WWE SmackDown results, recap, grades: Jey Uso overcomes Solo Sikoa ahead of SummerSlam's 'Tribal Combat'

Uso conquered one last mountain before the apex at SummerSlam

Jey Uso looks like a world-beater ahead of his WWE SummerSlam showdown with Roman Reigns. Uso passed one final obstacle in the imposing shape of his brother Solo Sikoa on Friday's episode of SmackDown.

Reigns was typically absent from the pay-per-view go-home show as he prepared for "Tribal Combat." Paul Heyman was tasked with planting seeds of doubt while Sikoa was responsible for wounding Uso ahead of Saturday's match. Unfortunately for The Bloodline, Jey Uso is a force that won't be deterred as he looks to avenge his injured brother Jimmy Uso. Reigns and Uso will compete for Reigns' undisputed WWE universal champion and status as "Tribal Chief" of the Anoa'i family.

SmackDown also featured the official formation of an intriguing new trio and an in-ring appearance by fan-favorite LA Knight.

CBS Sports was with you all night with recaps and highlights of all the action from Wright State University Nutter Center in Dayton, Ohio.

A final trial before Tribal Combat

The Bloodline's special counsel Heyman entered the ring on behalf of an absent Reigns. Heyman declared that it was never Reigns' intention for the family in-fighting to go so far but that it was all Uso's fault. Heyman laid out the ruleset for the no holds barred Tribal Combat match between Reigns and Uso at SummerSlam. Heyman insisted that the self-proclaimed "Real Chief" Uso would never become the "Tribal Chief" of the Anoa'i family. 

Queue Uso's music. Uso assured Heyman that he would channel the spirits of his ancestors and unleash them on Reigns at SummerSlam. That spurred the arrival of The Bloodline's enforcer Sikoa. Uso told his little brother that he could forgive him no matter what. Uso cautioned that Heyman is playing the same mind games with Sikoa that he used to play with The Usos. Heyman called for a private conversation with Sikoa, but the typically stoic Sikoa demanded Heyman exit the ring. Uso pasted Sikoa with a super kick and told him to send a warning to Reigns.

Uso def. Sikoa via pinfall after hitting a spear and Uso Splash. Uso struggled with Sikoa's strength advantage early. The older brother attempted to bridge the gap with technical maneuvers and agility but faltered in the opening minutes. Sikoa dedicated too much time to plundering the announcers' table in an effort to drive his brother through it. Uso recovered and won back momentum with a super kick and suicide dive. Sikoa recovered and again imposed his power on big brother Uso. An exchange of counters and signature moves preceded the finish. Uso tore through Sikoa with Reigns' signature spear and closed the show with a classic Uso splash.

Sikoa attacked Uso post-match, but Uso eventually grabbed hold of a chair and laid out his foe. SmackDown closed with Uso standing tall on the announcers' table.

The Bloodline storyline has been such a long and complex one that some weeks simply won't progress the tale in meaningful ways. That can be particularly true when on the day preceding a huge PPV match. The problem is that the final build to SummerSlam was about as cookie-cutter as it gets. Reigns was typically absent on the go-home show, the outcome of the main event was a safe decision and the mid-show segment did not accomplish a ton. Still, the rise and fall of The Bloodline is the best thing going in pro wrestling and even a slow week is a good week. Grade: B

What else happened on WWE SmackDown?

• LA Knight def. Sheamus via pinfall after hitting BFT. Karrion Kross and Grayson Waller tried to attack Knight post-match but he escaped.
• Brawling Brutes (Butch and Ridge Holland) vs. The O.C. (Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows) ended in a no-contest after the Street Profits attacked both teams. Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford aligned with Bobby Lashley to form a new faction.
• Austin Theory def. Cameron Grimes via pinfall after hitting A-Town Down. Santos Escobar, who challenges Theory next week for the United States title, laid out Theory with a Phantom Driver post-match.
• Shotzi Blackheart gave chase to Bayley after interrupting the latter's appearance on "The Grayson Waller Effect."
• Zelina Vega def. Iyo Sky via pinfall with a Yoshi Tonic. Sky lost hold of the match after getting distracted by Blackheart and Bayley on the ramp.