The John Report: WWE SmackDown 11/15/24 Review

This is WWE Smackdown featuring words from Cody Rhodes, Motor City Machine Guns against The Street Profits, Nia Jax facing Naomi, and more. It’s also the beginning of the tournament to crown the first Women’s US Champion.

The ending of last week’s Smackdown featured the reunited version of The Bloodline with Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso & Sami Zayn standing together in the ring with the “ones” up in the air. We know it’s the original Bloodline against the Solo Sikoa-led Bloodline, but we found out on Raw that it’s going to be 5-on-5 so the teams are not finalized yet.

On a personal note, I am on vacation next week starting this Saturday, November 16 with a return on Saturday, November 23. It won’t affect Smackdown reviews because I’ll be back by next Friday night so that review will go up on time. My reviews of Raw, NXT, and AEW Dynamite will be delayed next week until the weekend. I’m not going anywhere long distance, but have some fun things planned out of town and relaxing a lot. I need to unplug from wrestling for a week, so that’s what I will do.

From the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, this is Smackdown for episode #1317. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

There were arrivals shown earlier in the day of Nia Jax with Tiffany Stratton and Naomi. Also, the Motor City Machine Guns and The Street Profits were shown on the split screen.

The commentary team was Michael Cole and Corey Graves as usual.

Let’s Hear from Cody Rhodes

The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made his entrance to a big ovation as usual. Cody was wearing one of his own shirts along with track pants and sneakers, so he wasn’t in suit mode here like we often see him for promo time. Cody will be on ESPN’s College Gameday on Saturday with Pat McAfee and others. They replayed Kevin Owens attacking Randy Orton last week with a piledriver, so Orton went to the hospital while Cody was in the ambulance with Orton.

Cody: “Kevin Owens, you have crossed quite the line. I know you are back there…would you please come out here right now?” Cody wanted Owens to come out there right now, but there was no Owens.

Nick Aldis, the Smackdown General Manager, walked out to the ring talking about what Kevin Owens did to Randy Orton last week. Aldis said that Owens crossed the line last week by hitting that piledriver while saying the reason that move is banned in this company is they want to preserve the health of the talent. Aldis said that until we figure this out, we can’t have Owens here. Cody said this is what Owens wants. Cody said he wanted to handle it. Cody said that Owens is indignant and ass, but Nick cut him off. Nick said that he didn’t want the inmates running the asylum. Nick said Owens can’t be here until this situation is resolved internally.

Cody said he knows in Nick’s role he has to be objective and dispassionate. Cody said he knows Nick is a wrestler, so put himself in Cody’s shoes. Cody said that he had to call Randy’s wife saying he didn’t know if Randy’s neck was broken. Cody said that Owens is telling everybody that it’s because of him. Cody mentioned that at WrestleMania 40, Randy Orton looked at Cody and said “Hey Code-man, I’m proud of you.” Cody said that he may loathe the “Code-man” name, but it meant a lot to him because of what Orton means to him. Cody said that Orton is on the shelf now and it’s because of Cody? Cody wondered if you want him to go to Owens’s house and beat his ass in his front yard. Cody said he knows that’s not how you want Cody representing this brand, but this ball is in your court and he won’t be waiting very long. Cody left while Nick was in the ring thinking about what Cody said to him.

Analysis: I like how this was handled. Cody Rhodes wants to fight Kevin Owens because of what Owens did to him last month, but even more so because of what Owens did to Orton. Cody blames himself for what happened to Orton, so Cody wants to get revenge. I think the position of Nick Aldis as management makes sense as well because he has to try to protect his talent and by putting over Owens as this crazy loose cannon, it makes Owens more dangerous whenever we see him again. They are doing a nice job of making Owens into a hated heel. I have enjoyed this story.

Jimmy Uso was backstage talking on the phone when he saw Jey Uso and Sami Zayn. Jimmy said it was Roman Reigns on the phone saying he’ll be there shortly. Jimmy said that he wanted them to meet together so they could talk about WarGames. Zayn said he thought he had somebody else he could ask.

Bayley made her entrance for a triple threat match.

(Commercial)

Here are the tournament graphics for the Women’s US Title. The finals are at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 14th.

Analysis: I want my fellow Canadian Chelsea Green to win the title, but it wouldn’t shock me if it was Bianca Belair or Jade Cargill. There are obviously a lot of options.

