WWE SmackDown results, recap, grades: Drew McIntyre, Sheamus defeat The Usos to qualify for Money in the Bank

McIntyre and Sheamus were forced to qualify for the upcoming premium live event not once, but twice

Roman Reigns does not appear particularly keen on dealing with Drew McIntyre or Sheamus in the future. Special counsel Paul Heyman used his leverage over WWE's decision-makers to throw one last wrench in McIntyre and Sheamus' plans to compete in the men's Money in the Bank ladder match.

McIntyre and Sheamus were inserted into the marquee match after fighting to a double disqualification on a previous episode of WWE SmackDown. Their entries were revoked just eight days out from the premium live event. To qualify, McIntyre and Sheamus would have to put their differences aside and defeat undisputed tag team champions Jey and Jimmy Uso.

Two additional Money in the Bank qualifier matches also took place on Friday night SmackDown: Sami Zayn vs. Shinsuke Nakamura and Shotzi vs. Tamina. Elsewhere on the card, recently crowned intercontinental champion Gunther made the first televised defense of his title against former champion Ricochet.

CBS Sports was with you all night with recaps and highlights of all the action from Moody Center in Austin, Texas.

McIntyre, Sheamus qualify for the Money in the Bank ladder match

McIntyre and Sheamus had an extra obstacle to overcome before securing their places in the men's Money in the Bank ladder match. McIntyre and Sheamus were added to the match after previously fighting to a double disqualification. Heyman, special counsel to undisputed champion Reigns, convinced the WWE Board of Directors to remove McIntyre and Sheamus from the match. Authority figure Adam Pearce opened the show by announcing that McIntyre and Sheamus must defeat undisputed tag team champions The Usos to qualify for the ladder match.

Later in the evening, McIntyre and Sheamus -- old friends turned foes -- confronted each other backstage. McIntyre told Sheamus to stay out of the way and allow him to defeat The Usos by himself.

Drew McIntyre and Sheamus def. The Usos via pinfall to qualify for the men's Money in the Bank ladder match. McIntyre and Sheamus argued over who would start the match leading to a blindside attack by The Usos. McIntyre and Sheamus got their act together and focused on their opponents. McIntyre and Sheamus played a game of one-upmanship using their opponents' bodies as punching bags. McIntyre attacked Butch after Sheamus' cohort interfered in the match. A subsequent argument between McIntyre and Sheamus led to the tag partners trading blows. The Usos took advantage of the breakdown in communication and dove onto their opponents. 

Later in the match, Zayn tried to strengthen his allegiance with The Bloodline by attacking Sheamus outside of the ring. Angelo Dawkins -- who was sitting at the commentary booth with Street Profits tag partner Montez Ford -- intercepted Zayn. McIntyre secured the win after landing a Brogue Kick on Jimmy Uso.

A fine conclusion to SmackDown on the road to Money in the Bank. McIntyre and Sheamus make for a hard-hitting tag team and paired well against The Usos. Heyman continues to leverage The Bloodline's championship dominance to influence decision-making. Continued credit to WWE for involving other superstars into The Bloodline storyline as opposed to walling them off in their own little universe. Zayn is always a joy to watch and The Street Profits' involvement was a nice touch. Ultimately though, we're back where we started with McIntyre and Sheamus. The lack of an appearance from Brock Lesnar or Reigns was also disappointing. but that's where we are at right now with SmackDown's top stars. Grade: C+

What else happened on WWE SmackDown?

• Money in the Bank qualifier match -- Sami Zayn def. Shinsuke Nakamura via pinfall after sticking him with the Helluva Kick.
• Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods refused to compete in a rematch against Jinder Mahal and Shanky. The New Day implored Shanky to dance instead. Shanky shoved an irate Mahal out of the way and danced with the New Day.
• The Viking Raiders (Erik and Ivar) made their SmackDown returns, laying waste to New Day and Shanky.
• Lacey Evans and Raquel Rodriguez def. Sonya Deville via pinfall. Xia Li and Shayna Bazler attacked the winners post-match but were promptly sent packing. Pearce booked Sonya Deville in a handicap match against Raquel Rodriguez and Lacey Evans. This came after Deville criticized Pearce for not booking her and mocked his in-ring career.
• The Street Profits (Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins) took a peek around SmackDown ahead of their tag team title match against The Usos at Money in the Bank.
• Natalya parodied Ronda Rousey ahead of their SmackDown women's championship match. Natalya wore Rousey's outfit, battle makeup and rolled around a baby stroller. Natalya attacked Rousey with the stroller before retreating.
• Zayn, an honorary Uso, upset Heyman when he promised to cash in the Money in the Bank briefcase on Brock Lesnar, accidentally suggesting that Roman Reigns will lose.
• Money in the Bank qualifier match -- Shotzi def. Tamina via pinfall to qualify for the women's Money in the Bank ladder match.
• Max Durpi refused to debut his Maximum Male Models because the temperature of his locker room was not ideal. He pushed the debut to next week.
• Pat McAfee challenged Happy Corbin to a match at WWE SummerSlam after their confrontation last week