The John Report: WWE SmackDown 11/08/24 Review

This is WWE Smackdown featuring an Undisputed Tribal Chief Acknowledgement Ceremony and a big announcement.

The WWE Crown Jewel PLE took place last Saturday. The big story from the Smackdown brand is that The Bloodline trio of Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga beat the original Bloodline trio of Roman Reigns, Jey Uso & Jimmy Uso in a match where Solo pinned Roman. Next up on the PLE calendar is Survivor Series: WarGames on November 30th.

Also, the Smackdown GM Nick Aldis posted on Twitter/X about 45 minutes before this show that he had an exciting, history-making announcement to make tonight.

From the Keybank Center in Buffalo, New York, this is Smackdown for episode #1316. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

Solo Sikoa and his version of The Bloodline was shown walking around earlier in the day.

A video package aired about the WWE Crown Jewel PLE when Sami Zayn saved Roman Reigns and The Usos. However, Sami also accidentally hit Reigns with a Helluva Kick, so that led to issues between the babyface side.

The commentary team was Michael Cole and Corey Graves.

Let’s Hear from Roman Reigns, The Usos & Sami Zayn

Roman Reigns made his entrance joined by cousin Jimmy Uso. There were a lot of hands up in the air acknowledging the Original Tribal Chief along with a lot of cheering from the fans. They took a while to get into the ring as usual.

Jey Uso made his entrance before Reigns said a word, so the fans were going wild for Jey during his entrance as usual. Jey thinks that there’s a lot of misunderstanding going on here, so listen to what he has to say.

Sami Zayn made his entrance to a big pop from the crowd. Roman Reigns didn’t look too happy about it, but the fans were happy about it as they sang Sami’s song on Sami’s way to the ring. The fans were chanting “Sami Uso” for Zayn.

Zayn spoke to Reigns saying that kick to the face wasn’t on purpose. Zayn said that the only reason he showed up at Crown Jewel was for Jey. Zayn said that he would love to say the only reason he’s out there tonight is because Jey asked him tonight, but that’s not true. Zayn said that it’s been a long time since he’s been in the ring together with Roman. Zayn said that at Crown Jewel, when it was the four of them for just a minute, it was special. Zayn talked about how it took him back to a special time in his career and a special time in his life with family. Zayn said that even though there’s been a lot between them, he still has a soft spot for the four of them together in The Bloodline. Zayn said he knew they all felt it too. Zayn said he knows because Reigns is standing there right now.

Zayn said that on some level, you want all of this back. Zayn said that people think the opposite of love is hate, but it’s not because it’s indifference. Zayn said he didn’t think Reigns was indifferent to him because he thinks Reigns loves Zayn. Zayn pointed at Reigns while claiming that he was smirking and said it was still there. Zayn said that you remember the old days just like everybody else. Zayn said it can be like they used to be when they were in the SUV and they can run all of that back. Zayn said he’s going to put the ball in Roman’s court. Zayn said if Reigns wants Zayn to leave then he’ll do it. The fans booed that. Zayn said he doesn’t think that’s what Reigns wants because he thinks Roman wants all of them fighting together side by side and if Reigns wants that, Zayn will do it. Zayn said he wants Reigns to do one thing to him: Apologize.

Reigns replied saying Sami wanted Reigns to apologize to Zayn? Sami said it’s not for me. Zayn wanted Reigns to apologize to Jey.

Reigns looked at Jey: “I’m sorry. I’m sorry that I ever let you waste my time with this.” Reigns told Jey that Zayn is not in their family, he’s not blood, he’s not honorary and he’s not an Uso. Reigns said that this is not about him because this is about Solo. Reigns called for Solo to bring his ass out to the ring right now so they can handle business. Sami walked away.

Jacob Fatu appeared on the video screen saying that Solo Sikoa is their Tribal Chief, so Reigns is in the back of the line now. Fatu said that Solo moves on his own time, so at the end of the day, Reigns will acknowledge that. Reigns was shown frustrated in the ring with The Usos while Zayn was in the aisle.

Analysis: I thought Sami Zayn did a great job with his promo. Sami made great points about how good this group is together and the fans loved every second of it. Zayn made it clear he’d be on their side, but he wanted Reigns to show respect to Jey, who is Zayn’s close friend. Instead, Reigns complained about Zayn being involved, so it shows there are still issues there. They still have plenty of time to figure all of this out before we get to Survivor Series at the end of the month.

