WWE SmackDown Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from July 3 - Bleacher Report

On the eve of Independence Day, Drew Gulak sought to prove he was not dependent upon Daniel Bryan to score the biggest win of his career as he challenged AJ Styles for the Intercontinental Championship on WWE SmackDown.

The title clash between the mat marvels headlined a broadcast that also featured Sheamus' toast to Jeff Hardy and an exclusive interview with Matt Riddle, conducted by Michael Cole.

Michael Cole introduced the WWE Universe to Matt Riddle, referring to him as the "Original King of Bros." Corey Graves threw to a recap of Riddle's debut on SmackDown, including his non-title victory over Intercontinental Champion AJ Styles.

Riddle joked that he likes Styles more than Styles likes him.

Cole asked about the flip flops and Riddle told a convoluted story about frostbite and not being able to feel his feet, so now he refuses to wear shoes.

Corbin said no one likes Riddle and no one wants him there so he's going to make sure the newcomer pays for it.

The king said Riddle needs to be ready for a match at any time and that he needs someone to slap him around.

Throw in the same old, same old from Corbin and his sudden ability to make whatever match he wants despite having no real power on SmackDown so to speak of and you have a massively ineffective opening promo segment that did nothing to help anyone and even managed to expose Riddle on the mic.

Morrison caught Riddle with a hellish open-hand chop to the chest that stunned the babyface and allowed the former intercontinental, tag team and ECW champion to ground his opponent.

A corkscrew plancha earned Morrison a strong near-fall as the commentary team put over the beauty of the move.

Congratulations,” an unimpressed King Corbin said on commentary, in reference to his newfound rival Riddle.

Back from the timeout, Riddle dropped Morrison with Bro To Sleep, followed by a German suplex for a two.

A helicopter Razor’s Edge by Morrison dropped Riddle, who answered with the Bromission.

Morrison fought out and delivered a middle-rope Spanish Fly for a near-fall as the commentary team touted Riddle’s resiliency.

As the victor made his way up the ramp, AJ Styles attacked from behind, only for Drew Gulak to the make the save heading to another timeout.

It could have done without the Corbin distraction finish but this was a damn fun match that showcased some serious in-ring chemistry between Riddle and Morrison.

An aggressive, focused Intercontinental Champion AJ Styles wore Drew Gulak out early with a series of strikes and face rakes.

Despite Bryan insisting Gulak was the one Superstar on the roster more technically sound than him, Styles continued to dominate the one-sided match.

A Michinoku Driver followed as Gulak earned his first near-fall of the bout.

Yeah, Gulak had a brief flurry late in the match but this was all Styles otherwise.

Women’s Tag Team Champions Bayley and Sasha Banks made their way to the ring and wasted little time touting their presence across all brands and their recent success heading into Extreme Rules.

After Cross slapped Bayley, Banks accepted a match on her partner’s behalf, setting up Bayley vs.

Just in case you have not been paying attention, Banks and Bayley have been the best thing about WWE television this summer and legitimate MVPs of the last month of Raw and SmackDown.

She succeeded early but Bayley seized control, wearing Bliss down and reminding everyone why she has been champion for such a long period of time.

A hard right hand by Bliss allowed her to create some separation but Bayley cut her off, slamming her arm into the ring apron.

Sasha Banks interfered as the official was distracted by Nikki Cross and the match descended into chaos.

Cross hit the ring, clearing it of the heels and leaving Bayley and Banks to clutch their gold, realizing the Scot poses a very real threat to the former’s title reign

The match itself was nothing special as Bayley dominated and Bliss never really got to have the spirited comeback one would have hoped for given the story told throughout it

The babyfaces standing tall was the right call as it gives them a bit of momentum while Bayley and Banks continue to steal the shows they appear on thanks to their renewed and rejuvenated dedication to their craft

This was a fairly solid match that earned Nakamura and Cesaro some much-needed momentum

Of interest, though, was the concentrated effort by the commentary team not to mention Kingston was a former WWE champion