WWE SmackDown
PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The show opened with fans arriving to the PPG Paints Area for WWE SmackDown. We saw WWE Women’s Champion Bayley and her challenger Naomi arriving earlier in the day.
AJ Styles vs. LA Knight in a Number One Contender’s Mach for the Undisputed WWE Title
LA Knight came out to a big reaction. AJ Styles received a strong heel reaction and nice firework display. The match began with a strong aggressive lockup. Knight shined early rocking Styles with a clothesline. Knight took control slamming Styles onto the announcers table. Knight connected with a slingshot dropkick sending Styles crashing into the announcers table. Knight and Styles connected with a double crossbody as they returned from break. Knight and Styles had a big strike exchange with the crowd chanting Boo/YEAH. Knight took control rocking Styles with a running knee strike. Knight planted Styles with a springboard Superplex for two. Styles responded catching Knight with a Moonsault/DDT combo for two. Styles went for the Styles Clash but Knight broke free. Styles caught Knight charging with a Pele Kick. Styles went for a Phenomenal Forearm but Knight moved out of the way. Knight caught Styles with a powerslam. Knight made a comeback hitting the LA Knight Elbow. Knight called for BFT but Styles broke free. Styles draped Knight against the ropes. The referee was distracted as Styles pocked Knight in the eyes. Styles connected with the Phenomenal Forearm for the win in 11:04.
[Amin’s Thoughts — This was a solid match as both Knight and Styles worked well together. Knight is still a really popular babyface. The WWE Draft is coming at the perfect time to freshen Knight’s character. Knight would be great on Raw as he would fit right into either the World Heavyweight Title or Intercontinental Title picture. I liked the finish with Styles winning in a heel way. You want Cody Rhodes to face a strong heel challenger for his first title defence. I liked seeing Styles getting the win. Cody and Styles should have a great match at WWE Backlash.]
We saw highlights of Tama Tonga making his WWE debut joining The Bloodline to take out Jimmy Uso last week on SmackDown.
We saw an SUV pull up the arena. Solo Sikoa appeared wearing a nice looking suit. Sikoa greeted Heyman outside the arena. Heyman told Solo “nice threads.” Tama Tonga stood behind Heyman. Sikoa introduced Heyman to the newest member of The Bloodline. Sikoa said “my favourite MFT” as he gave Tonga a hug. Sikoa asked Heyman if Kevin Owens is here. Heyman nervously said Owens was inside the building. Sikoa told Heyman to take him to him.
[Amin’s Thoughts — This was great stuff. They presented Solo Sikoa like a superstar as looked like he was dressed as the leader of a mafia. Heyman’s reaction to Sikoa was tremendous as well. Heyman looking nervous but still listening to Sikoa because he doesn’t have Roman Reigns by his side.]
Corey Graves and Wade Barrett spoke about the Raw roster taking part in the WWE Live event tour in London, England. They showed photos and clips from the live events.
We saw members of the Pittsburgh Steelers seated front row to a big reaction.
Austin Theory and Grayson Waller Awarded WWE Tag Team Titles
SmackDown GM Nick Aldis was standing inside the ring. Aldis called out WWE COO Paul “Triple H” Levesque who received another incredible reaction from the crowd. Triple H hugged a young fan at ringside. Graves called this the “Triple H Era.” A QR Code popped up while Triple H was making his entrance. Triple H spoke about coming off the heels of the greatest, most epic, record breaking, unbelievable WrestleMania of all-time. Triple H spoke about SmackDown being sold out in Pittsburgh. Triple H welcomed us WWE SmackDown. Triple H spoke about Adam Pearce and Nick Aldis are doing incredible leading their respective brands into the future. Triple H shook Aldis hand. Triple H asked Aldis to bring out the new WWE Tag Team Champions to the ring.
Austin Theory and Grayson Waller came out as they greeted by boos from the fans. Waller spoke about awarding the second place champions to Awesome Truth. Waller spoke about Triple H and Aldis having the honour of awarding the real winners of WrestleMania with new championships. Theory spoke about R-Truth calling Triple H a magician. Theory wondered what magic Triple H can do to make them look better than they already look. Triple H noted Theory and Waller will be now known as the WWE Tag Team Champions. Triple H and Aldis revealed the new WWE Tag Team Titles. These championships look awesome and remind you of the WWE Tag Team Title design from 2002.
