The John Report: WWE SmackDown 07/19/24 Review

This is WWE Smackdown with Cody Rhodes kicking off the show, a Logan Paul-LA Knight contract signing, Andrade in action against Carmelo Hayes, and more.

We are on the road to SummerSlam in just over two weeks on Saturday, August 3rd. Last week’s Smackdown saw The Bloodline foursome destroy Randy Orton by putting him through the commentary with a triple Powerbomb. Next week’s Smackdown is being taped after this week’s episode because the crew is heading to Japan for three shows next week. This is also the 1300th episode of Smackdown, which is a pretty big number. Congratulations to WWE for that.

From the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska, this is Smackdown for episode #1300. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

A video aired about the destruction caused by The Bloodline in recent weeks. They also showed when they took out Randy Orton last week as well. That happened while Cody Rhodes was tied between the top and middle ropes.

It was Corey Graves and Wade Barrett on commentary for Smackdown as usual.

Let’s Hear from Cody Rhodes

The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made his entrance wearing a tank top, pants and sneakers rather than the usual suit that he likes to wear. Terence Crawford, one of the top boxers in the world who is from Omaha, was at ringside and Cody touched fists with him. Cody normally wears a suit for promos, but not tonight.

Cody: “So, Omaha, what do we want to talk about?” Cody said let’s talk about Randy Orton. Cody said that Randy is a friend and said that before he was a friend, Randy was a mentor. Cody made it clear that he wouldn’t be WWE Champion without Randy Orton. The fans cheered leading to “Randy” chants. Cody spoke about Randy having a lovely wife and five children while speaking about how this Bloodline put Randy through a table after Orton had major spinal surgery in the past. Cody said that Randy is family and Randy is his brother. Cody spoke about how Orton wouldn’t want him to talk about guilt or shame. Cody looked into the camera to talk to the man responsible: Solo Sikoa. The fans booed. Cody said he looked Solo in the eyes before WrestleMania 39 even and he told him that he wasn’t ready. Cody said that Solo paid him back by costing Cody the WWE Title. Cody was interrupted.

Austin Theory & Grayson Waller walked out to interrupt. Theory complained about how Jacob Fatu attacked him last week and it was Cody’s fault. Cody said that Waller put Theory in the way. Waller said that the reason Cody’s mentor and friend Randy Orton got hurt last week was because of Cody. Theory and Waller got close, so Cody tried to fight them by himself. Cody didn’t have much success as Theory and Waller beat him up with punches. Boxer Terence Crawford handed Cody a steel chair, so Cody went into the ring and hit Waller in the back with it. Cody tossed the chair to Theory leading to Cody doing a Disaster Kick into the chair into Theory’s face. Cody stood tall in the ring as his music played to end it.

Analysis: That should set up a match for later. Theory did have a good point saying he got attacked Jacob Fatu, so at least there was a reason for the interruption. Since Cody was dressed in gear that wasn’t a suit, you could tell there would be some physicality in that segment. It also is a way for Cody to show his mindset that he was ready to fight rather than being there to do business.

Carmelo Hayes was shown getting his hair fixed. Melo said that the world is watching Andrade and him. Melo said that the world will be watching who is going to miss first and it won’t be him. That Hayes/Andrade match is up next.

This Monday on Raw: CM Punk returns. That’s all they promoted in the commercial.

(Commercial)

Cody Rhodes was backstage talking to Smackdown GM Nick Aldis. Cody said he didn’t need a tag team partner for a match. Aldis said he can’t send Cody out there alone because Nick has the board of directors to answer to, so respectfully he told Cody to find a partner. Nick left while Cody thought about it.

Andrade vs. Carmelo Hayes

There were some impressive moves attempted leading to counters from both guys. When Andrade went for a move on the legs, Melo kicked him away and they paused for a bit of applause. Melo got a jackknife pin attempt for two. Melo got a shot to the head, so Andrade hit him with a boot to the face. Melo hit a dropkick to the face. Melo tripped up Andrade on the middle ropes and Melo did a springboard leg drop. Nice athleticism shown by both guys to start this match.

