The John Report: WWE SmackDown 10/04/24 Review

This is WWE Smackdown featuring a triple threat Tag Team Title Ladder Match, Tiffany Stratton in action against Naomi, and more.

It’s WWE Bad Blood from Atlanta on Saturday night and I wrote a detailed preview of the event that is up on TJRWrestling now, so please check that out if you haven’t done so already.

From the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, this is Smackdown for episode #1311. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

There were some arrivals shown earlier in the day of The Bloodline, #DIY and The Street Profits since they are in the triple threat Tag Team Ladder Match later in the show.

The country music singer Hardy was in the ring and he introduced AJ Styles for his return to the show after being away for a few months of not being used. It was back in June. The commentary team was Michael Cole and Corey Graves as usual.

Let’s Hear from AJ Styles

AJ Styles made his entrance wearing his wrestling gear along with one of his shirts and a vest. The fans cheered for him. The fans chanted “AJ Styles” and “Welcome Back” at Styles. AJ said that he has missed the fans so much. AJ said that it was fitting that he is here in Nashville because this is where it all started for him. AJ spoke about how he did things that he may regret and things he may not be forgiven for. Styles said he wasn’t there to talk about the past, but he is here to rebuild the legacy of AJ Styles. Styles said that there are still a lot of guys that need to know this is the house that AJ Styles built.

Carmelo Hayes made his entrance in his wrestling gear. Melo said that after all of the things that AJ has done, he’s surprised more people aren’t there to welcome him back. Melo said he took it upon himself to do that. Melo spoke about how he’s beaten Andrade three times and he’s been holding it down on Smackdown since AJ has been gone. Melo said he’s a huge fan of Styles and he’s a fan of old-timers like him. Ouch. Melo said he deserves to be the US Champion, not LA Knight or Andrade.

Styles said he’s been in the ring with LA Knight before and the guy is relentless. Styles said that Knight came to his house. Styles said they had a match at WrestleMania, so the fans chanted “yeah” during Styles’s speech. Melo said he didn’t need AJ’s advice since he didn’t need advice from quitters. Styles said if you were that good then you would be US Champion right now, wouldn’t you? Melo said that if AJ was so phenomenal then he would be WWE Champion right now, wouldn’t you?

Styles said they’re both in wrestling gear, they’re in the ring here in Nashville, so why don’t they fight right here and right now in this very ring? Melo said: “Nah, I’m good.” Melo wanted to leave.

LA Knight arrived with the United States Championship and the fans were hot for him. Knight said it was a familiar sight because Melo wanted to run away from a fight. Knight said they’ve been through it all and mentioned that Styles spoke about how he’s going to retire, so then he was a liar. Knight said that Melo is a guy who will get stomped out here tonight. Knight said he could go down to the ring and punch Melo a few times and then go down to Broadway to have some drinks and have a good night. Knight told Melo if he can beat AJ Styles right now then Knight will make the case to Smackdown GM Nick Aldis that Melo deserves a shot at the US Championship. Knight said after AJ stomps him, Melo is still going to be hearing “LA Knight…yeah.”

The great referee Charles Robinson went down to the ring. The Styles/Hayes match was next.

Analysis: It’s AJ Styles back in babyface mode after being a heel for most of the year. I don’t mind it. AJ is great in any role and the fans love him as a legend who has done it all. I wasn’t surprised by Carmelo Hayes interrupting since he’s a cocky young heel. When Melo called AJ an “old timer” it was a way to get cheap heat and it worked. LA Knight did a fine promo, but it would have made more sense if Smackdown GM Nick Aldis made this match and then said if Melo wins he’ll get a US Title shot. Instead, this made Knight look like he had the authority to book a match. I get wanting to put Knight on the show. I just think this could have been handled differently.

(Commercial)

There was a car driving around somewhere and it said “Coming Soon” to end it. I’m not sure what it’s for at this point. Maybe the Motor City Machine Guns debut? I don’t know.

AJ Styles vs. Carmelo Hayes

The US Champion LA Knight was seated at ringside.

