The latest episode of WWE SmackDown aired on July 3, 2026, and it was a show that had a bit of everything. From surprising returns to underwhelming matches, the show left fans with a lot to talk about. In this article, we’ll break down the highlights and lowlights of the show, and analyze the implications for the WWE universe.
3 Things We Hated
1. Lackluster Match Between The New Day and The Usos
The match between The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, and Big E) and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) was one of the most anticipated bouts of the evening. However, the match did not live up to expectations. The New Day’s usual high-flying style was missing, and the Usos’ usual chemistry with their opponents was nowhere to be found. The match ended in a disappointing fashion, with The New Day emerging victorious but the crowd not being fully invested in the outcome.
2. Underwhelming Return of The Miz
After a long absence, The Miz made his return to SmackDown, and fans were expecting something big. However, his return match against Kevin Owens was lackluster and failed to deliver the excitement that a big star’s return typically brings. The Miz’s mic work was solid, but his in-ring performance was forgettable. The crowd was lukewarm at best, and it’s clear that The Miz still has a lot to prove if he wants to regain his former status as a top-tier superstar.
3. Lack of Progression in The Women’s Division
The women’s division has been one of the most consistent and exciting parts of SmackDown in recent months, but the latest episode failed to deliver. The match between Sasha Banks and Naomi was dull and lacked any real stakes. The two women have a history of delivering great matches, but this one was a letdown. The lack of progression in the women’s division is starting to become a concern, and WWE needs to do something to shake things up if they want to keep fans engaged.
3 Things We Loved
1. Surprise Return of Randy Orton
Randy Orton made a surprise return to SmackDown, and it was a moment that had fans buzzing. Orton’s return match against Baron Corbin was incredible, and it’s clear that he still has a lot to offer. His promo was solid, and his in-ring performance was top-notch. The crowd was fully invested in the match, and it’s clear that Orton is still a force to be reckoned with.
2. Impressive Performance by The Street Profits
The Street Profits (Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins) delivered an impressive performance against The Viking Raiders. Their high-flying style and chemistry with the crowd were on full display, and it’s clear that they’re one of the most exciting tag teams in the WWE right now. Their match was a highlight of the evening, and it’s clear that they have a bright future ahead of them.
3. Solid Promo from Roman Reigns
Roman Reigns delivered a solid promo addressing his recent feud with The Bloodline. His mic work was on point, and it’s clear that he’s still one of the best talkers in the WWE. His promo set up a potential feud with Sami Zayn, and it’s clear that Reigns is still a top-tier superstar.
Backstage Comment
“I think Randy Orton’s return was a great surprise, but it’s also a reminder that WWE needs to do more to promote the legends of the sport. Fans love seeing old favorites return, but they also want to see new stars rise to the top. WWE needs to find a balance between the two if they want to keep fans engaged.”
Fan Reaction Analysis
The fan reaction to the show was mixed, with some fans loving the surprise return of Randy Orton and others being disappointed by the lackluster match between The New Day and The Usos. The women’s division continues to be a concern, and fans are starting to lose interest in the lack of progression. However, the performances of The Street Profits and Roman Reigns were major highlights of the evening, and fans are excited to see what’s next for these two superstars.
Future WWE Implications
The surprise return of Randy Orton has major implications for the WWE universe. With Orton back on the scene, it’s likely that we’ll see a renewed focus on the legends of the sport. WWE could use this opportunity to promote other legends and create a new era of wrestling that blends old and new. The Street Profits, on the other hand, are on the rise, and it’s clear that they have a bright future ahead of them. Expect to see more of these two superstars in the coming weeks and months.
Conclusion
WWE SmackDown’s latest episode was a mixed bag, with both highs and lows. While The New Day and The Usos failed to deliver, Randy Orton’s surprise return stole the show. The women’s division continues to be a concern, but The Street Profits and Roman Reigns delivered performances that had fans buzzing. With a renewed focus on the legends of the sport and a bright future ahead for The Street Profits, it’s clear that WWE has a lot to be excited about.
FAQ
- Who made a surprise return to SmackDown?
Randy Orton made a surprise return to SmackDown.
- What was the highlight of the evening?
The surprise return of Randy Orton and his match against Baron Corbin.
- What was the low point of the evening?
The lackluster match between The New Day and The Usos.
- What’s next for The Street Profits?
Expect to see more of The Street Profits in the coming weeks and months as they continue to rise through the ranks.
- What’s next for Randy Orton?
Orton’s next move is unclear, but it’s likely that he’ll be involved in a major feud in the coming weeks.