Reviews

The John Report: WWE SmackDown 09/13/24 Review

By John Canton • Published 13th September 2024
WWE Smackdown September 13

This is WWE Smackdown featuring a Cody Rhodes-Solo Sikoa Steel Cage Match, another Hayes-Andrade match, and more on the USA Network return for the blue brand.

The WWE Smackdown brand is back on USA Network for fans in the United States. This deal was announced one year ago back in September 2023, so the five-year run on FOX has come to an end. NBC Universal (which owns USA Network) is paying about $279 million per year (or about $1.4 billion for five years) for Smackdown for the next five years. It should lead to a smaller audience for Smackdown since Fox has a bigger than USA Network. Plus, Fox is one of the big four main network channels in the US while USA Network is cable television. We are also in the streaming era where people want other options to be able to watch shows. If I was USA Network I’d move Smackdown off Fridays because it’s a terrible night for TV, but I get that they want to avoid Thursday due to the NFL games from September through December. The positive about Friday is it’s a better night to sell tickets, so it’s easier for families to attend since it’s not a school night for the kids. I think Friday is preferred by WWE also because most of their PLE shows are on Saturdays, so it allows them to run shows on back-to-back nights, which makes things easier logistically as well. Anyway, there will be some changes for Smackdown and a new logo as well.

Here in Canada where I live, Smackdown is still on Sportsnet 360 until the end of the year. In January, Smackdown and NXT go to Netflix along with Raw for those of us in Canada as well as other international markets. I’m looking forward to the Netflix era.

Please check out my good friend James Holder’s feature column about former WWE World Champion Damian Priest, who had quite the career so far in WWE and remains in a great spot. James did an awesome job with it so check that out now.

From the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington, this is Smackdown for episode #1308. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

There was a brand new Smackdown intro video along with the new Smackdown logo that was featured prominently and that will take some time getting used to.

Let’s Hear from Triple H

The boss man WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque started the show. The set was the same that WWE used to have is still there with the giant screens.

Triple H spoke about how it seemed like it was just yesterday that he was going toe to toe in the main event of the first Smackdown with The Rock. Triple H said here we are 25 years later. Triple H said that we are here in Seattle in front of a sold out crowd. Hunter said that there’s no better way to start this off than with a Steel Cage Match between WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Solo Sikoa. Hunter welcomed us to Smackdown.

Analysis: It was a simple “welcome to the show” kind of promo from Triple H to get the crowd fired up. It was quick, so that’s fine with me. As for the new Smackdown logo, I don’t mind it. I think we’ll get used to it. I think it’s smart for WWE to use a new logo for a new era of the show.

The Steel Cage was lowered around the ring. The first 30 minutes of this week’s episode was commercial-free. Michael Cole and Corey Graves were on commentary welcoming us to the show. Cole mentioned being here for Smackdown’s debut 25 years ago and he’s here again.

A video package aired to set up the Cody Rhodes-Solo Sikoa match.

Solo Sikoa made his entrance as the leader and Tribal Chief of The Bloodline wearing the red Ula Fala around his neck. Cody Rhodes was up next as the WWE Champion with the fans singing his “Kingdom” song as usual. Ring announcer Alicia Taylor did the championship introductions. The great Charles Robinson was the referee.

Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa

In a WWE Steel Cage Match like this, the ways to win the match include pinfall, submission, climbing out of the cage and leaving by going out of the door. If it was up to me, it would only be pinfall/submission or it would only be by climbing out of the cage and no door option.

Cody was aggressive with some punches. Solo came back with a punch that rocked Cody into the turnbuckle. Cody hit a running bulldog, Solo didn’t sell that and then Cody sent Solo into the cage four times in a row. Cody charged at Solo, who gave Cody a back body drop into the cage. Solo splashed Cody against the cage and then Solo hit a running hip attack on Cody against the cage. The fans were chanting “OTC” for Roman Reigns. Solo set up Cody upside down against the turnbuckle and Solo hit a jumping headbutt. Cody avoided another headbutt attempt. Cody tried to climb up the cage, but Solo pulled Cody off the turnbuckle. Cody was bleeding from the forehead. I’m not sure if he got cut or bladed, which is not a typical WWE thing, but maybe it is for this match. Solo sent Cody into the cage again so Cody took that bump on his left side going into the cage. Solo headbutted Cody, which is really just headbutting the back of his own hand. Solo picked up Cody, rammed him back first into the cage and Solo gave him a Powerbomb into the cage. Cody was able to counter Solo with an incredible Cody Cutter off the cage for a two count. That was a great spot. Solo pulled Cody off the top rope and Solo headbutted Cody to knock him down. They battled on the top rope against the cage, Cody sent Solo’s head into the cage and Cody climbed up top, so Solo went up there with him. Cody rammed Solo’s head into the top of the cage, Solo went over the top a bit and Solo managed to suplex Cody off the top rope into the mat. That was a rough landing for both guys. Cody’s lower back hit hard as Graves said that was almost a brainbuster in terms of how they landed. Solo covered Cody for a two count.