Styles hit a backbreaker. Melo worked over Styles with punches and kicks. Melo chopped Styles twice, so Styles came back with three punches of his own. Melo hit Styles with an elbow to the jaw. Styles hit a dropkick on a running Melo. Styles and Melo each tried moves off the ropes, but Melo avoided AJ’s move, so Melo hit a springboard clothesline or maybe it was more like a cross body block. Melo hit a suplex for two. Melo sent Styles out of the ring. Melo met Styles on the floor and Melo threw Styles hard into the commentary table. Melo stared at Knight at ringside as the show went to break.

(Commercial)

The match continued with Melo working on AJ’s left foot/ankle. They showed a doctor checking on Styles during the break while noting there could be an ankle injury for Styles. AJ hit a running forearm and a jumping clothesline while Styles sold the left foot injury. Styles hit a neckbreaker onto the back of his knee. Referee Charles Robinson checked on Styles and rang the bell to end the match. The match went about eight minutes.

Winner: Carmelo Hayes due to AJ Styles being unable to continue

Analysis: **1/4 They were on their way to a good match when Styles suffered the ankle injury and he couldn’t finish the match. It seemed like a legit injury to me at first, but later on in the night based on other things that happened, that made me think it was a worked injury.

After the match, AJ Styles limped his way to the backstage area. The ring announcer said that AJ Styles was unable to continue due to injury, so the winner of the match was Carmelo Hayes.

LA Knight went into the ring and hit the BFT on Melo. The fans loved that. The announcers wondered if this meant that Melo would get a US Title match.

Analysis: I assume that Carmelo Hayes will get a US Title match because they said if he wins then he gets a shot at that title. If Knight does face Hayes then I think Knight will keep his title.

Michael Cole set up a video package for the Bad Blood tag team match and called it the main event. That was expected after reports about it being the main event.

There was a video package about Cody Rhodes & Roman Reigns teaming up against The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu at Bad Blood.

The #DIY guys Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano were shown backstage getting ready for their Ladder Match later in the show.

A dumpster was brought to ringside for the Dumpster Match up next.

(Commercial)

Dumpster Match: Chelsea Green vs. Michin

There are no qualifications and no countouts. The only way to win to win is to place your opponent inside the dumpster and close the lid. Green had a trash bag “dress” as part of her entrance outfit. Michin brought a trash can with weapons to the ring.

Michin hit Green with kendo stick shots to the body a few times. Green left the ring, so Michin hit a suicide dive on her. Michin brought out a table from under the ring and Michin put the table in the ring. Green charged at Michin, but Michin hit her in the head with a cookie sheet. Back in the ring, Michin hit a dropkick sending Green out of the ring. Green came back with some kicks that sent Michin into the dumpster. Green sent Michin into the dumpster again to set them up for a commercial.

(Commercial)

They battled by the apron that was beside the dumpster. Michin hit a charging Green with some punches along with a Tornado DDT. Michin hit a German Suplex. Green got a hold of Michin and hit a Canadian Destroyer. Cole mentioned that Petey had to be proud of that while referring to WWE Producer Petey Williams. Michin landed in the dumpster, so Green tried to close the lid, but Michin fought back. The fans were chanting for a table again. Green avoided a cook sheet attack, Michin countered and hit Eat Defeat. Michin jumped off the middle turnbuckle and hit a senton bomb on Green, who had a trash can covering her upper body. Michin put a table across the dumpster, so it was covering some of it. Piper Niven showed up wearing a cowboy hat. Niven knocked down Michin and hit a senton splash on Michin. Niven went for a dive, Michin avoided it and Niven hit the side of the dumpster hard. They battled on the apron by the open dumpster with a table. Michin blocked a kick and Michin gave Green a Powerbomb into the dumpster while also breaking the table. Michin closed the lid to win the match. It went about 11 minutes.

Winner: Michin

Analysis: *** It was a solid match with the fans getting into the match as it went on because they really wanted a table spot, which took place right at the end of the match. Michin isn’t a big name in terms of personality and promos, but as an in-ring performer, she’s always good. Green is somebody who has perfected her gimmick although I’d like to see her show a serious side in the future.

After the match, Michin celebrated the win while Green was covered in filth and was screaming “NO” repeatedly about what happened.

Analysis: Chelsea Green is a very good performer and is a funny character when they let her show that off.

AJ Styles was shown on the trainer’s table getting his left ankle checked by a doctor. Graves said the video was a few minutes earlier and that Styles was going to the hospital to get checked out.

