The John Report: WWE SmackDown 12/13/24 Review
This is WWE Smackdown featuring Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens exchanging words while the US Women’s Title tournament continues.
It’s Friday the 13th and the night before Saturday Night’s Main Event. I’m looking forward to that show on Saturday, but first, let’s get through Smackdown tonight. They are also taping next week’s Smackdown episode after this show to give the talent some time off.
From the XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut, this is Smackdown for episode #1321. 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.
There was some backstage walking shown of Tiffany Stratton and Michin along with Bayley signing merchandise and walking from Chelsea Green with Piper Niven. The New Bloodline was shown arriving led by Solo Sikoa while LA Knight was walking backstage. The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes was shown exiting his bus as well.
The commentary team was Michael Cole and Corey Graves as usual.
Let’s Hear from Jimmy Uso
Jimmy Uso walked out with crutches to support his broken toe injury. The fans chanted “yeet” and Jimmy said that’s the wrong twin. Jimmy said that WarGames got his big toe. Jimmy said that WarGames meant so much to him and the message was that you could get back together after having problems. Jimmy said that WarGames is behind them, so the question is what’s in front of them? Jimmy said he’s seen his family dominate this business since he was a kid and he gets to live this every day. Jimmy said he’s proud of this and he’s proud watching Roman Reigns as a dominant champion, which led to “OTC” chants. Jimmy talked about how proud he is of his brother Jey Uso. Jimmy even said he’s proud of his younger brother Solo Sikoa. Jimmy said he’s also found himself asking what’s next for Big Jim? Jimmy admitted he didn’t know. Jimmy said he wanted you to ride with Big Jim because it’s going to be a big year for him. Jim said he might be a Royal Rumble winner or he might go after the US Title or he might even go after the Undisputed WWE Championship. Jimmy said that nothing is going to stop him from doing what he loves to do. Jimmy said that he showed up with one big toe and he said a new year is coming for him. Jimmy shouted “Jimmy Uso!” Drew McIntyre showed up in the ring out of nowhere and he nailed Jimmy with a Claymore Kick. The WWE Officials and Smackdown GM Nick Aldis made Drew back off. Aldis made Drew leave the ring. As Drew left the ring, Aldis yelled at him on Drew’s way to the back.
Analysis: That was a surprise attack that I wasn’t expecting with Raw’s Drew McIntyre showing up for a cheap shot. It’s an easy way for Drew to get heat by doing a cheap attack like that. Jimmy’s promo was fine talking about his goals as a singles wrestler in 2025. The crowd must have been quiet because it sounded like some fake crowd noise was piped in for some of it since they started taping earlier in the night because it’s a two episode week. Anyway, I hope Jimmy does well in singles just like Jey Uso has done well on his own.
Tiffany Stratton was shown warming up backstage when WWE Women’s Champion Nia Jax and Candice LeRae showed up to chat. Stratton said it’s Tiffy Time. Jax said when Stratton wins the Women’s US Title, she doesn’t need the Money in the Bank briefcase. Jax said it’s about Tiffany’s legacy and she doesn’t need to resort to cheap tactics. LeRae said she is sure that Stratton will blow them away. Jax wished her good luck. Stratton went back to warming up.
(Commercial)
Drew McIntyre was shown walking backstage where Nick Aldis was shouting about how he brought Drew there for a meeting. Aldis said that this is a giant headache all because of him. Bianca Belair and Naomi went up to Aldis to talk. Aldis told Drew to go into his office, so Drew went in. Aldis said that there’s still an investigation into what happened against Jade Cargill. Aldis said that this means Bianca has to relinquish the Women’s Tag Team Titles. Naomi said if Belair needs a partner then Naomi will do it. Belair said she wants to do that. Aldis said he has to run it up the flagpole with others in the company and said they would have to defend the titles as soon as next week. Belair said she was cool with that.
Analysis: The mystery attacker story against Belair remains unresolved, but I think the Belair-Naomi team makes sense since they have been aligned for a long time. It also might make people think that Naomi attacked Cargill because Naomi took her spot.
Women’s US Title Tournament Semifinals: Tiffany Stratton vs. Michin
Tiffany Stratton was wearing a red, white, and green outfit to show she was in the holiday spirit. That’s a very festive outfit. Just saying.
