The John Report: WWE SmackDown 10/18/24 Review
This is WWE Smackdown featuring Roman Reigns facing off with Solo Sikoa, words from Cody Rhodes, and two huge tag team triple threat matches.
Last week on Smackdown saw Solo Sikoa beat Jimmy Uso in the main event thanks to some help from The Bloodline. After the show, Roman Reigns joined Jimmy to fight The Bloodline, but it was a tough battle. Jimmy made the point to his cousin Roman that they need help, so we’ll see how they follow up on that. When Jimmy Uso went to Raw, his twin brother Jey told him no, so Jey doesn’t want any part of it.
Also, it was officially confirmed by WWE earlier on Friday that the Motor City Machine Guns have joined the company and the Smackdown brand. GM Nick Aldis informed them that they will be in a triple threat match on this week’s show. I’m happy for Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley joining WWE since they have been great wrestlers who spent most of their 20-year careers in TNA. They have been very successful as the MCMG team and also as singles wrestlers.
From the Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina, this is Smackdown for episode #1313. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
The brand-new WWE Crown Jewel Championship was shown backstage at the show.
There was a recap of last week’s show involving Roman Reigns & Jimmy Uso fighting against Solo Sikoa’s version of The Bloodline. I summarized it earlier.
The commentary team was Corey Graves in the play-by-play role with Wade Barrett, so this team was back together. Graves said Cole was on assignment, which meant it was a rare week off for Cole.
Let’s Hear from The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa
Solo Sikoa made his entrance joined by Jacob Fatu and WWE Tag Team Champions Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa. Solo told Columbia to acknowledge him and he was booed heavily. Solo said that you better used to get seeing this because you’re looking at the present and the future. Solo said you’re looking at the Tribal Chief. Solo said he created a bigger and stronger Bloodline. Solo claimed that Roman Reigns and Jimmy Uso can’t do anything about it. Solo mentioned Jey Uso didn’t want anything to do with it either. The fans chanted “Yeet” for Jey so Solo said “No Yeet.” Solo said the beatdowns will continue for Roman Reigns unless he does one thing and comes down to the ring by the end of the night and acknowledges Solo.
Jey Uso made his entrance as the arena exploded for the entrance of the Intercontinental Champion, who made his entrance by walking down the stairs in the back part of the arena. Jey is a man of the people, so he slapped hands with the fans along with some up/down hand gestures. The fans loved Jey as usual.
Jey to Solo: “What’s up, little brother?” Jey said he wasn’t out here to fight him. Jey said that at the end of the day, he still cares about Solo since he is Jey’s little brother. Jey said that Jimmy and Roman weren’t there yet, so he was there to talk one on one. Jey told Solo to think about what he’s doing to the family and to The Bloodline. Jey said nobody has bigger issues with Roman than him, but dividing the family like this ain’t it. Jey said that he left to be his own man and he left to become the Intercontinental Champion. Jey said that fighting over the Ula Fala is not it. Jey said that it’s earned, not taken. Jey said if you want to end Roman’s power then do it, but don’t divide the family while you do it.
Solo asked if Jey was done wasting his time. Solo said he was trying to unite the family, not divide the family. Solo told Jey to stop calling him his little brother because Solo claims he’s the Tribal Chief now. Solo said he has a place for Jey and Roman in the Bloodline so just acknowledge him. Solo didn’t want Jey to follow Jimmy’s footsteps because look where it got him. Solo asked Jey if he was in or out. The fans chanted “OTC” for Roman Reigns.
Jey responded by saying that if Solo is trying to unite The Bloodline, then why did Solo have to get them? Jey mentioned Tama and Tonga. Jey said that there was a reason why they stayed away from Jacob and if he kept staring at him then Jey would knock his ass out. Jey told Solo that the next time he sees him, it’s going to be different…Yeet. Jey left. Graves wondered what Jey meant by that.
Analysis: That was an interesting segment since Jey Uso was not advertised for the show and he’s a Raw guy. Jey made it clear he’s still not loyal to Roman Reigns and he’s not back together with brother Jimmy, but Jey is also against what Solo Sikoa is doing. Jey’s line at the end will lead to people wondering what’s next because he said the next time he sees Solo, things are going to be different. It might be a way of referencing the likely WarGames battle, so maybe Jey is reunited with Roman & Jimmy, but it’s not acknowledged yet. Anyway, we’ll see how the story develops in the weeks ahead.
The first of two triple threat tag team matches was up next.
