WWE SmackDown LIVE Review, November 13, 2018

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The latest edition of SmackDown LIVE brought about an unlikely turn of events heading into Survivor Series. So instead of waiting for the climax, let’s dive straight into the main event:

Daniel Bryan crowned new WWE Champion

It happened once again. For the second consecutive year, the WWE Championship changed hands prior to Survivor Series as Daniel Bryan beat AJ Styles for his fourth title reign.

It all started with a war of words between the two competitors that ultimately led to an all-out brawl before both had to be separated by WWE Officials. In an evenly contested match, Styles went to the top rope to land a Phenomenal Forearm however, Bryan, evaded it and instead, the former WWE Champion collided with the referee.

Daniel took advantage of the situation and struck AJ with a low blow followed by a running knee and grabbed the pinfall victory. An unexpected heel turn from Bryan also resulted in him earning the opportunity to face Brock Lesnar in a Champion v Champion match this Sunday.

Becky Lynch ruled out for Survivor Series

The invasion on the Monday Night RAW Women’s Division led to Becky Lynch suffering a broken nose in the carnage and consequently, it was confirmed this Tuesday night that the SmackDown Women’s Champion has not been cleared to compete at Survivor Series.

However, Lynch remained confident and insisted that she would still kick Rousey’s ass with a broken face. The Man then shifted her attention to picking her replacement for this Sunday and after overseeing every superstar of the SmackDown Women’s roster in the ring, Becky hand picked Charlotte Flair to face the RAW Women’s Champion.

The two old bitter enemies put aside their past rivalries aside and stood united for the Blue brand as Charlotte will square up against Ronda Rousey in a dream match for the WWE Universe.

Jeff Hardy vs Andrade Cien Almas

Andrade Cien Almas began strongly off the gates following a series of vicious attacks on his opponent. The Enigmatic Jeff Hardy, however, regrouped and got himself back in the match but couldn’t capitalize on his opportunity to finish the match.

Almas too had his moments and was about to hit his signature Hammerlock DDT but Hardy countered it with the Twist of Fate and gave himself the opening to land the Swanton Bomb that secured him the win and also a spot as the final member of the SmackDown Survivor Series team.

Rey Mysterio vs The Miz

Rey Mysterio clashed against SmackDown Survivor Series team Captain The Miz with his place on the line. The Miz took the upper hand early on as he locked Mysterio in a submission move although in the latter stages, Rey was able to hit the 619 but Miz dodged the frog splash as he got his knees up and rolled him up for a two count.

The A-Lister was frustrated which provided Mysterio with the chance to roll him up for the win and keep his spot on the SmackDown squad intact.

The former WWE World Champion’s celebration was cut short as Randy Orton snuck up from behind but Mysterio was able to avoid The Viper’s attacks and instead, Orton flattened The Miz with an RKO.

The Usos unveil SD Survivor Series Tag Team lineup

The Usos and The New Day will be joined by The Colons (Epico and Primo), Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson and Sanity for their match against the RAW Tag Teams this Sunday at Survivor Series.

The Bar and Big Show vs The New Day

Both teams had a string of near falls but with the match speeding up, Big Show’s presence was the defining point as he eliminated the threat of Xavier Woods.

Kofi Kingston was left shorthanded and the numbers game caught up as Big Show landed a knockout punch to Kofi in mid-air and grabbed the W for his team.