The John Report: WWE SmackDown 11/22/24 Review
This is WWE Smackdown featuring a face-to-face featuring Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens, plus the build to Survivor Series: WarGames continues.
I am back from a weeklong vacation. I didn’t go on a flight anywhere or anything like that, but it was nice to have a break from social media and wrestling. I didn’t look at any social media stuff for about five days, didn’t read about wrestling news for five days, and didn’t watch any wrestling for six days. It was a break I needed. Thank you to the TJRWrestling news team for their great work updating the site all day, every day. Earlier today, I posted reviews of an entertaining WWE Raw episode from this past Monday and also WWE NXT from Tuesday night. My TJRWrestling team didn’t make me do those, but I felt like it because I wanted to have them all done.
As for this week’s Smackdown, they are taping two episodes in Salt Lake City, which is a nice move by WWE so that the talent and staff can be home next week for the US Thanksgiving holiday. That means the final Smackdown before Survivor Series on November 30th.
Also, I recently signed up for the Bluesky App (search John Canton and you’ll find me), which is another social media app that is growing in popularity. I have been regularly posting on Facebook and Twitter for the past 15 years (or more), but I’m not having as much fun on Twitter due to the inept owner of that app making it worse. I’m hoping to spend more time tweeting random thoughts about wrestling, sports, and life on Bluesky as well.
From the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, this is Smackdown for episode #1318. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport, friend me on Facebook, or chat with me on the Bluesky App as well. Let’s get to it.
A video package aired showing storyline developments from Smackdown last week featuring the original Bloodline led by Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa’s version of The Bloodline that has added Bronson Reed to their WarGames team. When Roman Reigns tried to call Paul Heyman, the number was not in service, so Reigns looked dejected.
Let’s Hear from Solo Sikoa and The Bloodline WarGames Team
Solo Sikoa made his entrance joined by Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa and their WarGames ally Bronson Reed. The group all put their index fingers in the air. The fans chanted “OTC” for the “Original Tribal Chief” Roman Reigns before Solo could speak.
When Solo told Salt Lake City to acknowledge him, the fans booed. Solo said we are one week away from WarGames and his crew is ready to dominate. Solo said while they are ready, Roman Reigns isn’t ready because he’s not even here yet. Solo said when Reigns gets here, he wants Roman to meet him in the middle of the ring right here tonight and he needs Reigns to accept the terms of surrendering. Solo said once Roman surrenders, Roman and his crew can finally acknowledge Solo.
Analysis: It was a quick promo to set up a segment for later in the show. Simple enough. I’m glad it didn’t run long and that Solo got right to the point without rambling too much.
The commentary team of Michael Cole and Corey Graves were on camera welcoming us to the show.
Bianca Belair, who is one-half of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, made her entrance for a triple threat match.
(Commercial)
Women’s US Championship Tournament Quarterfinals: Bianca Belair vs. Blair Davenport vs. Chelsea Green
The first fall wins in a triple threat match. There are no disqualifications and no countouts in a WWE triple threat match.
There were multiple nearfalls to start the match. Green clotheslined Blair out of the ring. Belair knocked down Green with a shoulder tackle along with a standing moonsault for two. Green sent Belair into the middle turnbuckle. Green hit a sunset flip for two, but Blair broke it up with a cross body block. Blair punched Green to knock her down. Belair did a slingshot dive over the top onto Bayley on the floor. Blair trapped Belair using her hair against the ropes, so Blair stomped on Belair’s back while on the apron. They went to break there.
