Reviews

The John Report: WWE SmackDown 07/12/24 Review

By John Canton • Published 12th July 2024
WWE Smackdown July 12

It’s WWE SmackDown featuring The Bloodline building momentum, a Tiffany Stratton celebration, #DIY defending their Tag Team Titles, and more.

The WWE Money in the Bank PLE took place last Saturday with Tiffany Stratton winning the Women’s Money in the Bank briefcase. Also, The Bloodline trio beat Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton & Kevin Owens in the main event of that show with Solo Sikoa pinning Rhodes. It should lead to Rhodes against Sikoa at SummerSlam.

I didn’t review last week’s Smackdown until about six days later right here. I was out of town, so I didn’t have time, but I did get it done. I wanted to review the match that saw #DIY beat A-Town Down Under to become WWE Tag Team Champions. I liked that match a lot and I’m happy that Gargano & Ciampa won the titles.

From the DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts, this is Smackdown for episode #1299. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

A video aired recapping the six-man tag at Money in the Bank that saw The Bloodline beat Rhodes, Orton & Owens in the main event. Solo pinned Cody to win the match.

Cody Rhodes was shown walking around the building earlier in the day. They showed #DIY’s Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano arriving earlier in the day along with Ciampa’s daughter.

Tiffany Stratton Celebrates Money in the Bank Win

Tiffany Stratton was introduced as the Women’s Money in the Bank winner for a celebration. Stratton looked great as usual wearing an outfit that looked like it was gear she could wrestle in although she wasn’t in a match on this show.

Stratton said that at Money in the Bank, it officially became Tiffy Time as she became the youngest Miss Money in the Bank in history. Stratton said that Trish Stratus may have been the host, but Stratton was the real star. Stratton said that Trish wasn’t here tonight to ruin her moment because it’s Tiffy Time. Stratton issued a warning to Liv, Roxanne and Bayley as Women’s Champions in WWE right now.

Bayley interrupted as the WWE Women’s Champion. Bayley congratulated Stratton on her big victory. Stratton wondered why Bayley was even out there. Bayley said she won Money in the Bank in the past in 2019 while wondering if Tiffany knew what WWE was in 2019. Tiffany mocked that being a long time ago while bragging about how far she’s come in just three years in WWE and Stratton said she’s the youngest Miss Money in the Bank. Bayley said that if you plan on using Money in the Bank on her then Stratton would make history again by failing to cash in Money in the Bank.

Nia Jax was next up as the Queen of the Ring. Jax wondered what Bayley was doing making empty threats. Jax reminded Bayley she has to defend the WWE Women’s Title against her at SummerSlam when Jax will take the title off of her. Bayley said that this isn’t NXT Hugger Bayley or 2017 Bayley who Jax put on the shelf for three months. Bayley said that this is the Grand Slam Women’s Champion, the Royal Rumble winner and the same Bayley who will embarrass Jax at SummerSlam.

Bayley wondered if Stratton would cash in on Nia Jax. Jax said that she knows that Bayley isn’t the Hugger she was and asked if she is BBL Bayley. Jax said that Stratton is her personal Barbie doll. Jax told Bayley she’s not a toy, she is Jax’s victim. Jax said at SummerSlam, she was going to victimize Bayley and Jax shoved Bayley. Stratton stopped Bayley from throwing a punch. Michin ran out with a kendo stick and she hit Jax with the kendo stick while Stratton left the ring as well. Michin and Bayley stood tall in the ring.

Analysis: It was a simple promo segment to mention the Bayley-Jax match at SummerSlam while Stratton is waiting in the wings with the Women’s Money in the Bank briefcase. Bayley’s line about Stratton not even knowing what WWE was in 2019 was pretty funny, but also might even be true. That’s not a knock on Stratton, who has thrived since being in WWE. Everybody doesn’t grow up as a fan. Anyway, I think Jax might beat Bayley at SummerSlam. We’ll find out in a few weeks.

This Monday on Raw; Rhea Ripley kicks off Raw, Drew McIntyre returns from suspension and Damian Priest & Gunther go face to face.

(Commercial)

Chelsea Green and Piper Niven were interviewed backstage by Byron Saxton. Green was wearing a neckbrace complaining about what happened at Money in the Bank. Saxton tried to tell her something, but they cut him off and Saxton left.

The commentary team was Corey Graves and Wade Barrett.