Solo went for the door as Cody held onto his leg. The fans were chanting “this is awesome” and Solo hit a Spinning Solo slam. Solo hit another Spinning Solo slam for a two count. The blood on Cody’s head was very light so referee Charles Robinson took the gloves off that he was wearing when the blood started. Cody hit a forearm followed by a Disaster Kick and Cody Cutter off the ropes for two. Solo sent Cody into the turnbuckle and Solo hit a running hip attack. Solo hit a Samoan Drop. Solo jumped off the top rope with an Uso Splash on Cody for two. The referee was talking to both guys likely giving them time cues, so Cole said that Robinson may have been concerned about the wrestlers. Solo hit a running hip attack against the turnbuckle again. Cody pushed the door open and tried to crawl out, but Solo stopped it. Solo tried a lifting move, Cody landed on his feet and Cody hit Cross Rhodes for two. Cody climbed up the cage and reached the top. Cody stood on the top of the cage and Cody jumped onto Solo with a cross body block right into a pin for two. Solo barely got his left shoulder up. Cody called for the door to open and Solo slammed it on Cody’s head. Solo went for the Samoan Spike, Cody avoided it and Cody hit Cross Rhodes for a second time for the pinfall win. It went about 16 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Cody Rhodes

Analysis: ***3/4 I thought it was a great match. Solo isn’t known for having the best matches, but he’s certainly good enough and they had a competitive match for the WWE Title. They used the weapons a lot. Cody also did that cross body block off the top of the cage so that’s a smart way to use the environment to your advantage. Solo was able to hit some big moves throughout the match although he didn’t hit the Samoan Spike during the match. Anyway, Cody winning was the obvious result here. No doubt about that.

After the match, Cody said “we’re done” so he was saying that this rivalry with Solo Sikoa is done. They showed replays of the match.

The Bloodline surrounded the ring leading to Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa climbing over the cage and going into the ring. Solo Sikoa hit a Samoan Spike on Cody. Jacob hit a moonsault off the top onto Cody. Solo told Jacob to go to the top of the cage. Cole was shouting for somebody to raise the cage. Fatu was on the top of the cage and the music of Roman Reigns hit to a huge pop! Fatu climbed back down at that point.

Roman Reigns made his entrance wearing the “OTC” since he’s the Original Tribal Chief. Reigns was taken out by The Bloodline last month and now he’s back.

Reigns slammed the cage door. Reigns tossed Tama into the turnbuckle and punched Loa a few times. Reigns tossed Loa into the cage. Solo attacked Reigns from behind with a forearm to the back. Solo charged at Reigns, but Reigns was back up with a Superman Punch on Solo. Fatu pulled Solo out of the ring to save Solo from an attack. Reigns invited Fatu to fight him in the ring. Fatu got into the cage with Reigns, but Solo pulled Fatu out of the ring to prevent that fight. Tama & Loa attacked Reigns from behind with punches and kicks. Cody was back up, so he tossed Loa into the cage and a Cross Rhodes on Tama. Reigns hit a Spear on Loa. Reigns and Cody stood side by side in the ring while Fatu put the Ula Fala on Solo’s neck. They went to the first commercial 38 minutes into the show.

Analysis: That was really well done as a post show angle. Roman Reigns was back in full force and he’s formed this Mega Powers kind of babyface alliance with Cody. All of it is going to lead to WarGames in two months, but there’s no rush to get there. Anyway, I thought this was very well done. The fans loved it and they should considering it’s Cody & Roman as allies fighting off The Bloodline together.

(Commercial)

There were replays of the chaos before the break.

Nick Aldis, the Smackdown GM, was interviewed by Cathy Kelley in the backstage area. Aldis said he sequestered everybody that was involved in that segment. Aldis said that Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu have an offer for a match that can’t be refused. Aldis said he doesn’t know what it is, but this show is a long way from being over and it seems like we’ll find out later in the show.

The song “Neva Play” by Megan Thee Stallion featuring RM of BTS is the theme song of Smackdown.

Michin vs. Piper Niven (w/Chelsea Green)

The match started with Michin sending Niven out of the ring. Michin hit a suicide dive on Niven on the floor. Michin knocked down Green and also hit Green with a kendo stick. Niven jumped off the apron with a dive onto Michin on the floor. Back in the ring, Michin hit Niven’s legs to knock her down on the turnbuckle. Michin gave Niven a belly-to-back suplex off the middle turnbuckle. Michin hit Eat Defeat with a boot to the face for the pinfall win after about three minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Michin

Analysis: * A quick match to give Michin an easy win. It wasn’t the outcome I expected in terms of being such a short match because Niven is usually booked stronger than that. The crowd didn’t react to it much because of who was involved and also because of how big the segment was before this.

After the match, Green attacked Michin with punches and kicks. Niven hit an elbow drop on Michin. Green hit Unpretty-her on Michin on the trash can.

Analysis: It will probably lead to some tag team match with Michin finding a tag team partner. Nobody came to help Michin here, so it made her look like a loner.

It’s a tag team match with Kevin Owens and a mystery partner against A-Town Down Under up next.

(Commercial)

They showed some graphics celebrating 25 years of Smackdown while playing one of the old Smackdown theme songs.

The legendary WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam along with his busty wife was at ringside. Former Smackdown General Manager Vickie Guerrero was also there. The World Heavyweight Champion Gunther and Ludwig Kaiser were also there.

On last week’s Smackdown, Kevin Owens beat Austin Theory & Grayson Waller in a triple threat match. After the match, Theory & Waller beat up Owens, which is what set up this match.

Kevin Owens was up first for his team and he was joined by a mystery partner. There was some random guy with a hairy chest and a bald head, so A-Town Down Under laughed about it. Owens admitted this wasn’t his first choice, but his actual partner had travel issues. Orton said that this was Ricky and this was his partner. Cole joked that it was George “The Animal” Steele’s son since this guy was hairy. A woman named Bianca at ringside with a headset told Owens he was here, so Owens said sorry to Ricky and gave him a Stunner.

Randy Orton made his Smackdown return after about a month away. I think most of us assumed it would be Orton in this spot since he was on Raw for the Gunther feud. Owens gave Orton a big hug when he got into the ring.

Analysis: Thanks for coming, Ricky. Great performance.

Kevin Owens & Randy Orton vs. A-Town Down Under – Austin Theory & Grayson Waller

Theory and Waller left the ring quickly. Orton clotheslined Theory and Waller shoved Orton into the ring post. Owens went after Waller by throwing him into the hood of the commentary table a few times. Theory went after Owens, so Owens sent him into the commentary table. Waller knocked down Owens with a clothesline on the floor. Waller gave Owens a belly-to-back slam onto the hood of the commentary table and Waller taunted Orton.

(Commercial)

The match returned with Theory in the ring with Owens as KO hit a clothesline. Waller tagged in to prevent Owens from tagging out. Waller tried to superplex Owens, which never works, so Owens headbutted Waller down. Theory tagged in, Owens knocked him down with a headbutt as well and Owens punched him down. Owens jumped off the top with a Swanton Bomb on Theory. Waller pulled Orton off the turnbuckle to stop a tag. Waller was back in with a suplex on Owens. Waller knocked Owens out of the ring with a knee strike. Owens threw Theory out of the ring and Waller tackled Owens into the turnbuckle. Theory was legal for a bit, Waller got the tag back in and Owens ran around the ring to his corner leading to Orton getting the tag. Orton was on fire with a powerslam on Waller and a powerslam on Theory as well. Theory saved Waller by pulling him out of the ring. Orton punched Waller. Orton hit a belly-to-back slam on Theory on the commentary table and Orton did the belly-to-back slam on Waller on the table as well. Owens had a hold of Waller by the ropes and Owens did it to Theory at the same time so it was a double vintage draping DDT by Owens & Orton. It was an RKO by Orton on Waller and Stunner by Owens on Theory as Orton covered Waller for the win. It went about 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Kevin Owens & Randy Orton

Analysis: *** This was pretty much a typical house show match where the babyfaces got the obvious win. They built up the hot tag to Orton as a big deal and once Orton got the tag, he cleaned house as you would expect. I like Owens & Orton as a team. They work well together and they are easy to like.

After the match, Owens spoke into the camera saying thanks to Ricky for the effort. Orton said sorry to Ricky.

