Why Luke Harper Joined The SmackDown Brand, Rusev Reacts To Ellsworth’s Title Shot

Luke Harper made his return to television on Sunday night when he confronted Randy Orton in the middle of the ring at No Mercy. Harper didn’t touch Orton, but he did provide a distraction which allowed Bray Wyatt to pick up the win.

Harper has been out of action since March, but he returned to the ring last week during a Raw branded live event, and it was expected that he would be joining the Raw brand.

It was recently noted on Wrestling Observer Radio that Erick Rowan’s injury caused WWE to change plans which is why Harper was moved to SmackDown.

This week on SmackDown Luke Harper teamed up with Bray Wyatt to take on the team of Randy Orton and Kane. As Randy Orton was reaching for Kane, trying to make the tag, the lights went out.

When the lights came back on Kane had disappeared, and in his place stood Luke Harper. Bray Wyatt once again took advantage of the distraction, and hit Randy Orton with Sister Abigail to pick up the win for his team.

James Ellsworth got a big win over the WWE World Champion AJ Styles this week on SmackDown.

Related: James Ellsworth Defeats WWE World Champion AJ Styles On SmackDown

General Manager later announced on Talking Smack that Ellsworth will be getting a title shot next week on SmackDown.

Raw star Rusev reacted to the news by posting the following: