Don't Say The F Word Podcast - WWE SmackDown Recap: Winners, Grades, and SummerSlam Showdown!

Date: July 21, 2023

Welcome back, wrestling fans, to another thrilling WWE SmackDown recap brought to you by the "Don't Say The F Word" podcast! Last night's episode may have temporarily shifted to Fox Sports 1, but that didn't dampen the fiery rivalries within The Bloodline. Roman Reigns and Jey Uso continue their intense feud, setting the stage for a monumental SummerSlam showdown, where The Tribal Chief's Undisputed WWE Universal Championship is on the line.

**The Tribal War Heats Up**

The highlight of the night was undoubtedly the segment between Roman Reigns and Jey Uso. Reigns laid out the rules of engagement for their upcoming SummerSlam clash, and it's no ordinary match—it's Tribal Combat! The no holds barred, anything-goes match was suggested by The Bloodline elders, adding an emotional intensity to the already heated feud. The two cousins, with the championship and the family's honor at stake, engaged in a tense confrontation that left fans on the edge of their seats. Reigns, seated at the head of the table, showcased his dominance, while Uso's torn emotions and defiance added complexity to their dynamic. The clash at SummerSlam promises to be an emotionally charged spectacle that fans won't want to miss.

**United States Championship Invitational**

The action-packed show also featured a thrilling United States Championship Invitational, where Rey Mysterio emerged victorious in a Fatal 4-Way Match against LA Knight, Sheamus, and Cameron Grimes. The match was a testament to Mysterio's connection with the fans, who continue to rally behind him. However, the creative team's resistance to Knight's momentum has fans eagerly awaiting the moment when the popular superstar's persistence pays off.

**Flair vs. Sky: Building Momentum**

The rivalry between Charlotte Flair and Iyo Sky continued to escalate as Flair secured a hard-fought victory over the Women's Money in the Bank winner. Despite a distraction from Bayley, Flair showcased her dominance by overcoming Sky's resilience. As the tension within Damage CTRL and Shotzi's revenge plot adds intrigue to the women's division, fans eagerly anticipate the triple threat match between Flair, Bianca Belair, and Asuka at SummerSlam.

**Escobar Stakes His Claim**

In a decisive victory, Santos Escobar defeated the United States champion, Austin Theory. This win solidifies Escobar's position as a potential No. 1 contender for the title, garnering much-needed credibility and momentum. The match showcased Escobar's impressive skills, leaving fans excited about his future challenges in the WWE.

**Dominik Mysterio Retains NXT North American Title**

Dominik Mysterio retained his NXT North American Championship against Butch, with the assistance of Women's World champion Rhea Ripley. The match furthered the feud between the Brawling Brutes and Pretty Deadly, but questions remain about the sustainability of the storyline in the absence of Elton Prince.

**Overall Impression**

Friday's episode of SmackDown was packed with exciting in-ring content, building up to the anticipated SummerSlam event. With longer matches that advanced storylines and an emotionally charged segment between Reigns and Uso, the show delivered an engaging experience. The Don't Say The F Word podcast gives this episode a solid B+ grade, showcasing the potential for an unforgettable SummerSlam.

**Rating System for Pro Wrestling Matches**

To further evaluate each match, let's apply our original rating system:

**Match 1: United States Championship Invitational**

- **Action:** 4

- **Storytelling:** 4

- **Atmosphere:** 3

- **Innovation:** 3

- **Overall Enjoyment:** 4

- **Overall Rating:** 18

**Match 2: Charlotte Flair vs. Iyo Sky**

- **Action:** 4

- **Storytelling:** 4

- **Atmosphere:** 4

- **Innovation:** 3

- **Overall Enjoyment:** 4

- **Overall Rating:** 19

**Match 3: Santos Escobar vs. Austin Theory**

- **Action:** 3

- **Storytelling:** 3

- **Atmosphere:** 3

- **Innovation:** 4

- **Overall Enjoyment:** 4

- **Overall Rating:** 17

**Match 4: Dominik Mysterio vs. Butch**

- **Action:** 3

- **Storytelling:** 3

- **Atmosphere:** 3

- **Innovation:** 2

- **Overall Enjoyment:** 3

- **Overall Rating:** 14

*Roman Reigns' Rules of Engagement Segment**

- **Storytelling:** 5

- **Atmosphere:** 5

- **Overall Enjoyment:** 5

- **Overall Rating:** 15 (for the segment)

This was perfect at this point this story is beyond a pro wrestling storyline this right here has been cinema at a high level

**Overall Show Rating:**

To calculate the overall show rating, we'll add up the individual match ratings and divide by the number of matches reviewed (5 matches).

Total Rating = (18 + 19 + 17 + 14 + 15) / 5 = 83 / 5 = 16.6

**Overall Show Rating: 16.6**

This rating system allows us to assess each match's strengths and weaknesses separately, providing a more comprehensive evaluation of the overall show. WWE SmackDown delivered an entertaining show, with some matches standing out for their storytelling and crowd engagement. The rating system helps us compare different matches, identify strengths and weaknesses, and allows us to express our opinions more precisely. Join us next time for more exciting WWE action and analysis on the Don't Say The F Word podcast!