There was a backstage interview with Smackdown GM Nick Aldis talking to Cathy Kelley, who was looking for an update. Nick Aldis said that Solo Sikoa has issued a tag team match challenge for Bad Blood with Solo & Jacob Fatu against Cody Rhodes & Roman Reigns at Bad Blood. Aldis said he had the contract in his hand while saying that Solo & Jacob signed it without even reading it. Cody walked into the office saying he meant what he said out there when he said he’s done with The Bloodline. Cody said that The Bloodline is Roman Reigns’ problem and he has no intention of signing that. Cody left. Aldis said that he had to talk to Reigns.

Analysis: The tag team match seemed obvious after what happened earlier in the show. It will be interesting to see what happens later in the show to see if the match becomes official.

Nia Jax made her entrance as the WWE Women’s Champion for a promo after the break.

(Commercial)

There were more images from Smackdown’s past while another old Smackdown theme song played.

They showed WWE Hall of Famers Booker T & Sharmell at ringside. Sheamus was also at ringside. They also showed WWE Hall of Famer Michael P.S. Hayes, who is a longtime top Producer in WWE.

There were clips shown of Nia Jax, Tiffany Stratton & Pretty Deadly having fun at a fish market earlier in the day.

Let’s Hear from Nia Jax

Nia Jax did a promo saying that a year ago she returned to WWE and she has dominated ever since. Jax bragged about winning Queen of the Ring and said that it was easy. Jax said that she won the WWE Women’s Championship at SummerSlam and that was easy. Jax said that Smackdown GM Nick Aldis informed her that she will defend the championship at Bad Blood. Jax said she didn’t care who her opponent was because Jax said she was going to annihilate them.

The former WWE Women’s Champion Bayley walked out to interrupt the promo. Bayley credited Jax for having the greatest year of her career while saying it’s not like Jax set the bar really high for herself in her first run. Bayley said she is happy that Jax is feeling confident because Bayley wants her rematch. Jax said that Bayley is in no position to demand everything from Jax. Jax said that this isn’t like last year when Bayley was hiding behind Damage CTRL while saying that Jax runs this division. Bayley mentioned that it seemed like Jax needs Tiffany Stratton to win because she needed Tiffany at SummerSlam so Bayley wondered if Jax could do it on her own.

Tiffany Stratton walked out to the ring with the Money in the Bank briefcase/purse. Stratton trashed Bayley on her way to the ring. Bayley mentioned that she beat Stratton last week. Stratton said it was only because Nia got involved. Jax didn’t like that. Jax said that Bayley is good since she almost got them worked up there.

Naomi said that if you want a fight then you’re going to have a fight. Naomi said that she wasn’t going to let them attack Bayley like that. Naomi said that it’s been a long time since she held a title, so she wants to do it again. Naomi wanted Jax to put her title on the line.

Jax summarized it saying that maybe Bayley and Naomi should have a match to see who faces Jax at Bad Blood. Jax suggested a tag team match next week where Naomi & Bayley team up against Jax & Stratton next week and whoever gets the win can face Jax at Bad Blood. Bayley & Jax said they accepted. Jax said when Tiffy & Jax win, the loser between Bayley & Naomi has to leave Smackdown permanently. Bayley trash talked Stratton, who went after Naomi and Naomi hit the Rear View on Stratton to knock her down.

Analysis: It sets up a big women’s tag team match next week with some high stakes since there’s a title shot on the line for the Bayley & Naomi team. I also like that if Bayley & Naomi, there are consequences that will see one of them leave Smackdown. I’m cool if it’s Bayley or Naomi who gets the win. I doubt Jax loses the WWE Women’s Title before the end of the year anyway, so whoever it is probably isn’t going to be the champion.

Nick Aldis was walking down the hallway with the contract. Cathy Kelley asked for an update. Aldis said he talked to Roman Reigns, who said he wants to address The Bloodline situation in the ring after this match. Aldis said we’ll find out Roman’s thoughts after this match.

Analysis: That’s a smart way of telling the fans that Roman Reigns is coming up in the main event, so stick around and find out what he had to say.

It’s Andrade facing Carmelo Hayes up next.

This Monday on Raw: CM Punk is back and The Judgment Day’s Finn Balor & JD McDonagh defend the World Tag Team Titles against The New Day.

(Commercial)

A commercial aired for WWE Survivor Series: WarGames from Vancouver on November 30th. Tickets are on sale now.

There were more Smackdown images shown from the last 25 years along with a past theme song as well.