Nia Jax (w/Tiffany Stratton) vs. Michin (w/Bayley)

Michin jumped on Jax’s back, so Jax drove Michin back-first into the turnbuckle. Michin came back with a jumping kick. Jax blocked a DDT attempt followed by an elbow to the back. Jax did some booty shaking in Michin’s face against the turnbuckle. Jax tossed Michin down followed by a corner splash and another toss across the ring. Jax splashed Michin against the turnbuckle. Jax left the ring, she had Michin on her shoulders and Jax sent Michin into the ring apron. Jax clotheslined Michin on the floor as the show went to break.

(Commercial)

Michin tried a guillotine choke on Jax, but Jax came back with a delayed vertical suplex. Michin dropkicked Jax into the ropes. Michin came back with a hurricanrana and another dropkick. Michin hit a cannonball splash against the turnbuckle for two. Michin was shocked that it was only a two count even though most people watching knew how this is going to end. Michin took a long time going up top so Jax hit her with a forearm. Jax slammed Michin off the top. Jax went for a senton, but Michin avoided it. Stratton tried giving Jax a kendo stick but Bayley took care of Stratton on the floor and Michin hit a DDT for two. Jax caught a charging Michin leading to a Samoan Drop. Jax hit the Annihilator splash off the ropes for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Nia Jax

Analysis: **3/4 A dominant win for Nia Jax who controlled most of the match, but Michin did put up a fight for part of the second half of the match. That Samoan Drop by Jax was great and once she hit the Annihilator that was it.

After the match, Bayley went after Jax with punches, but Stratton went into the ring and hit Bayley in the back with the MITB briefcase. Jax headbutted Bayley. Jax splashed Bayley and Stratton hit a spinebuster on Bayley. Jax hit a running leg drop on Bayley. Jax and Stratton posed over a fallen Bayley. Jax was on the apron and Stratton thought about cashing in Money in the Bank, but then Jax went into the ring, so Stratton didn’t cash in the briefcase. Jax and Stratton left.

Analysis: That will probably be something we will see a few times before Stratton actually cashes in. Jax and Stratton are allies, but at some point, Stratton is going to want to cash in when it’s the right time so that could create an issue between them. I think that Stratton could be a big babyface thanks to her “Tiffy Time” thing that the fans like to chat, but there’s no rush to turn her face. I like her as a heel for now.

The Bloodline was shown in a room where Solo Sikoa spoke about how The Bloodline used to have the WWE Title and the Tag Team Titles. Solo said that Roman Reigns went soft. Solo said that he built a new family that is more powerful. Solo said it’s a hungrier family while showing the three guys in the group with Solo. Solo said that they will rule for decades as long as he’s the Tribal Chief. Solo said by the end of tonight, everyone will acknowledge him. The red lei was put around Solo’s neck. The Bloodline put their fingers up to show they are “the ones” as we have seen in the past.

Baron Corbin entered for tag team action.

(Commercial)

Andrade was interviewed by Byron Saxton earlier in the day when the building was empty. Andrade said that the vision is the same because WWE is his destiny. Carmelo Hayes interrupted claiming he was the MVP of the Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match. Andrade said that the people said he was the MVP. Melo said he should be treated better around here. Saxton asked what was next for Andrade and Andrade pointed at Melo saying he was next. Melo left.

Analysis: It was an easy way to set up a match for next week between two talented wrestlers. That’s cool with me.

Baron Corbin & Apollo Crews vs. Legado Del Fantasma – Angel & Berto (w/Santos Escobar & Elektra Lopez)

Corbin & Crews are two veterans doing nothing, so they were put together here to see if they have anything as a team. Crews was launched over the top onto the two heels. Corbin connected with an elbow on Berto. Crews tagged in with a back elbow on Berto. Corbin was back in with a suplex into a Cutter. Angel went into the ring, so Crews took him out with a clothesline. Crews sent Berto out of the ring. Corbin charged and Crews launched Corbin over the top onto the two heels on the floor. Nice teamwork there.

(Commercial)

The Legado boys were in control as Berto hit a springboard kick on Corbin for a two count. Corbin came back with a Death Valley Driver leading to Crews getting the tag against Angel. Crews hit a leaping clothesline followed by three straight German Suplexes. Crews hit a Stinger Splash on Angel against the turnbuckle and Crews did a top rope cross body block on Angel for two because Berto made the save. Berto went after Corbin, who moved and Berto bumped to the floor. Corbin punched Escobar while on the floor. Cobrin clotheslined Berto over the barricade. Crews with an enziguri and a press slam. Lopez distracted the referee, so Escobar hit a knee smash on Crews. Angel hit the Wing Clipper on Crews for the pinfall win after about ten minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Legado Del Fantasma – Angel & Berto

Analysis: *** It was the classic “numbers game” finish coming into play because Crews was in full control when Lopez went on the apron to distract the referee, which led to the cheap shot from Escobar, and Angel followed up for the victory. It makes sense to give the Legado boys the win since they are the more regular team. I don’t mind Corbin & Crews as a team because they worked well together here and the fans got into it as the match went on.

