The countdown to SummerSlam is in full swing this week on "SmackDown Live."
The main storyline going into this week revolves around WWE Champion Dean Ambrose, who is set to defend the richest prize in the game against Dolph Ziggler on Aug. 21 at SummerSlam, which emanates live from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
"The Showoff" defeated John Cena, AJ Styles, Bray Wyatt, Apollo Crews and Baron Corbin in a Six Pack Challenge match on last week's show to secure his shot against Ambrose. This week, Ziggler has plenty momentum heading into "SmackDown Live" at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.
Ambrose, meanwhile, will offer his first reactions to facing Ziggler, while the other five stars who lost last week's main event will look for a way to move on. For Styles, who absorbed the pin from Ziggler, that likely means rekindling his rivalry with Cena.
Though the brand extension is in full force, "SmackDown Live's" Randy Orton fired the first salvo in the interpromotional war. "The Viper" appeared on "Monday Night RAW" this week and took out his SummerSlam opponent Brock Lesnar, spoiling his return to the company.
It is widely expected that "The Beast" will show up on the Blue Brand this week alongside Paul Heyman to seek his revenge.
There are rumors that the WWE may be bringing in a new Women's Championship and Tag Team Championships for the "SmackDown Live" brand, and some momentum toward that movement could be established this week as well.
American Alpha is also scheduled to make their debut this week, while their opponents are yet to be determined.
With just 19 nights until SummerSlam, some more matches may be announced for that show as well this week.
WWE "SmackDown Live" Preview & Live Stream
Show: WWE "SmackDown Live"
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Venue: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tenn.
Keys: Our preview and latest buzz for "SmackDown Live" can be viewed here.
Watch Online: This event can be live streamed for free here.
Watch On Smart Phones & Other Platforms
To watch this episode on mobile and other devices, download the USA Network app by clicking here.
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