(Commercial)
Pretty Deadly – Elton Prince & Kit Wilson vs. The Street Profits – Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins (w/B-Fab) vs. #DIY – Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano
The winners of this match face the winners of the other triple threat match on the show. The winners of those matches face off next week for a shot at the WWE Tag Team Titles. The Street Profits were the only team to get a televised entrance. One member of each team is legal in the match and you can only tag your partner.
They did a spot where Ciampa chased Prince around the ring and Wilson nailed Ciampa to knock him down. Dawkins hit a Pounce on Prince to knock him down. Gargano hit a suicide dive. Ford jumped over the top with a somersault dive onto a couple of guys on the floor. Back in the ring, Ford jumped off the top and Ciampa hit a knee smash for two. Prince and Wilson hit splashes followed by Wilson hitting a double knee attack on Ciampa like a Codebreaker for two. The fans chanted “you look stupid” at Pretty Deadly for their pink frilly outfits. Ford rolled up Prince for a two count as the show went to break.
(Commercial)
The match continued with Ford hitting an Air Raid Crash (White Noise) off the middle turnbuckle. Ford hit a 450 Splash off the top for a two count because Gargano broke it up. They did the sequence where guys hit a big move and another guy bumped to the floor. Dawkins launched Ciampa into a belly-to-back suplex by Ford and Pretty Deadly took advantage so Wilson got a two count out of it. Ford got back into it and hit a superkick on Wilson. Ford went up top, Prince tripped up Ford on the turnbuckle and Dawkins saved Ford from a PD double team move. Dawkins had Prince on his shoulders and Ford hit a Doomsday Blockbuster off the top on Prince. #DIY hit a Meet In the Middle kick/knee combo on Wilson. Ford was covering Prince while Ciampa covered Wilson, so both PD guys were covered. Referee Jessika Carr told ring announcer Alicia Taylor that Wilson was the legal man, so #DIY wins. It went about nine minutes.
Winners by pinfall: #DIY – Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano
Analysis: ***1/4 It was a good match that was full of action. It was hard to know who was legal due to all of the illegal action. I’m not a big fan of that, but I think in this it was booked in a smart way because it was done to create chaos about who won the match. The Street Profits were so close to winning except they pinned the wrong guy. I don’t mind that result because #DIY and The Street Profits are both awesome teams although I would like to see more of a push for the Profits, who haven’t held the titles in three years.
A replay was shown from last week when Naomi pinned WWE Women’s Champion Nia Jax in a non-title match due to some interference.
It was supposed to be a Naomi & Bayley vs. Nia Jax & Tiffany Stratton tag team match on this show, but Graves said something was happening backstage that may change it.
(Commercial)
Roman Reigns and Jimmy Uso were shown arriving in an SUV backstage. Jimmy said it was a great Travis Scott song in the car that he had never heard yet and Reigns said it was because the song isn’t out yet. They saw Jey Uso, who stared at them. Jey was going to leave, but Reigns held Jey by the arm. Reigns told Jey that he is proud of him and said they all are. Jey: “Man, no yeet.” Jey walked in another direction, but it didn’t look like he left the building. Reigns told Jimmy: “I told you.” They walked into the building.
Analysis: I like that it’s a slow build to the original Bloodline family reunion. It needs to be slow and not rushed.
Nia Jax was in the office of Smackdown GM Nick Aldis talking on the phone to Tiffany Stratton, who is apparently sick and she’s not able to compete tonight. Jax tried to have Aldis cancel her tag team match. Aldis said it’s not canceled because they can find a replacement. Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell walked in, so Candice the WWE Speed Champion suggested she team with Jax. Aldis said it’s booked and literally wrote it in a book he had in his head. Jax told Candice to hold up her end of the bargain or Jax will end her and it would take her less than three minutes, which is a reference to WWE Speed matches.
Piper Niven entered with Chelsea Green for a singles match.
(Commercial)
Lash Legend (w/Jakara Jackson) vs. Piper Niven (w/Chelsea Green)
The WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill were watching from the front row.
