The John Report: WWE SmackDown 10/11/24 Review
This is WWE Smackdown featuring words from Roman Reigns, LA Knight facing Carmelo Hayes, the Bianca Belair/Jade Cargill team in action, and more.
The WWE Bad Blood PLE took place last Saturday and it was an eventful night on the Smackdown side of things. Roman Reigns & Cody Rhodes got the win over Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu in the main event while The Rock showed up for a staredown. It likely doesn’t mean The Rock is back regularly any time soon, but at least he was there to stare. Also, Kevin Owens beat up Cody Rhodes in a parking lot as a post show angle, so Owens turned heel on his friend. Nia Jax kept the Women’s Title over Bayley as well.
From the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, this is Smackdown for episode #1312. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
A video package aired showing highlights from Bad Blood while focusing on the Cody/Roman win over Solo/Jacob in the main event.
Let’s Hear from Jimmy Uso…and Roman Reigns
Jimmy Uso made his entrance to start the show. Jimmy made his big return at Bad Blood to help Roman Reigns and show his loyalty to the Original Tribal Chief. It’s good to see Jimmy back after being out for a few months. A graphic showed that Jimmy will face his brother Solo Sikoa in the main event. The announcers were Michael Cole and Corey Graves as usual.
The fans popped for Jimmy so he said he missed them too. Jimmy said for the past six months he has waited to say “Welcome To Friday Night Smackdown.” Jimmy mentioned he was on the shelf for six months so the fans chanted “welcome back” to him. Jimmy said that he was put on the shelf by little brother Solo Sikoa. Jimmy said that this fool didn’t have the balls to do it face to face because he did it from behind by Solo’s Bloodline. Jimmy said that this is about big brother beating little brother and he’s going to kick his brother Solo’s ass.
Roman Reigns made his entrance to a huge pop along with his “OTC” shirt since he’s the Original Tribal Chief. It was a loud ovation for Roman as usual in this babyface era for him. Reigns opened up his hand, so Jimmy handed Roman the microphone.
Reigns said normally he likes to run it systematically, but they wanted to change it up tonight. Reigns told Greenville to join Reigns in acknowledging him referring to Jimmy Uso. Reigns wanted the fans to acknowledge Big Jim. That led to an “Uso” chant. Jimmy stuck out his hand for the microphone, so Roman slapped his hand. Reigns said he’s not an older brother, so he doesn’t understand this revenge. Reigns said that he’s not a Wise Man…yet. Reigns said that he doesn’t think about the creative, manipulative plans because that’s not him. Reigns said that he is a Tribal Chief, so he takes what is his. Reigns said for four years now that is what they have done – they have taken what is theirs. Reigns said they had it all since they had the money, power and respect because everybody feared them. Reigns said that they had money coming out of their pockets. Reigns told Jimmy to buy a new house and told him to buy all the houses he was looking at. Reigns said he doesn’t like where they are now and he doesn’t like being out of control. Reigns said he was the greatest of all time and he meant it. Reigns said that he wants the fans to know the GOATs are here, he wants the fans to know that when they put the 1’s up in the air, he wants you to know they are the ones.
Jimmy: “But we not, though.” The fans chanted “yes you are” at them. Jimmy said that he sees a Chief without a tribe and no Ula Fala around his neck. Jimmy told Reigns he came back at Bad Blood because Reigns needed him and he needed help. Jimmy told Reigns that they need help. The fans chanted “YEET” for Jey Uso. Jimmy told Reigns he knows one person they can get some help from. Reigns: “No Yeet.” The fans booed that. Jimmy said Reigns will forever be Jimmy’s Tribal Chief, but he is the only one in the family who still acknowledges Reigns. Jimmy tapped Reigns on the shoulder and left the ring to allow Reigns some time to think about it.
Analysis: I kept waiting for an interruption and it didn’t happen. Instead, this was about Roman and Jimmy talking it out. Reigns wanted the fans to acknowledge Jimmy for coming back after being gone for about six months, so it was nice to see Jimmy get that love from the fans because he’s a great performer and has been for a long time. We know WarGames is coming at Survivor Series on November 30th, so over the next month and a half I think we’ll see The Bloodline babyface reunion with Jey Uso joining his brother and Roman as well as potentially Sami Zayn back in the fold. Paul Heyman’s return is probably coming soon. I’m sure it will be a slow build thing rather than rushing it, but I also trust the booking because this story has been the best thing in wrestling for four years and now we’re going to see how they do as babyfaces instead of heels like they were for most of the run.
