SmackDown Live opens with The Singh Brothers on the stage and they introduce the WWE Champion, Jinder Mahal!
BEHOLD the #PunjabiPrison… and it’s more dangerous THAN EVER!!!#SDLive @JinderMahal @SinghBrosWWE pic.twitter.com/a8vRX8w3sy
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 19, 2017
Mahal and The Singh Brothers enter the Punjabi Prison and he second part of the structure lowers around the first part. Mahal tells everyone to behold the Punjabi Prison. He says this “colossal structure” will be the final resting place of Randy Orton’s legacy. A loud “USA” chant starts up.
The Singh Brothers discuss the rules of the Punjabi Prison. Mahal then says the prison has no rules and “no escape” for Orton. He says this Sunday two men will walk in the prison, but only one Modern Day Maharaja will walk out the WWE Champion. Mahal raises his title and begins speaking to his people in his language, only to be interrupted…
.@RandyOrton has NOTHING TO LOSE in the #PunjabiPrison Match as he shows NO FEAR of the dreaded structure! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/vgGoY9nZPX
— WWE (@WWE) July 19, 2017
Orton says Mahal is either the bravest “SOB I’ve ever met” or he just isn’t that bright. He wonders why Mahal is choosing to be locked in that prison with him. “You are making a conscious decision to be caged up like an animal with me.” Orton climbs up on the structure and says Mahal took his title and tried to leave him for dead. “I have nothing to lose, but you have everything to lose.”
Orton continues climbing up the structure. He points out that Mahal is the 50th WWE Champion of all time and how he has the pressure of 1.3 billion souls on his back representing India. Orton continues climbing. “What are you gonna do, Jinder Mahal, when those 1.3 billion souls consider you a disgrace?” He sits up top and says this will be the view he has on Sunday when he wins the match. This is the view Mahal will see this Sunday when he hears them announce him as the new WWE Champion!
John Cena will address his Flag match against Rusev tonight in a sit-down interview.
We see The Tag Team Champions on their way to the ring, Jimmy Uso vs. Kofi Kingston is up next.
*Commercial Break*
Jimmy Uso Vs. Kofi Kingston
An aggressive lock-up from Jimmy to start the match and he powers Kofi to the corner. Kofi turns the tables and beats Jimmy down into the corner and performs The Unicorn Stampede by himself – leaves the ring and comes back in as though he made the tag.
Kofi then hits a running dropkick to Jimmy in the corner. Kofi taunts Jimmy with a little twerking. Jimmy gets angry and runs at Kofi, who pulls the top rope and sends Uso flying to the outside. Kofi then runs off of the ropes but fakes the dive and Jimmy dodges, thinking he’s gotten away. Jimmy turns to see Kofi dangling on the ropes, then Kingston flings himself off and onto Jimmy in a cool spot as we head to a break!
Even @XavierWoodsPhD and @WWEBigE didn’t know @TrueKofi could pull out offense like THIS! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/7GUowUQf7d
— WWE (@WWE) July 19, 2017
*Commercial Break*
We return to see that Jimmy took control of the match during the break, by slamming Kofi into the apron. Jimmy has Kofi in a headlock that he fights out of, only to be hit with a spinning enziguiri from Jimmy!
Uso runs at Kofi in the corner but Kingston catches him with a double foot-stomp! Kofi makes a comeback with some forearms and a dropkick, then the Boom Drop. Kofi looks for Trouble In Paradise but Jimmy catches him on his shoulders and rams Kofi into the turnbuckles for a near-fall.
After a struggle atop the ropes, Kofi shoves Jimmy down, then lands a crossbody but Uso rolls through and gets the pin!
Winner: Jimmy Uso
Really solid match between these two, some innovative offence from both men. These two teams will meet this Sunday at Battleground for the WWE Tag Team Championships!
We see Shane backstage with Becky Lynch, Charlotte, Natalya, Lana, and Tamina. Shane reminds them of their upcoming 5-Way Elimination Match on Sunday to determine the number one contender. Shane then says he wants some action tonight and all the girls volley for a piece of Lana, until Tamina shuts them up. Natalya asks why Shane doesn’t book Charlotte and Becky tonight. Charlotte says Shane won’t book that because he wants a competitive match and Becky gets offended, Charlotte says she didn’t mean any offence but she beats Becky all the time. Shane books the match for later tonight.
Tea time appears to be OVER as The #IrishLassKicker @BeckyLynchWWE will face #TheQueen @MsCharlotteWWE TONIGHT on #SDLive! @shanemcmahon pic.twitter.com/xYPF9a2aqI
— WWE (@WWE) July 19, 2017
After the break we will get a recap of Kurt Angle’s announcement from last night’s Raw, in which Jason Jordan of American Alpha was revealed to be his son. Chad Gable will also speak about the matter as it appear American Alpha are finished – hopefully not for good as they’re one of the best tag teams I’ve seen in years.
*Commercial Break*
A video package from last night’s RAW where Kurt Angle made his major announcement revealing Jason Jordan as his long lost son is shown.
Renee Young is with Chad Gable backstage for a sit-down interview. Young talks about what we all saw on RAW last night involving his tag team partner Jason Jordan and Kurt Angle. He said Jason never gave him a heads up about this and it would have been nice. Gable says Jordan called him after RAW, but that when you are a tag team you do everything together. He said he knew something was wrong. Renee asks him what is next now that Jason has moved on to RAW. Gable says they accomplished a lot as a tag team and he plans to support Jason. “What’s next for Chad Gable? I’ve got some ideas.” He said this is a great chance for everyone to see Chad Gable on his own.
.@WWEGable has many surprises in store for the @WWEUniverse, as he’s ready for new beginnings! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/XXrk95NSOH
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 19, 2017
Mike and Maria Kanellis head to the ring. Footage of Maria slapping Sami Zayn last week is shown. Mike makes his in-ring debut next!
*Commercial Break*
Mike Kanellis Vs. Sami Zayn
Sami with chops and right hands to Mike in the corner early. Mike rolls out and bails. Sami chases him down and connects with a clothesline to the floor. Back inside, Sami clotheslines Mike over the top rope. Sami tosses Mike into the ringside barricade. Back inside, Mike tackles and throws forearms at Sami.
It’s safe to say @RealMikeBennett SERIOUSLY got on @SamiZayn‘s bad side after last week’s backstage attack… #SDLive pic.twitter.com/Qz0jz3LBh3
— WWE (@WWE) July 19, 2017
Sami fires back with a clothesline and then connects with an exploder on Mike to the corner. Maria jumps in and gets in front of Mike in the corner. The referee has Sami back up. Maria is yelling at the referee. This allows Mike to step up and hit a big right hand to Sami. Mike with a samoan driver and gets the pinfall.
Winner: Mike Kanellis
Mike and Maria celebrate their love as the leave the ring. Still to come, our tag team main event!
*Commercial Break*