Lash is still a NXT wrestler, but here she is in action on Smackdown for the second week in a row. Niven ran over Lash with a shoulder tackle. Lash avoided a cross body block and Lash hit a jumping kick on Niven. Lash charged at Niven, who hit a spinebuster. Niven hit a running senton on Lash for two. Niven went for a cannonball splash, but Lash avoided it and Lash chopped Niven in the chest a few times. Lash splashed Niven against the turnbuckle. Lash tried a lift, but Niven was too big at that moment. Niven charged and Lash caught her leading to Lash hitting a body slam, so that drew a reaction. Green was on the apron, Lash got her down and Jackson tossed Green into the barricade. Niven splashed Lash against the turnbuckle. Niven went for a splash off the ropes, but Lash avoided it. Lash put Niven on her back and hit a spinning slam on Niven for the pinfall win after three minutes. Barrett called it the biggest in of Lash’s short career.
Winner by pinfall: Lash Legend
Analysis: ** They are both heel wrestlers, so the fans didn’t really have anybody to support although they did cheer for Lash using power moves on Niven. The fans popped for the body slam and the finishing move with the slam off the back. Sometimes the simple moves work especially when it’s a case of Lash showing off her power by slamming Niven like that.
After the match, Lash Legend celebrated the win with Jakara Jackson. Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill held up their Women’s Tag Team Titles from the front row in response to that.
The WWE Crown Jewel Championship was shown in a case backstage as two guys carried it with them in the case. Cody Rhodes was up next.
(Commercial)
Roman Reigns was shown in his locker room where Jimmy Uso was staring at him, which shocked Reigns. Jimmy said he was trying to relax him while being in the Wise Man’s spot. Jimmy said he wanted Roman to talk to Jey. Reigns said if the Wise Man was here it would be done by now. Reigns said that he tried to talk to Jey. Reigns said Jimmy had a shot and then Reigns said he’s going to fix this tonight. Jimmy asked how is he going to do that tonight? Reigns: “I’m going to acknowledge Solo.” It was hard to hear because the fans were chanting “OTC” for Reigns, but that’s what Roman said.
Analysis: It was a surprising end to the promo with Reigns saying he would acknowledge Solo. However, it is one of those things where the people watching are going to want to stay tuned in to see what actually happens.
Let’s Hear from Cody Rhodes
The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made his entrance to a huge ovation as usual. Cody was in a suit without a jacket. The fans were singing Cody’s song on his way to the ring. The brand new Crown Jewel Championship was in the ring and it’s an impressive belt that looks very expensive. It certainly looks more expensive than the Bragging Rights trophy. There’s an early 2010 reference for you. There was a black carpet in the ring while the Crown Jewel Title was on the table.
Cody pointed out that there was a huge crowd, so he said hi to all the fans at the top of the building and all the sides of the building. Cody said that when it comes to the pantheon of the top men and women in pro wrestling, somebody said to him that the next one doesn’t always look like the last one. Cody said that regarding the Crown Jewel Championship, it’s about who is going to be the first one. Cody wondered if NWA Champion Harley Race faced the WWWF’s Bruno Sammartino or Nick Bockwinkel faced Ric Flair. Cody mentioned WCW’s Bill Goldberg possibly facing WWE’s Steve Austin. Cody said that at the end of the night, there will be a definitive Crown Jewel Champion.
Cody spoke about how he’s not going to disparage Raw’s World Heavyweight Champion Gunther. Cody talked about how Gunther was respected and said that most men were terrified of Gunther. Cody said that he’s not terrified but if he was, he wouldn’t bet against himself. Cody mentioned the Crown Jewel Championship as one of the most beautifully designed title belts in the history of our sport. Cody spoke about how the fans knew when he came back to WWE he wanted to take the John Cena schedule and take that model. Cody said that they have added to that schedule because he has bled, he has sweat and he has paid the price. Cody spoke about how he is not done paying the price. Cody said that the real reason that he is leaving Crown Jewel as the champion is because she’s about three feet tall and will learn that you play not to lose, but you play to win. Cody wanted Gunther to come to Smackdown next week, find out the reasons why Gunther wants to win and Cody wants to look Gunther in the eye to say: “Hey champ, what do you want to talk about?” Cody held up the WWE Title and his music played to end it.
Analysis: It was a solid promo from Cody Rhodes to try to talk about the importance of the Crown Jewel Championship. I like how he referenced possible championship matches of the past in different eras of pro wrestling. Cody didn’t specifically mention his daughter Liberty at the end, but that’s who he was referring to. I wouldn’t say it was some great promo or anything that stood out, but it was certainly fine in terms of what he said.
The video was shown of Kevin Owens beating up Cody Rhodes after the Bad Blood PLE. Last week on Smackdown, Owens tried to talk, but his microphone was cut off. Randy Orton tried to help so Owens elbowed Orton. That led to Orton punching Owens. Later in the show, Owens did a cheap attack on Orton until it was broken up.
