Reviews

The John Report: WWE Smackdown 10/06/23 Review

By John Canton • Published 6th October 2023
wwe smackdown october 6

This week’s WWE Smackdown featured The Judgment Day along with Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso at the show, Austin Theory facing Dragon Lee and more.

This show is taking place one night before WWE Fastlane on Saturday, October 7th.

From the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri, this is Smackdown for episode #1259. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

A video package aired recapping last week’s Smackdown ending when LA Knight saved John Cena from an attack by Solo Sikoa & Jimmy Uso. Knight signed the contract to be Cena’s partner at Fastlane.

The Smackdown introduction video aired. That was followed by an impressive pyro display.

Let’s Hear from LA Knight…and Paul Heyman

LA Knight made his entrance in street clothes to a big ovation. The Smackdown commentary team of Michael Cole, Kevin Patrick and Corey Graves welcomed us to the show by talking about what’s coming up. Cole pushed the story that LA Knight teaming with Cena at Fastlane is the biggest match of Knight’s career.

LA Knight made his entrance to a big pop. The fans cheered for him before he even spoke. Knight tried to speak, but Paul Heyman interrupted with Jimmy Uso & Solo Sikoa.

Heyman admitted that he has a great eye for talent and it’s evident that Knight is going to be the next megastar in WWE. Heyman spoke about how he admires Knight and the fans chanted for Knight again. Heyman said that pisses him off. Heyman said now that Knight has earned Heyman’s attention, The Bloodline is going to have to do something about it.

Knight asked if Heyman was done. Knight said it was a wise move for the Wise Man to put respect on his name. Knight said he had a receipt (he took a paper out from his pocket) and didn’t buy any of Heyman’s BS. Jimmy told Knight to shut his mouth.

Jimmy introduced himself and his group saying that Knight isn’t making it to Fastlane. Jimmy and Solo went on the apron, but here comes John Cena. Cena’s music played and Cean ran down to the ring to stand beside Knight. Heyman told his guys to get down and make them wait until Fastlane for this.

Knight said you were all excited for a fight, but you didn’t have permission from your “little chief” to come out here. Knight said that everybody is thinking about Fastlane tomorrow night, but Knight is thinking about tonight. Knight called out Jimmy Uso the “Wannabe Tribal Chief” for a match tonight saying he wants to punt his ass to the moon. Jimmy said “okay” and Heyman said: “What do you mean okay?” Heyman was frustrated as The Bloodline left while Knight and Cena soaked up the cheers in the ring.

Analysis: A classic WWE booking scenario where they use the opening segment to set up a match for later. That ovation for LA Knight was really loud so that’s great to hear. Knight had some good lines. Paul Heyman’s promo work was terrific as usual. Jimmy Uso accepting the match with Knight only for Heyman to question it sets up problems within The Bloodline.

The Judgment Day’s Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio were shown arriving. JD McDonagh was already there. Priest wondered why he was there and Ripley said she invited him there. They all walked in together.

Charlotte Flair made her entrance for tag team action. Asuka was up next as Charlotte’s tag team partner for this match. Asuka was a heel for a few months this year, but I think she’s back in a babyface role.

A commercial aired for Fastlane promoting the WWE Tag Team Title match with The Judgment Day’s Damian Priest & Finn Balor defending the titles against Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso.

(Commercial)

At Fastlane, IYO SKY defends the WWE Women’s Title against Flair & Asuka. A recap from last week was shown with Bayley setting up the triple threat match at Fastlane. On Smackdown Low Down, Sky told Bayley she can speak for herself.

Damage CTRL – IYO SKY & Bayley (w/Dakota Kai) vs. Charlotte Flair & Asuka

Sky took down Flair with a headscissors takedown. Flair hit a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for two. Asuka tagged in with chops on Sky. Asuka got a sunset flip on Sky for two and Sky came back with a rollup for two. Asuka hit a sliding kick to the face. Asuka did a running dropkick, Bayley shoved Asuka out of the ring and Asuka hit Bayley. Asuka went up top and hit a double missile dropkick on both opponents. They went to break there.