Women’s US Championship Tournament Quarterfinals: Bayley vs. Candice LeRae vs. B-Fab

The first fall wins in a triple threat match. No disqualifications and no countouts.

LeRae knocked Bayley out of the ring early in the match. B-Fab gave LeRae a body slam along with a running clothesline. B-Fab kicked LeRae down. Bayley tried to get back into it, but B-Fab stopped it and B-Fab hit a double clothesline on both opponents. They went to a break.

(Commercial)

Bayley was in control with a neckbreaker on B-Fab followed by an elbow drop to the lower back for two because LeRae made the save. Bayley and B-Fab hit LeRae with strikes, but LeRae hit a double clothesline. LeRae hit a double knee attack on Bayley for a two count. LeRae went up top, B-Fab went after her with punches and Bayley met her there with a forearm. They went for a Tower of Doom spot out of the turnbuckle, but LeRae shifted her weight and landed on top of Bayley for a two count because B-fab broke up the pin. B-Fab caught Lear with a spinning slam to send LeRae face first into the mat for a two count. Bayley was back in there as B-Fab hit a facebuster-like move. Bayley hit Bayley to Belly on B-Fab and LeRae sent Bayley out of the ring. B-Fab got a two count on LeRae. B-Fab avoided a moonsault by LeRae and Bayley sent LeRae into the turnbuckle. B-Fab hit a uranage slam on Bayley. LeRae was there to break up a pin attempt. B-Fab went for a kick, Bayley avoided it and Bayley tripped up B-Fab leading to a pinfall win. It went about 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Bayley

Analysis: *** It was a good match with B-Fab holding her own with the more experienced wrestlers. Bayley didn’t get a lot of offense, but she got the glory by countering B-Fab and getting the pin for the win. LeRae served well in her role as the heel who kept trying to steal pins, but she couldn’t get it done.

Sami Zayn was shown talking to US Champion LA Knight. It looked like Knight turned down Zayn and Knight walked away since he had a match up next.

(Commercial)

The was a plug for The Rock’s new movie Red Notice. They showed a clip of Rock on The Tonight Show smacking Jimmy Fallon with a pillow as well.

The Street Profits were with B-Fab saying they got next. The guys left. Chelsea Green and Piper Niven mocked B-Fab for losing. Green said that they (her and Niven) could become the first-ever Women’s US Champion, they’ll let B-Fab hold the title, and then said just kidding. B-Fab said only one of them can hold the title. Michin walked in with a kendo stick, so Chelsea left and said they had to go strategize.

Analysis: I enjoy the heel antics of Chelsea and Piper. They are fun to watch.

The US Champion LA Knight entered for a promo before his match. Knight said he’s been around the world and everybody is looking for this. Knight said he is still the US Champion. Knight said that Sami Zayn wants him to join this Bloodline Civil War. Knight said that it is not his fight, he doesn’t need that and he doesn’t want that. Knight said he’s perfectly fine if The Bloodline destroyed eachother. Knight said he’s not defending this title two times a year like Logan Paul. Knight said it’s time for the LA Knight US Title Open Challenge.

Santos Escobar walked out with his Legado Del Fantasma group including Angel, Berto and Elektra Lopez. Escobar got into the ring wondering why Knight couldn’t say something cool and interesting. Escobar wondered why Knight couldn’t say something like “Escobar si” meaning “yeah” in Spanish. Escobar said it was time for somebody to shut Knight up. Escobar said that Elektra Lopez has a shot in the Women’s US Title tournament, so he was thinking of bringing the US Title to his family. Knight said that he’d beaten Escobar before, so he wondered if Berto wanted an opportunity of a lifetime. Knight said that he’ll beat him like his daddy and the only one that can call him daddy is Elektra over there. The fans liked that. Berto nailed Knight with a forearm to the head and the referee was in the ring, so the match was next.

Analysis: LA Knight was correct in saying he has beaten Escobar before, so it’s fine for them to do a different match instead.

