WWE SmackDown Results: Winners, Live Grades, Reaction and Highlights from July 14
- Jeremy Erick
- Jul 14, 2023
- 4 min read
Welcome to another thrilling episode of WWE SmackDown! On July 14, fans were treated to an action-packed show filled with intense matches, captivating storytelling, and surprising twists. From championship clashes to heated rivalries, the superstars of SmackDown delivered an unforgettable night of professional wrestling. Let's dive into the key moments and analyze each match using our unique rating system, evaluating factors such as action, storytelling, atmosphere, innovation, and overall enjoyment.
**Match Card**
1. WWE Women's Championship Match: Bianca Belair vs. Asuka (c)
2. Fallout from Jey Uso's Undisputed WWE Universal Championship challenge
3. United States Championship Invitational Fatal 4-Way Match: AJ Styles vs. Butch vs. Santos Escobar vs. Grayson Waller*
4. Sheamus and Ridge Holland vs. Pretty Deadly
*Winner faces the winner of next week's Fatal 4-Way for a shot at Austin Theory's US title.
Now, let's break down each match and provide ratings based on our rating system.
**Bianca Belair and Charlotte Flair Make A SummerSlam Pact**
Bianca Belair kicked off the show with a fiery speech, setting the stage for her upcoming WWE Women's Championship defense against Asuka. However, Charlotte Flair made her presence known, leading to a heated exchange between the two competitors. Eventually, they agreed to a showdown at SummerSlam, intensifying their rivalry.
**Action: 3**
The verbal confrontation between Belair and Flair was intense, but the physical action was limited in this segment.
**Storytelling: 3**
The confrontation furthered the ongoing rivalry between Belair and Flair, but it didn't offer significant new developments or surprises.
**Atmosphere: 2**
While the audience was engaged, the segment didn't generate a truly electric atmosphere.
**Innovation: 2**
There weren't any groundbreaking or innovative elements in this segment.
**Overall Enjoyment: 3**
The segment was decent, providing some build-up for future events, but it didn't leave a lasting impression.
**Grade: C**
**Sheamus and Ridge Holland vs. Pretty Deadly**
Sheamus and Ridge Holland sought revenge against Pretty Deadly after last week's interference cost Sheamus a shot at the United States Championship. The physical tag team match culminated with Pretty Deadly securing the victory, frustrating Sheamus and continuing their feud.
**Action: 4**
The match showcased hard-hitting action, with both teams delivering impressive moves and showcasing their athleticism.
**Storytelling: 3**
The match progressed the ongoing feud between Sheamus, Ridge Holland, and Pretty Deadly, but it didn't offer any significant story developments.
**Atmosphere: 3**
The crowd was invested in the match, adding to the overall atmosphere, but it didn't reach a fever pitch.
**Innovation: 2**
While the match was solid, there weren't any notable innovative moments.
**Overall Enjoyment: 3**
The match was entertaining, but it lacked a certain spark to make it truly memorable.
**Grade: C+**
**Zelina Vega vs. Bayley**
Zelina Vega faced off against Bayley in a match that was overshadowed by the post-match developments. Bayley secured the victory with a momentary distraction from Iyo Sky, while Shotzi's post-match promo added an interesting twist.
**Action: 2**
The match felt rushed and didn't offer much in terms of exciting action.
**Storytelling: 3**
The focus on Bayley disrespecting Shotzi added an intriguing element to the match, but the storytelling overall was limited.
**Atmosphere: 2**
The crowd's reaction was lukewarm, and the match didn't generate a significant atmosphere.
**Innovation: 1**
The match lacked innovative moments or sequences.
**Overall Enjoyment: 2**
The match and subsequent promo were underwhelming, leaving much to be desired.
**Grade: D**
**Jey Uso Promo**
Jey Uso sought answers from Roman Reigns regarding the challenge for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. In a memorable segment, Jey attacked Paul Heyman, asserting his independence and setting the stage for a potential championship clash at SummerSlam.
**Action: 4**
The intensity and physicality of the segment created an electric atmosphere.
**Storytelling: 5**
The storytelling was exceptional, with Jey Uso asserting himself and standing up to Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman.
**Atmosphere: 5**
The crowd was fully engaged, amplifying the segment's impact.
**Innovation: 2**
While the segment didn't feature groundbreaking innovations, it was masterfully executed.
**Overall Enjoyment: 5**
The segment was gripping and left fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter of the story.
**Grade: A**
**United States Championship Invitational 4-Way**
AJ Styles, Santos Escobar, Butch, and Grayson Waller clashed in a high-stakes Fatal 4-Way match, with the winner advancing to challenge Austin Theory for the United States Championship. Santos Escobar emerged victorious, capitalizing on a distraction caused by Karrion Kross.
**Action: 5**
The match was fast-paced, filled with thrilling action, and showcased the unique styles of each competitor.
**Storytelling: 4**
The match had a clear objective: earn a title shot. The involvement of Karrion Kross added an intriguing twist to the ongoing rivalry with AJ Styles.
**Atmosphere: 4**
The crowd was invested in the match, enhancing the overall atmosphere.
**Innovation: 3**
While there weren't groundbreaking innovations, the match had unique sequences and moves.
**Overall Enjoyment: 4**
The match was highly enjoyable, leaving fans excited for future developments.
**Grade: B+**
**Asuka vs. Bianca Belair**
The main event featured a WWE Women's Championship match between Asuka and Bianca Belair. While the match felt rushed, it demonstrated the chemistry between the two competitors. The involvement of Charlotte Flair, Bayley, and Iyo Sky added layers of uncertainty and drama to the mix.
**Action: 3**
The match had some exciting action, but time constraints limited its full potential.
**Storytelling: 4**
The ongoing rivalries and potential future clashes added depth to the match.
**Atmosphere: 3**
The crowd's response was solid, but it didn't reach the level of a truly electric atmosphere.
**Innovation: 2**
The match didn't feature many innovative elements.
**Overall Enjoyment: 3**
The match was enjoyable but left room for improvement.
**Grade: C**
**Final Thoughts: A Night of Ups and Downs**
This episode of WWE SmackDown had its highs and lows, providing fans with both captivating moments and missed opportunities. The standout segment featuring Jey Uso showcased exceptional storytelling and generated tremendous excitement. The United States Championship Invitational also delivered an entertaining contest, while other matches and segments fell short in various aspects. As we look ahead to future episodes, we hope to see more consistent quality and captivating storytelling throughout the entire show.
**Overall Grade: B-**
Stay tuned for more thrilling action and developments on WWE SmackDown!
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