(Commercial)

The match continued with Bayley hitting a suplex on Asuka for two. Sky tagged in with a leg scissors around Asuka’s waist and then Sky did some ear biting. Sky did a wry smile after that. Some fans are going to like that image. Just saying. Bayley tagged in, Asuka delivered some punches and Bayley tackled Asuka into the turnbuckle. Bayley hit Flair with a forearm to knock her down. Sky tagged in for a double team flatliner on Asuka so Flair went into the ring to break up a pin attempt. Asuka fought out of the heel corner with strikes, but Sky hit an uppercut. Asuka with a kick to the chest. Flair got the hot tag against Bayley leading to Flair going up top and hitting a cross body block on Bayley. Flair worked over Bayley with chops and Sky ran into the ring, so Flair hit her with an overhead suplex. Flair hit a neckbreaker and Bayley came back with a forearm. Flair hit a backbreaker followed by Flair sending Bayley face first into the turnbuckle. Flair did a cartwheel into a clothesline for two. Asuka tagged back in, she set up Bayley on the top and Flair tagged in for a double team move. Kai distracted the referee, so Sky went over to the corner and did a Powerbomb in the Tower of Doom double suplex spot. That was almost a rough landing for two of them, but Bayley landed properly on her back. Flair hit a big boot to Bayley, but Sky broke up the pin with the Meteora double knees on Flair. Flair sent Sky into the turnbuckle and Flair tried to kick Bayley, but Bayley moved and Flair kicked Asuka by accident. Bayley got a rollup for tow. Bayley with a knee to the face of Flair. Bayley teased a Figure Eight, Flair kicked Bayley into Sky on the apron and Flair hit the Natural Selection neckbreaker for the pinfall win after 13 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Charlotte Flair & Asuka

Analysis: ***1/4 A pretty good tag team match by four talented women. There was a lot of chaos at the finish with Flair accidentally kicking Asuka to the floor and then Flair kicked Bayley into Sky to knock her down, but Flair managed to pick up the win after all of that. That Tower of Doom spot out of the corner was a bit risky with one of the bumps looking a bit rough, but Bayley was fine when she landed. I thought they worked hard and had a good showing overall. Sky was protected as the champion because the non-champion Bayley lost just like when she lost to Charlotte last week too.

Jimmy Uso, Solo Sikoa & Paul Heyman were shown walking backstage. Heyman said they needed Tribal Chief (Roman Reigns) authorization to do things. Jimmy said that The Tribal Chief is never there, so he’s making things happy. The trio walked into their dressing room and saw The Judgment Day hanging out. Jimmy wondered what was going on. Finn Balor said they are exactly where they should be.

Next Friday on the Season Premiere of Smackdown: Roman Reigns is back. That is Roman’s return for the first time in about two months.

(Commercial)

The Judgment Day was shown in the locker room staring at The Bloodline guys. Rhea Ripley spoke up saying everybody get out because she had to have a chat with Heyman. Slowly, the room emptied out until Heyman and Ripley were left. Ripley said “let’s talk” to Heyman as the camera cut away.

There was a replay of last week’s issues between Bobby Lashley & The Street Profits along with Rey Mysterio’s LWO group. At Fastlane, Lashley & The Street Profits face the LWO.

Rey Mysterio made his entrance with the LWO’s Santos Escobar, Joaquin Wilde, Cruz Del Toro & Zelina Vega. Rey has a match with Lashley after a break.

This Tuesday on NXT: John Cena is there supporting Carmelo Hayes against Bron Breakker, who will have Paul Heyman there. Asuka will face Roxanne Perez. Also, Cody Rhodes has a major announcement. They also played The Undertaker’s “gong” sound, so he’ll likely be there too as we covered here.

(Commercial)

Bobby Lashley made his entrance with The Street Profits by his side.

Analysis: This is Lashley’s first televised match since May 12th, so that is nearly five months. Lashley had some live event matches in June too. I don’t know if Lashley had an injury or what happened, but it’s good to see Bobby back in action.

