown Women’s Tag Team Championships two weeks ago. An aggressive Cross has controlled most of the match. Banks countered with an impressive move and picked up the win.
Results: Banks beat Cross via Pinfall
Grade: B-
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