(Commercial)
Belair was in control with the hammer fists on Blair. Green grabbed Belair’s hair and Green hit a Rough Ryder leg lariat like her husband Matt Cardona (Zack Ryder). Blair did a double foot stomp on Green’s back. Belair with a spinebuster on Blair. Belair went for a cartwheel moonsault, but Blair blocked it with knees. Green hit a dropkick on Belair leading to a splash on Blair for two. The fans were chanting “Chelsea” for Green. Belair hit a German Suplex on both opponents at the same time and Belair covered Blair for two because Green made the save. Belair missed a corner charge on Green and Belair hit the ring post leading to a bump to the floor. Blair went up top, Green kicked her and Green hit a superplex off the middle turnbuckle. Belair hit a 450 Splash off the top onto Blair and Green broke it up. Green tried a cover, but Belair stopped that. Belair sent Green into the barricade. Belair covered Blair for two. Jade Cargill was shown in the backstage area where she was sent crashing onto the hood of the car. The car window was broken while Jade was knocked out. Belair saw that on the screen and ran to the back. Blair hit Green with a superkick. Blair went for more, but Green slipped out of it and Green hit an Unprettier for the pinfall win. It went about 12 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Chelsea Green
Analysis: ***1/4 It was a good match and the result I wanted to see as well because I think Green would make an excellent champion for the Women’s US Title. Belair was given an out because her buddy Jade Cargill was taken out backstage so Belair had to go check on her and that left Green against Davenport, who doesn’t get much TV time. I’m happy Green got the clean win. The fans enjoyed it too.
The win by Chelsea Green means she moves on to the semifinals against Bayley. The finals are on the Saturday Night’s Main Event special on December 14th on NBC.
(Commercial)
Bianca Belair was shown running out to the parking lot. Smackdown GM Nick Aldis was there along with Naomi, Bayley, and other staff. Belair went into the ambulance for a trip to the hospital.
They showed comedian Adam Ray at ringside. I don’t know much about him, but he has an “Adam Ray is Dr. Phil Unleashed” special on Netflix now.
United States Championship: LA Knight vs. Santos Escobar (w/Elektra Lopez)
Before LA Knight’s US Title defense, a video aired featuring Shinsuke Nakamura saying that Knight is riddled with insecurities (the words appeared on the screen as he spoke in Japanese). Nakamura spoke about how Knight has fears and they are justified. Nakamura claimed that this was the beginning of his end.
Escobar attacked Knight before the Nakamura video aired, but the referee made Escobar move back. Escobar sent Knight into the middle rope. Escobar kicked Knight out of the ring. Escobar did a slingshot dive on top of Knight on the floor as the show went to break.
(Commercial)
The match continued with Escobar hitting a shoulder to the midsection followed by a jumping kick to the head. Escobar did a slingshot senton splash over the top onto Knight for two. Escobar did a back body drop to send Knight to the apron, but Knight bounced back with a shoulder tackle. Knight worked over Escobar with punches followed by a clothesline. Knight hit a jumping neckbreaker for two. They battled by the turnbuckle where Knight headbutted Escobar. Shinsuke Nakamura appeared in the entrance way to distract Knight. Escobar took advantage by tripping up Knight on the turnbuckle. Escobar gave Knight a hurricanrana off the top rope. Escobar went up top and hit a Frog Splash with no cover. Escobar went for a Phantom Driver, but Knight landed on his feet and Knight hit a BFT for the pinfall win. It went about 10 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: LA Knight
Analysis: **3/4 It was an easy win for Knight. The appearance from Nakamura led to some offense from Escobar, but Knight winning was the obvious result in this match. This story hasn’t been good for Escobar or his group since Knight easily beat Berto and Escobar in back to back weeks.
After the match, Shinsuke Nakamura went into the ring to stomp on Knight. Nakamura sent Knight shoulder first into the ring post three times in a row. Nakamura hit a running knee to the back of the neck of Knight while was against the turnbuckle. Nakamura left while the fans booed him. Knight was selling on the apron.
Analysis: It continued the story of Nakamura targeting Knight and it should lead to a US Title match. There might even be a title change when it happens.