(Commercial)

United States Championship: LA Knight vs. Berto (w/Santos Escobar, Angel & Elektra Lopez)

Berto was on the apron and punched Knight. Berto went up top, Knight went after him, Berto shoved him down and Berto hit an impressive missile dropkick for two. Knight blocked a kick leading to Knight clotheslining Berto over the top to the floor. Knight bounced Berto’s head (hands) onto the commentary table repeatedly so the fans could chant “Yeah” for it. Knight hit a DDT for two. Berto got a rollup for two followed by a springboard kick to the head for two. Berto went up top, he jumped off with a moonsault, but Knight got a boot up to block. Knight hit a powerslam. Berto avoided an elbow drop. Berto hit a running dropkick against the turnbuckle. They battled on the turnbuckle, Knight headbutted Berto down and Knight jumped off the top with an elbow drop. Knight hit Blount Force Trauma (BFT) for the pinfall win after about four minutes.

Winner by pinfall: LA Knight

Analysis: **1/4 A decisive win by Knight in an open challenge match. Berto did hit some cool moves and got some offense, but it was obvious that Knight was going to win here.

After the match, LA Knight was celebrating in the ring. When he got down from the turnbuckle, Shinsuke Nakamura was there with a new, darker look and his hair covering his face. Nakamura hit Knight with a spinning back fist along with a running knee. Knight was down selling on the mat.

Analysis: That’s a good way to bring Shinsuke Nakamura back after being away for a few months.

The Usos were talking backstage when Sami Zayn walked up to them shaking his head. Zayn said it’s not looking good. The Usos and Zayn went into the Roman Reigns locker room. The camera did not follow as the show went to break.

(Commercial)

Roman Reigns was seated in a chair surrounded by The Usos and Sami Zayn. As Reigns was in the chair, Zayn said that there was nobody who wanted to work with The Bloodline, so they didn’t have a fifth guy. Jey Uso said that they had to make that call. The new Bloodline group made their entrance at that point.

The Bloodline Groups Want To Fight

Solo Sikoa made his entrance joined by Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa. As they went to the ring, Reigns was shown leaving his dressing room along with The Usos and Sami Zayn. Solo told Milwaukee to acknowledge him, so the fans booed that.

Roman Reigns made his entrance joined by Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso and Sami Zayn. They were wearing “OG Bloodline” shirts as the original Bloodline group.

The foursome of Reigns, Zayn and The Usos fought with Solo’s Bloodline group. They exchanged punches in the ring. Jey Uso ran the ropes and dove over the top taking out a few guys on the floor. Jacob knocked down Zayn and went after Reigns. Jacob left the ring where he hit superkicks on both Usos. Solo picked up Zayn, but Reigns saved Zayn because Reigns hit Solo with a Spear. Reigns and Zayn nodded at eachother. Zayn hit a somersault dive over the top on Bloodline guys on the floor.

Reigns had a showdown with cousin Jacob in the ring, but that’s when Bronson Reed from Raw showed up to hit Reigns from behind. Reed nailed Reigns with a running splash. Jacob hit a running hip attack on Reigns against the turnbuckle. The Usos and Zayn tried to fight back against The Bloodline guys, but they were outnumbered because it was 5-on-4 at this point. Reed nailed Zayn with a clothesline. Jacob hit a moonsault off the top onto Zayn. Reed hit a Tsunami off the top on Jimmy. Reigns fought back by sending Loa into the ring post. Tama attacked Reigns, but Reigns fought him off on the floor. Reigns was back in the ring with a Superman Punch for Jacob and a Superman Punch for Reed. Solo was back in with a Samoan Spike on Reigns. Jacob went up top and hit a moonsault off the top on Reigns. Reed jumped off the top with a Tsunami on Reigns. Reigns was down on the mat selling the attack while security and WWE Officials along with GM Nick Aldis were in the ring. Reigns was down selling in the ring. Solo said that this is what happens when you mess with the real Bloodline. The Solo version of The Bloodline left while Reed was clearly on their side.

Roman Reigns and Jey Uso were down on the mat selling the attack. Jey told Reigns: “Make the call. Make the call.” That led to a break.

Analysis: I thought it was great. They built that up well with Reigns looking like he was in control, but then Reed showed up and dominated in the ring. When Reigns made the comeback after the initial attack, Solo was back in there with a Samoan Spike. Reed is a great fit for the heel group since he has had so much momentum on Raw in the last few months. This Monday’s Raw was already taped so a lot of us know what is happening anyway, but you can tell without knowing the spoilers. Jey telling Reigns to make the call is about Seth Rollins due to Roman’s past with Seth, so we’ll see how it develops from here.

(Commercial)

There was a replay of the action before the break.

