Winners, News And Notes On July 15, 2022

WWE SmackDown advertised Angelo Dawkins vs. Jimmy Uso and the reveal of a special guest referee for The Usos’ match against The Street Profits at SummerSlam. The special guest referee was revealed to be Jeff Jarrett. SmackDown also featured Liv Morgan vs. Natalya and Madcap Moss vs. Money in the Bank winner Theory.

Last week’s broadcast of SmackDown garnered 2.142 million viewers.

• July 1, 2022—2.142 million
• June 24, 2022—2.231 million
• June 17, 2022—2.389 million
• June 10, 2022—1.914 million
• June 3, 2022—1.939 million

• WWE SmackDown Venue: Amway Center (Orlando, Fla.)
• WWE SmackDown Tickets Distributed: 7,570
• Available Tickets: 514

WWE SmackDown Results | Friday, July 15, 2022

Pat McAfee Calls out Happy Corbin

SmackDown started out with a very good promo from Pat McAfee, who continues to be every bit as popular as anybody in the locker room.

Though Pat McAfee is the babyface in this feud, he technically started this beef by calling out Happy Corbin week after week on commentary and then getting his receipt.

Happy Corbin worked in a monkeypox reference as to why he refused to confront McAfee.

Liv Morgan def. Natalya

For those wondering, Natalya did not no-sell this finish after doing another job to Liv Morgan.

Liv Morgan continues to talk herself up as the underdog in her match against Ronda Rousey, but I’d be shocked if Morgan lost the title this early.

The New Day Mocks The Viking Raiders

The New Day showed up in Viking Raiders gear in a fairly entertaining segment.

The New Day actually ran off the Viking Raiders and danced with Jinder Mahal and Shanky after. WWE seems to be perfecting the art of the non-wrestling segment, particularly on SmackDown, where wrestling was few and far between.

Lacey Evans ‘Apologizes’ to WWE Universe

Just when it seemed like WWE was ready to return to wrestling, nope, this segment was entirely built around Lacey Evans cutting a heel promo and walking off.

Though Evans received immense heat, she also battled “what” chants during an otherwise good heel promo. Evans even threw in a reference to all the “nasties” who boo her.

Drew McIntyre def. Ridge Holland

Sheamus has avoided wrestling Drew McIntyre despite the fact that a title shot is on the line. This week, McIntyre defeated Holland. Why can’t WWE just take away Sheamus’ opportunity outright?

The story of this match was Drew McIntyre stealing Sheamus’ moves and Michael Cole swearing he does them better.

Madcap Moss def. Theory by DQ

Backstage, Paul Heyman tried, unsuccessfully, to manipulate both Theory and Madcap Moss in hopes of protecting Roman Reigns from a potential cash-in.

This match was built up as a showdown between “the future” of WWE, and I can absolutely see this being on pay-per-view in the future if all goes according to plan.

For many Money in the Bank winners, including Theory, wins are few and far between.

Jeff Jarrett Named Special Guest Referee

Sami Zayn appeared on commentary during this match, and I could have sworn he lost a match that banned him from SmackDown.

Angelo Dawkins defeated Jimmy Uso with Uso’s shoulder off the mat. After the Jeff Jarrett announcement, the two teams just brawled until SmackDown went off the air.

Jeff Jarrett as a special guest referee fits the Nashville vibe, but his vibe sticks out like a sore thumb in this feud.