Triple H offered a handshake. Waller placed his hand out but instead shook Theory’s hand. Theory and Waller laughed. The fans booed. Aldis got in Theory and Waller’s face. Aldis said if they disrespect Triple H again, he will make “A-Clown Down Under” disappear permanently. The fans cheered. Aldis grabbed the SmackDown Tag Team Titles from Theory and Waller. Aldis said if Theory and Waller are focused on comedy and not wrestling, then one of these teams will make the titles from them disappear. Aldis said the Fatal-4-Way Number One Contender’s Match starts right now. The Street Profits came out to a big reaction with Bobby Lashley and B-Fab. Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate came out next. Theory and Waller joined commentary for the next match.
[Amin’s Thoughts — WWE is really wanting to let fans and everyone know that is the Paul “Triple H” Levesque Era. It’s been fun seeing Triple H making appearances on WWE TV and getting those incredible reactions from the fans. There are lots of stuff which I liked from this segment. They could’ve had Triple H easily talk down Waller and Theory for not shaking his hands. I liked how Aldis was the one to stand up to Theory and Waller because he’s the SmackDown GM. Aldis continues to shine as the SmackDown GM. Theory and Waller were great here as they came off as such unlikable heels. They got new World Tag Team Titles on Raw. We were getting new WWE Tag Team Titles on SmackDown. The new WWE Tag Team Title design looks really cool. A fun segment.]
Kayla Braxton interviewed Naomi backstage. Braxton asked Naomi if her friendship with Bayley will get between their friendship? Naomi spoke about Bayley being her sister. Naomi said she gave Bayley the help she needed in her fight against Damage CTRL. Naomi said she’s not going to let friendship get in the way of winning the WWE Women’s Title. Naomi said it’s been over two years since her last single’s championship match on SmackDown. Naomi said there’s nothing that’s going to get in the way of her moment. Naomi said she made Tiffy Time feel the glow. Naomi said she’s going to walk in the WWE Draft as the new WWE Women’s Champion.
The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) vs. New Catch Republic (Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate) vs. AOP (Akam & Rezar) vs. Legado Del Fantasma (Angel & Berto) in a Number One Contender’s Match for the WWE Tag Team Titles
Bate and Ford began with a fun counter exchange. Berto nailed Bate with a cheap shot. Garza took control nailing Ford with a running knee strike for two. Dawkins rocked Garza with a corkscrew elbow. Akam planted Ford with a release slam. Rezar placed Ford in a backbreaker stretch as they returned from break. Ford broke free as Dunne tagged into the match. Bate and Dunne delivered a German Suplex/Rebound Lariat combo to Garza. The fans popped as Bate teased delivering the Airplane Spin to Rezar. The fans cheered as the babyface helped Bate lift Rezar in the Airplane Spin. Bate spun Rezar around in an Airplane Spin. The fans booed as Berto and Garza rocked Bate with a double knee strike. AOP delivered a Tower of Doom spot to Dunne, Dawkins and Ford. Berto and Garza launched Bate onto everyone. Berto and Garza delivered a Missile Dropkick/Powerbomb combo to Bate but Dunne made the save. Bate and Dunne responded catching Berto and Garza in double ankle locks. Garza made the save shoving Bate onto Dunne. Rezar planted Dawkins with Powerbomb. Akam dumped Dunne on Dawkins for two. AOP called for Super Colliders but Dunne broke free. The fans cheered as everyone teamed up to take out AOP from the equation. The action broke down with everyone hitting big moves. Berto rocked Dawkins with a springboard kick for two. Dawkins responded sending Berto flying with a pounce. Dawkins and Ford delivered a Super Blockbuster to Berto but Dunne made the save. Dunne snapped Dawkins’ fingers. Garza launched Bate who caught Berto with a flying Hurricanrana. Bate and Dunne delivered stereo Double Moonsaualt to Berto and Garza. There was a fantastic spot as Ford appeared hitting an awesome Tope Con Hilo onto Akam and Rezar on the floor. Berto and Garza rocked Bate with a popup kick. Garza connected with a springboard Moonault to Bate. Ford appeared delivering a Frog Splash to Garza onto Bate. Dawkins tagged into the match. Dawkins and Ford delivered the Revelation to Garza for the win.