(Commercial)

Melo was in control with an armbar, so Andrade hit a jawbreaker to end it. Melo ran the ropes leading to Andrade hitting a lefty clothesline. Andrade hit Melo with open hand strikes followed by two dragon screw leg whips. Andrade ran the ropes leading to a jumping forearm smash. Andrade hit the running knee attack against the turnbuckle for two. Melo came back with a move where he spun around Andrade’s body leading to a facebuster into the mat. The fans chanted “this is awesome” for them. Melo set up Andrade on the top rope, so Andrade knocked him down with the elbow. Andrade did the double jump moonsault onto Melo for two. The fans popped big for that spot that Andrade has been doing for several years. It works well in terms of getting a reaction. Melo kicked Andrade in the knee, Andrade with a chop and Melo hit a knee to the face. Andrade hit a spinning back elbow for two. That move looked great and was sold perfectly by Melo. Andrade went up top, but Melo countered with the double knees up for The First 48 for a two count. Melo went up top, he jumped off, but Andrade moved and Andrade hit The Message lifting neckbreaker slam for the pinfall win after ten minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Andrade

Analysis: ***1/2 This was a great match that was full of action and the crowd got louder as it went on. There wasn’t much of a story going in, but the outstanding wrestling by both guys got the fans to care more and that crowd reaction helped this match. I thought Melo could have had a few more moments where it looked like he might win, but I certainly don’t have an issue with Andrade win. It really could have gone either way, which is an example of good booking because fans will be invested more if the result is less obvious.

There were highlights shown of Nia Jax beating Michin last week. Jax and her buddy Tiffany Stratton also beat up Bayley after the match.

Nia Jax and Bayley were shown seated backstage for an interview up next.

(Commercial)

Bayley and Nia Jax Interview

The WWE Women’s Champion Bayley and Nia Jax were on the split screen. Graves tried to ask questions, but Jax cut him off. Jax said that she’s going to take Bayley’s title at SummerSlam and put her down like an old, sick dog. Bayley said that Jax hasn’t changed in the ten years since she has known her. Bayley called Jax the same heartless woman she was back then. Bayley said in 2017, Jax took Bayley out of her SummerSlam match and that changed Bayley’s career. Bayley told Jax she was big, clumsy and reckless. Jax said she was content being your Queen of the Ring and the queen of this division. Jax said that she is coming for that title because she gets to take it off Bayley. That led to Bayley saying she had bad news for her. Bayley said she’s changed since 2017. Bayley said she’s walking in and out of SummerSlam with this championship and there is not a damn thing that Jax can do to stop her. Jax asked if this was done and left.

Analysis: It was okay for a promo exchange. Jax made her points about being big and strong. Bayley calling Jax big, clumsy and reckless is an example of trying to make it personal. I think Jax certainly could leave SummerSlam as the champion although I don’t know if that’s my official prediction yet. I have a few weeks to figure that out.

Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill were shown walking backstage earlier in the day. Chelsea Green & Piper Niven were also there outside of GM Nick Aldis’ office. Belair said that they were going to talk about to GM Aldis about getting their Tag Team Title rematch. The bickering continued with Belair challenging Green to a match.

Bianca Belair made her entrance joined by Jade Cargill.

(Commercial)

Chelsea Green (w/Piper Niven) vs. Bianca Belair (w/Jade Cargill)

Green slapped Belair so Belair slapped her back. Green hit a jumping kick. Belair hit a high angle German Suplex. Belair missed a handspring moonsault attempt because Green moved. Green went for a kick. Belair with a lift, Green got out of it and Green covered for two while holding the tights. Belair countered that and sat on top of Green while holding onto the legs for the pinfall win in about one minute.

Winner by pinfall: Bianca Belair

Analysis: * Easy win for Belair sitting on top of Green for the win. I don’t like seeing matches that are so short. It doesn’t really help anybody. I was hoping that Green would be booked to be more serious after Money in the Bank, but nothing has really changed.

Post match, Green and Niven had a staredown with Belair and Cargill. Green pulled Niven out of the ring to avoid a fight.

Belair and Cargill were in the ring as Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn did a promo on the video screen about being the Women’s Tag Team Champions. They bragged about being the champions while saying they knew Jade & Bianca were thinking about them. Dawn said “We’ll see” about giving a title shot and laughed.

Analysis: The Women’s Tag Team Titles are rarely seen and rarely defended. It would be nice to see more consistency in terms of featuring them more often.

LA Knight was shown walking backstage for a contract signing up next.

(Commercial)

The main event is Cody Rhodes and a partner facing A-Town Down Under’s Austin Theory & Grayson Waller.

United States Championship Contract Signing

Smackdown GM Nick Aldis said it was his responsibility to deliver the best card he can at SummerSlam. Aldis said he had a contract already signed by him and the challenger. Aldis said that all he needs is the signature of the champion. Aldis introduced the challenger.