Kevin Owens Speaks His Mind
A video was shown of Kevin Owens in some darkened area likely talking into a cell phone. Owens spoke about how he’s been a part of WWE for over ten years. Owens said that he doesn’t think things have ever felt as bad as they do right now. Owens spoke about how WWE Officials told him not to come to Smackdown and he said it’s unfair and ridiculous. Owens talked about how the things that WWE superstars have done to eachother over the years, but he gets told to stay away because he dropped the “golden boy” (Cody) outside of his “stupid bus.” Owens said it makes him ask himself how appreciated and valued he is by this company. Owens said he couldn’t believe what Orton did to him. Owens said he couldn’t believe Orton betrayed him and claimed he would have never done that to Orton. Owens said he couldn’t believe Orton picked Cody Rhodes over Owens. KO said with everything that is happening with him right now between Cody and Randy, he doesn’t know if or when he can come back.
Analysis: It’s a way to set up Kevin Owens in a loose cannon type of gimmick. We know that there was a news story about how his deal was up at some point early next year, but we had a recent report up about how he may have agreed to a new deal already. However, they can use that contract bit in the storyline and say that he wants to leave unless he gets what he wants. I’m not sure if it’s going to go in that direction, but I am happy to see KO back in his heel ways. Owens was a very good face. I just like him more as a heel.
I was going to give them until tonight but I just don’t trust them.@WWE@TKOGrp@TripleH@StephMcMahon@RandyOrtonpic.twitter.com/8kPlB7a3AV
— Kevin (@FightOwensFight) October 18, 2024
The Smackdown GM Nick Aldis was shown in his office and Randy Orton approached him. Orton said he needs to get his hands on Owens and he is going to do it at Crown Jewel. Aldis said he can’t do it right now. Orton said he’s not asking permission and said he wants Owens at Crown Jewel. Aldis said he couldn’t because it was coming from up above meaning the bosses. Orton said I guess he knows who to talk to, which is a reference to the boss man Triple H. Orton left.
Analysis: They are doing a nice job of setting up the Orton-Owens match by having Orton demand it, Aldis shut it down saying he can’t and now we will see if Orton can talk to Triple H about it.
A-Town Down Under entered for a triple threat tag team match.
(Commercial)
They showed the end of Los Garza’s entrance. The Motor City Machine Guns duo of Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley made their official WWE debuts. The fans gave them a good reaction.
Motor City Machine Guns – Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley vs. Los Garza – Angel & Berto (w/Elektra Lopez) vs. A-Town Down Under – Austin Theory & Grayson Waller
The winners face #DIY next week and the winners of that match will get a WWE Tag Team Title match.
Theory and Angel attacked Sabin to start, but Sabin came back with a cross body block. Sabin hit a Tornado DDT as well. Shelley joined Sabin in the ring as they sent three opponents out of the ring. Sabin hit a suicide dive. Waller punched Shelley to knock him down. Sabin avoided Waller’s attack and MCMG each kicked Waller on the floor. The fans chanted “Motor City” for the new guys. Waller punched Shelley and brought in Theory as the show went to break.
(Commercial)
The match continued with Shelley getting beaten up in the ring. Angel & Berto each hit moonsaults off the top rope onto guys on the floor. Waller sent Angel and Humberto into the barricade. Shelley caught Waller and Shelly hit a double slam on Waller & Theory while Sabin joined in with a kick. Shelley hit a jawbreaker on Angel. Berto got the tag, Angel held both legal opponents and Humberto hit a missile dropkick for two. Theory tagged in with a big dropkick on Angel. Berto hit an enziguri kick on Shelley. Theory hit a slam onto the knee on Berto. Sabin got the tag leading to a double team running kick combo move. Both MCMG guys kicked Berto. Sabin held Berto while Shelley jumped off the top leading to a neckbreaker/top rope splash combo. Shelley covered Berto to win. It went about nine minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Motor City Machine Guns – Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley
Analysis: *** It was pretty good, but I liked the other triple threat match a bit better. The fans seemed like they were interested in Sabin & Shelley for most of the match although it wasn’t that loud. The other two teams didn’t have much of a shot to win this match. It’s the right call to have MCMG win their debut match.
The win means that the Motor City Machine Guns will face #DIY next week. The winners of that match will get a WWE Tag Team Title match.
