As per the earlier announcements, Smackdown Live presented to us three MITB qualifying matches. As the show began, we have received updates from Paige that both the male and female superstars will get chances to compete in this gimmick match. Hence, the scheduled matchups will be hosted on both the roster.
In the first couple of matches, we have received two new names included into the MITB 2018 in the form of The Miz and Charlotte Flair. The third qualifier was scheduled between Daniel Bryan and The Miz. This was also scheduled to be the main event of Smackdown Live at the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore, Maryland.
The match started on a high note with both men exchanging right hands. Rusev delivered a slam but Bryan got back to his feet in quick time. The Bulgarian Brute also tried to keep his opponent off the ring but instead, Bryan lowered the ring to give him the same fate. Despite this, Rusev caught Bryan while doing high-flying move and put him on the announce table.
Who ya got, @WWEUniverse: @RusevBUL or @WWEDanielBryan?!
The #BulgarianBrute is certainly in control right about now… #SDLive #MITB pic.twitter.com/Oe7iD1w4WK
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 9, 2018
The leader of the YES nation got backup from this and started delivering running dropkicks onto the corner. He continued to deliver it until Rusev was set up on the ropes and a top rope hurricurana was delivered.
Bryan then picked up more momentums by connecting with his pendant YES kicks. But, Rusev caught him with a slam to gain upper hand. His opponent was already suffering from a cracked midrib which is why a slam did the hurt him, even more. Later, a Machka Kick finished off the contest, in style.
This #MITB Qualifying Match could fall on #RusevDay… OR it could be swept up in the #YESMovement! @WWEDanielBryan @RusevBUL #SDLive pic.twitter.com/p6g3gCs3MA
— WWE (@WWE) May 9, 2018
Rusev pinning Bryan in a clean way was a huge shocker for the fans. He will now be able to compete in the MITB match as the fourth participant.
Even WWE.com hyped up this win with the following comments,
“The tough-as-nails Rusev earned his way into the high-stakes free-for-all by defeating Daniel Bryan and makes for an intriguing addition to the Ladder Match. Without a doubt, the intense competitor will have no problem wielding the ladder as a weapon of destruction en route to making June 17 the greatest Rusev Day ever.”
As @RusevBUL advances to #MITB, what’s next for @WWEDanielBryan? #SDLive pic.twitter.com/4jWWJFCjiH
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 9, 2018
Later, Lana also joined Rusev in a celebration on the Smackdown fallout show. We can definitely say that lady-luck started to give him the favor. It was last week when Lana rejoined her husband after almost a year to get massive cheers from the audience.