Michin hit a boot to the face on a running Stratton followed by a headscissors takedown. Michin ran over Stratton with a shoulder tackle. Michin tossed Stratton out of the ring followed by Michin delivering a kick on the floor. Stratton tripped up Michin on the apron. Stratton hit a running double foot stomp on Michin on the apron.
(Commercial)
The match continued with Michin in control with a springboard DDT followed by a Tornado DDT for two. Stratton went for a slam, Michin slipped out of it and Michin did a bit of a Tarantula submission by the ropes. Stratton held onto the ropes to prevent a move and then Stratton hit an Alabama Slam for two. Michin headbutted Stratton off the turnbuckle. Michin set up on the top rope, Stratton knocked her down and Stratton hit a rolling senton. Stratton went for the Prettiest Moonsault Ever, but Michin rolled out of it a bit and barely hit Stratton. Michin got right up and hit Eat Defeat with the boot to the jaw for the pinfall win after about eight minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Michin
Analysis: **3/4 The match was okay for the time given. They messed up the finish a bit because I assume that Stratton was supposed to miss Michin completely and instead she hit Michin a bit with the move. That’s probably on Michin for not rolling out of the way quickly enough or perhaps not going in the right direction. Anyway, the result was a bit of an upset although it didn’t surprise me that much.
Michin’s win means she’ll face Bayley or Chelsea Green in the finals of the Women’s US Title tournament at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
A video promo aired of new WWE Tag Team Champions #DIY’s Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa talking about their title win last week. Gargano spoke about how they lost the Tag Team Titles in Cleveland back in August and Gargano said he was going to do whatever it took to get the titles back. Ciampa talked about how the Motor City Machine Guns got in the way to win the Tag Team Titles. Gargano and Ciampa talked about how they did whatever it took to win. Ciampa said now they are two-time WWE Tag Team Champions with Ciampa saying he’s the madman and Gargano is the mastermind. They reminded us they are #DIY to end it.
Analysis: I like #DIY as the heel WWE Tag Team Champions. It’s a different role for them since they have been faces for a while, but I like them as heels. They can feud with Motor City Machine Guns and The Street Profits, so there should be plenty of great matches along the way.
There are words from Roman Reigns up next.
(Commercial)
There were highlights shown of The New Bloodline attacking LA Knight and Andrade last week.
Let’s Hear from Roman Reigns
A video aired featuring Roman Reigns outside somewhere with the “Wise Man” Paul Heyman standing behind him. Reigns said it’s been a rough year because not that long ago, “we ran everything.” Reigns said in the spring and through the summer, it all fell apart. Reigns said he lost his title, he lost the Wise Man and he lost The Bloodline. Reigns spoke about how most importantly he lost his Ula Fala. Reigns said that four years ago, Solo wasn’t there. Reigns said he didn’t take that Ula Fala, he earned it. Reigns said that his father and his uncle – Solo’s great uncles – crowned Reigns with the responsibility to lead this family. Reigns said that what matters to him is his family and the Ula Fala and the responsibilities he can handle. Reigns said that for some people, January 6th is all about Netflix. Reigns said for him, it’s all about Tribal Combat (Heyman had a shocked look on his face). Reigns said that Solo’s Bloodline won one (at Crown Jewel) and Roman’s Bloodline won one (at Survivor Series), so Reigns wants to leave the tribes on the sidelines and let them spectate. Reigns said it’s Tribal Chief vs. Tribal Chief aka Reigns against Solo Sikoa. Reigns said that on January 6th on Netflix, he’ll take back his Bloodline and take back his Ula Fala. Reigns said he’ll take back his respect. Reigns concluded by saying that once he has that respect, the whole world will have no choice but to acknowledge him. Heyman put his hands together to acknowledge Reigns to end it.
Analysis: That’s a great match for the Raw debut on Netflix with Roman Reigns in action against Solo Sikoa. I assume Roman will win to get his Ula Fala necklace back. It’s smart to promote it several weeks away.
TRIBAL COMBAT
is upon you Solo!! @netflix#WWERawhttps://t.co/qGVh4v8ckr— Roman Reigns (@WWERomanReigns) December 14, 2024
This Wednesday at 2 p.m. ET on WWE YouTube channel will be the Raw Netflix Kickoff Show from WWE HQ in Stamford, CT. They mentioned some of the big names that will be there.