Analysis: That should be an excellent match between two of the best teams of the last 20 years. I hope they get 12-17 minutes at least. I’m going with MCMG for the win.
Andrade and Carmelo Hayes were about to be interviewed by Byron Saxton, who mentioned Hayes & Andrade will have “Game 7” next week. Melo shoved Andrade saying nobody wanted to hear from him. They got into a fight that was quickly broken up. Melo picked up a chain off the ground and punched Andrade in the ribs. Nick Aldis showed up to break it up.
Naomi made her entrance for tag team action.
(Commercial)
Bayley & Naomi vs. Nia Jax & Candice LeRae (w/Indi Hartwell)
Jax knocked down Bayley by the turnbuckle and hit a running attack to knock Bayley. LeRae tagged in, so Baley nailed her with a forearm. Naomi tagged in with a leg drop on LeRae for two. LeRae broke free and tagged in Jax. Naomi avoided Jax by walking across her back a bit followed by Naomi slapping Jax. Naomi charged and Jax countered with a toss into the air for two. Jax gave Naomi a spinebuster and Jax followed by a senton splash on the mat for two. That led to a break.
(Commercial)
Bayley and LeRae got the tags at the same time. Bayley hit an armdrag off the ropes followed by a clothesline. LeRae stopped a suplex, but Bayley sent LeRae into the top turnbuckle. Bayley gave LeRae a sunset flip into the turnbuckle for two because Jax made the save. Naomi kicked Jax followed by Naomi spiking Jax and Bayley hit a neckbreaker on LeRae on the middle ropes. Naomi hit a suicide dive onto Jax on the floor. LeRae stopped a Bayley attack with a forearm. Bayley tripped up LeRae on the apron. Bayley sent LeRae into the ring and Indi shoved Bayley into the ring post. The referee was looking at LeRae so he didn’t see it. LeRae hit a springboard moonsault on Bayley for the one…two…and three? Yes. It’s an upset win. It went about eight minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Nia Jax & Candice LeRae
Analysis: **3/4 The result was shocking because LeRae rarely gets TV time, but I certainly don’t mind the result because it could lead to a good storyline. It could lead to Jax liking LeRae & Indi, so maybe they can be a stable of sorts while Tiffany Stratton doesn’t like either of them, which can accelerate Stratton’s cash in on Nia Jax that will lead to Stratton’s face turn. Anyway, I’m sure it was cool for Bayley to put over LeRae since they are California girls and I know Bayley looked up to Candice early in her career.
After the match, a shocked Nia Jax insisted that the referee raise her hand. LeRae and Indi were happy about the win.
Next Friday on WWE Smackdown
* Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes goes face to face with World Heavyweight Champion Gunther
* #1 Contenders Match for WWE Tag Team Titles: Motor City Machine Guns – Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley vs. #DIY – Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano
* Andrade vs. Carmelo Hayes (Part 7. Series is tied 3-3.)
Nick Aldis the Smackdown GM was interviewed by Byron Saxton. Aldis said that Andrade & Melo will settle it next week. Aldis said since it’s game 7, they needed a special referee and it’s the US Champion LA Knight. Knight walked in saying he’s beaten both guys. Knight said he’ll be the best referee WWE has ever seen. Knight made it clear to Andrade & Melo by saying he’s calling it down the middle.
Roman Reigns made his entrance wearing his “OTC” sweater as the Original Tribal Chief. That main event segment was after a break.
(Commercial)
Face to Face: Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa
Roman Reigns: “Columbia, South Carolina…maybe for the last time…acknowledge me.” The fans cheered for that.
Solo Sikoa made his entrance wearing his wrestling gear this time with the Ula Fala around his neck. The other guys in Solo’s Bloodline group weren’t with him on his walk to the ring. Solo got into the ring with Reigns.
Reigns said he heard Solo tell Jey that the Bloodline was stronger now. Reigns said he didn’t see it. Reigns said he didn’t see anything that tells them they are better off now. Reigns spoke about how they are divided and broken. Reigns talked about everything they went through in the spring, then everything they lost in the summer, and now they stand divided like this. Reigns said that he told his father (RIP Sika) that he could fix this and all he wants to do is put them back in the promised land. Reigns said he wanted titles around their waists, and more money, and Roman wanted Solo to tell him to fix this. Solo said all he had to do was acknowledge Solo. The fans booed that while chanting “OTC” for “Original Tribal Chief” Reigns.
