5 Takeaways From SmackdownLive - 7/31/18

This is my series, simply known as "5 Takeaways", where I will share my personal main talking points coming out of Raw and SmackdownLive.

These are all my opinion, so I may miss a nugget or two. If you have something to add to my list, or a list of your own, feel free to share in the comment section below!

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After inadvertently costing Rusev a couple matches, Aiden English ended up costing Lana the win as well. There are only so many times he can apologize, and Lana seemingly has had enough of him. She yelled at Rusev for not being out there at ringside for her, and some cracks can be seen in the foundation of Rusev Day.

I can see Lana telling Rusev "it's either him or me", with of course the Bulgarian Brute choosing his wife, which leads to a Rusev vs Aiden English match or two (would I honestly wouldn't mind).

The returning tandem of Sheamus and Cesaro showed no signs of ting rust, performing with The Usos in a very solid match. The Bar picked up the win, and will go on to face The New Day next week, to determine the #1 contenders.

Most likely, New Day wins and faces The Bludgeon Brothers at Summerslam. However, I'd like to see The Bar get the win next week to make Smackdown at least somewhat unpredictable. They are a good team, and The Bar vs The Bludgeon Brothers is something I'd like to see.

Jeff Hardy came out to the ring wanting Randy Orton, so he called out the Viper. Instead Hardy got much more than he bargained for, with Shinsuke Nakamura assaulting him, and Orton as well. You could tell the two weren't necessarily teaming up on Hardy, but they both wanted to punish him.

This is a pretty interesting (and quite entertaining) angle, seeing as how there isn't too much depth in the story, Orton just wants to become the "legend killer" once again (in a way). I'm quite okay with this.

We already knew this, but it's wirth saying again. Samoa Joe attacked (and choked out) AJ Styles last week before officially becoming the next challenger for his WWE title. Styles was absent, and Joe talked plenty of smack about him.

Joe brought up his family, and how Styles is more comfortable on the road "living out of a suitcase" than being at home, and also that he cares more about being a good champion than being a good father.

This rivalry is getting personal, and I'm so excited for their title match. This is by far and away more interesting than anything on Raw.

I sighed a sad sigh when Charlotte Flair returned. Don't get me wrong, she's a great wrestler - one of the best today (if not THE best), but she's beginning to enter Roman Reigns territory when it comes to hogging the spotlight. I'm sure I will get some hate for this, but it seems as though whenever she's healthy, the women's division specifically revolves around her.

It happened again last night.

After Carmella began her assault on Becky Lynch, Flair made her return, and saved the #1 contender, before being booked in a match with Carmella with the chance to enter the title match at Summerslam. After a sloppy match, Charlotte won, and it's more likely than not that she will win the title as well.

Hopefully Lynch can get the belt soon, or else there's not much hope for her in the near future.

Thanks for reading! Did I miss any good points? Is there something you agree or disagree with? Sound off in the comments below!