LA Knight made his entrance to a big pop from the crowd. Logan Paul was up next as the United States Champion. There were no chairs or table in the ring. Paul recently passed 250 days as US Champion and he’s only had two title defenses as the champion.

Logan Paul asked Omaha why he would give this guy a shot at the US Championship.

Knight replied saying maybe Paul was right and he can go take a walk, but Knight pointed out that when they’ve been face to face he has owned and cooked him. Knight reminded Paul about how a year ago he told Paul where he could stick his bottles of Prime. Knight congratulated Paul on having the US Title. Knight said he asked Paul for a title shot in the past, but Paul said no. Knight spoke about how he went to Paul’s house, then he got a Money in the Bank qualifying match and he pinned Paul’s shoulders to the mat. Knight said that he’s chased him around the world just to get a title shot.

Paul said that Knight needs this match against him while Paul doesn’t need this match. Paul told Knight that his entire existence is defined by what he does in the ring. Paul bragged about all the things that he does outside of WWE like interviewing former Presidents, building businesses, starting a family and so on. Paul said that Knight wants to be the champion, but he is not. Paul called Knight a “Gym Bro” with a spray tan and a catchphrase while trying to be like The Rock.

Knight joked that he hadn’t heard that before while trashing Paul. Knight said that Paul was pretending to be the United States Champion. Knight mentioned Paul not wanting to sign a contract. Knight said that Logan’s brother is willing to get in the ring with Mike Tyson, but Logan doesn’t have the balls to get in the ring with Knight. LA said he guesses balls don’t run in the family. Logan said he’ll sign the contract and give Knight a shot at glory. Paul signed the contract. Paul told Knight he’ll draw him a map where he can stick his dreams of becoming a WWE Champion. Paul and Knight got face to face, so Aldis stood between them. The fans chanted for LA Knight as Paul left the ring.

Paul went back into the ring going for a cheap shot. Knight fought back. Paul tried a punch, Knight was ready for it and Knight wanted the BFT, but Paul slipped out of it. Paul bailed to the floor while Knight stood tall in the ring.

Analysis: There’s the official confirmation about the Logan Paul-LA Knight match at SummerSlam that was expected a couple of months ago. Paul denied wanting to have the match, then Knight said that Paul didn’t have the kind of balls that his brother Jake Paul has and then Logan was willing to sign. As the Smackdown GM, Nick Aldis should have said that Logan can’t book his matches and he had to sign, but they decided to go a different way with it. I think Knight beating Paul at SummerSlam makes a lot of sense. As I noted above, Logan has barely defended the title. He’s had it long enough. I want to see Knight as the champion.

A video package aired about Miss Money in the Bank Tiffany Stratton. There were a lot of clips and slow motion shots of her body. They know what they are doing. Toodles.

Tiffany Stratton made her entrance carrying the Money in the Bank briefcase with her. She was dressed for a match. Nia Jax walked out with her buddy Stratton. Stratton faces Michin in a match up next.

(Commercial)

LA Knight was shown walking backstage when Santos Escobar and Elektra Lopez were there to interrupt. Escobar pointed out that Knight pinned Paul in the match they had for Money in the Bank qualifying and Escobar said that he wasn’t pinned in that match. That led to a match challenge from Knight, who said Escobar’s mom has Knight’s number. Escobar agreed to the match.

Michin vs. Tiffany Stratton (w/Nia Jax)

Stratton did a hair pull takedown. Michin got an inside cradle for two. Michin nailed Stratton with a corner clothesline and a cannonball for a one count. Stratton bailed to the floor to avoid a kick. Stratton ran around the ring and hid behind Jax briefly. Stratton gave Michin an Alabama Slam on the floor. Ouch. That led to a break.

(Commercial)

Stratton was in control with a springboard senton for two. Stratton hit a handspring back elbow in the corner followed by a spinebuster for two. Stratton does that move well. Michin countered a slam attempt into a sunset flip for two. Michin got a backslide pin for two. Michin came back with a clothesline, dropkick and neckbreaker. Michin hit a Tornado DDT for two. Stratton came back with a forearm to the head and a running butt splash against the ropes. Stratton hit a running kick for two. Stratton set up Michin on the top rope, Michin knocked Stratton down and Michin hit a missile dropkick. Michin ran the ropes, Jax grabbed the leg, which the referee missed because he was looking at Stratton on the floor. Stratton with a punch. Stratton did a rolling senton to set up for her moonsault, but she noticed Bayley at ringside. Bayley avoided a charging Jax and Bayley hit Jax with the MITB briefcase. Bayley beat up the Money in the Bank briefcase by sending it into the steel steps and stomping in it. Stratton was distracted by all of that, so Michin got a ROLLUP OF DEATH~! for the pinfall after eight minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Michin

Analysis: **1/2 A rare win for Michin thanks to the assist from Bayley while Stratton had to act like she was in a match and watch everything that Bayley was doing on the floor. I’m not surprised they went with the ROLLUP OF DEATH~! since it’s the move that WWE likes moving when there’s a close win.