Naomi was approached by Women’s Tag Team Champions Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill in the backstage area. They talked about their various issues. Belair & Cargill told Belair she could host Bad Blood with them so Naomi was happy about that. Bayley walked in, so Belair and Cargill left. Bayley said she promised that when she beats Nia Jax to win the WWE Women’s Title, she’s going to give Naomi a title shot. Bayley hugged Naomi and Bayley kept on walking.

(Commercial)

A tweet from Triple H confirmed that Metro Boomin is headed to Bad Blood tomorrow. Metro was shocked that Triple H knew who he was.

The Street Profits with B-Fab were shown in the locker room getting ready for their match.

Let’s Hear From Bayley…and Nia Jax

Bayley made her entrance in some black gear for an in-ring promo. Bayley said in 24 hours, she had the opportunity to win the WWE Championship back. Bayley said that she was not going to waste time, so she called out WWE Women’s Champion Nia Jax and said that she had something to say to her. Bayley said it was okay if Tiffany Stratton came with her.

Nia Jax made her entrance as the WWE Women’s Champion along with Tiffany Stratton, who had her Money in the Bank “purse” with her. They joined Bayley in the ring. Jax told Bayley to say it right to her face.

Bayley said that for as long as she has known Jax, she has never understood the significance and importance of being a champion. Bayley said that she sat in the crowd watching people holding that title while mentioning the likes of Molly Holly, Victoria, Trish, Lita, Beth Phoenix, Natalya, and others. Bayley said that they never had a dominant championship like Jax is having right now. Bayley spoke about how Jax is one of the most dominant women in WWE. Bayley said that there are two people who can take that title off her. Bayley said one of those people is her because she is she’s going to take the title from Jax at Bad Blood.

Bayley spoke about how the other person is Tiffany Stratton because of the briefcase she’s holding. Bayley said when Stratton is sick of Jax, she’s going to hit Jax with the briefcase and cash in and get that title. Stratton wondered if Bayley was saying that Stratton could only beat Nia because of the briefcase. Stratton said she didn’t need the briefcase to beat Nia so Nia was like “excuse me?” Stratton said instead of trying to break them up, Stratton wanted Bayley to bow down to her. Bayley said she could at least respect Jax, but she didn’t respect Stratton. Bayley said she didn’t want to patronize a stupid bitch like Stratton. Stratton went after Bayley, who avoided it and hit a knee. Jax knocked Bayley down. Jax went for a senton attack, but Bayley avoided it. Bayley hit Jax with the MITB briefcase a few times. Bayley hit a running knee on Jax. Bayley held the Women’s Title and then she put it on Jax. Bayley left while Stratton stood in the ring and saw Jax crawling to the ropes to try to get back up. The fans stood up thinking it might be a MITB cash in by Stratton, but there wasn’t one and Jax left the ring. The fans chanted “cash it in” at Stratton.

Analysis: This was all about Bayley trying to cause problems between Nia Jax and Tiffany Stratton, which looked like it worked since Stratton believed she could beat Jax without the MITB briefcase. There was also another tease of Stratton thinking about cashing in on Jax. It’s going to happen at some point in the coming months, but I like the idea of building it up more. Bayley getting the advantage on Jax is fine because it puts over the idea that she could beat Jax in a match. However, I think Jax beating Bayley at Bad Blood is very likely.

Naomi made her entrance for her match with Stratton after the break.

(Commercial)

Chelsea Green and Piper Niven were walking backstage. Pretty Deadly were standing by and they were repulsed by the smell. Austin Theory & Grayson Waller, so then they were grossed out by the smell and Waller said Green’s name in a funny way. Angel & Humberto were also grossed out by the smell. Green walked up to Smackdown GM Nick Aldis backstage. Aldis made jokes about garbage and recycling. Green left without saying anything. Carmelo Hayes walked up to Aldis wanting to be rewarded for his win, but Aldis said he was going to check on AJ Styles and he’ll talk to Melo next week.

Analysis: The dumpster managed to Chelsea Green, which is rare. There will probably be comedy bits next week about how Green still smells form the dumpster.