Bobby Lashley (w/Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) vs. Rey Mysterio (w/Joaquin Wilde, Cruz Del Toro & Zelina Vega)

This is not for Rey’s US Title. Lashley ran over Rey with a shoulder tackle. Lashley set up Rey by the turnbuckle leading to running shoulder tackles by Lashley. The dominance continued as Lashley put his boot against Rey’s throat against the turnbuckle. Lashley with a kick to the gut. Lashley went for a slam off the shoulders, but Rey landed on his shoulders and kicked Lashley to knock him down. Rey hit a springboard moonsault for just a one count. Rey sent Lashley out of the ring. Rey teased a diving attack, but instead, Rey swung around between the ropes while Lashley was on the floor and that led to a break.

(Commercial)

Lashley was in full control with a hard whip into the turnbuckle as Rey took the bump sternum first. Lashley applied a bearhug. Lashley let go of that, sent Rey into the turnbuckle and Lashley applied another bearhug. Rey broke free, he went to the apron and hit a jumping kick to the head. Rey went up top, but Lashley stopped him with a punch to the back. Rey was upside down against the turnbuckle, so Lashley hit a running shoulder tackle to the ribs. Lashley tried a charging attack, Rey pulled himself up and Lashley hit the turnbuckle. Rey jumped off the top with a seated senton, then a dropkick to the left knee and Lashley wanted a powerslam, but Rey countered it with a DDT for two. Rey worked over Lashley with punches, but Lashley caught Rey and tried a suplex only for Rey to hit some knees to the head. Rey did a dropkick to the knee. Rey wanted a 619 kick, but Lashley caught him. Lashley hit Rey with an axhandle smash knocking Rey down to the floor. Lashley sent Rey into the barricade. Lashley grabbed Escobar and tossed him over the barricade. Rey dove onto Lashley, Bobby caught him and Rey shoved Lashley into the ring post. Rey with a 619 kick to the body, then he sent Lashley into the ropes and Rey hit a 619 kick to the head. Ford got on the apron, Cruz went after him and Dawkins sent Cruz face first into the steel steps. The Street Profits hit their double team finish on the floor on Wilde. Rey hit a dive onto Dawkins on the floor. When Rey got back in the ring, Lashley hit him with a huge Spear for the pinfall win after 12 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Bobby Lashley

Analysis: *** A pretty good match with Lashley dominating most of it and then Rey making the exciting comeback as usual. I thought the finish was effective in putting over how strong The Street Profits are as a team with Lashley. The presence of The Street Profits took out two guys on the floor, so Rey went after them and Lashley capitalized with the Spear to win.

Post match, Lashley celebrated with The Street Profits. The WWE Officials called for help for Cruz and Wilde on the floor. The referees called for help.

Analysis: That would suggest that there will be worked injuries for Cruz & Wilde, so Rey & Escobar will need to find a partner.

Rhea Ripley was shown sitting with Paul Heyman in their locker room. Rhea told Heyman to make the wise decision. Ripley said they are stronger together – The Judgment Day & The Bloodline. Heyman likes it and he thinks it’s rather brilliant. Heyman said it’s really good. Heyman said he had to make a phone call and get this authorized. Ripley stopped the phone call. Heyman said he needs to get this authorized by The Tribal Chief. Ripley is saying it’s authorized. Heyman said that only one human being can authorize it – his Tribal Chief. Ripley looked Heyman in the eyes and said: “Acknowledge Me.” Heyman said she was in the wrong locker room to say something like that. Ripley said that he’ll acknowledge her like Jey Uso did on Raw. Ripley said otherwise, we’ll find out who is stronger – The Judgment Day or The Bloodline. Ripley told Heyman he was authorized to make his phone call. Ripley left. Heyman to his phone: “Call Roman Reigns.” That ended the scene.

Austin Theory made his entrance with Graves calling him the 150 Million hit man. Theory faces Dragon Lee after a break.

(Commercial)

A video aired about Isla Dawn & Alba Fyre. They had some ominous words while looking like they were casting spells or something like that. I don’t know when they are coming back to TV.

Dragon Lee made his entrance for singles action. Theory did a promo saying we were in the presence of greatness. Theory said that he was so nice he let Dwayne (The Rock) share the ring with him. Theory bragged about being the 150 Million Hit man and said that Lee would get to experience Austin Theory Live.