Reigns: “I acknowledge you.” The fans booed. Reigns said it again. Solo asked if that made him feel better. Solo told Roman that’s not good enough. Solo said that he needed Reigns to acknowledge him as Roman’s Tribal Chief. The fans booed that idea as well. There was a “No” chant. Solo told Reigns to acknowledge him as his Tribal Chief or else. Reigns: “Or else what?” Solo said he knew that Reigns had never changed. Solo said since Reigns never changed, Solo will never change either. Solo snapped his fingers, so Jacob Fatu walked out with Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa, who had Jimmy Uso in their arms and Jimmy was selling like he was knocked out.
Solo tried to attack Reigns in the ring, but Reigns fought back and tossed Solo out of the ring. Reigns beat up Tama & Loa in the ring. Reigns hit a Superman Punch on Fatu. Solo was back in the ring, so Reigns hit Solo with a Superman Punch. Reigns picked up the red Ula Fala in the ring and that’s when Solo gave Reigns a low blow uppercut punch to the groin. Solo took the Ula Fala. The four Bloodline guys attacked Reigns with punches and kicks. Jacob gave Reigns an Implant DDT. Solo nailed Reigns with the Samoan Spike. The fans booed Solo and his Bloodline. Solo hit Reigns with another Samoan Spike to the throat. Jacob put the Ula Fala around Solo’s neck while the fans chanted “Solo Sucks” at Solo. Solo said that this is his Bloodline and these people acknowledge him. Solo and The Bloodline stood over a fallen Reigns. That was the end of the show.
Analysis: It was a familiar ending because we have seen Solo and this version of The Bloodline standing tall to end the show many times in the last six months. I thought that maybe when Reigns was getting attacked by the four guys, we might see Jey Uso show up, then Jimmy in the aisle could tell Jey to go help Roman and then Jey could have helped Roman there, but instead, it was another dominant attack by the Bloodline group. At some point, the babyface side is going to get stronger with Jey Uso joining them, with Paul Heyman returning and I assume it’s Sami Zayn as the fourth guy. Maybe we will see Sami on Raw talking to Jey Uso about how he should reunite with the family. Anyway, Reigns did acknowledge Solo, but since Solo didn’t feel it was genuine, that means there’s still an issue there. A solid main event segment overall.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Motor City Machine Guns – Welcome to WWE.
- #DIY
- Roman Reigns
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The Scoreboard
7.25 out of 10
Last week: 7.25
2024 Average: 7.37
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Final Thoughts on WWE Smackdown
I thought it was a typical Smackdown show, which is pretty good, but nothing that special. There was a heavy focus on The Bloodline story as usual. Roman Reigns acknowledged Solo Sikoa, yet it wasn’t genuine, so it’s not like Roman is following Solo now. That led to Solo and The Bloodline doing the cheap attack on Jimmy Uso backstage (that we never saw) and then the group of four beat up Roman in the ring. Jey Uso was there to start the night as well as backstage, yet there was no sign of him for the save. It’s a slow build to reunite Roman with his version of The Bloodline, which is fine with me. I just feel like Solo’s Bloodline dominating to end the show has been done many times in the last few months. It felt like a repeat a bit.
The in-ring action was solid although there were no matches that went over ten minutes. If either of those triple threat tag team matches got more time they would have been memorable. Lots of action and fun matches for the most part. I’m excited about the Motor City Machine Guns facing #DIY next week in a matchup of two veteran tag teams, but I am disappointed that they don’t give matches more time on Smackdown most weeks.
Cody Rhodes did a promo about facing Gunther at Crown Jewel. It was okay although it’s another example of WWE thinking we should care about this Crown Jewel Championship, yet I’m not sure if most fans care. I enjoyed the Kevin Owens promo about how he’s not sure if he wants to come back while Randy Orton wants to fight Owens. At this point, my interest level in Crown Jewel is very low even though I think the Cody-Gunther match will be outstanding.
The next WWE PLE is Crown Jewel on November 2nd in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Here’s the lineup so far.
* Men’s Crown Jewel Championship: Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. World Heavyweight Champion Gunther
* Women’s Crown Jewel Championship: WWE Women’s Champion Nia Jax vs. Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan
You can watch WWE Crown Jewel, streaming live Saturday, November 2, at 1 p.m. ET/ 10 a.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, Toronto Raptors & Toronto Maple Leafs. You can contact me using any of the methods below.
John Canton
Email: mrjohncanton@gmail.com
Twitter/X: @johnreport