A clip was shown of Tommaso Ciampa costing The Street Profits their Tag Team Title Match against The Motor City Machine Guns. Ciampa shoved tag team partner Johnny Gargano down. After Ciampa caused a DQ, Angelo Dawkins of The Street Profits delivered a punch to Alex Shelley of MCMG.
The WWE Tag Team Champions Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) were talking to Johnny Gargano backstage. Sabin said that Ciampa ruined their goal of being fighting champions. Gargano said that Tommaso Ciampa is an emotional guy, but he’s a good guy. Gargano wanted them to give #DIY a tag team title match. Motor City Machine Guns said that they felt The Street Profits deserved another shot. The Street Profits walked up with Montez Ford said they got next. Angelo Dawkins said that Gargano’s tag team partner is bad news and some snakes hide in the grass. The Profits left as Gargano talked to MCMG some more.
Analysis: I feel like a triple threat tag team match is coming soon.
Roman Reigns was shown walking backstage with The Original Bloodline’s Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso and Sami Zayn.
The Cody Rhodes-Kevin Owens segment was up next.
(Commercial)
Nia Jax, the WWE Women’s Champion, was asked by Smackdown GM Nick Aldis if she knew anything about what happened to Jade Cargill. Jax said no because she was helping Tiffany and Candice get ready for their tag team match. Jax left.
Nick Aldis went up to WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, who said he was going to the ring for his face-to-face with Kevin Owens. Aldis said that he advertised that, but he didn’t know if Owens was even there. Cody said he won’t fall for that because Owens wouldn’t miss this opportunity.
Face to Face: Cody Rhodes & Kevin Owens
The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made his entrance wearing one of his American Nightmare jackets, track pants and sneakers rather than a suit. That means Cody was ready to fight. The fans chanted “Cody” before the champ could say a word.
Cody Rhodes said that it’s time because it’s face-to-face time. Cody said that Randy Orton is not here and they are telling him that Kevin Owens isn’t there, but Cody doesn’t believe it. Cody called for Owens to come to this ring right now.
Kevin Owens appeared in the back part of the arena and stood near the fans in the crowd. Owens was wearing a tuxedo tank top. Owens said that he was summoned here and wearing his best attire, yet Cody wasn’t wearing his politician-style suit. Cody told Owens to come to the ring right now. Cody left the ring, so security made Cody go back in the ring. Owens said that if you want to fight him, Owens wants Cody to know that all of this (including Randy Orton’s injury) is his fault.
Kevin Owens made his way down to the ringside and stood on the commentary table. Owens said for four weeks, he fought The Bloodline. Owens said that they tried to end his career. Owens said that Roman Reigns tried to end his career more times than he could count and KO kept fighting. Owens said that he fought them alongside Cody. Owens said that he was in the ring at WrestleMania 39 to help Cody win and he was in the ring after WrestleMania 40 when Cody “finished his story.” Owens said then Roman Reigns needs a partner, so Cody teamed up with the guy who tried to end KO’s career. Owens said that Reigns tried to take Kevin’s livelihood away, Cody teamed with him and everything was Cody’s fault.
Cody Rhodes said that teaming with Roman Reigns had nothing to do with Owens. Cody teamed with Reigns because he was asked. Cody said that Owens thinks he has to have all the attention and said that nobody holds Owens down more than himself. Cody said that Owens is fixated on being the number one guy in WWE even though the reality is that it’s a team. Cody said that Owens has been with WWE for a decade, he’s a Grand Slam Champion, he’s one of the greatest superstars in recent memory and everybody knows it but Kevin Owens.
Cody mentioned their match at Bash in Berlin when Owens didn’t pull the trigger when Cody had an injured knee. Cody said that you blamed Owens for that. Cody said that Owens finally did pull the trigger…just on the wrong guy. Cody said that Randy Orton is a legend who was KO’s friend and he did not deserve what Owens did to Orton. Cody said that Owens didn’t just bring back a move that has ended lives, he crossed a line. Cody said that it’s not going to end right here tonight or whether it’s at Survivor Series or at Saturday Night’s Main Event, it’s coming. Cody told Owens that the ball was in his court.