Naomi vs. Tiffany Stratton

Naomi hit a snapmare followed by a running clothesline. Stratton hit Naomi with shoulder tackles to the ribs and then Naomi came back with a kick. Naomi hit a sitout facebuster for a two count. Naomi hit a suplex for two. Stratton fought back against Naomi by countering a move by the ropes and hitting a necksnap across the top rope. Stratton hit a springboard senton on Naomi for two. Naomi kicked Stratton, but Stratton came back with a clothesline. Naomi hit Stratton with a forearm to the back and then Naomi hit a leg drop on the apron. They went to a break there.

(Commercial)

The match returned with Naomi hitting backpack stunner while Stratton was on her back. Naomi hit a jumping side kick and then a jumping kick to the head. Naomi bounced off the ropes leading to a bulldog. Naomi did a sliding slap to the face and a headscissors that sent Stratton’s head into the mat. Naomi went for a facebuster, but Stratton used her hands to counter it and Stratton hit a dropkick. That drew a big pop because of how athletic Stratton is. Naomi headbutted Stratton and then Naomi jumped off the top with a cross body block. Stratton caught Naomi and went for a move, but Naomi got out of it. Naomi went for a split-legged moonsault off the top, but Stratton moved out of the way. Stratton went for the Prettiest Moonsault Ever off the top, Naomi avoided it and Stratton went for a handspring back elbow, but Naomi moved and Stratton hit the turnbuckle. Stratton countered a move leading to a pin attempt, but then Naomi rolled her over into a crucifix pin for the pinfall win. It went about 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Naomi

Analysis: *** The majority of the match featured Naomi on offense, which often leads to a wrestler losing and that’s not what happened here since Naomi got the win. I thought Stratton was going to win because of how little offense she had in the match. Nope. It didn’t happen that way. I think Naomi winning was likely done that way because it sets her up for a Women’s Title match against Nia Jax in the future. Naomi needed a win like that, so I don’t mind that result at all.

There were highlights shown from last week when The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu beat Kevin Owens & Randy Orton. Cody Rhodes got involved even though Owens didn’t want him to and Owens was frustrated with Cody after the loss, but they did end up hugging.

The Bloodline was shown walking backstage. Jacob Fatu screamed into the camera about how he loved the Tribal Chief. Fatu said his Tongan brothers loved The Tribal Chief. Fatu said that Nashville loved the Tribal Chief. Fatu said that #DIY, Street Profits, Cody Rhodes & Roman Reigns love the Tribal Chief. Fatu said if you don’t want to love the Tribal Chief then you must acknowledge the real Tribal Chief, Solo. Solo spoke into a camera: “Acknowledge me.”

The WWE Tag Team Champions Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa of The Bloodline entered for the triple threat Tag Team Ladder Match.

(Commercial)

Tiffany Stratton was shown walking backstage when Nia Jax approached her. Jax said that if she didn’t know better then Stratton was teasing when she might cash in. Jax wanted Stratton to tell her right now that she would never betray her. Stratton said of course not and then said that Jax is her queen.

There was a rundown of WWE Bad Blood with a 6 p.m. ET start time on Saturday in Atlanta:

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

* Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill & Naomi are the hosts of Bad Blood.

* WWE Women’s World Championship: Liv Morgan (c) vs. Rhea Ripley (Dominik Mysterio inside a Shark Cage)

* Damian Priest vs. Finn Balor

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

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

The #DIY boys Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano made their entrance to a mild pop. The Street Profits duo of Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins were up next joined by their friend B-Fab. Ford was shouting into the camera that it was time for them to win the titles again.

Ladder Match for the WWE Tag Team Championships: The Bloodline – Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa vs. #DIY – Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano vs. The Street Profits – Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins

The WWE Tag Team Titles held by Tama & Loa were above the ring. To win the match, a wrestler had to climb a ladder and bring the titles down.

It started with #DIY and the Profits clearing the ring of the champions. Ciampa hit a knee on Loa and Ford kicked Tama. Gargano kicked Loa on the floor followed by Dawkins hitting a shoulder tackle on Tama on the floor.

(Commercial)

The match returned with multiple guys on ladders, but they all knocked each other down. The Bloodline used a ladder as a weapon to knock Ford down after Ford attempted to grab the titles above the ring. Tama did a catapult into a ladder. Tampa suplexed Dawkins onto a ladder and Tama hit a senton splash over the top on Dawkins. Ciampa avoided a ladder toss attack. The Bloodline was on the floor with a ladder, so Dawkins did a somersault dive over the top onto the ladder to wipe out the champions. Ford followed up with his own somersault dive over the top onto the five other guys in the match. B-Fab encouraged Ford to get something from under the ring, so Ford grabbed a table and set it up on the floor.

