WWE SmackDown Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from July 23

Every week on Bleacher Report, I take an in-depth look at WWE SmackDown to recap the action, offer analysis and grade the matches, segments and anything else that takes place on the show, as well as make a few predictions for future events.

After Raw was heavily focused on the fallout from Battleground and the feud between Brock Lesnar and the Undertaker, it was nice to see SmackDown take a different direction.

Instead of a bunch of rematches from existing feuds, we were treated to some new pairings who were able to put on some great performances.

With just five matches on the card, almost every bout was given the right amount of time so that nothing felt rushed and everyone got a chance to shine.

Let's take a look at what happened on this week's SmackDown.

Sheamus vs. Dean Ambrose

Most episodes of SmackDown open with a promo, but this week we dove right into the action with a match between Sheamus and Dean Ambrose.

Sheamus and Ambrose did have a short exchange before the bell, but it didn't last more than a minute and only consisted of them insulting each other.

While Sheamus had some matches with the Shield, the combo of him and Ambrose feels like something we haven't seen too many times, which is rare in WWE these days.

Both men rely a lot on their brawling skills, but they have both proved they are more than capable of doing so much more. Their styles meshed very well in this one.

Unfortunately, the match was interrupted by Luke Harper and Bray Wyatt. It was good for storyline purposes, but it led to Sheamus getting a dirty win. Other than the way it ended, this was an entertaining encounter.

Grade: B+

Notes and Highlights

• Triple H and Stephanie McMahon were in a Snapple commercial during the break halfway through the match that was absolutely terrible.
• Ambrose is easily one of the five most popular full-time Superstars. The crowd goes nuts when they hear his music.
• Sheamus and Ambrose should have an extended feud. They're the kind of wrestlers who don't need a title to fight over. All they need is a reason to fight and people will be happy to watch.

Adam Rose vs. Neville

Two former NXT standouts went to war when Neville battled Adam Rose. This was easily the most impressive Rose has looked since turning heel.

He was able to get in a decent amount of offense and used maneuvers we don't normally see him attempt. As usual, Neville was on fire.

Saying this about a match featuring Rose feels weird, but it should have lasted a lot longer. They were working really well together, but it ended up being over in about three minutes.

Stardust came on the big screen as Neville was celebrating and taunted him. The way this feud is being booked like a comic book is kind of brilliant in its own way. Both men personify the superhero and supervillain roles perfectly.

This could be an important storyline for both men if WWE doesn't drop the ball and abandon it suddenly, which is something that frequently happens in the midcard scene.

Grade: B

Notes and Highlights

• It's really surprising WWE didn't capitalize on how well Adam Rose was received during the E60: Behind the Curtain special on ESPN. The company usually tries to use any good press to its advantage.
• Where was Rosa? Has she already parted ways with Rose?
• Stardust made an obvious reference to Stephen Amell's Oliver Queen character from Arrow.

Kevin Owens vs. Rusev

Kevin Owens had some issues with Rusev during the six-man tag match that took place on Raw between themselves and Sheamus and John Cena, Cesaro and Randy Orton, so they were given a chance to settle their differences with a singles bout.

Before the match got started, Owens gave a promo explaining why he tapped out at Battleground. Even though it was a heel speech, he actually made some good points about having to live to fight another day because he has kids who depend on him and he can't afford to suffer an injury.

Rusev's music cut him off and he marched to the ring with a clear purpose in mind. The bell sounded as soon as he stepped through the ropes, and they immediately started fighting.

Just like Sheamus and Ambrose, this felt fresh. We have never seen these two fight each other in a singles match before, which made things a lot more interesting.

Owens and Rusev are both capable of so much more than most men with their body types. Their speed is enviable, and their strikes are as stiff as can be.

Rather than being forced to tap out to the Accolade, Owens opted to leave the match early and take a count-out loss. While nobody wants to see someone walk out like that, it fits Owens' character to do just that.