Owens said you want to fight him, huh? Owens said that you’ll get the match when KO says it is happening. The fans booed so Owens said it’s definitely not happening tonight. Owens said when it happens, he’s doing his job and he’s doing what Cody asked him to do. Owens said that Cody was right saying that KO crossed the line with Randy Orton. Kevin said he loved Orton, but he hated Cody. Owens walked away through the crowd.
Cody Rhodes told Kevin that he didn’t hate him, Kevin hated himself. Cody said that whenever you decide that they do have this match, just know there isn’t a single line that he won’t cross either. Cody’s music played to end it. Cole said he can’t remember the last time he’s seen Cody this pissed off.
Analysis: I thought that was great. Cody was logical in what he said. What Owens said also made sense from his perspective since he did fight The Bloodline for four years, and he was not happy about Cody teaming with Roman Reigns, so that led to all of the issues for Owens in terms of heel turn recently. When Owens took out Randy Orton, that made it more personal for Cod,y and here we are. They are obviously setting up a WWE Title match that will be different than their last match since Owens is a heel this time.
There was a clip of Solo Sikoa’s request earlier in the show saying he wanted Roman Reigns to surrender.
Roman Reigns was shown in the dressing room with The Usos and Sami Zayn. They were all seated in the ring. They spoke about what Solo said. Zayn said he was out of ideas for a WarGames tag team partner. Jey suggested Cody Rhodes as a partner. Reigns said no and said that’s old news because Reigns has moved on. Zayn said they could try Seth Rollins one last time, but Reigns didn’t want to do that. Zayn wondered what they should do. Reigns said that this is all they need. Reigns said if they go out there together then they are good. Reigns said if they are not, then they die and they die together. The Usos both said yeah and Zayn said he’s in, but what’s the plan? Reigns admitted he didn’t know the plan.
Analysis: That’s a lot of confidence shown by Roman Reigns, but it could be false confidence because of what could happen later in the show.
The team of Naomi & Bayley entered for tag team action.
(Commercial)
Cody Rhodes was shown walking backstage when Carmelo Hayes was talking to Giovanni Vinci and somebody else. As Cody walked by, Melo said that Owens was telling the truth and nobody was telling the truth louder than Randy Orton’s neck. Cody shoved Melo. Nick Aldis showed up to break up the fight. Cody told Nick it’s time to re-evaluate your first round draft pick. Melo was cool with that and he left.
Analysis: That sets up a Cody Rhodes match against Carmelo Hayes. We saw that about six months ago after the WWE Draft and now get to see it again.
Tiffany Stratton & Candice LeRae (w/Nia Jax) vs. Naomi & Bayley
Naomi was in control of Stratton with a kick to the stomach followed by a headscissors. Stratton bailed to the floor to regroup and she hid behind Jax. Stratton and LeRae took advantage with a cheap shot on Naomi. LeRae tagged in, but Naomi fought back with a kick. Bayley made the tag leading to a suicide dive on Stratton on the floor. Bayley hit a sliding kick on LeRae too. The show went to break there.
(Commercial)
Stratton did a hair pull takedown on Bayley, who came back with a rollup for two. Bayley did a neckbreaker on Stratton against the middle rope. Stratton tackled Bayley into the turnbuckle followed by a shoulder tackle. LeRae tagged in and Stratton argued with her about it. LeRae hit a senton splash onto Bayley’s back. Bayley did a jawbreaker to Bayley and LeRae hit a springboard moonsault. Stratton tagged in with a running kick for two because Naomi broke up the pin. Naomi tackled LeRae into the barricade. Stratton tried a handspring corner attack, but Bayley avoided it and Stratton hit the turnbuckle. Bayley sent Stratton to the floor. Jax pulled Naomi off the apron and sent Naomi into the barricade, so there was the DQ finish. It went about 8 minutes.