Tiffany Stratton was handed the busted Money in the Bank briefcase and she hugged it.

Solo Sikoa was featured in a backstage segment with The Bloodline’s Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa. Solo wondered who was going to team up and disrespect the Tribal Chief by teaming up with Cody Rhodes. Solo asked if you saw what they did to Cody Rhodes last week? Solo said that if you team with Cody then you’re against The Bloodline. Solo said that this better be a handicap match or somebody will pay the price. Solo said he is the Tribal Chief and you will acknowledge him. Jacob Fatu put a red lei around Solo’s neck. The group held up the “ones” to salute the Tribal Chief to end it.

The tag team main event was up next.

(Commercial)

A Progressive Match Flo replay showed #DIY retaining the TagTeam Titles over Waller & Theory last week on Smackdown.

Next week on Smackdown:

* Tag Team Title Gauntlet Match: The Street Profits vs. Baron Corbin & Apollo Crews vs. The Bloodline vs. Legado del Fantasma vs. Pretty Deadly vs. The OC

* LA Knight vs. Santos Escobar

* Bayley & Michin vs. Nia Jax & Tiffany Stratton

Cody Rhodes was walking backstage in his wrestling gear with the WWE Championship around his waist. Kevin Owens was shown putting the tape on his wrists and the camera followed Owens as he walked backstage leading to his entrance. Owens was fired up while Graves mentioned Owens updated us on social media about how KO’s mother is doing better after a recent hospital stay. Good news.

Analysis: That means that the mystery partner for Cody Rhodes was the most obvious wrestler on the roster. I’m fine with that, but they also could have announced it over an hour ago.

Cody Rhodes made his entrance for the second time on this show. Cody was in his wrestling gear for the main event tag team match. That match is starting after a break.

(Commercial)

It was mentioned that Rhea Ripley, Cody Rhodes & Rey Mysterio were in the new Call of Duty game.

The former WWE Tag Team Champions A-Town Down Under entered for the main event.

A-Town Down Under – Austin Theory & Grayson Waller vs. Cody Rhodes & Kevin Owens

Cody hit Theory with a knee to the gut. Owens tagged in and hit a back elbow to knock Theory down. Theory left the ring, so Owens met him with punches. Owens knocked a Prime bottle down at ringside, so Waller put the bottle back up. Cody punched Waller off the apron, which led to Theory hitting a clothesline. Waller was back in with knees that didn’t really connect. Waller worked over Cody with elbow smashes. Cody avoided a charging Waller, who hit the turnbuckle. Owens was back in with punches and he stomped on Waller to send him out of the ring. Owens ran around the ring leading to clotheslines to both opponents on the floor. Back in the ring, Owens hit an atomic drop on Waller and an enziguri kick. Owens hit a cannonball splash on Waller against the turnbuckle. Theory held onto Owens’ leg on the apron, Owens headbutted him down and when Owens went for the Swanton Bomb, Waller got the knees up. Theory back in with the rolling dropkick on Owens. Theory hit a backbreaker and legal man Waller hit an elbow drop off the middle ropes for a two count. That led to a break.

(Commercial)

The heels were in control as Waller worked over Owens with elbow drops. Waller hit Owens with a couple of knee lifts to the jaw. Owens rammed Waller’s head into the steel steps and KO knocked the Prime bottle down again, which was funny. Waller held onto KO’s legs followed by an elbow drop to keep KO from tagging out. Waller and KO battled on the top turnbuckle, which usually goes poorly for KO’s opponent. It went badly for Waller since Owens headbutted him a few times along with an elbow. Owens jumped off the top with a Swanton Bomb.