Santos Escobar and his Legado Del Fantasma group (Angel, Berto & Elektra Lopez) were backstage talking to Nick Aldis. Escobar mentioned all of the mystery attacks happening here while wondering what kind of show Aldis is running. Escobar said maybe they’ll talk to the other guy – Raw GM Adam Pearce – about going to Raw. They left.
Carmelo Hayes was shown walking backstage when he walked up to Nick Aldis, who wished Hayes good luck in his match.
(Commercial)
The first men’s match of the show saw Carmelo Hayes make his entrance against a mystery opponent. That mystery opponent was the powerhouse former WWE Universal Champion Braun Strowman, so Melo had a shocked look on his face.
Braun Strowman vs. Carmelo Hayes
Melo ran the ropes and went for a springboard clothesline, but Braun brushed it off as if it was nothing. Braun caught running Melo, but Melo broke free and Braun went shoulder-first into the turnbuckle. Melo kicked Braun in the leg followed by a springboard DDT for two. Melo jumped off the top, Braun caught him and Braun hit a running powerslam for the pinfall win in under two minutes. The announcers spoke about it like Braun is new to Smackdown.
Winner by pinfall: Braun Strowman
Analysis: *1/4 An easy win for the powerhouse Braun with the running powerslam for the victory. Melo got a bit of offense, but it wasn’t much. This was an ass kicking to put Braun over. I’d like to see Carmelo Hayes used better than this, but for whatever reason, WWE felt the need to put over Strowman as if he needs it.
LA Knight was interviewed by Byron Saxton in the locker room about how The New Bloodline attacked Knight last week. Knight said he didn’t want to get involved with The Bloodline at WarGames because all he cared about was gold. Knight said he didn’t care about that family other than one person and credited Jey Uso for being worth a damn…yeet. Knight warned Solo Sikoa saying you will remember whose game this is with everybody saying…LA Knight…yeah.
(Commercial)
A commercial aired for the Raw Netflix premiere on January 6th in Los Angeles. Go LA Rams.
Solo Sikoa made his entrance joined by The New Bloodline’s Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga. Solo told Hartford to acknowledge him, so the fans booed. Solo mentioned Roman Reigns…and here comes LA Knight.
LA Knight vs. Solo Sikoa (w/Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga)
Solo sent Knight into the turnbuckle followed by a corner splash and an uppercut. Knight came back with a clothesline, a running boot and another clothesline that sent Solo over the top to the floor. Solo got a hold of Knight on the floor leading to Solo tackling Knight against the side of the ring apron. Solo sent Knight into the barricade. They were back in the ring and then back out again where Knight sent Solo into the steel steps. Knight worked over Solo with punches. Solo connected with a Samoan Drop. Knight kicked Solo in the face and Knight did a springboard bulldog. Solo charged, Knight ducked and Solo went out of the ring. Knight hit a running kick on Tama on the floor. Solo hit the Spinning Solo on the commentary table. Ouch.
(Commercial)
The match continued with Solo in control as he set up for a Superman Punch, but Knight avoided it and Knight hit a belly-to-back suplex. Knight ran the ropes leading to a leaping clothesline. Knight stomped on Solo a few times followed by a running knee to the face. Knight wanted BFT and Solo shoved him away. Knight jumped off the apron with a double clothesline on Fatu and Tama on the floor. Fatu charged, so Knight gave Fatu a back body drop onto the commentary table. Solo was able to recover a bit so he hit a superkick when they were back in the ring. Knight came back with a Side Effect slam. Knight jumped to the top rope for a top rope elbow drop for two. Fatu was furious as he grabbed Knight and headbutted him for the DQ finish. It went 11 minutes.
Winner by disqualification: LA Knight
Analysis: *** They were on their way to a pretty good match when Fatu got involved and ruined the match. I think it was a case of WWE not wanting to have Knight do the job so soon after losing the US Title, so that’s why they went with a DQ. Solo was obviously not going to lose since he’s going to be against Roman Reigns on January 6th, so it’s important to make Solo look impressive going into that match.
After the match, Jacob Fatu attacked Knight on the floor and Fatu hit a running hip attack on Knight against the barricade. Knight was sent into the ring where Solo nailed Knight with a Samoan Spike. Andrade and Apollo Crews ran out for the save since The Bloodline attacked them last week. Andrade knocked down Jacob, but Solo hit a Samoan Spike to put down Andrade. Crews charged and Solo hit Crews with a Samoan Spike as well. The New Bloodline stood tall in the ring while Fatu presented Solo with the Ula Fala as usual.