Winners by disqualification: Naomi & Bayley
Analysis: **1/2 It was a solid tag team match that was hurt by the DQ finish, but I can’t act like it was a surprising finish. Jax being out there meant that a DQ ending was very likely.
After the match, Nia Jax, Candice LeRae & Tiffany Stratton attacked Bayley and Naomi. Iyo Sky made the save. Jax tried to toss Sky from the ring, but Sky hit a springboard dropkick. Raquel Rodriguez and Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan went down to ringside as well, so the five heels worked together.
Rhea Ripley ran down to the ring wearing a mask and she had a kendo stick. Ripley nailed Raquel and LeRae with kendo stick shots. Ripley hit Raquel two times with the kendo stick. The heels retreated while Ripley helped up the faces.
Analysis: Good save to put over Rhea Ripley as a dominant face seeking revenge.
The Montez Ford-Tommaso Ciampa match was up next.
(Commercial)
Tommaso Ciampa vs. Montez Ford
Ford hit a nice dropkick followed by a kick to the back. Ciampa did a forearm shot to the threat. Ford came back with a clothesline. Ford landed on his feet after doing a backflip and Ford hit an enziguri kick to the head. Ford hit a somersault dive over the top onto Ciampa on the floor. Ciampa sent Ford out of the ring, Ford went on the apron and Ciampa hit a running knee to send Ford crashing into the commentary table. That led to a break.
(Commercial)
The match returned with Ford hitting a Powerbomb out of the corner. Ford hit a running uppercut along with a clothesline and a jumping clothesline. Ford hit a belly-to-back suplex followed by a standing moonsault for two. Ford exchanged strikes with Ciampa, who hit a stun gun into the top rope. Ford hit a spinning neckbreaker to send Ford face first into the match. Ford came back with a jumping knee along with a kick to the face. Ford jumped off the top, but Ciampa stopped that with a knee to the face. Ciampa went for a lifting move, Ford countered it with a sunset flip and Ford sat on top for the pinfall win. It went about 9 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Montez Ford
Analysis: *** I liked the match. They matched up well with a lot of counter moves. It looked like Ciampa might win after hitting that jumping knee smash to counter Ford’s attack, but Ford was able to find a way to win.
After the match, Ciampa attacked Ford with a cheap shot. Angelo Dawkins went down to the ring to fight Ciampa. Johnny Gargano went into the ring and he pulled Dawkins off Ciampa. Gargano confronted Ciampa, who shoved Gargano on his ass. The Motor City Machine Guns went to the ring, so Ciampa bailed. Ciampa was asking Gargano: “Whose team are you on?” Ciampa left alone.
Analysis: It will be interesting to see how the story goes because going into it all three teams were faces. However, I think we might see Gargano turn heel also to join Ciampa against the other teams. Ciampa as a solo heel would be fine too, but I think Gargano going heel with Ciampa is the right way to go.
Next week on WWE SmackDown:
* Cody Rhodes vs. Carmelo Hayes
* Michin vs. Piper Niven vs. ??? – The third woman was supposed to be Jade Cargill, but she was taken out.
Solo Sikoa and his version of The Bloodline joined by Bronson Reed made their entrance.
(Commercial)
This Monday on Raw: Bianca Belair vs. Nia Jax while Bron Breakker faces Ludwig Kaiser.
Roman Reigns And The Original Bloodline Confront Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline
Solo Sikoa was in the ring with Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa and their WarGames partner Bronson Reed. Before Solo could speak, there was an interruption.
The Original Bloodline’s Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso & Sami Zayn made their entrance. Reigns and The Usos had OG Bloodline shirts while Zayn wore a “Sami Uso” shirt. They got into the ring with Solo’s group.