Bayley was shown walking backstage for a match up next.

(Commercial)

A video aired about WWE Elimination Chamber heading to Toronto on Saturday, March 1st at Rogers Centre. That was announced earlier on Friday. It’s two hours from me and I’m not going to WrestleMania, so I think I’m going to be there.

Roman Reigns was shown walking backstage with Jimmy Uso. Jey Uso said he wanted to talk to Reigns. Jey said he wanted Reigns to hear him out. Reigns said that Zayn is nothing to them. Reigns told Jey to go find him if he loves him so much. Jey said if Reigns talks to him like that, Jey is out. Jey told Reigns that’s his one pass. Jey left. Jimmy wondered what Reigns was doing and Reigns told Jimmy to go find his brother, but then Jimmy went in the other direction.

Analysis: They are continuing the story that Reigns has had a hard time adjusting to the idea that he can’t boss these guys around like he used to do in the past, so Reigns has to evolve from his role as the Tribal Chief.

Bayley vs. Candice LeRae

Bayley was beaten by LeRae recently. Bayley also got into the business after LeRae, so Bayley always looked up to her. They are California girls. This is the first time seeing LeRae without Indi Hartwell, who was released recently.

LeRae kicked Bayley in the shoulder early in the match. Bayley hit a shoulder tackle and a running elbow. Cole talked about Bayley growing up in wrestling as somebody who looked up to LeRae. They battled by the ropes where LeRae hit a neckbreaker across the middle rope.

(Commercial)

The match continued with LeRae hitting Bayley hitting shoulder tackles to the ribs. LeRae did a hair pull to knock Bayley down by the turnbuckle. LeRae held Bayley’s arms and sent Bayley into the ring post. LeRae went up top and hit a missile dropkick for two. Bayley came back with a clothesline. Bayley tackled LeRae into the turnbuckle followed by punches. LeRae charged at Bayley, who sent her into the top turnbuckle. Bayley hit a neckbreaker across the middle rope. Bayley hit a spinning sidewalk slam for a two count. LeRae rolled out of the ring, Bayley chased her and then they went back into the ring where LeRae faked a left knee injury. Bayley turned her back, LeRae tried a rollup, but Bayley was ready for it and Bayley sat on top while hooking the legs for the pinfall win. It went about nine minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Bayley

Analysis: **3/4 A solid match between two veteran wrestlers who know eachother very well. LeRae tried to cheap tactic by faking an injury, but Bayley was ready for it and it was a crafty win for Bayley.

Johnny Gargano walked up to the Motor City Machine Guns and said it was great to see them in WWE. The Machine Guns said thanks for that while saying they enjoyed facing #DIY. Gargano wished them good luck in their match tonight. After the Machine Guns left, Tommaso Ciampa walked up to Gargano wondering what that was about. Gargano said that he’s known those guys since he was 19 years old and thought of Alex Shelley was like a big brother to him. Ciampa said that they took their spot and took #DIY’s titles. Ciampa said they’ll make an example of Pretty Deadly and then they’ll let the Guns know they will be taking their titles back.

Analysis: I liked the aggression shown by Ciampa there. Perhaps he’ll split up with Gargano if they can’t get the titles back.

Randy Orton was shown walking backstage and he headed toward the ring. Cole said they weren’t expecting Orton, but here he is.

(Commercial)

There were members of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills in the front row. Great team. Cole complained about being a Jets fan.

Randy Orton Calls Out Kevin Owens

Randy Orton said that Crown Jewel was only the beginning. Orton called out Kevin Owens, even said a swear word that was muted and said that he was going to whip Kevin’s ass in front of the whole world right now. Kevin Owens appeared with a “Kevin Is Right” shirt. Owens shoved WWE Producer Petey Williams and Owens went down to the ring.

Kevin Owens got into the ring with Randy Orton and they exchanged strikes. There were WWE Producers in the ring along with officials. Owens kicked Orton in the gut and Owens gave Orton a piledriver. It was a very safe move while Cole was screaming about how there’s a reason a piledriver is banned. Cole: “What the hell is wrong with you?” Smackdown GM Nick Aldis went down to ringside to check on Orton. Referees were checking on Orton, who was holding his neck. Owens went over the barricade and walked to the back. The announcers used SERIOUS VOICES~! to talk about it.

