7/31 Friday Night SmackDown Preview: AJ Defends Against Gran Metalik, Bayley vs. Cross For The Title
WrestleZone encourages you to begin your SmackDown discussion in the comments section below, in the WZ Forums or via the WZ Facebook Discussion Group.
Here are WWE.com’s official Quick Hits preview points for tonight’s SmackDown:
- AJ Styles to take on Gran Metalik in Intercontinental Championship Match
- Bayley and Nikki Cross set for SmackDown Women’s Championship rematch
- Naomi looks to send her own message in match against Lacey Evans
- Otis and Mandy Rose’s love story continues on SmackDown
You can find WWE’s full preview HERE. We have included some excerpts below:
AJ Styles to take on Gran Metalik in Intercontinental Championship Match
AJ Styles will face Gran Metalik in a showdown of supremely skilled Superstars for the Intercontinental Championship.
The Phenomenal One watched from the announce table as The King of the Ropes outlasted Lince Dorado, Drew Gulak, and Shorty G in last week’s Fatal 4-Way Match to earn the title opportunity. While Styles might have struggled with his pronunciations on commentary, Gran Metalik made sure the champion would remember his name with an emphatic attack on Styles after his victory.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by WWE (@wwe) on
Will a Lucha House Party break out for a new Intercontinental Champion? Or will Styles continue his reign?
Bayley and Nikki Cross set for SmackDown Women’s Championship rematch
Bayley played puppet master to orchestrate her latest SmackDown Women’s Championship defense, but Nikki Cross will look to make her pay for trying to drive a wedge between her and Alexa Bliss. The rivals will meet in a rematch of their controversial title match at The Horror Show at WWE Extreme Rules.
I’m A LOT of things. But “egotistical” is not one of them 🤬. I’m just really great, a hard worker and successful as hell 🤷🏻♀️
Good luck @NikkiCrossWWE. Bring everything you got https://t.co/ckBohiVnSx
— Bayley (@itsBayleyWWE) July 28, 2020
In the last showdown, Cross seemed on the cusp of a breakthrough, but an assist from Sasha Banks’ Boss rings helped Bayley retain her title with one crushing blow to the ribs. Last week on SmackDown, Bayley was in the giving spirit as she offered a title opportunity to the winner of an impromptu Cross vs. Bliss singles bout. The match created tension among the tag team partners, but Cross was fueled by her desire to get payback.
Will Cross finally topple Bayley from her throne above the blue brand? Or will it be another showcase for “The Golden Role Models”?
Otis and Mandy Rose’s love story continues on SmackDown
The Summer of Love comes to SmackDown as Otis and Mandy Rose get set to rekindle their romance. Fresh off their historic Bumpy win for “Best Social Reaction of the Year,” The Workin’ Man Superstar and his lovely peach will be on hand, as the love story continues on the blue brand.
Ohhh YEAAA Tonight it’s DATE NIGHT #SmackdownOnFOX “DAZsel” @WWEGable
Gotta burn up Those Forearms and BI’s at #TheKARNAGEshack
“It’s All About the Forearms Baby” 😉😎 @WWE_MandyRose
MY BEAUTIFUL PEACH 🙌🏻
I’m just a #OVERsizeload LOVE MACHINE #POWERbelly pic.twitter.com/JD7dMmIiYy
— OTIS (Dozer) (@otiswwe) July 31, 2020
What new memories will SmackDown’s favorite couple create this week?
RELATED: Matt Riddle On What WrestleMania Inspired Him To Get Into Pro Wrestling