Solo said that he was not there to fight Roman. Solo said that he loves Roman and he loves all four of them. Solo said that if they join Solo’s Bloodline then they can run this company for decades. Solo said that you don’t have a fifth man or a Wise Man, so they had no choice. Solo told them to surrender and join Solo’s team or the four of you will die where you stand. The fans chanted “OTC” for Reigns.
Paul Heyman was back: “Ladies & Gentlemen!” The fans popped huge for the return of the Wise Man. Heyman said forgive him because he’s been put through a table at Madison Square Garden, so maybe his math is a little off. Heyman said there’s no way to do WarGames 4 vs. 5. Heyman said that math does not commute to your Wise Man. Heyman said it won’t be 4 vs. 5. Heyman said it’s going to be 5 vs. 5.
CM Punk made his entrance to a huge ovation. Punk walked down to ringside while taping his fists and Punk got into a fight with Solo’s version of The Bloodline. The fans were going crazy as Punk fought alongside the OG Bloodline. The babyfaces cleared the ring of Reed with superkicks, a Superman Punch by Reigns and Punk/Zayn hitting a double clothesline. The Usos and Zayn hit dives over the top onto the heels on the floor. Tama and Loa were in the ring, so Punk nailed Tama with a GTS. Reigns hit a Spear on Loa.
Roman Reigns stared at eachother in the eyes while Paul Heyman stood on the apron in the background. The rest of the OG Bloodline stood behind Reigns in the ring. Punk pointed at Heyman as if to say that he was doing this for him. Reigns and Punk kept on staring at eachother. That was the end of the show.
Analysis: That was awesome. I loved it. I think some people may have thought that it would be Seth Rollins in that fifth guy spot, but I certainly don’t mind CM Punk out there. We know the connection between Paul Heyman and CM Punk. Paul has said Punk was his best friend, so that’s why it fits the story. Heyman is also close to Reigns obviously, so the connection is because of the Wise Man. I liked how Punk said to Reigns that he was doing this for Heyman. They can follow up on it in a lot of ways by making us wonder if Punk and Reigns can get along. We can tune in to Survivor Series to find out. I thought it was an excellent segment to close the show.
As for a WarGames match prediction, I think Roman’s team will beat Solo’s team and Tonga Loa will be the one who loses for his team.
We cannot wait for #SurvivorSeries#WarGames! 🍿#SmackDownpic.twitter.com/WLIOGUkrXE
— WWE (@WWE) November 23, 2024
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Three Stars of the Show
- CM Punk & Paul Heyman
- Cody Rhodes & Kevin Owens
- Chelsea Green
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The Scoreboard
8 out of 10
Last week: 7.5
2024 Average: 7.36
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Final Thoughts on WWE Smackdown
I thought the two main non-wrestling segments were the best parts of the show: Cody Rhodes-Kevin Owens promo exchange and the Men’s WarGames segment in the main event. Those were excellent parts of the show with Cody speaking the truth to Owens, who will be getting a WWE Title match just because he took out Randy Orton.
The return of CM Punk was well done since he came back with the returning Paul Heyman. The fans loved it because they know that there’s a strong bond between Heyman and Punk, so it was a way to get Punk involved with Roman Reigns as well. When Roman Reigns debuted with The Shield 12 years ago it was to help Punk keep the WWE Title, so there’s a lot of history there.
In terms of matches, the in-ring action was okay, but nothing that blew me away. Three of the four matches had fighting after the match was over while the Green-Belair-Davenport match had Jade Cargill attacked during the match, which caused Belair to leave and for Green to win. I was happy to see that result.
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 & CM Punk vs. The Bloodline – Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa & Bronson Reed
* Women’s WarGames Match: Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill, Naomi & Iyo Sky vs. Liv Morgan, Nia Jax, Raquel Rodriguez, Candice LeRae & Tiffany Stratton
* World Heavyweight Championship: Gunther (c) vs. Damian Priest
You can watch Survivor Series: WarGames on Saturday, November 30, streaming live at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.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