Pretty Deadly walked up to the Nick Aldis GM office. They saw Chelsea Green & Piper Niven there. Pretty Deadly wanted to pitch their musical idea, so Chelsea told them to get to the back of the line. LA Knight walked out of the room with a black contract in hand. Green asked if Aldis was busy. Knight claimed Nick was going to call her, but he had a couple of more things to do. Knight walked down the hallway for a promo up next.

(Commercial)

Cody Rhodes was seated in the locker room with the WWE Title beside him when Randy Orton sat down beside the title and Cody. Orton said that he knows Cody is going to have to deal with those Samoans in the ring tonight and that Cody wants to handle it alone Orton said Cody knows Orton will be there if Cody needs him. Orton said Kevin Owens isn’t there because he is with his family tonight because they both know Kevin’s family needs him (since KO’s mom was hospitalized last week). Orton said when the business with The Bloodline is finally over, Cody will have a lot of men in this locker room coming after that championship and Orton will have his back then too. Cody thanked Randy, who said “always.”

Analysis: When Randy says he’ll have Cody’s back, does he really mean it or does that suggest a heel turn by Orton when the time is right? I think Orton as a face is great and he doesn’t have to turn heel. I just think at some point they are going to go with Cody vs. Orton so it will be interesting to see if Orton is in a heel role again.

Let’s Hear from LA Knight

LA Knight got a big ovation from the crowd. Knight said that Money in the Bank came and went. Knight said he wouldn’t make excuses while saying that it didn’t go his way since he got dumped on a ladder while somebody else reached up to grab the Money in the Bank contract. Knight said that he’s the walking embodiment of Money in the Bank…yeah. Knight cued up a clip from Smackdown two weeks ago when Knight pinned Logan Paul (with tights) to qualify for Money in the Bank.

Knight pointed out that he pinned the United States Champion in that match. Knight had something delivered earlier into Nick Aldis’ office. Knight said what’s inside is just for him and it had Nick’s signature already on it. Knight said it’s a contract for the United States Championship at SummerSlam. Knight signed the contract. Knight said that the only thing missing is Logan Paul’s signature on the contract. Knight mentioned Paul isn’t here to sign it. Knight said he will get that contract signed, he’ll own Paul and he’ll own that belt. Knight told Logan it’s just a fact of life with everybody saying…LA Knight…yeah.

Analysis: I think we all knew this story was going to lead to Paul-Knight at SummerSlam. They could have done it at Money in the Bank, but they were obviously going to save it for the bigger show and that’s a good call. I saw a stat that Paul has held the US Title for over 250 days and only had two title defenses. That’s brutal. I think Knight should beat Paul at SummerSlam to become the new US Champion.

A quick video aired about Smackdown newcomer Blair Davenport.

Blair Davenport made her entrance for singles action against Naomi up next.

(Commercial)

A video package aired about John Cena announcing his WWE retirement taking place in late 2025. It will be a retirement tour for Cena in 2025.

Naomi vs. Blair Davenport

There was some kinesio tape on Naomi’s left shoulder after the brutal Money in the Bank Ladder Match. Naomi tripped up Blair followed by a leg drop. Naomi kicked Blair down followed by a running dropkick in the corner. Naomi hit a split-legged leg drop on Blair off the turnbuckle for a two count. Blair kicked Naomi in the left arm. Naomi sent Blair into the turnbuckle, Blair hit a back elbow and Blair stomped on Naomi’s left arm. Blair sent Naomi’s left shoulder-first into the ring post. That led to a break.

(Commercial)

The match continued with Naomi trying to get some offense going with an armdrag. Naomi hit a jawbreaker and used her legs to spike Blair’s head into the mat. Naomi went to the ropes, Blair hit her with a forearm and Blair stomped on Naomi, who was upside down, for a two count. Naomi got an inside cradle for two. Blair got a rollup. Naomi and Blair each got two counts. They each got two counts again. Naomi hit a jumping knee to the jaw and Full Nelson Slam followed by Naomi using her legs to pin Blair’s shoulders to the mat for the three count. The match went about eight minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Naomi

Analysis: **1/2 The match was okay with each woman going for pin attempts multiple times and then Naomi hit the Full Nelson Slam into the pin for the win. I think a more decisive win would have been nice to see here, but it also shows Blair some respect by making it look like she was tough to beat.

