WWE SmackDown Results: Winners, Live Grades, Reaction, Highlights From Aug. 23

WWE SmackDown Results: Winners, Live Grades, Reaction, Highlights From Aug. 230 of 6

SmackDown.WWE

Welcome to Bleacher Report’s live coverage of WWE SmackDown on August 23.

Here is a look at what was advertised for the penultimate SmackDown before Bash in Berlin next weekend:

The Bloodline vs. Street Profits (Tag titles)Jade Cargill, Bianca Belair and Naomi vs. Alba Fyre, Isla Dawn and Blair DavenportLA Knight vs. Santos Escobar (U.S. title)Cody Rhodes on the Grayson Waller EffectLet’s take a look at what happened on Friday’s episode of SmackDown.

The Grayson Waller Effect1 of 6

SmackDown.WWE

SmackDown opened with a recap of last week’s Bloodline activities. When we went live in the arena, Waller and Austin Theory welcomed Rhodes as the guest for the Grayson Waller Effect.

Waller seemed annoyed by Rhodes taking time to pose and say his catchphrase. He called Rhodes selfish and said all of his friends keep getting beaten up because of him.

The American Nightmare pointed out the hypocrisy of this and asked when Theory would wise up and leave Waller. This led to Waller playing a video of KO betraying all of his past friends.

Owens came out and tried to assure Rhodes that would not happen. Nick Aldis came out and booked KO and Cody vs. A-Town Down Under for the main event. Owens accidentally hit Rhodes during a brawl but it seemed fine.

This was a pretty standard talk show segment. Owens interjected some needed energy in the last couple of minutes.

Grade: C+

Notable Moments and Observations

Waller was streaming this segment on Instagram, too. Waller stealing Rhodes’ line was funny.WWE using footage of Chris Jericho in the video package was an interesting choice. LA Knight vs. Santos Escobar2 of 6

SmackDown.WWE

The United States Championship was on the line in the first match when Knight took on Escobar, who had Legado Del Fantasma by his side for support.

Angel and Berto attacked Knight during the official introductions as Escobar and Elektra Lopez watched while laughing. The ref booted all of LDF from ringside, but a lot of damage was already done.

Knight decided to compete and almost won with a schoolboy rollup. Once Escobar regained his composure, he began to dominate. Knight kept making quick comebacks only to end up back on defense.

After two segments, The Megastar hit the BFD for the win to retain his title. This match had great energy and some fun moments, but it felt like they left a lot of room to grow in future encounters.

Grade: B

Result: Knight defeated Escobar

Notable Moments and Observations

Escobar’s double underhook lift looked great, but the impact of his knee on Knight’s chest was weaker than intended. Knight had a new custom chyron during his entrance. Naomi, Belair and Cargill vs. Fyre, Dawn and Davenport3 of 6

SmackDown.WWE

Naomi, Belair and Cargill had a chance to take on the women who have made their lives hell, Fyre, Dawn and Davenport.

Dawn and Belair began for their teams with an exchange of takedowns. The heels controlled the pace against the EST through the break and into the next segment.

Noami went on a rampage once she was tagged in and ended up winning with a Split-Legged Moonsault on Davenport.

chey⚡️ @meloismoneI LOVE THIS SO MUCH OMGGG 🥹🥹 pic.twitter.com/n38yTwFp4H

One of the downsides of a match like this is that it can be difficult for everyone to get enough time in the ring. With Belair being isolated for so long and Naomi getting in all of the offense at the end, it felt like Cargill was lost in the shuffle.

Result: Naomi, Belair and Cargill defeated Fyre, Dawn and Davenport.

Grade: C+

Notable Moments and Observations

It’s a bit weird when current champions are overshadowed during entrances. Naomi, Cargill and Belair’s gear was a reference to Simone Biles.Davenport has so much untapped potential. She is already very good for only being 28 years old. The Bloodline vs. Street Profits4 of 6

Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu put the tag titles on the line against Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins, but not before Solo Sikoa delivered a promo. He told Fatu to give his belt to Tanga Loa because he was injured.

Dawkins and Loa started for their teams, but it didn’t take long for Loa and Tama to isolate him for some double-team offense.

When Ford tagged in, he fell victim to the same thing. The champs dominated until the show cut to a break, much to the delight of the would-be Tribal Chief and his enforcer.

The challengers began to build some momentum once the show returned. Dawkins got a hot tag and went wild taking down both brothers.

Unfortunately for the Profits, facing anyone in the Bloodline means you are facing the whole family. Sikoa interfered and helped his boys win and keep their titles.

This bout had some good spots but never felt like a very competitive fight. DIY came out to assist Ford and Dawkins but they ended up receiving a beating.

Result: The Bloodline defeated The Profits

Grade: B-

Notable Moments and Observations

Fatu wrestling with a boot on his superkicking foot was funnier than it should have been. Sikoa using a promotion to his private enforcer as the reason why Fatu had to give up the belt was a weak excuse. B-Fab finally being given some mic time is great. She should be more than just a valet. She has a lot of charisma. A-Town Down Under vs. Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes5 of 6

This week’s main event was the tag match with Theory and Waller taking on Rhodes and Owens which was booked during the first segment.

The American Nightmare took control of Waller immediately and tagged in Owens for a quick two-count. The babyfaces had the Australian Superstar reeling until he was able to reach his partner.

After the commercial break, it became a much more competitive fight. All four men had some standout moments, but the main story being told was whether Owens would turn on Rhodes.

Unsurprisingly, The Prize Fighter and American Nightmare got the victory when KO hit a Popup Powerbomb.

Result: Owens and Rhodes defeated Theory and Waller

Grade: B

Notable Moments and Observations

Nia Jax was shown overhearing Chelsea Green and Piper Niven talking about how Tiffany Stratton will probably turn on Nia soon. Theory’s rolling dropkick looked really good. Owens got the biggest pop for a hot tag. The Final Word6 of 6

Friday’s SmackDown ended up being about as run-of-the-mill as it gets, but there were some moments worth seeing.

Knight and Escobar had a fun U.S. title bout, and the main event had some solid action, but nothing from the show stuck out as must-see TV.

On the plus side, WWE continued the buildup for Bash in Berlin with several segments and video packages, including one for Mia Yim that made her look better than she ever has on the main roster.

It’s a toss-up for Match of the night between Escobar vs. Knight and the main event tag bout, but if you only watch one thing, KO and Rhodes vs. A-Town Down Under is your best bet.

Grade: B-