LA Knight was shown walking backstage for his US Title match up next.
(Commercial)
They showed pictures and videos of the legends at WWE Bad Blood last week.
United States Championship: LA Knight vs. Carmelo Hayes
AJ Styles suffered a mid-foot ligament sprain last week, so Carmelo Hayes won due to a match stoppage. That led to Melo getting this title shot. It is Melo’s first title match on Smackdown.
Knight was in control with punches followed by a clothesline. Melo tried a punch, but Knight came back with a clothesline that sent Melo over the top to the floor. Knight kicked Melo into the commentary table while Andrade showed up to watch at ringside. Knight elbowed Melo as the show went to break.
(Commercial)
Melo was in control with a side headlock while Andrade was sitting on a chair at ringside. Knight connected with an atomic drop and a clothesline. Knight hit a popup powerslam followed by an elbow drop for two. Knight stomped on Melo. When Knight charged, Melo stopped him with a superkick. Melo and Knight each got nearfalls. Knight hit a leaping neckbreaker after avoiding a Melo move. Knight hit a top rope elbow drop for two. Knight went for the BFT, but Melo put his hands down to counter and Melo hit a scissors kick to the back. Melo lifted up Knight leading to a Cutter for two. Melo went up top, Andrade looked at him, Melo jumped off the top and Knight avoided a move. Melo got a backslide pin for two. Knight picked up Melo for a slam, Melo landed on his feet and Knight hit Blount Force Trauma (BFT) for the pinfall win…yeah. It went about ten minutes.
Winner by pinfall: LA Knight…yeah
Analysis: ***1/4 It was a pretty good match. A few more minutes would have been nice and it would have been nice to see Melo get more offense. With that said, it was pretty obvious that Knight was going to get the win here because he has only been champion for two months, so I don’t expect him to lose the title soon.
After the match, Andrade mocked Melo about losing.
Jimmy Uso was shown walking backstage and he walked up to the Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, who thanked Jimmy for helping him on Saturday. Jimmy said consider it a favor, but don’t expect more of those. Cody said Solo is not the same guy since he left. Solo said family business and Cody is handling business of his own as the WWE Champion so Jimmy touched the title while saying “respect” to Cody. Jimmy left.
A promo aired from Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson talking about how they’ve handled their business at NXT, so they’ve earned this title opportunity. Lash and Jakara said they would show us what they are about.
The Women’s Tag Team Title match was up next.
(Commercial)
A video aired about Bayley helping people in South Carolina helping victims of the hurricanes recently. Go to WWE.me/RedCross to help.
The team of Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson made their entrance for their main roster debut match.
Kevin Owens went down to ringside with a microphone saying he wasn’t supposed to be here, but he had to talk about this. The fans were booing him. Owens said that Cody Rhodes turned on him. KO’s microphone was turned off. Security and officials went down to ringside to stop Owens. Cody Rhodes was held back by officials, security and Smackdown General Manager Nick Aldis.
Randy Orton went down to the ring. Orton told Cody he’ll talk to him. Orton went into the ring, Owens shoved him away and Owens accidentally hit Owens with a back elbow. Orton responded with a punch that knocked Owens down. Owens left in the crowd while selling the punch by holding his nose. Orton looked apologetic about it as the show went to break.
Analysis: They had to follow up on the Kevin Owens-Cody Rhodes story in some way, so that’s a quick way to get it on the show. The idea that Owens wasn’t allowed to be there yet he showed up was a good way to get him some heat. Owens saying that Cody turned on him is KO’s version of the story showing that he was jealous of Roman Reigns teaming with Cody at Bad Blood instead of Owens in that spot. That’s why Owens did what he did by turning on Cody. It will be interesting to see how the story is followed up on in the weeks ahead.
(Commercial)
The NXT Champion Trick Williams was at ringside to watch the match. They didn’t mention it, but Trick is dating Lash Legend, so it’s nice of WWE to bring him to the show to support his lady.
Piper Niven & Chelsea Green were also watching from ringside. There was a backstage segment before the match Niven & Green claiming that the champs were ducking them. The champs sold that Green smells since she lost a Dumpster Match last week.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill vs. Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson
Jackson hit a dropkick and Lash hit a forearm to the match. Jackson hit a running forearm on Belair. Lash hit a spinebuster off the shoulders. Jackson hit a senton splash on Belair’s back. Lash held Belair and Jackson hit a running neckbreaker for a two count because Jade made the save. Lash nailed Jade with a forearm. They left the ring so Lash kicked Green down. Belair broke free and Jade got the tag. Jade kicked Lash off the apron. Belair and Jade hit their double knee into a German Suplex combo move on Jackson for the pinfall win after just three minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill
Analysis: *1/2 It was a quick match to give the champions a win. Lash & Jakara were impressive while they were on offense for the first part of the match, but they had no shot here. It was just Belair selling for a couple of minutes, Jade got the tag and that was it.