(Commercial)

The #DIY guys were in control with a double knees attack called the Shatter Machine. Ciampa hit a running knee, but Loa stopped Gargano on the floor. Loa used a ladder as a weapon on Ciampa and Gargano. The #DIY boys trapped a ladder around Loa’s head and then #DIY hit the Meet in the Middle superkick and knees. Gargano set up a ladder and tried to climb, but Dawkins stopped him. Gargano hit a slingshot Spear to take out Dawkins and then Ciampa hit a running knee on Dawkins. Ciampa tried a climb, Dawkins knocked him down and Dawkins worked over Ciampa with a few punches. Dawkins had Ciampa on his shoulders, so Ford jumped off the top rope and over a ladder so that Ford could hit a Blockbuster on Ciampa, who was on Dawkins’s shoulders! That was impressive. Dawkins went for a title climb, but Tama was able to stop it. Tama sent a ladder right into the side of Ram’s office. Tama wanted to use a chair against Dawkins, but B-Fab took the chair away. The 25-year anniversary saw #DIY hit the champions with two locker rooms followed by more of their own punches. #DIY had Loa on a table, they held Tona down and Ford went up top and jumped off the top with a Frog Splash to put Loa down. Dawkins worked with the Street Profits leading to Dawkins hitting a Powerbomb on Tama through a table. The fans loved that. The #DIY guys superkicked Dawkins on the floor. Ciampa was on the ladder, Ford kicked Gargano and Ford jumped onto the ladder on the opposite side of Ciampa. Ciampa and Dawkins were on one side of the ladder, but they took a bump and went crashing through a ladder. Tonga Loa got back into the ring and he flipped over a ladder, so that Gargano and Ford hit the ladder. Tonga Loa climbed the taller ladder in the middle of the ring while his brother Tama held the ladder on the ground so he could keep the balance for his brother. Loa went up top, stood on the top ladder rung and Tonga reached up to grab both titles. It went about 19 minutes.

Winners: The Bloodline – Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa

Analysis: ***3/4 I thought it was a very good match with the heel champions finding a way to win. It would have been nice to see The Street Profits win the titles since it’s been three years since they held them, but I figured this match was done to keep the titles on the champions and have them win in a clean matter. The Bloodline guys didn’t cheat to win. They showed up at the right time to take care of the other four guys and capitalized on the chaos to get the win. I thought Dawkins & Ford were tremendous in the match with some impressive moves by both guys. The #DIY boys didn’t really get to do as much, but they are always technically sound.

After the match, Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu arrived in the aisle to congratulate the winners. That was the end of the show right at the two hour mark. No overrun this week.

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Three Stars of the Show

1. The Street Profits – I know they lost, but they were the best performers in the best match.
2. Naomi/Tiffany Stratton
3. AJ Styles

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The Scoreboard

7 out of 10

Last week: 7.75

2024 Average: 7.37

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Final Thoughts on WWE Smackdown

A solid show for the most part, but it was lacking in terms of star power. No Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, Kevin Owens, Randy Orton, and so on. I was glad to see AJ Styles back on the show in babyface mode. The match with Carmelo Hayes was going well until AJ’s left ankle injury angle. We’ll see where it goes, if anywhere.

The main event triple threat Tag Team Title Ladder Match was very good. The Bloodline’s Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa won cleanly by sending their opponents crashing from ladders onto other ladders and then Loa climbed up to win. I would have liked to see The Street Profits win the titles, but I didn’t expect it because it felt like the match was done this way just to give the champions a credible win without cheating.

They featured the women’s division a lot with Michin beating Chelsea Green in a Dumpster Match. It was fun and a way for Green to sell the idea that she smelled after being in a dumpster. Bayley did her part to try to cause problems between Nia Jax and Tiffany Stratton. The Naomi win over Stratton was solid, but nothing special.

Overall, it felt like an average WWE TV show in 2024 rather than anything that I would recommend you go out of your way to see.

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

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

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

* WWE Women’s World Championship: Liv Morgan (c) vs. Rhea Ripley (Dominik Mysterio will be in a Shark Cage)

* Damian Priest vs. Finn Balor

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

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

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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