Austin Theory vs. Dragon Lee

Dragon ran the ropes leading to an impressive headscissors takedown. Dragon jumped over the top and kicked Theory in the face. Grayson Waller’s music played as Waller made his way down to ringside to support his buddy Theory. Dragon avoided a Theory charge and Dragon hit a dropkick. Dragon sent Theory into the ropes leading to a German Suplex. Waller jumped on the apron, Dragon was distracted and Theory did a roll through leading to a dropkick on Dragon. That led to a break.

(Commercial)

Theory went for a charging attack, but Dragon stopped that with a superkick. Dragon hit two forearms to the chest, then set up Theory against the turnbuckle and hit a superkick. Dragon hit a running dropkick for a two count. Theory came back with a cradle suplex driving Lee’s neck onto Theory’s knee. Theory went for a punching attack, Dragon avoided that and Dragon hit a Ligerbomb for two. Dragon went up top, Waller distracted him and Theory knocked Dragon off the top rope. Theory hit a spinning slam into the mat for a two count. Theory wanted a superplex, but Dragon blocked that and hit a double foot stomp on an upside down Theory. Waller pulled Theory out of the ring, so Dragon ran the ropes and hit a somersault dive over the top onto both guys. Waller grabbed Dragon and slammed Theory face-first into the apron. The referee didn’t see it. Cameron Grimes showed up at ringside and threw Waller into the ring post. Theory tried a move, but Dragon countered it with a sunset flip and Dragon covered while covering the legs of Theory by pushing forward for the pinfall win. At least it wasn’t a rollup of death. It went about ten minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Dragon Lee

Analysis: **3/4 This was solid with Dragon Lee getting an assist from Cameron Grimes to deal with the two heels. Grimes had issues with Theory & Waller in the past, so it made sense for Dragon to get some help here. A lot of Dragon Lee’s offense is fun to watch and the fans are getting behind him fairly well, which is great to see. Theory is fine as a worker overall although I think sometimes he does the cocky bragging too much. The matches aren’t always exciting because of how much time Theory spends talking trash or celebrating. I get that it gets heat, but don’t let it slow down the action so much. I do like Theory as a talent, of course. I just think sometimes the match quality could be better with him.

Jimmy Uso was shown backstage with Rhea Ripley talking to him. We couldn’t hear what they were saying.

(Commercial)

Rey Mysterio walked out of the Trainer’s Room to talk to Santos Escobar & Zelina Vega. Rey said that there’s no way Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde can compete tomorrow at Fastlane. Vega wondered what can they do for the six-man tag? Rey said let me make a phone call.

Analysis: I figure Dragon Lee would be a logical choice for that spot, but I’m not sure.

A video package aired about the Seth Rollins-Shinsuke Nakamura match for the World Heavyweight Title at Fastlane. It’s a Last Man Standing Match.

After the video aired, Damian Priest was shown looking at the screen and the Money in the Bank briefcase.

The announcers went over the WWE Fastlane lineup for Saturday night in Indianapolis.

* Last Man Standing Match for the World Heavyweight Championship: Seth “Freakin” Rollins (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

* WWE Women’s Championship: IYO SKY (c) vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Asuka

* Bobby Lashley & The Street Profits vs. LWO – Rey Mysterio Santos Escobar & ???

* Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships: The Judgment Day – Damian Priest & Finn Balor (c) vs. Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso

* John Cena & LA Knight vs. Jimmy Uso & Solo Sikoa

That’s it. Five matches. Nothing was added to the show.

Jimmy Uso made his entrance with the “Wise Man” Paul Heyman by his side.

(Commercial)

Next week on the Season Premiere of Smackdown:

* Roman Reigns is back.

* The Brawling Brutes – Butch & Ridge Holland vs. Pretty Deadly – Elton Prince & Kit Wilson

* Triple H will be there.

LA Knight vs. Jimmy Uso (w/Paul Heyman)

Knight got a shoulder tackle knockdown and Jimmy got his own shoulder tackle. Knight with a boot to the face followed by a powerslam too. Knight went for the BFT, but Jimmy slipped out of it. Knight kicked Jimmy on the floor to knock him down. Back in the ring, Jimmy tried a kick, Knight caught it and Jimmy hit a spinning kick. Jimmy decked Knight with a superkick on the floor leading to a break.