The WWE Women’s Champion Nia Jax and Miss Money in the Bank Tiffany Stratton were walking backstage for a promo segment up next.
(Commercial)
There was a replay of the Kevin Owens segment from earlier in the night.
Randy Orton spoke to Cody Rhodes in the parking lot area telling him to calm down. Nick Aldis was there talking to Cody Rhodes telling him he needed to focus to beat Gunther at Crown Jewel. Orton told Cody to take his WWE Title, get on his bus and get out of there. Orton said he can fix this. Aldis said look at Orton, the voice of reason. Who would have thought? Orton didn’t respond to that.
Let’s Hear from Nia Jax with Tiffany Stratton
At WWE Crown Jewel, WWE Women’s Champion Nia Jax takes on Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan to crown the first ever Crown Jewel Women’s Champion.
Nia Jax said that as the WWE Women’s Champion she has a busy agenda. Jax said that Bayley put up a hell of a fight last week and Jax even broke a sweat, so Bayley was a worthy contender. Jax said that Bayley realized that nobody on this planet could beat Jax, especially her counterpart on Raw, Liv Morgan. Jax said that “little girl” wants to face your Women’s Champion at Crown Jewel. Jax said she’ll annihilate Morgan like she annihilated Bayley. Jax said when she becomes the Women’s Crown Jewel Champion, it’s Tiffy Time. Jax said that’s when Tiffany Stratton cashes in on Liv Morgan.
Naomi made her entrance in a good mood since she beat Tiffany Stratton last week. Naomi said that the only reason Jax is still the champion is because the “broke down Barbie” (Stratton) helped Jax again. Naomi mentioned that she pinned Stratton last week like when she pinned Jax. Naomi got into the ring with Jax. Jax said it took Bayley and Naomi to pin Jax at the same time. Naomi got in Jax’s face saying she didn’t need help to beat Jax. Naomi claimed she could beat Jax right now. Jax told Smackdown GM Nick Aldis to send out a referee because he wanted to annihilate Naomi right now. A referee ran down to ringside.
Liv Morgan, the Women’s World Champion, made her entrance joined by Dominik Mysterio and Raquel Rodriguez. Liv said that they came all the way over here just to make an example of Jax. Liv said that they’re going to watch along with everyone as Jax loses her match tonight just like she’ll lose to Morgan at Crown Jewel. Jax shoved Naomi down.
Analysis: Naomi did beat Tiffany Stratton last week, so it makes sense for her to want a match with Jax. Naomi also lost to Bayley recently, but I don’t mind having Naomi step up in this spot. Jax’s promo was the usual from her. She does well in her role as the heel champion who benefits from the friendship with Stratton, but we know that’s not going to last that much longer.
(Commercial)
Nia Jax (w/Tiffany Stratton) vs. Naomi
This was not a title match. The trio of Liv Morgan, Dominik Mysterio & Raquel Rodriguez were watching from ringside. Naomi got some offense with a kick, but Jax came back with a splash against the turnbuckle. Jax hit a running splash on Naomi for two. Jax hit a running hip attack on Naomi against the turnbuckle, so it made a loud noise and got a two count. Naomi landed on her feet to counter a move and Naomi did a leg scissors to spike Jax’s head into the mat. Naomi hit a split-legged leg drop on the apron. Naomi kicked Jax into the barricade. Naomi hit a running dropkick into the ring post. They were on the floor where Naomi kicked Jax in the back of the head. Naomi gave Naomi a Samoan Drop on the floor as the show went to break.