Cody was fired up as he got the hot tag against Theory with a punch along with a powerslam. Cody gave Theory an uppercut punch along with a series of jabs, then some punches and the bionic elbow. Cody punched Waller off the apron. Cody hit Theory with a DDT. Waller was legal and jumped into the ring with a flatliner for two. Waller nearly hit Theory with a knee because Cody moved and Cody capitalized with a Cody Cutter on Theory. Owens with a Stunner on Waller. Cody hit Cross Rhodes on Theory for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Cody Rhodes & Kevin Owens

Analysis: *** It was pretty obvious what was coming here with the super babyface team of Cody & Owens picking the win. Theory and Waller got plenty of offense in the match along with some moments that made them look strong, but they didn’t have a shot here. A decisive win by the good guys.

After the match, The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa went down to the ring for a fight. Owens eye-gouged Loa to try to take him out. Owens and Cody battled Solo on the floor, but Jacob Fatu showed up. Fatu sent Cody into the steel steps. Fatu superkicked Owens on the floor. Back in the ring, Fatu hit a running hip attack on Owens. Cody was held at ringside. Fatu hit the running hip attack three more times in a row so KO’s head was hitting the turnbuckle multiple times. Tama & Solo were holding onto Cody on the floor to make him watch it. Fatu went up top and hit Owens with a headbutt to the left shoulder. The Bloodline picked up Cody and gave him a triple Powerbomb (Solo, Jacob & Tama) that sent Cody through the commentary table. Tama put a steel chair around KO’s head/neck and rammed it into the ring post. That always looks brutal. Fatu put the red lei around Solo’s neck. Solo held up his finger in the air while Fatu, Tama & Loa also held up their hands to show they are the ones. Solo laughed at a fallen Cody as the show ended there.

Analysis: It continues the trend of The Bloodline taking people out every week. It was Randy Orton last week and Kevin Owens this week. Owens wasn’t put through the table, but he did take the hip attack multiple times as well as going head first into the ring post while having a steel chair around his neck. They have also taken out Jimmy Uso and Paul Heyman in the past as well. At some point there needs to be a counter to The Bloodline, but we may not see that until SummerSlam itself. They are building up The Bloodline to be huge threats due to these attacks every week. Are the fans buying it? I think so. The reactions to The Bloodline guys every week are strong and they will continue to grow. Cody sold the table bump well. I thought it was an effective angle to end the show although it does feel a bit repetitive at this point.

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Three Stars of the Show

1. Andrade
2. Carmelo Hayes
3. Cody Rhodes & Kevin Owens

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The Scoreboard

7.25 out of 10

Last week: 7

2024 Average: 7.35

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Final Thoughts on WWE Smackdown

It was more of the same this week on Smackdown with The Bloodline standing tall yet again to end the show. It feels repetitive, but I think they want to get a lot of the heat on the group before they bring back Roman Reigns, Jimmy Uso, Paul Heyman and so on. Last week they did an angle to write out Randy Orton for a few weeks and this week it was Kevin Owens’ turn. Cody Rhodes also went through a table so he took a beating as well. Cody & KO’s tag team win over Austin Theory & Waller was okay, but also very predictable.

I thought the Andrade-Carmelo Hayes match was great. As they said on commentary, they were two midcard guys looking to break through and they had an exciting match that led to “this is awesome” chants during the match. It was cool to hear that for these two, who both have bright futures. Andrade winning is fine with me. They need stories for both guys, but hopefully, they keep getting TV time so they can continue to grow. The women’s stuff with Michin beating Tiffany Stratton was a shocking upset due to Bayley and Nia Jax on the floor. The ROLLUP OF DEATH~! strikes again.

The Logan Paul-LA Knight promo segment was okay. They should have had Knight point out that Paul is a weak champion by only defending the US Title twice in 250+ days, which would lead to Paul accepting the SummerSlam. Instead, Knight said Logan has smaller balls than his brother Jake Paul and that led to Logan accepting the match. I just think they could have had a better segment. At least it’s official for SummerSlam finally. That’s five singles title matches taking place at SummerSlam at this point.

The next WWE PLE is SummerSlam on August 3rd in Cleveland. The lineup looks like this.

* Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Solo Sikoa

* World Heavyweight Championship: Damian Priest (c) vs. GUNTHER

* Women’s World Championship: Liv Morgan (c) vs. Rhea Ripley

* WWE Women’s Championship: Bayley (c) vs. Nia Jax

* United States Championship: Logan Paul (c) vs. LA Knight

You can watch WWE SummerSlam, streaming live on Saturday, August 3, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on Peacock in the United States and on WWE Network everywhere else.

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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