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0 out of 6
Credit: WWE.com
Before the WWE went to Hell in a Cell, SmackDown was live from the Cajundome in Lafayette, Louisiana, on September 11 with the promise of several major matches before Sunday's clashes. The night was marked by new matches between the big stars of the brand.
Brie Bella was booked to finally get her hands on Maryse, who was scheduled to play in her first singles match since 2011, with Daniel Bryan and The Miz presumably in the corners of their wives. Charlotte Flair also had to fight Sonya Deville for the first time with her former best friend Becky Lynch.
Elsewhere on the map, Jeff Hardy would face American champion Shinsuke Nakamura once more before his clash with Randy Orton, while Andrade "Cien" Almas faced the unpredictable veteran R-Truth.
Perhaps no match was bigger than the team tournament final between The Bar and Rusev Day, as both teams were fighting for the opportunity to fight the new day at Hell in a Cell. The winner would get a very important title game, while the loser would have nothing.
This show had a serious field to cover with a large number of pay days at the WWE, and this was going to be done with a welcome concentration on the action in the ring.
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Hardy talked about defeating his demons and being ready to go to war against Orton on Sunday. He showed how ready he was to hit Nakamura with splashes on the steel steps in the barricade at the start of their match.
The calculating champion managed to hit the Daredevil with strikes, then expelled him from the apron in the barricade. As Hardy rallied and prepared for a Swanton Bomb, The Viper appeared and knocked him off the first rope to provoke a disqualification.
The Apex Predator went after Daredevil with a steel chair before Hardy stole the chair, took Orton and hit a Twist of Fate in a Swanton bomb.
Result
Hardy def. Nakamura by disqualification
Quality
D +
Analysis
Hardy has never been a good promo, so it's rare for him to open the show. The crowd fell awkwardly as he stumbled in his words and seemed to be breathing only when Nakamura appeared.
His match with The Artist went well, with both players having never had good chemistry, which resulted in an expected disqualification that cast doubt on the reason for the match. It was a weird 30-minute loss that did not make Hardy Vs. Orton in Hell in a Cell more attractive.
2 of 6
AJ Styles made a clear statement to Samoa Joe in a pre-taped interview earlier in the day. On the ring steps while the arena was still empty, Styles promised that all of Joe's games would not mean anything once the bell rang, as he had earned his place by being the best in the business.
In a pre-recorded response, the Samoan submissions specialist told the story of his heroic journey to dethrone The Phenomenal One in a nursery rhyme that ended with a promise that Styles would return soon to his family.
Quality
A
Analysis
Styles' promo was great, showing her desire to stay focused while trying to hide her underlying anger and frustration. However, it was Joe's odd promo that was the highlight of the night, adding extra excitement to this hitching potential.
It is unfortunate that these two veterans are doing a good job without being treated the way they should. It's a world title game that is less recognized than a mixed match.
3 of 6
Credit: WWE.com
In an interview, Charlotte explained that she had taken this match with Deville just before her clash with Lynch to prove that she was the best and that one should never doubt it. Mandy Rose tried to help her friend at several points in the battle with little success.
However, the former Absolution member still managed to crush the female SmackDown champion with a technical foul before The Queen turned a powerbomb triangle, then Figure Eight for a tapout.
While Charlotte was trying to pose for a photo with girls in the crowd, a disguised Irish Lass Kicker assaulted the champion and locked her into the Dis-Arm-Her. Subsequently, she refused to be interviewed behind the scenes, stating that she only wanted to focus on resuming her title.
Result
Charlotte def. Deville by submission
Quality
B
Analysis
It was as good as Deville looked on the main list, pushing Charlotte and keeping a string of impressive footage. Although they could be even better together, it was much stronger than anyone could have expected from a televised warm up.
The post-match attack only underscored how much the battle between the best friends became personal, with Lynch taking every possible chance to overthrow The Queen.
4 out of 6
After Kramer Kingsman failed to interview Sheamus and Cesaro face-to-face, Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods and Big E watched their personal announcement table as Aiden English was firing on The Bar. He was eventually cut off and isolated by the veterans team.
After a thunderclap, Rusev shot The Swiss Cyborg, hitting a kick and blocking The Accolade, but Celtic Warrior broke it. Sheamus set up a Brogue Kick, but the English took it for the Bulgarian Brute to allow his friend to hit the Machka Kick for the win.
Result
Rusev Day def. The Bar by pinfall to win a title match at WWE Hell in a Cell vs. New Day
Quality
B +
Analysis
It was a fun contest, even though it was a formula that would have been a great way to end the evening. The improbable increase of Rusev Day under the title has been fun and unobtrusive since The Artist has repeatedly taken blows for his friend in order to make sure they win.
While New Day vs. The Bar would have been a stronger match, Rusev and English trying to win the trio of champions with irreproachable determination and determination will make a great story at WWE Hell in a Cell.
5 out of 6
Credit: WWE.com
The truth continued to be unpredictable and difficult to stop, as Almas remained on his guard, but it was El Idolo who proved to be the smartest competitor. After Carmella and Zelina Vega started fighting at the ring, Almas managed to use the distraction to wrap the veteran with a handful of jerseys on behalf of the three.
Result
Almas def. The truth by the fall
Quality
C-
Analysis
Although it was not a terrible match, it was a complete loss of time just before Hell in a Cell. The two were satisfied with a few minutes before Cien resorted to a roll-up to win the victory. Although King What's Up is entertaining, it should not be considered a real threat to Almas, one of SmackDown's biggest rising stars.
6 of 6
Credit: WWE.com
After Maryse repeatedly tried to avoid Brie, Miz canceled the match for Brie to force the fight to continue. As Bryan's wife almost locked up the Yes Lock, Miz snatched Brie from his wife to provoke a disqualification.
Subsequently, while The A-Lister repeatedly tried to save Maryse from Brie's anger, he drew the "Yes" Man, who hit him on the floor with a clothesline.
Result
Brie def. Maryse by disqualification
Quality
C +
Analysis
It was a slightly neglected way to sell this quarrel in its last stretch after weeks of good segments. Brie vs. Maryse was never the big winner, and it was clear that WWE knew it, because the match was almost entirely avoided.
The post-match bout was more than the same, with Bryan getting his hands on Miz, but Maryse snuck out. It was fine, but not the best way to finish the last SmackDown before Hell in a Cell.
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