WWE SmackDown results, grades: Shotzi and Sami Zayn set for Money In The Bank

On Friday night, a number of qualifying bouts meant the fields for the men and women’s matches have become a little clearer, even if McIntyre and Sheamus had to re-qualify after Adam Pearce’s decision to add them to the ladder match had been overturned.

The first qualifying bout of the night saw Sami Zayn battle Shinsuke Nakamura on an evening littered with entertaining segments about how the Honorary Uce would navigate holding the briefcase, as he insisted he would simply protect Roman Reigns rather than cashing in.

He beat Nakamura to secure his spot at Money In The Bank as the two opponents – who had one of the greatest matches of all time back in 2016 – kept the fans gripped in a very entertaining clash.

Later, Shotzi faced Tamina – who was replacing the injured Aliyah – in a qualifier for the women’s ladder match, and while the action was a little clunky at times, it was a solid enough bout highlighted by Shotzi getting statement win.

Finally, the main event – which was made after an in-ring promo segment at the top of the show when Pearce revealed Drew and Sheamus must re-qualify – saw the two rivals team up against The Usos with their Money In The Bank spots on the line.

Not surprisingly, the four superstars delivered a fantastic match even with the trope of partners that don’t get along, and the so-called Scottish and Celtic Warriors fought their way to victory.

Given they were already announced for the ladder match last week, this obviously doesn’t change things but it was a great main event, and adds a potential wrinkle to The Bloodline given Jimmy and Jey’s loss here.

The Viking Raiders attack New Day, Pat McAfee challenges Happy Corbin and Natalya roasts Ronda Rousey

Away from the Money In The Bank ladder matches, The New Day faced off with Jinder Mahal and Shanky again this week – albeit this time in a dance-off.

King Xavier Woods took a slight dig at WWE’s love for rematches, but Pat McAfee’s little tease on commentary wasn’t far off the mark as he seemed to suggest running back last week’s tag team match would’ve been preferable.

Thankfully, the segment was used to showcase the returning Viking Raiders, who came out to attack Woods and Kofi Kingston to boos from the crowd in a move that gives the tag division a much-needed shakeup.

Sonya Deville was running her mouth backstage and ended up in a handicap match against Lacey Evans and Raquel Rodriguez, falling to the two babyfaces after putting up a fight.

She was joined after the bell by Xia Li and Shayna Baszler as they went on the attack, but Lacey and Raquel sent them running in a bizarre segment that almost created sympathy for Sonya before the post-match brawl.

That said, a united trio of her, Li and the Queen of Spades could do wonders for the women’s division, with an evil dominating faction coming together to take control. Let’s see if that’s the direction WWE goes in.

This was designed as more of a showcase for the Ring General as he looked utterly dominating over the former champ before the Powerbomb ended the battering in convincing fashion.

Pat McAfee laid down a challenge to face Happy Corbin at SummerSlam with a typically brilliant promo – and those two should really bring it on such a big stage.

Finally, Max Dupri’s Maximum Male Models once again didn’t debut as planned because the dressing room demands weren’t met, but the former LA Knight promised they’ll appear next week.

WWE SmackDown airs Friday nights at 1am on BT Sport 1.

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