Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for July 8, 2022

Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) head to the ring to start tonight's show. All of a sudden, Austin Theory shows up before the show cuts to a commercial. After the commercial break, Roman, Heyman and The Usos still stand in the ring. Roman says that life is good and that as long as God wakes him up, he can handle anything. Roman goes on about his day and talks about how it is a privilege The Usos and Paul Heyman, the latter of whom looks concerned, and Roman tells Heyman not to be concerned and tells him to put out his hand. Roman puts a microphone in that hand and tells Heyman to say what is wrong, and Heyman says that while he loves Roman and The Usos, they have a problem and its name is Brock Lesnar. Heyman says that while Roman is one of the most dominant champions of the last 35 years, Lesnar still has one last match against Roman, and when Lesnar is cornered, he is at his most dangerous. Heyman says that Brock has done things he was not expected to do, then says that Roman will have to "go savage" and smash Lesnar, as pinning him is one thing yet putting him down for ten seconds is completely different. As Heyman tells Roman that he will have to put on the best performance of his life, Austin Theory shows up and takes a lap around the ring with the Money In The Bank briefcase in his hands.

The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) quickly beat Jinder Mahal and Shanky. fter the match, The Viking Raiders get the quick win, then The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) show up. Kofi admits that The Viking Raiders kicked their butts but did not finish the job. Xavier Woods then produces "officially sanctioned" ass beating tickets - figuratively and literally - then brawl with The Viking Raiders in the ring. The Viking Raiders soon come out on top in this brawl.

It is announced that seconds after Money In The Bank went off the air, Pat McAfee was attacked by Happy Corbin, who told McAfee that his challenge was accepted. McAfee vs. Corbin is now official for SummerSlam. Afterwards, Happy Corbin suddenly guests on commentary for the next match.

Gunther and Ludwig Kaiser head to the ring. Kaiser says there is no competitor worth facing Gunther for the Intercontinental Championship and that the both of them feel none of the fans are worthy of watching Gunther compete tonight. Kaiser then says it is customary of former Intercontinental Champions "of less ilk" to defend the title against anyone in an open challenge, and Gunther says that any champion who defends his title against an opponent he knows is a fool. As Gunther says that he is not planning on becoming a fighting champion, Shinsuke Nakamura shows up. Happy Corbin mocks Pat McAfee's mannerisms of rocking out to Nakamura's theme on the announce table, and Corey Graves joins in. Nakamura tells Gunther to keep the title warm for him, then challenges Kaiser to a match right now.

Shinsuke Nakamura beats Ludwig Kaiser. After the match, Gunther commands Kaiser to stand up, then chops him in the chest, doing this three times.

Michael Cole interviews Liv Morgan in the ring. Liv says that her SmackDown Women's Championship cash-in is the culmination of blood, sweat and tears and that she will work ten times harder to keep it, as nobody wants this more than she does. She says that being champion means everything to her and that she has dreamed about this her whole life, and even though she felt at times that she would not get there, she is here, and says to never give up. Suddenly, Natalya shows up and wishes that Liv could shut up, and says Liv is only champion because of her and that her Cinderella story will come to an end, as she could not beat "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey fresh, and that Ronda lost the title because she injured her. Natalya brags about how she enjoyed injuring Ronda, then Ronda shows up and tells Liv to enjoy the honeymoon phase while she can, as defending the title is harder than challenging for it. As for Natalya, Ronda asks the fans if they want to see her beat Natalya up again. Natalya attacks Ronda, then Liv beats Natalya up and throws her out of the ring.

"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey beats Natlaya with an ankle lock.

Backstage, Megan Morant interviews Drew McIntyre. McIntyre says Clash at the Castle will be huge and that he will be coming for the Universal Championship, but tonight, he will kick Sheamus' head in with a Claymore even if Ridge Holland and Butch are with him.

Max Dupri shows up on the stage, which is now a runway for Maximum Male Models. Dupri says that Maximum Male Models' debut was not only a success, but a viral sensation, then presents the Maximum Male Models 2022 Tennis Collection. Mace shows up and poses in a blue shirt, white short shorts, a white shirt tied around his neck and a white tennis cap. Dupri then introduces Mansoor, who wears a get-up similar to Mace's. Much like Mace, he also posses with a tennis racket.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Austin Theory, who says that he would love to cash in on Brock Lesnar after how he treated him, but he might cash in on Roman Reigns after seeing how arrogant he was up close. He also says that he is glad he is not liked and that people are looking to see Brock or Roman get knocked off their perch, and while Brock and Roman will beat each other up all over the arena, he is looking for a cash-in. Theory leaves, then Madcap Moss shows up and says he would love to shove the Money In The Bank briefcase in Theory's big mouth.

Before the next match, Lacey Evans arrives, does not get cheered, then leavs, then arrives again only to not get cheered, then leaves and re-appears a third time only to not get cheered, much to Aliyah's confusion. Lacey then says she wanted to take a minute to say how completely disgusted she is with the fans for their lukewarm reaction, as she poured her heart and soul out on live television to help others. She says it bothers others to look at a woman like her and see how weak they are, and says that they cannot go through half the struggles she has been through and be half the woman she is. Lacey says that wherever she shows up, she gets a standing ovation, then says the fans are so weighed down by their pulled pork and brisket that they cannot stand up and that they are "disgusted." She says she is an American hero who has sacrificed to protect people like the fans, and until she gets a better reception, the fans can go to Hell. Aliyah confronts Lacey, but Lacey hits Aliyah with a Woman's Right and leaves.

The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) quickly beat Los Lotharios (Humberto and Angel). After the match, Kayla Braxton interviews The Usos in the ring. When Montez Ford's shoulder being up is brought up, Jey says they do not need to cheat to win, and Jimmy says that is on the referee, not them. When it is mentioned that their tag team title rematch will have a special guest referee, The Usos says that they do not mind as long as the referee can count to three and they are still "The Ones."

Before the next match, Sheamus reminds Drew McIntyre what is at stake - a championship match at Clash at the Castle - then starts coughing and says he cannot compete until he is tested for COVID and says Butch has been waiting to get his hands on McIntyre. Sheamus says he and Ridge Holland will be watching from ringside before he sics Butch on McIntyre.

Drew McIntyre beats Butch. After the match, Ridge Holland attacks McIntyre, but McIntyre lays him out. Sheamus tries to cheap shot McIntyre, but Drew draws his sword Angela and chops the top rope. Flames emanate from all four corners of the ring.