Kevin Owens Speaks

Kevin Owens was shown talking into his phone while in his car. Owens said he went to the arena for Smackdown, but was told to leave. Owens said he did his job last week. Owens said that Randy Orton called him out to the ring, he showed up and now he put Orton on the shelf. Owens said that GM Nick Aldis wants Owens on Smackdown next week. Owens said he was told to be there because the “golden boy” Cody Rhodes wanted him to be there. Owens said he’s going to show up for himself because he likes Utah. Owens said that when he shows up, remember he’s doing what you want him to do because he claims he is just doing his job. That was the end.

Analysis: I am really enjoying this story. It’s a smart move to advertise Kevin Owens showing up next week to set up a confrontation with Cody Rhodes.

WWE Tag Team Championships: Motor City Machine Guns – Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley vs. The Street Profits – Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins

The Street Profits have a sense of urgency to win since they haven’t had the titles in about four years. Cole put it over well while Ford & Dawkins each did recent promos about it.

Ford was aggressive as he kicked Sabin in the ribs followed by a forearm to the back. Sabin got a sunset flip on Ford for two. Sabin hit two arm drags on Ford leading to Shelly tagging in for some tandem offense including Shelly hitting a running dropkick. Ford nailed Shelley with a clothesline. Dawkins tagged in and hit a Pounce on Shelley on the floor to send Shelley over the commentary table. Nice spot to go into the break.

(Commercial)

The match returned with Shelley breaking free to bring in Sabin. There was an impressive hurricanrana by Sabin and a baseball slide to Dawkins on the floor. Sabin went to the apron while Shelley hit a running knee on Dawkins on the floor. Sabin hit a cannonball on Ford on the floor. Shelley was legal as he held Ford for a tandem dropkick/flatliner move on Ford for two. Sabin kicked Ford in the ribs and then Dawkins tagged in. Dawkins launched Sabin into the air leading to Ford hitting a German Suplex, so Dawkins covered for two. Dawkins picked up Sabin, but Tommaso Ciampa showed up to shove Ford off the top rope so it’s a DQ finish. It went about 8 minutes.

Winners by disqualification: The Street Profits – Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins (The Motor City Machine Guns remain WWE Tag Team Champions)

Analysis: **1/2 I liked the match and I thought they were on their way to something great, but then it ended suddenly due to Ciampa. We saw Ciampa’s anger issues in recent weeks, so here it was again to end this match prematurely.

After the match, Ciampa shoved Dawkins into the turnbuckle. Ciampa attacked Ford with punches and kicks. Johnny Gargano went into the ring to try to calm Ciampa down, so Ciampa shoved Gargano down. Ciampa was shouting about how he wanted the titles.

The Motor City Machine Guns picked up The Street Profits saying they had nothing to do with that, so Dawkins punched Shelley in the jaw to knock Shelley down. The Profits left at that point.

Analysis: We have seen the heel version of Tommaso Ciampa in NXT before and he’s great in the role, so it looks like we’ll be seeing that again. I liked the attitude shown by The Street Profits as well because they were angry they had their title opportunity taken away from them.

(Commercial)

Naomi was backstage when Bayley walked up to her saying she was excited about her going after the WWE Women’s Title. Bayley told Naomi to watch out for Iyo Sky. Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill walked up to Naomi saying it’s all about Naomi tonight. Belair and Jade said they would watch Naomi’s back tonight, so Bayley left.

Analysis: I like how Bayley and Belair are not allies just because they are faces. They had many matches in the past, so I’m glad there are still issues.

Here is what WWE is advertising for next week’s Smackdown:

* Women’s US Title Tournament Quarterfinals: Bianca Belair vs. Chelsea Green vs. Blair Davenport

* WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will go face to face with Kevin Owens

Naomi made her entrance for the main event. Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill were with her by the entrance, but they didn’t go to ringside.

(Commercial)

This Monday on Raw: Seth Rollins vs. Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker defends the Intercontinental Title vs. Sheamus. That show was already taped this past Monday.

Nia Jax made her entrance as the WWE Women’s Champion. Miss Money in the Bank Tiffany Stratton was with Jax, but Stratton went to the back as Jax made her way to the ring. Ring announcer Alicia Taylor did a good job with the championship introductions.