The Progressive Match Flo replay was shown of #DIY beating A-Town Down Under to become the WWE Tag Team Champions last week on Smackdown.

A-Town Down Under’s Austin Theory and Grayson Waller made their entrance as the challengers after losing their titles last week.

(Commercial)

Next Friday on Smackdown:

* Logan Paul live.

* Andrade vs. Carmelo Hayes

Naomi was shown walking backstage when Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill walked up to her and hugged Naomi to congratulate her on the win. They walked by the Smackdown GM office. Belair spoke about wanting to get a shot at the Women’s Tag Team Titles again. Belair said that they tried to talk to Nick Aldis tonight, but he’s not even there. Chelsea and Piper walked into Nick’s office. Belair and Cargill told Naomi they loved her and left. Blair Davenport went up to Naomi saying that the best wrestler won. Blair said maybe she’ll do better against her next time. Balor shook Naomi’s hand and left. Green and Niven walked out of the office telling Naomi that if you’re looking for Nick Aldis, he’s not here. Davenport attacked Naomi with a forearm smash to the back and Naomi was down the floor selling.

Analysis: Davenport reminded us that heels lie, my friends. Aldis was on vacation this week, so Green & Niven waiting there for a long time puts over Green’s gimmick about not being very smart.

#DIY made their entrance as the WWE Tag Team Champions and they got a good ovation. Ciampa is from the state of Massachusetts so it was near where he grew up.

WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY – Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano vs. A-Town Down Under – Austin Theory & Grayson Waller

Waller left the ring early and Ciampa chased him back into the ring. Ciampa & Gargano knocked the opponents out of the ring. Gargano went for a dive, but Theory hit him with a forearm to the jaw. Waller gave Ciampa a DDT on the ring apron. It wasn’t smooth, but Ciampa sold it anyway. They went to break there.

(Commercial)

The match continued with Waller trying a splash on Ciampa, but Ciampa moved. Theory tagged in with a stomp to the back. Theory jumped off the turnbuckle and Ciampa stopped that with a jumping knee. Gargano tagged in with an enziguri kick followed by a DDT/flatliner on both opponents. Gargano kicked Waller on the floor and Gargano hit a slingshot Spear on Theory for two. Theory got a sunset flip on legal man Ciampa for two. Theory with a back elbow, Ciampa hit a boot to the face and Waller was back in with a jumping flatliner on Ciampa for two. Waller was back in leading to the heels hitting eachother with another strike when Ciampa moved. Waller hit a jumping knee smash on Theory because Ciampa moved. #DIY hit a Shatter Machine and Meet Me in the Middle (superkick/knee combo) connected for the pinfall win after about ten minutes.

Winners by pinfall: #DIY – Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano

Analysis: ***1/4 It was another good match between these teams. Last week’s match got more time and it was better, but there was still a lot to like her. Waller’s accidental knee to Theory was a big factor in losing the match because #DIY capitalized on that mistake to get the win.

After the match, Theory was mad at Waller about what happened as they spoke on the floor. Jacob Fatu showed up at ringside and decked Theory with a forearm. Waller ran away. Jacob gave Gargano a Samoan Drop. Ciampa with a DDT on Jacob, who no sold it and Jacob hit Ciampa with a superkick. Jacob hit a running hip attack on Gargano against the turnbuckle. Jacob hit Ciampa with a popup Samoan Drop. Jacob hit a double springboard moonsault on Gargano. Jacob hit a double springboard moonsault on Ciampa that looked even more impressive! That was so good.

Solo Sikoa made his entrance joined by Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa. Barrett said Jacob may be the greatest acquisition in WWE History. Solo and his crew were up next.

Analysis: The athleticism of Jacob Fatu is incredible. It’s so great to see WWE letting him show off what he can do while the announcers are doing a nice job of putting over Jacob as a special talent. I have really enjoyed the early stages of Jacob’s WWE run.