They showed WWE Hall of Famers Ron Simmons and former Smackdown GM Teddy Long at ringside. The great William Regal was also there. Bobby Roode was also there and he’s a current Producer in WWE. Raw’s Damian Priest was at ringside as well.

Carmelo Hayes vs. Andrade

This is their fifth match over the last couple of months. Andrade won the first two matches, Hayes won the next two matches and now we try to break the tie. Melo attacked Andrade from behind before the bell rang.

Andrade fought back and sent Melo out of the ring. Andrade hit a moonsault off the middle turnbuckle onto Melo on the floor. They left the ring again on the other side and Andrade avoided a Melo attack, which led to Andrade kicking Melo to knock him down. Andrade went to the barricade, Melo met him up there and they did a Spanish Fly off the barricade onto the floor. I didn’t like the camera angle they shot it from, but it’s an impressive move to do there.

(Commercial)

The match returned with each man going for moves, but there were counters. Each guy got a two count after they exchanged rollup attempts. Melo hit The First 48 jumping double knees. Andrade came back with a spinning back left elbow to knock Melo down. Andrade went up top, he went for the double moonsault, but Melo got his knees up and that stopped Andrade. Melo spun around Andrade leading to Melo slamming Andrade into the mat. Melo went up top, Melo jumped off the top, Andrade avoided it and Melo went for the top rope leg drop, but Andrade avoided it. Andrade flipped Melo over with a Canadian Destroyer. That was really well done. Andrade hit a running double knee attack against the turnbuckle for a two count because Melo got his left hand on the bottom rope. Andrade went for a split-legged moonsault off the top, but Melo moved out of the way and Andrade hit the mat. Melo set up Andrade on the top rope, Melo went for a hurricanrana, Andrade blocked that and Andrade hit The Message double underhook slam off the middle turnbuckle for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Andrade

Analysis: ***1/2 It was another very good match in this series. Some of their other matches were longer and I think I rated one or two a bit higher, but it was still an entertaining match. I thought Melo was going to win although I certainly don’t mind the Andrade victory because both guys are outstanding wrestlers. They did a lot of cool moves and finishes in this match. I liked that finisher by Andrade off the middle turnbuckle because it was a huge move.

LA Knight appeared with the United States Championship. Knight said that according to Nick Aldis, Andrade is the next contestant for the US Title. Knight said that one week from tonight, Andrade gets a match with Knight, who had some creative dialogue to say it. Knight said that Andrade will find out whose game this is with everybody saying…(the fans joined in)…LA Knight…yeah. Andrade and LA had a staredown from a distance.

Analysis: It should be a good match with Knight and Andrade. That should be a win for Knight.

Next week on Smackdown:

* Bayley & Naomi vs. Nia Jax & Tiffany Stratton

* United States Championship: LA Knight vs. Andrade

The Women’s Tag Team Champions Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill were interviewed by Byron Saxton. Belair said that they are excited because their titles are back. Jade said whoever wants to get it can come and get it. Belair said that Raw, Smackdown or NXT, everybody can come and get it. Jade said you’re going to continue to hear that they are the Women’s Tag Team Champions. Nia Jax & Tiffany Stratton interrupted with Jax threatening Naomi for interrupting. Jax bragged about beating Belair & Cargill on her way to winning Queen of the Ring and reminded them that Jax is on top as the Women’s Champion. Belair & Jax weren’t impressed.

A graphic said that this was the 38th WWE TV sellout and 57th event sellout this year.

The “Original Tribal Chief” Roman Reigns made his entrance. They used the 4K camera on him like they used on Cody & Solo during the introductions before the opening match. That camera looks amazing. Promo time with Reigns was up next.

(Commercial)

Let’s Hear from Roman Reigns

Roman Reigns was in the ring in his OTC shirt and he held up one finger for the acknowledgment leading to an incredible pyro display. The Smackdown GM Nick Aldis was in the ring with Reigns as well. The fans chanted “OTC” for the “Original Tribal Chief” Reigns, so Roman posed for them.

Aldis said he knows it has been a chaotic night and Reigns has a unique history with him. Reigns extended his hand, so Aldis put the contract in his hand. Reigns put the hand out again, so Aldis put the microphone in his hand like Paul Heyman used to do for many years. There were “OTC” chants again.

Reigns said that he didn’t confuse anybody because some things change, but not him. Reigns said that he didn’t need him (Aldis) or the contract because this is family business, this is Bloodline business. Reigns said that he didn’t need a partner and he definitely doesn’t need the help of Cody Rhodes. Reigns said that whether he has his family’s Ula Fala or not, he is the Tribal Chief. Reigns said that he’s not just the Original Tribal Chief because he’s the Only Tribal Chief. Reigns said this is his ring, this is his show and this is his WWE.

