SmackDown LIVE preview, Aug. 8, 2017:

Orton and Mahal square off in grudge match
The next chapter in the heated rivalry between Randy Orton and WWE Champion Jinder Mahal
will be written tonight on SmackDown LIVE when the two square off in a non-title grudge
match. The Viper will be looking for payback after suffering defeat inside the Punjabi
Prison at WWE Battleground. With both men preparing for huge battles at SummerSlam, who
will get the all-important momentum heading into The Biggest Event of the Summer? Find
out on SmackDown LIVE, tonight at 8/7 C on USA Network!

Orton and Mahal collide in non-title Grudge Match

WWE Champion Jinder Mahal and Randy Orton will collide tonight on SmackDown LIVE in a
non-title grudge match. The rivalry between the two Superstars had been largely silent
since their last meeting at WWE Battleground, when The Modern-Day Maharaja escaped the
Punjabi Prison to retain his title, thanks to an assist from The Great Khali, who held
Orton inside the massive structure.
Many thought their rivalry would be put on the back burner with both men focusing on
separate matches at SummerSlam — Orton with Rusev and Mahal defending his title against
Shinsuke Nakamura. Instead, these fierce rivals will clash again on SmackDown LIVE.
Will the score be settled, or will one of the most intense rivalries in WWE continue?
Find out on SmackDown LIVE, tonight at 8/7 C on USA Network!

Shane McMahon to explain SummerSlam rules of engagement to Styles and Owens

Last week’s United States Championship match ended in controversy when the official
missed Kevin Owens clearly getting his shoulder off the mat before the three-count
due to being hit in the eye moments earlier.
A furious Owens confronted SmackDown LIVE Commissioner Shane McMahon and General
Manager Daniel Bryan, shoving the referee and demanding a rematch with a fair official.
Bryan granted Owens’ wish, but appointed McMahon as the special guest referee for the
SummerSlam showdown with AJ Styles, which seemed to incense Owens even more.
With this rivalry reaching its boiling point, McMahon is laying down the law regarding
his role as official at SummerSlam. The Commissioner will clear up any misconceptions
either Superstar may have this Tuesday when he dishes out the rules of engagement
on SmackDown LIVE.

Naomi clashes with Ms. Money in the Bank

SmackDown Women’s Champion Naomi continued to assert her dominance over the division
last week, forcing Carmella to submit in tag team action.
Though she’s preparing to defend her title against Natalya at SummerSlam, Naomi will
have to deal with Ms. Money in the Bank this week on SmackDown LIVE, as Carmella
demanded a one-on-one battle.
Will Naomi put in a repeat performance of last week, or can Carmella weaken the
champion and put herself closer to a potential cash-in?

Will Lana prove herself against Charlotte Flair?

Despite her best intentions, Lana cost her and Tamina a tag team match with Charlotte
Flair and Becky Lynch. The Ravishing Russian vowed to make it up to Tamina,
announcing her intention to challenge Charlotte.
Lana’s wish has been granted, as she will take on The Queen on SmackDown LIVE.
Will she be able to best the genetically superior Superstar, or will Charlotte
make quick work of The Ravishing Russian?

Will Tyler Breeze solve the mystery in return to “Fashion Peaks”?

Tyler Breeze’s search for his missing partner, Fandango, led him down a disturbing
path last Tuesday. Prince Pretty’s journey into “Fashion Peaks” went viral, as the
search for Fandango got attention from outlets like Entertainment Weekly,
TV Guide and even “Twin Peaks” star Kyle MacLachlan.
Tonight on SmackDown LIVE, Breeze is venturing back into the strange world of
“Fashion Peaks.” Will he find his missing partner and close the case? Pour
yourself a damn fine cup of coffee and tune in to SmackDown LIVE, tonight
at 8/7 C on USA Network, to find out!