(Commercial)
Jax gave Naomi a body slam. Jax went for a running senton splash, but Noami avoided it. Naomi with a jumping side kick followed by a bulldog into the middle turnbuckle. Naomi jumped off the top with a cross body block for two. Naomi hit a springboard kick to the head that knocked Jax out of the ring. Naomi hit a corkscrew plancha over the top to take out Jax on the floor. The referee looked at Jax in the ring, so Stratton kicked Naomi in the gut and then Raquel Rodriguez stole the Money in the Bank briefcase from Stratton. Naomi kicked Stratton down. Naomi went up top, Jax hit her with a headbutt and Jax knocked Naomi down. Jax went up top, Raquel went on the apron and Morgan hit Jax with the MITB briefcase in the side of the hip two times. The referee never saw that. Naomi hit Jax with a Powerbomb out of the corner for the pinfall win after about 11 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Naomi
Analysis: *** It was a solid match with a cheap finish. In the Vince McMahon days, we saw champions lose non-title far too often and it’s not the case in this Triple H Era of booking, which is a good thing. In this case, I didn’t mind the champion Jax losing because it told the story that Naomi could find a way to win thanks to the chaos at ringside leading to the big move out of the corner for the win. Jax can complain that it wasn’t fair while Naomi can get a title match because she won.
After the match , Rhea Ripley’s music hit and she attacked Raquel Rodriguez by sending Raquel into the barricade in the aisle a few times. The fans loved it. Morgan went into the ring, so Ripley kicked Jax down. Dominik distracted Ripley, who swiped at him and Raquel pulled Liv out of the ring. Ripley stood in the ring because people stop attacking when somebody leaves the ring.
Analysis: It was some revenge from Rhea Ripley, which the fans enjoyed. That rivalry isn’t over just because of what happened at Bad Blood and I think Ripley going after them makes sense.
Carmelo Hayes was backstage with an ice bag on his head. Hayes complained to Smackdown GM Nick Aldis in the backstage area. Melo complained about Andrade distracting him in his match. Aldis reminded Melo he was 3-3 against Andrade, so Nick said it will lead to Game 7. Aldis told Melo don’t miss.
Legado Del Fantasma’s Santos Escobar approached Aldis with Escobar’s group by his side (Angel, Humberto & Elektra Lopez). Escobar complained about a lack of opportunities for their group. Aldis mentioned Escobar losing a US Title match and Escobar said he was talking about his whole group like Elektra and the Los Garza team. Aldis told Los Garza that next week he has found them a team to face next week.
Analysis: That sounds like Motor City Machine Guns debuting next week to beat Los Garza. That’s fine with me.
Solo Sikoa was seated backstage somewhere with a spotlight on him. Solo said that Jimmy Uso may be his big brother, but Solo is the Tribal Chief and Jimmy will acknowledge him.
(Commercial)
A video package aired about the cars in the street and other fast action things going on. It’s for the Motor City Machine Guns WWE debut and it said “Next Week” at the end of it.
There was a recap of The Bloodline’s Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa retaining the WWE Tag Team Titles last week on Smackdown.
The #DIY team and The Street Profits were backstage arguing. Smackdown GM Nick Aldis was there to tell them that last week was their shot. Aldis said that he has a new team coming next week. The #DIY and Street Profits guys were arguing some more. Aldis ran away from there and we cut to a scene of Kevin Owens beating up Randy Orton with punches and kicks. Owens asked Orton if he was going to pick sides now. Security showed up to get Owens out of there. Aldis shouted for some help for Orton.
Analysis: It was another cheap attack from Kevin Owens to get more heat on him as a heel. I like it because it shows that KO’s jealousy has taken over and he doesn’t mind turning on his friends like Cody and Owens.
Solo Sikoa made his entrance for the main event joined by The Bloodline’s Jacob Fatu and WWE Tag Team Champions Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa. Solo had the Ula Fala around his neck.
This Monday on Raw: Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill defend the Women’s WWE Tag Team Championships against Damage CTRL while WWE Champion Cody Rhodes goes face to face with World Heavyweight Champion Gunther.
(Commercial)
There was a video package about the epic CM Punk-Drew McIntyre Hell in a Cell match at Bad Blood. Punk got the win.
Jimmy Uso made his entrance for the main event. It was Jimmy’s first match since WrestleMania 40 when he lost to twin brother Jey Uso. A replay was shown of Solo turning on Jimmy this past April when Tama Tonga made his debut.
Solo Sikoa (w/Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa) vs. Jimmy Uso
Solo told his brother that he was the Tribal Chief and told Jimmy he would acknowledge Solo so the fans booed that. Jimmy punched Solo followed by an uppercut and two chops. Solo sent Jimmy into the turnbuckle. Solo hit Jimmy with an elbow smash. Jimmy sent Solo out of the ring and Jimmy hit a suicide dive on Solo on the floor. Back in the ring, Jimmy jumped off the top with nothing, so Solo punched Jimmy in the head. Solo shouted at Jimmy that he was not his little brother any more. Solo set up Jimmy by the ropes, so Jacob punched Jimmy as a cheap shot. Jimmy sent Solo face first into the turnbuckle. Solo punched Jimmy in the ribs followed by a clothesline on the apron. Jimmy came back with a kick along with a shoulder tackle to the ribs. Solo punched Jimmy off the apron to the floor. Fatu hit a running body attack on Jimmy on the floor. They went to break there.