Analysis: A dominant showing for Solo Sikoa and The New Bloodline even though Solo lost his match because of Fatu’s involvement. It also sets them up for an obvious tag team match.
Braun Strowman was shown walking backstage when Pretty Deadly walked up to him. They mentioned Pretty Deadly: The Musical and handed Braun their papers. Braun wasn’t interested. Byron Saxton tried to interview Braun, but Grayson Waller & Austin Theory interrupted. Waller suggested that next week Braun can be a guest on the Grayson Waller Effect talk show. Braun said he’ll see them next week. Waller and Theory celebrated that.
Analysis: I like Waller and Theory, but they aren’t being featured much. Perhaps a move to Raw would help them.
Bayley made her entrance for singles action.
(Commercial)
Women’s US Title Tournament Semifinals: Bayley vs. Chelsea Green (w/Piper Niven)
Bayley hit a Bayley to Belly slam for a two count. Green left the ring to set a bit. Green went back into the ring for an exchange of nearfalls. Bayley went for a move off the turnbuckle, but Green was there with a forearm to the jaw. Bayley jumped off the ropes with an armdrag takedown followed by a running clothesline for two. Bayley got a cradle pin attempt for a two count. Bayley hit a clothesline so Green bailed to the floor to regroup. Bayley kicked Green on the floor. Back in the ring, Niven tripped up Bayley and the referee somehow missed it, so Green stomped on Bayley’s back for a two count.
(Commercial)
Green was in control with a jumping enziguri kick and a facebuster into the mat. Green grabbed a headlock so there was a preview clip of Mufasa – The Lion King, which is in theatres on December 20. Bayley fought back and they battled on the apron. Bayley backed Green into the ring post leading to both women exchanging strikes. Bayley hit a neckbreaker across the middle rope. Bayley did a sliding clothesline on Green on the floor. Bayley suplexed Green from the apron to the floor. Back in the ring, Bayley hit a belly-to-back suplex for two. Bayley went up top, Green kicked her and Green hit a running knee lift. Green went for a splash off the middle turnbuckle, but Bayley moved and Bayley hit a running knee. Bayley hit a sunset flip Powerbomb into the turnbuckle for a two count. Green countered a move into a rollup for two. Bayley held onto the rope to block a Backstabber. Green came back with the Rough Ryder leg lariat for two. Bayley hit a Zig Zag-like move off the ropes. Bayley went to the turnbuckle and Niven pulled Green out of the ring. Bayley jumped off the turnbuckle with an elbow on Niven on the floor. Green sent Bayley over the barricade. Bayley got back into the ring and Green hit a running kick. Green hit the Unpretty-her on Bayley for the pinfall win after 12 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Chelsea Green
Analysis: ***1/4 It turned into a good match and a relatively clean win for Green, which is great to see. I say “relatively clean” because Niven did pull Green out of the ring to save Green from a Bayley move, but after that it was Green taking control and getting the win with her finisher. Beating Bayley clean gives Green a lot of credibility going into the finals of the tournament.
The win by Chelsea Green means she’ll face Michin in the Finals of the Women’s US Title Tournament at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Analysis: I am definitely picking Chelsea Green to win.
The Motor City Machine Guns duo of Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin were shown talking backstage. Chris Sabin spoke about how they came to WWE to make a statement and that’s what they did by winning the WWE Tag Team Titles in their third match. Sabin said it knew it would rub people the wrong way. Sabin said he didn’t expect it from Johnny Gargano. That led to Shelley talking about how after 18 years, his relationship with Gargano is gone because Johnny has changed. Shelley put over the WWE Tag Team Titles as the most important titles in this business. Shelley said next week, Johnny Gargano will find out why Shelley is the teacher and Johnny is the student.
Analysis: It was nice to hear from MCMG like that. I think we need to hear from The Street Profits soon since they were attacked last week.
Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens are still to come.
(Commercial)
A video aired featuring the US Champion Shinsuke Nakamura as he spoke in Japanese while English captions were shown. Nakamura said that one by one, everybody would fall before him. Nakamura said that LA Knight was just the beginning and claimed Knight held something he never deserved. Nakamura said he’s imminent and he’s inevitable.