They showed a replay of KO’s piledriver and once again it was very safe with KO’s butt taking the move. Cody Rhodes had joined the others in checking on Orton. The EMT’s put Orton on the stretcher. It looked like the EMTs were indy wrestlers rather than actual EMT’s, but that’s WWE for you.

Randy Orton was wheeled into an ambulance and Cody Rhodes said he was going to go with him. They put Orton into the ambulance and Cody went in there with the EMTs as well. The ambulance drove off.

Analysis: The Orton-Owens story is obviously going to continue after their chaotic fight at Crown Jewel that wasn’t really a match. The stretcher job by Orton is going to put Owens over as a crazy heel who is capable of hurting somebody with just one move. Enjoy the break, Randy. I’m not sure if they’ll have a match at Survivor Series or if there’s another plan for it. I thought it was executed well as an angle while the announcers using SERIOUS VOICES~! helps the story as well.

(Commercial)

The announcers talked about what happened with Kevin Owens attacking Randy Orton. Cole said Orton would be going to a hospital. He said hospital instead of “local medical facility” so it truly is a new era.

#DIY – Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano vs. Pretty Deadly – Kit Wilson & Elton Prince

The match started with Ciampa attacking Prince while Wilson was on the apron and bumped to the floor. Ciampa kicked Prince out of the ring. Ciampa tossed Wilson into the ring post. Ciampa rammed Prince’s head (more like hands) into the hood of the commentary table repeatedly. Ciampa tossed Wilson over the barricade and onto the floor. Ciampa sent Prince into the steel steps two times. Ciampa picked up Prince and hit a Fairytale Ending for the pinfall win in about three minutes.

Winners by pinfall: #DIY – Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano

Analysis: *1/2 A dominant win by Ciampa beating Pretty Deadly on his own without even tagging in Gargano. It shows that Ciampa is angry and showing signs of how he was like in his heel “Blackheart” days.

A women’s tag team match with Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill teaming up against Nia Jax & Tiffany Stratton was up next.

(Commercial)

There were images and videos shown of the WWE live event tour over the last week. That led to graphics shown about WWE heading to Europe in the month of March next week with multiple Raw and Smackdown episodes along with live events.

A replay was shown of Liv Morgan beating Nia Jax at Crown Jewel to win the Women’s Crown Jewel Championship. Liv won because she had some help.

Tiffany Stratton approached Candice LeRae in the backstage area. Stratton mocked LeRae for losing to Bayley while LeRae mentioned Stratton lost to her as well. Nia Jax walked up to Stratton complaining about being in a tag team match. Stratton said if they beat Bianca & Jade then they’d be in line for a title shot and they’d rule the women’s division. Jax said she already rules the women’s division. LeRae said if she was at Crown Jewel then Jax would have won.

Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill vs. Nia Jax & Tiffany Stratton

The Women’s Tag Team Titles held by Belair & Cargill are not on the line in this match. Next week on Smackdown, Jax will defend the WWE Women’s Title against Naomi.

Jade used her power to send Stratton into the turnbuckle, but Stratton came back with a slap to the face. Jade gave Stratton a fallaway slam. Jax tagged in, Stratton tripped up Belair on the apron, Jade was distracted by that and Jax gave Jade a Samoan Drop as the show went to break.

(Commercial)

Jax was in control of Jade with a chinlock. Jade tried to break free, but Jax hit her with a headbutt. Jade came back with a vertical suplex. Belair got the tag and the crowd came alive for it as Belair hit a forearm along with a dropkick. Belair hit a vertical suplex on legal opponent Stratton. Belair worked over Stratton with hammer fists against the turnbuckle. Stratton pulled on Belair’s hair and then Belair hit a spinebuster. Belair went for a handspring moonsault, but Stratton got the knees up. Jax tagged in, Bianca avoided a splash and Bianca wanted KOD, but Jax avoided it. Stratton tagged in for a Blockbuster/Samoan Drop combo for two because Jade made the save. Jade and exchanged strikes, Jade delivered a pump kick and Jax hit a running body splash. Legal women Belair countered Stratton for a two count. Belair hit a Spear with no cover. Candice LeRae showed up at ringside, Jax was on the apron, referee Robinson was distracted by that and LeRae showed up to shove Belair down. Stratton hit a double foot stomp on Belair. Naomi fought with LeRae at ringside. Stratton was on the turnbuckle yelling at LeRae so Belair knocked Stratton down there. Naomi went after LeRae with punches, Jax knocked Naomi down and Jade superkicked Jax. Belair hit KOD on Stratton for the win. It went about 10 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill

Analysis: *** It was a pretty good match with a controversial finish due to all the chaos on the floor. Jax just got pinned at Crown Jewel, so I’m not surprised it was Stratton taking the fall in this match. They are pushing the idea of LeRae not getting along with Stratton, so that should lead to Jax liking LeRae and that can lead to Stratton’s face turn which is obviously coming soon. I liked how the match was put together with Belair getting the hot tag because the intensity picked up when she got in there.

The A-Town Down Under team of Grayson Waller & Austin Theory were shown walking backstage for a match up next.

(Commercial)

Motor City Machine Guns – Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley vs. A-Town Down Under – Austin Theory & Grayson Waller

This was supposed to be the Grayson Waller Effect talk show, but now it’s a match. This was not for the WWE Tag Team Titles held by MCMG.

The champions Shelley & Sabin were on offense against Theory with some quick double team moves. Waller faced off with Sabin leading to Waller hitting a jumping side kick. Alex made the tag and the Guns hit double team kicks to the body of Waller. Alex chopped Waller and sent Waller into the turnbuckle followed by the ten punch combo. Alex did a slingshot dive over the top on to Theory on the floor. Alex was selling a left leg injury, so Theory grabbed the leg and Waller hit an elbow for two. That led to a break.

(Commercial)

Waller tagged in with a rising knee lift on Alex followed by Theory & Waller hit a double forearm smash on Alex for a two count. Waller tossed Alex out of the ring, but Alex came back with a superkick while on the floor. Back in the ring, Alex avoided a splash by Waller and Sabin got the tag against Theory. Sabin hit a jumping kick to the head of Theory. Sabin hit a missile dropkick on Theory to send him out of the ring. Sabin sent Waller out of the ring, so Sabin hit a suicide dive onto the heels on the floor. Alex hit a running clothesline followed by Sabin going off the top for a double team missile dropkick/legsweep combo move for two. Alex wrenched on the left arm against the shoulder. Theory picked up Sabin for a move, but Sabin countered it. Waller went back into the ring for a jumping flatliner on Sabin and Theory covered for two. Waller worked over Sabin with punches. Waller went for the elbow drop off the middle rope, but Sabin avoided it. Sabin tried a rollup for two. Alex got the tag, the Guns did a double team kick and the Guns hit their Skull & Bones (neckbreaker/splash combo) move for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Motor City Machine Guns – Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley

Analysis: ***1/4 A good tag team match to give the Machine Guns a clean win over a credible heel team. There were times when the crowd wasn’t into it much because MCMG are so new to a lot of WWE fans, but that should improve over time. Theory & Waller work well as a team, but it’s not like they are winning matches that much these days.

Roman Reigns was shown backstage by himself thinking about everything going on. The Solo Sikoa segment was up next.

(Commercial)

The UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira was shown at ringside.

A video aired about Cody Rhodes beating Gunther at Crown Jewel.

The Motor City Machine Guns team was shown walking backstage when #DIY showed up. The Street Profits showed up B-Fab saying that they’ve got next. They are getting a WWE Tag Team Title match next week on Smackdown in Milwaukee. Ciampa was furious, complained about it and left. The Profits and Guns exchanged words with the Guns saying they came to WWE to face the best. Angelo Dawkins said we’ll see how they handle the pressure.

New Women’s Championship Announced

The Smackdown GM Nick Aldis was featured in a video package backstage. Aldis introduced the new WWE Women’s United States Championship saying it will be earned by whoever is willing to go above and beyond. Aldis said that opportunity knocks, so it’s time to answer and make history.

Cole and Graves talked about how great it is for women to have a new championship to compete for.

Analysis: That’s awesome. I think it’s great that a Women’s US Title is coming to Smackdown. The division is deep, so there will be plenty of contenders.

The women of WWE continue to show that they are the very best in the business. The Women’s United States Championship will showcase their continued effort.