(Commercial)
The match continued as Solo hit a running hip attack on Jimmy against the turnbuckle. Solo told Jimmy he should have stayed at home. Jimmy fought back with punches, Solo pushed Jimmy off and Jimmy sent Solo onto the mat, but Solo no sold that and Solo hit a spinning heel kick. Solo set up Jey by the ropes again, the referee wasn’t looking and Jacob punched Jimmy. After some trash-talking from Solo again, Jimmy kicked him in the gut and Jimmy hit a DDT. Jimmy delivered some chops, but Solo came back with a Spinning Solo for two. Solo hit another running hip attack against the turnbuckle. Solo took way too long to charge again, so Jimmy hit a superkick. Jimmy kicked Solo in the gut a few times along with a kick to the head. Jimmy kicked Solo again. Jimmy went up top and Jimmy hit a cross body block for two. The three Bloodline guys were on the apron so Jimmy knocked them down. Jimmy hit an uppercut punch followed by a Samoan Drop for two. Jimmy went up top, Tama distracted the referee, Jacob tripped up Jimmy (the referee never saw it) and Solo hit a Samoan Spike on Jimmy to win. It went about 12 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Solo Sikoa
Analysis: **3/4 The match was okay, but also a little slow at times. I get wanting to take your time and tell a story. I’m just saying sometimes Solo Sikoa matches are not that interesting. I liked Jimmy’s comeback before the predictable finish that saw The Bloodline interfere to help Solo win, which was the finish most people were likely expecting.
After the match, The Bloodline guys punched Jimmy, so Roman Reigns made the save. Reigns hit a Superman Punch on Jacob Fatu in the aisle. Reigns took care of Tonga Loa & Tama Tonga with Superman Punches as well. The fans chanted “OTC” for Reigns. Roman punched Solo, but Fatu was back in with a forearm to the back. Fatu hit Reigns with a running hip attack. Fatu nailed Jimmy with a superkick. Fatu went up top and hit a moonsault on Jimmy. Tama & Loa held Reigns, so Solo hit Reigns with a Samoan Spike to the throat.
Solo Sikoa left with The Bloodline while Jacob Fatu put the Ula Fala around Solo’s neck. Jimmy Uso spoke to Roman Reigns saying that “we need help” and Reigns was down selling the Samoan Spike to the throat. That was the end of Smackdown.
Analysis: It was a 4-on-2 advantage for The Bloodline, so it pushes the idea that Jimmy is right by telling Reigns that they need help. It should lead to Jey Uso coming to the aid of Roman & Jimmy soon. We may also see Paul Heyman in the mix as the Wise Man to try to get the group back together. Anyway, The Bloodline lost at Bad Blood, so they got the upper hand this week. I’m not surprised by that booking to end the show.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Jimmy Uso & Roman Reigns
- Naomi
- LA Knight
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The Scoreboard
7.25 out of 10
Last week: 7
2024 Average: 7.37
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Final Thoughts on WWE Smackdown
I thought it was a strong show in terms of the storyline advancement throughout the night. The match quality wasn’t that great all night long, but the storylines moved along well. I liked Roman Reigns & Jimmy Uso reuniting while Jimmy tried to tell Roman that they needed Jey Uso with them again. By the end of the night, Reigns might have realized it since The Bloodline led by Solo stood strong again. They are obviously going to reunite Roman’s Bloodline as babyfaces, but I like that there’s a slow build to it.
The women’s division was featured in two of the four matches, so that was cool to see. Naomi beating Nia Jax non-title thanks to a cheap finish caused by Liv Morgan and friends will likely lead to a Women’s Title match. That also led to Rhea Ripley showing up to go after Morgan.
Kevin Owens doing a promo about Cody Rhodes never got going because they pushed the idea that he wasn’t allowed to be there due to his cheap attack on Cody at Bad Blood. I like how this angle is going with Owens coming across as a loose cannon kind of heel. That led to Owens attacking Randy Orton backstage as well. I think this is going to be a great story in the weeks ahead.
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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