(Commercial)

Knight did a sunset flip where he drove Jey’s back into Knight’s knees. Knight hit a leaping clothesline, a legsweep and a DDT. Knight hit a running knee attack to the ribs for two. Knight tried a suplex, Jimmy slipped out of it and hit an uppercut. Knight hit a powerslam. Knight bounced off the ropes leading to an elbow drop. Solo Sikoa attacked Knight with a forearm to the back for the DQ finish. It went about eight minutes.

Winner by disqualification: LA Knight

Analysis: **1/4 It was just getting going and then it ended with the DQ finish. That’s fine because it just built up to the Fastlane match as well as everything that happened after the match.

Post match, Solo beat up Knight, so John Cena’s music hit. Cena ran into the ring and tossed Solo out of the ring.

The Judgment Day made their way to ringside so it was Damian Priest, Finn Balor, Dominik Mysterio, Rhea Ripley and JD McDonagh as well. Ripley stared at Heyman on the floor and Heyman said: “Authorized!” Heyman shook hands with Ripley.

Jey Uso’s music hit and Jey ran down to ringside while The Judgment Day and The Bloodline were on the apron.

Cody Rhodes made his entrance he ran down to the ring to join Cena and Knight. The fans were signing Cody’s song even after it stopped playing. The faces knocked The Judgment Day off the apron. Cody Rhodes hit a suicide dive onto The Judgment Day and Jey hit a dive over the top.

Solo got into the ring with Cena. Cena delivered some punches, Solo bounced off the ropes and hit Cena with a superkick. Knight went into the ring and clotheslined Solo out of the ring.

Knight hit the BFT on McDonagh. Jey with a superkick on JD and Cena hit the spinning slam along with a Five Knuckle Shuffle fist drop. Cena hit the Attitude Adjustment on JD. Cody was next as he hit the Cross Rhodes on JD. Cody’s music played to end it.

The babyface foursome of Cody Rhodes, John Cena, Jey Uso and LA Knight stood together in the ring while the announcers went over the big matches for Fastlane. The heels looked on from ringside. The faces celebrated in the ring. That was the end of the show.

Analysis: It’s safe to say that The Judgment Day and The Bloodline alliance didn’t work that well at all. They got their asses kicked by their babyface counterparts. JD McDonagh was the heel that was picked on the most since he ate a bunch of finishers/signature moves. The foursome of Cody, Jey, Cena & Knight are all very popular with the crowd. Those were some loud ovations for sure. Anyway, it was an effective way to set up Fastlane with the two big tag team matches involving those babyface wrestlers in the ring.

===

Three Stars of the Show

  1. LA Knight
  2. Bobby Lashley/Rey Mysterio
  3. Charlotte Flair/Asuka

===

The Scoreboard

7.25 out of 10

Last week: 7

2023 Average: 7.23

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Final Thoughts on WWE Smackdown

I’ll keep it brief to say it was a solid show for the most part. The matches were mostly good while the LA Knight/Jimmy Uso match had an obvious disqualification to set up a brawl in the main event. It was an effective way to set up Fastlane. Most of the show pushed Fastlane’s matches really well.

Next week on Smackdown’s “Season Premiere” episode, Roman Reigns is back for the first time in two months and an appearance from Triple H.

The next WWE Premium Live Event is Fastlane on Saturday, October 7th in Indianapolis. Here’s the lineup so far.

* John Cena & LA Knight vs. Jimmy Uso & Solo Sikoa

* Last Man Standing Match for the World Heavyweight Championship: Seth “Freakin” Rollins (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

* WWE Women’s Championship: IYO SKY (c) vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Asuka

* Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships: The Judgment Day – Damian Priest & Finn Balor (c) vs. Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso

* Bobby Lashley & The Street Profits vs. LWO – Rey Mysterio Santos Escobar & Joaquin Wilde (or Cruz Del Toro)

You can watch WWE Fastlane on Saturday, October 7, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, streaming LIVE on Peacock in the United States and on WWE Network everywhere else.

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

John Canton

Email: mrjohncanton@gmail.com

Twitter/X: @johnreport