Cody Rhodes made his entrance as the WWE Champion wearing a tank top, pants and sneakers rather than wearing a suit. Cody had the WWE Championship with him as usual, but he didn’t pose for the “WHOA-OH” part of the song because he was in serious mode. I should point out that the time was 10:00 p.m. ET but Smackdown now has an overrun so that’s a good thing because it will keep the audience tuned in for a few more minutes. Cody got into the ring with Reigns, so it was just the two of them in there.

Cody: “Your ring. Your WWE.” Cody said that it was. Cody said it hasn’t been Roman’s since WrestleMania. Cody tossed the microphone down and Reigns tossed his microphone down.

Solo Sikoa made his entrance joined by The Bloodline’s Jacob Fatu. Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa attacked Roman & Cody from behind. Cody punched Loa and Cody jumped off the top with a Cody Cutter on Loa. Reigns hit a uranage slam on Tama.

Reigns picked up the contract that Aldis brought into the ring earlier. Reigns signed the contract to agree to the contract. Solo was at ringside saying Cody wasn’t going to sign it. Cody put his hand out, so Reigns gave Cody the contract. Cody signed the contract to agree to the tag team match. Cole summed up it saying that Cody said his business with The Bloodline was done, but apparently not. Cody and Roman talked without microphones on them.

At the end of the show, it said “Executive Producers Lee Fitting and Paul Levesque.” The graphic went up to end the show. Reigns stared at Cody while Solo & Jacob were on the floor. That was the end of Smackdown at 10:06 p.m. ET for this week.

Analysis: It was pretty obvious that the tag team match was coming based on what happened after the Steel Cage Match, but now it’s official. Roman Reigns will have his first match in six months at Bad Blood when he teams up with his WrestleMania opponent Cody Rhodes against The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu. It’s a huge match that certainly could main event a lot of shows, but with the Punk/McIntyre Hell in a Cell match at Bad Blood, I think that match will go on last. Anyway, I thought this segment was effective in terms of slowly having Cody agree to team up with Roman. Cody didn’t like that Roman said that this was his WWE, so it teases the idea that maybe Cody & Roman won’t get along at Bad Blood. I think it should be a great match that could go either way, but my early feeling is that Reigns is going to get the win for his team.

===

Three Stars of the Show

  1. Cody Rhodes
  2. Roman Reigns
  3. Andrade, Solo Sikoa, Carmelo Hayes

===

The Scoreboard

8 out of 10

Last week: 7.25

2024 Average: 7.37

===

Final Thoughts on WWE Smackdown

This felt like a great Smackdown to me. There was a lot of star power with Roman Reigns making his return and fighting alongside Cody Rhodes. They may appear to be reluctant allies for now, but the fans love them as a modern-day Mega Powers team. A tag team match with Reigns & Rhodes against Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu is very interesting. I’m excited to see Jacob in such a big match. My early thoughts are that Roman Reigns will probably get the win for his team, but there are a lot of options that could happen there.

I really liked the Cody Rhodes-Solo Sikoa Steel Cage Match. That might have been Solo’s best singles match on the main roster. Cody is such a great worker while Solo looked strong kicking out of the Cross Rhodes before Cody was able to hit it again for the win. The Andrade-Carmelo Hayes match was also very good although they had better matches in their series. I still enjoyed it as Andrade got the win to set him up for the US Title match against LA Knight.

The new Smackdown logo will take some getting used to, but I don’t mind it that much. I thought it looked good visually around the ring and in the arena. We’ll get used to it. A strong “debut” (really it’s a return) for Smackdown on USA Network for fans in the US. Meanwhile, the Bad Blood card is shaping up nicely and looks excellent so far.

The next WWE PLE is Bad Blood on October 5th in Atlanta with this lineup announced so far.

* Hell in a Cell Match: CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre

* Roman Reigns & Cody Rhodes vs. The Bloodline – Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu

* WWE Women’s World Championship: Liv Morgan vs. Rhea Ripley

* Damian Priest vs. Finn Balor

You can watch WWE Bad Blood, streaming live on Saturday, Oct. 5, at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on Peacock in the United States and on WWE Network everywhere else.

===

Thanks for reading. Go Los Angeles Rams. You can contact me using any of the methods below.

John Canton

Email: mrjohncanton@gmail.com

Twitter/X: @johnreport