Grade: B-

Notes and Highlights

• Owens has a lot of fans, but this was still a heel-versus-heel match. There should always be a good guy for the casual fans to cheer on.
• Owens has a pronounced farmer's tan.
• Summer Rae is fitting into her new role nicely. She looks good in the suit and has the perfect attitude to play a vindictive valet.

The Bella Twins vs. Naomi and Sasha Banks

The Divas Revolution is in full swing, and it seems to be having the desired effect. Bringing Sasha Banks, Charlotte and Becky Lynch up was never meant to create a new Divas division.

It was designed to add more depth to the current roster and force the other women to step up their game, and that appears to be happening.

It's good Team Bella got the win in this one to show they are still a threat to anyone they face. Naomi and Banks looked aggressive as always, but it was nice to see the Bellas are upping their game to match their new foes.

The whole match came together well. If this is what the future of the Divas division looks like, it's going to be a lot of fun to watch it evolve.

Grade: B

Notes and Highlights

• Banks should be bringing the NXT Women's Championship to the ring with her. They always announcer her as the champion, so she should have the belt.
• This was another encounter between heels. It seems like WWE is doing this a lot more lately.
• How is Natalya not involved in the Divas Revolution? She is one of the most gifted wrestlers in the division. She should form a fourth group with Bayley and Layla.
• Yes, Layla still works for the company. It's easy to forget about her since she is never used anymore.
• It seemed like Nikki and Brie got a babyface reaction at the end of the match, but that is probably more a response to the overall quality of the match than anything else. Fans are realizing what women's wrestling can look like with effort from management, and they are responding with appreciation.

Cesaro vs. Seth Rollins

Cesaro and Seth Rollins gave us yet another fresh matchup in the main event. These two have had limited interactions during their time with the company, but they have known each other since their days in Ring of Honor.

They wasted no time kicking things into high gear. Within the first two minutes of the match, Cesaro hit an impressive gorilla-press slam and Rollins nailed his signature suicide dive. This is what happens when you put two of the company's most gifted performers in the ring together.

Cesaro has always been incredible between the ropes, but the last few weeks have seen the Swiss Superman come into his own as a singles star. The crowd is loving him, and management is actually booking him to look like he belongs in main event matches.

Despite using some heel tactics, this was an important win for Rollins. He is all by himself now, and in order to solidify himself as a deserving champion, he needs victories over worthy opponents. If you didn't watch SmackDown this week, you should at least take the time to watch this match.

After Rollins got the win, Owens came out and attacked Cesaro to add insult to injury. This looks to be the start of a new feud, and with the skill both men possess, it's going to be a good one.

Grade: A

Notes and Highlights

• Cesaro gave a great interview earlier in the show about how he wants to personify the American dream. Owens came up and they had an entertaining exchange that looked like it would turn into a fight, but it never did.
• Cesaro's transition from a Sharpshooter into a cross-face was beautiful.
• This is the kind of match that could steal the show at any pay-per-view. How much more proof does Vince McMahon need that Cesaro is ready to ascend to the main event scene?

Final Thoughts and Predictions

If you read the spoilers from the show earlier in the week, you might not have thought this would be a very good episode of SmackDown. You would have been wrong.

Not only did we get a handful of matchups that didn't feel repetitive, but every single bout was enjoyable on some level. In fact, this was one of the best episodes of SmackDown in quite some time.

Cesaro and Rollins put on a great performance in the main event, but the real story came when Owens attacked Cesaro, seemingly setting his next feud in motion.

There is a lot of time before SummerSlam, so it is nice to see WWE taking its time and building programs that will make the PPV exciting.

Predictions

• Cesaro will attack Owens during or after a match on Raw to get revenge.
• Sting will challenge Triple H to a rematch at SummerSlam.
• Dean Ambrose will don his Shield attire at least once during his and Roman Reigns' feud with Bray Wyatt and Luke Harper.
• The WWE World Heavyweight Championship match at SummerSlam will involve multiple opponents.
• Brock Lesnar and the Undertaker will have a Hell in a Cell match at SummerSlam.

What did you think of this week's SmackDown?

Thanks for reading, and follow me on Twitter @BR_Doctor.