Tiffany Stratton was shown walking backstage. Nia Jax said that not everybody can be a singles champion like her. LeRae said that while Tiffany was out there, LeRae said that she and Nia Jax have a Women’s Tag Team Title match next week against Bianca Belair & Naomi. LeRae said that they are going to bring the Women’s Tag Team Titles to their group. LeRae suggested to Stratton that maybe singles wrestling isn’t for her.
Analysis: Poor Tiffy. LeRae being mean to Stratton will make fans sympathize with Stratton and it will help when Stratton cashes in Money in the Bank to become a champion.
The announcers did a rundown of the Saturday Night’s Main Event card for this Saturday night in Long Island.
* Women’s United States Title Tournament Finals: Michin vs. Bayley
* Gunther (c) vs. Damian Priest vs. Finn Balor – World Heavyweight Championship
* Liv Morgan (c) vs. Iyo Sky – Women’s World Championship
* Drew McIntyre vs. Sami Zayn
* Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Kevin Owens – Undisputed WWE Championship
The Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes was shown walking backstage for his promo segment up next.
(Commercial)
The Final Word Before Saturday Night’s Main Event: Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens
Michael Cole was in the ring to host this segment. Cody Rhodes made his entrance as the Undisputed WWE Champion wearing dress clothes as usual, but there was no tie. Cole introduced Kevin Owens, who was booed even though he didn’t appear right away. There was no sign of Owens.
Cody said that Owens might not be there, but this wonderful crowd is here. Cole mentioned that Triple H is going to present something to Cody that Cody can only use for one night only, but here’s the interruption.
Kevin Owens interrupted while shown in the driver’s seat of his car. Owens wanted Cole to ask Cody a real question – how can Cody be okay using Owens and all of his friends to help finish his story at WrestleMania, but then Cody can team with Roman Reigns at Bad Blood? Owens wanted Cody to tell the truth and don’t lie. Owens wanted Cody to say that he’s as bad of a friend as he is a bad son and brother. Owens said that no matter how many main events Cody is in, the truth is he was way more interesting as Stardust. The fans booed.
Cody responded saying that Kevin knows the assignment and probably has more zingers up his sleeve. Cody said maybe he’ll go get Owens right now. Cody left the ring at that point.
Cody Rhodes went backstage where Kevin Owens was waiting for him. They were backstage fighting and then they made their way out to the arena in front of the fans. Owens worked over Cody with punches and Owens sent Cody into the barricade. Security went out there, so Owens beat them up. Cody and Owens were fighting at ringside so Cody beat up some more security guys. There were WWE Officials (Hurricane Helms & Shawn Daivari) and referees into the ring to try to break up the fight. Cody broke free and jumped onto Owens against the turnbuckle. Cody kicked Owens in the gut to knock him down. Cody was being held back, so Owens nailed Cody with the WWE Title to the head. Owens dropped the WWE Title onto Cody followed by Owens slowly leaving the ring. The fans were booing Owens while Cody was down in the ring selling the attack. That was the end of the show.
Analysis: I liked it as a go-home segment for the WWE Title match at SNME. Cody was in the ring for the promo, but Kevin didn’t want any part of it. Kevin had some great comments that he knew would piss off Cody, which set up the brawl to end the show. I like the KO got the advantage over Cody to show that he might have his number in terms of how to beat Cody. I don’t think Owens will win, but at least story-wise they built it up the right way. Good job by Owens and Cody in that segment.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Chelsea Green & Michin
- Cody Rhodes & Kevin Owens
- LA Knight
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The Scoreboard
7.25 out of 10
Last week: 8
2024 Average: 7.38
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Final Thoughts on WWE Smackdown
It was a good show overall although not at the level of last week’s great show. I thought both women’s matches were solid with the Green-Bayley match standing out a bit more. I’m happy for Green and Michin in the Women’s US Title tournament finals.
The main event segment between WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens was very good. It went how it should have gone with KO getting the advantage to tease the idea that there could be a title change at SNME.
That Roman Reigns promo challenging Solo Sikoa for the Raw Netflix premiere was cool. It only took a few minutes, but it’s a big deal for Reigns to have a Raw match, so it feels like a big deal. Good booking.
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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