(Commercial)

Let’s Hear from Solo Sikoa with The Bloodline

Solo Sikoa told the fans to acknowledge him, but the fans booed that. Solo mentioned what happened to people who didn’t acknowledge him. The fans chanted “We Want Roman” for the real Tribal Chief. Solo said Jimmy Uso, his own brother, he’s gone. Solo said Paul Heyman is gone too. When Solo mentioned Roman Reigns, he told the fans not to cheer him and said that you have Solo now. Solo said if Roman Reigns comes back then he’ll acknowledge Solo as his Tribal Chief.

Solo said tonight is about Cody Rhodes and said it was Cody’s turn to acknowledge him.

Cody Rhodes made his entrance as the Undisputed WWE Champion while the fans sang his song. Cody was in a suit as usual. Cody had the WWE Title in his hand as well. Cody went into the ring with the four members of The Bloodline standing across the ring from him.

Cody told Solo that he’s heard everything that he has been saying. Cody told Solo that they want the same thing. Cody suggested that they have to speak to Nick Aldis but they might as well consider it official at SummerSlam – Cody vs. Solo for the WWE Title. Cody said if it was really up to him, he wouldn’t be waiting until SummerSlam because he would want to do it here and now. The four members of The Bloodline surrounded Cody, who delivered some strikes to start it, but Jacob was there with a superkick and a clothesline.

Randy Orton made the save for Cody just like he said. Cody beat up Tama and Loa on the floor. Orton sent Jacob from the ring to the floor. Orton gave Solo a draping DDT. When Orton turned around, Jacob hit a running forearm smash. Tama and Loa stomped on Orton repeatedly. Orton left the ring leading to Jacob hitting a suicide dive onto Orton on the floor. Solo and Jacob tied Cody’s arms in the ring ropes so Jacob headbutted Cody in the ribs. Tama & Loa hit Orton with the steel steps in the ribs. Jacob superkicked Orton once, Jacob superkicked Orton a second time and Jacob hit a third superkick on Orton on the floor. The table was cleared off. Cody was shouting: “Don’t do it! Take me.” Jacob picked up Orton and hit Orton with a triple Powerbomb through the commentary table. Solo hit Cody with a Samoan Spike to the throat. Solo posed in front of Cody while The Bloodline had their hands raised together.

Randy Orton was getting checked on by WWE officials at ringside. The Bloodline stood tall with their hands up in the air while Cody was still tied up in the ropes. The fans were booing. The fans chanted “you suck” as The Bloodline was standing tall to end the show.

Analysis: That went as expected with Cody Rhodes and Solo Sikoa setting up the SummerSlam match that was going to happen after Solo pinned Cody at MITB. As for the attack after the promo, it was similar to what we have seen multiple times in the past. As Solo said, they took out Jimmy Uso, Paul Heyman and now it looks like they have taken out Randy Orton, who may be taking a break with his family for a few weeks. It was another example of booking Jacob Fatu in a way that made him look like an absolute monster who will be tough to slow down because of how talented and physical he is. Tying Cody Rhodes in the ropes was The Bloodline’s way of making Cody watch what was happening, so the idea is that it was difficult for Cody to watch since Orton is his mentor and friend. It was very effective in terms of getting heat on The Bloodline. They looked dominant again.

Here’s a post-show clip of what happened after the show.

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Three Stars of the Show

  1. Jacob Fatu
  2. #DIY – Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano
  3. LA Knight

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The Scoreboard

7 out of 10

Last week: 7.5

2024 Average: 7.35

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Final Thoughts on WWE Smackdown

It was a solid episode of Smackdown. I wouldn’t call it a great episode or anything like that. The best match was #DIY beating A-Town Down Under to retain the WWE Tag Team Titles. Last week’s match was better.

The Bloodline was dominant yet again with Jacob Fatu getting featured a lot as he destroyed multiple people. Randy Orton got taken out by the group just like Jimmy Uso and Paul Heyman. We know it’s going to be Cody Rhodes against Solo Sikoa at SummerSlam, which Cody mentioned here, so I assume we’ll see more Bloodline dominance until that match takes place.

They featured some different wrestlers this week to get them some TV time. The Legado Del Fantasma guys Angel & Berto got a cheap victory while Blair Davenport had a good showing against Naomi. Meanwhile, Nia Jax beating Michin was no surprise. Lastly, I liked LA Knight’s promo to continue his rivalry with Logan Paul, who missed the show this week, but he is back next week.

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Thanks for reading. Go Toronto Blue Jays. You can contact me using any of the methods below.

John Canton

Email: mrjohncanton@gmail.com

Twitter/X: @johnreport