So, who’s going to step up and take it? pic.twitter.com/Zyg5mzhWiC

— Triple H (@TripleH) November 9, 2024

Next week on Smackdown in Milwaukee:

* WWE Women’s Championship: Nia Jax vs. Naomi

* WWE Tag Team Championships: Motor City Machine Guns vs. The Street Profits

The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa entered for the Tribal Chief Acknowledgement Ceremony. Solo was wearing the Ula Fala around his neck. They entered the ring as the show went to break.

(Commercial)

Tribal Chief Acknowledgement Ceremony

Solo Sikoa told Buffalo to acknowledge him, which led to boos from the crowd.

Roman Reigns made his entrance and the fans loved that. Reigns made his way into the ring with Solo’s version of The Bloodline. Solo said before he makes the fans acknowledge him, he needs Reigns to acknowledge Solo as the Undisputed Tribal Chief.

Reigns asked Buffalo if they acknowledged him and the fans booed that thought. Reigns said neither does he. Reigns told Solo he would never acknowledge him. Reigns said he was there to challenge him to a one-on-one match where the winner is the only Tribal Chief.

Solo laughed it off saying he didn’t need to fight Roman because he’s already the Undisputed Tribal Chief and all these people acknowledge him. Solo told Reigns that he can’t be a Tribal Chief when there’s no tribe. Solo challenged Reigns to find four people in the locker room that will team up with him and they can go to war. Solo said that they are ready for war.

Reigns said that are you talking about WarGames? Reigns said he only saw four of them. Solo counted his four guys in the ring while calming his fifth guy was his dog Sami Zayn. That led to Zayn appearing in the aisle and Solo said that Sami kicking Reigns was on purpose and claimed it wasn’t an accident.

Reigns got attacked by The Bloodline while The Usos went down to the ring to help Reigns. Fatu hit both Usos with superkicks on the floor. Solo called Sami down to the ring and Solo told Sami to kick Reigns in the face. Zayn thought about it, then he charged and Zayn nailed Solo with a Helluva Kick to the face. The fans loved that. Faut went into the ring, so Reigns hit him with a Superman Punch. Zayn hit Fatu with a Helluva Kick that knocked Fatu out of the ring. Reigns hit a Spear on cousin Solo, who bumped out of the ring.

The foursome of Reigns, Zayn, Jey and Jimmy were in the ring. The fans chanted “Sami Uso” again. Jey held up his finger in the air, Jimmy held up his finger in the air, Sami held up his finger in the air and the fans popped huge for that. Reigns also held up his finger in the air. The fans popped huge as Reigns, Zayn, Jey and Jimmy stood together in the ring with their fans in the air. Cole said it seemed like we have the original Bloodline set to do battle together at Survivor Series: WarGames. Sami hugged Jey in the ring while Reigns looked out at Solo with his group on the floor. That was the end of the show.

Analysis: It was obvious this was all going to lead to WarGames and now it’s pretty much official. The Reigns, Zayn and Usos team may have some issues that still need to be worked out, but the fans are fully behind it. I thought the segment was done well with Zayn in a hero role as the guy that chose not to hit Reigns and instead, he kicked Solo as Zayn’s way of rejecting what Solo wanted. Good job by everybody involved in the segment. Bring on the 4-on-4 WarGames match.

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Three Stars of the Show

1. The Original Bloodline – Roman Reigns, Sami Zayn, Jey Uso & Jimmy Uso
2. Motor City Machine Guns – Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley
3. Kevin Owens

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The Scoreboard

7.5 out of 10

Last week: 6.5

2024 Average: 7.37

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Final Thoughts on WWE Smackdown

This was a good show featuring the return of the original Bloodline group as they finally appeared to be on the same page. It wasn’t like the group reuniting was a major surprise since we all knew it was leading to WarGames and now it’s here. I like the story that Reigns and Zayn still have issues to work out so you don’t know for sure if they will be on the same page in the WarGames match.

I liked the continuation of the Kevin Owens-Randy Orton. They didn’t get that much TV time, but it was done in a way that felt like a big deal while also making Owens look dangerous since he used a banned move like a piledriver. It was booked well with the announcers putting over how deranged Owens is now.

It was cool seeing the brand new Women’s US Title. The time is right for a new Women’s midcard title on Smackdown and I assume we see a Women’s IC Title on Raw too.

The match quality was solid throughout the show but nothing really stood out that much. That might be because the Bloodline segments to start and end of the show were so long that they took up too much time.

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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