WWE Women’s Championship: Nia Jax vs. Naomi

Naomi hit a running dropkick. Jax overpowered Naomi with shoulder tackles against the turnbuckle followed by a hair toss. Jax splashed Naomi against the turnbuckle. Naomi avoided and elbow drop and Naomi hit a split-legged elbow drop. They showed the allies of both women watching backstage on giant TVs. Jax tossed Naomi out of the ring. Naomi went for a sunset flip, Jax got out of it and Jax hit a clothesline. Jax hit a running back elbow. Jax launched Naomi into the air leading to a headbutt. Graves was very impressed by that. Naomi kicked Jax and Naomi hit a used her two legs to spike Jax into the mat. Naomi hit a suicide dive onto Jax on the floor. The show went to break there.

(Commercial)

Jax was in control with a running body attack followed by a headbutt to the ribs. Jax went for a Powerbomb, but Naomi countered it into a Sunset Bomb for two. Naomi hit a springboard kick along with a cross body block. Naomi hit a jumping enziguri kick to the head. Naomi hit the Rear View (aka Flying Ass Attack) for a two count. Jax came back with a popup Samoan Drop. Jax went to the turnbuckle, so Naomi shoved Jax out of the ring to the floor. Naomi dove onto Jax on the floor. They showed backstage where Raquel Rodriguez & Liv Morgan did a cheap attack on Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill. Naomi was on the apron where Tiffany Stratton hit Naomi n the back while the referee was looking at Jax. Stratton sent Naomi into the ring. Jax hit a leg drop. Jax went to the turnbuckle, but Naomi was back up with a kick. Jax went for a powerslam off the ropes and Naomi countered it into spinning slam-type move for a two count. That was a crazy spot. Bayley went to ringside and sent Stratton into the barricade. Naomi sent Jax into the ring post. Naomi hit the split-legged moonsault for the one…two…and no because Jax got her shoulder up. That’s a finishing move for Naomi. Candice LeRae went to ringside to shove Bayley into the ring post. Naomi was on the turnbuckle, so that sunned Naomi. Jax gave Naomi a super Samoan Drop off the middle turnbuckle. Jax hit her Annihilator splash on Naomi for the pinfall win. It went 13 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Nia Jax

Analysis: ***1/2 It turned into a very good match. I didn’t expect it to be that good because when it’s a Nia Jax match you just never know. The second half of the match featured some incredible moves by both women. That counter move by Naomi off the turnbuckle when Jax looked like she would do a body slam and Naomi flipped it over – that was really cool. Anyway, Jax got the cheap win thanks to her allies as usual. Obviously this is all setting up the Women’s WarGames match as well.

Nia Jax celebrated the win with her friends Tiffany and Candice by her side.

Roman Reigns picked up his phone and made a phone call: “Call The Wise Man.” The fans popped huge. The operator said that the number you have reached is not in service. Reigns was frustrated. That was the end of the show.

Analysis: Poor Roman Reigns. Paul Heyman changed his number so he could not be reached when Reigns needed him the most. The Bloodline saga continues as we wonder if The Wise Man will ever return.

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Three Stars of the Show

1. The Bloodline segment. A lot more than three guys.
2. Nia Jax & Naomi
3. Bayley

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The Scoreboard

7.5 out of 10

Last week: 7.5

2024 Average: 7.35

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Final Thoughts on WWE Smackdown

It was a good show most of the way. I think in terms of good matches, it was lacking most of the way, but then the Nia Jax-Naomi match was better than I expected. Those two ladies have great chemistry together.

I was hoping for some tag team greatness from MCMG-Street Profits, but it wasn’t given a chance due to the interference from Tommaso Ciampa. At least that’s going to be interesting because Ciampa looks like he’s in heel mode while Johnny Gargano is still a babyface. Meanwhile, the Profits were mad about losing their title opportunity. I like the drama involved within the tag team division.

I thought the segment with the two Bloodline groups was the best part of the show. It was only about 10 minutes long, but it was very impactful. Bronson Reed joining Solo Sikoa’s group is a strong addition to the team.

Cody Rhodes wanting revenge on Kevin Owens was also well done. It sets them up for a showdown next week.

The next WWE PLE is Survivor Series on Saturday, November 30th in Vancouver. Here’s the lineup so far.

* Men’s WarGames Match: The Original Bloodline – Roman Reigns, Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, Sami Zayn & ??? vs. The Bloodline – Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa & Bronson Reed

* World Heavyweight Championship: Gunther (c) vs. Damian Priest

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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