—Bobby Lashley and B-Fab celebrated with Ford and Dawkins after the match. Theory and Waller held up the new WWE Tag Team Titles.
[Amin’s Thoughts — This was a really fun action packed match. A strong showing with all the teams looking good and getting a chance to shine. I expected a babyface team to win with Theory and Waller as the heel champions. I’m fine with Street Profits challenging for the tag titles to keep their momentum going after their WrestleMania win. I was fine with Theory and Waller being ringside for the match. Theory and Waller are great playing heels but they weren’t needed for commentary as they didn’t add to the match.]
Progressive Match Flo: Rhea Ripley announcing on Raw she has to vacate the WWE Women’s World Title.
Byron Saxton interviewed WWE Women’s Champion Bayley backstage. Bayley spoke about appreciating her championship more after seeing Rhea Ripley vacate the WWE Women’s World Title. Bayley said she’s focused. Bayley said she’s the only WWE Women’s Champion right now in WWE and doesn’t take that for granted. Bayley spoke about the WWE Draft coming up and things are bound to change. Bayley spoke about being excited to face her friend Naomi. Bayley said what’s not going to change is her still being the WWE Women’s Champion.
We saw Solo Sikoa and Paul Heyman backstage. Heyman apologized to Sikoa for not being able to find Kevin Owens. Heyman said he has to be here. Sikoa started walking to Gorilla Position. Heyman told Sikoa he’s not trying to piss him off. Heyman told Sikoa he’s making decisions that aren’t for him to make. Heyman said one day Sikoa will be making the decisions. Heyman told Sikoa these are decisions that can be made by one man. Sikoa asked Heyman “Are you done yet?” Heyman pointed at the curtains. Heyman asked Sikoa if his MFT is coming with him. Sikoa smiled. Sikoa pointed at his tapped thumb.
Tama Tonga Attacks Kevin Owens
The crowd booed as Solo Sikoa came out with Paul Heyman. Heyman spoke about being one best politicians in WWE. Heyman noted with Sikoa’s permission he wanted to explain the backstage politics with what’s going on with The Bloodline. Heyman spoke about The Bloodline being the premier act in WWE. Heyman paused as the fans began chanting “WE WANT ROMAN!” The Roman Reigns babyface turn has stated. Sikoa did not look pleased. Heyman was really nervous as he wanted to assure us as The Wise Man for….The fans booed as Sikoa grabbed the mic from Heyman’s hand. That’s the key as Heyman didn’t say Roman Reigns name.
The fans chanted “Solo Sucks!” The fans gave Sikoa the Dominik Mysterio treatment of him booing before he could speak. Sikoa finally spoke saying he had to lose a brother last week. Sikoa said he needed to find a new one. Sikoa said “My MFT” Tama Tonga. The crowd booed. Suddenly, Kevin Owens was launched into the arena. Owens was busted up really badly. There was tons of blood pouring down Owens face. The fans booed as Tama Tonga made his way to the ring. WWE referees were shown helping Owens to his feet. Tonga held up The Bloodline sign. Sikoa looked in Heyman’s direction and held up The Bloodline sign. Heyman then nervously held up The Bloodline sign.
The fans cheered as Owens made his way back ringside. Owens tackled Tonga to the mat. Security held Owens back. Sikoa rocked Owens with a Samoan Spike. Tonga continued to rock Owens with strikes. Tonga left the ring and grabbed a chair. WWE medical officials checked on Owens. SmackDown GM Nick Aldis entered the ring. Sikoa held Tonga back. Sikoa, Tonga and Heyman walked to the back. Tonga raised The Bloodline sign. Sikoa looked over at Heyman’s direction. Sikoa raised The Bloodline sign. Heyman nervously again raised The Bloodline sign.
[Amin’s Thoughts — This was a tremendous segment. Solo Sikoa was awesome here looking like the leader of The Bloodline. Tama Tonga has been tremendous since making his WWE debut looking a like a complete badass. I thought the visual of blood pouring down Owens face was very effective to put over this new vicious side of The Bloodline. Owens is going to need to find a buddy to go against The Bloodline. I could see Randy Orton being Owens partner as he’s been away since WrestleMania. Heyman’s facial reaction and his nervous was of speaking is key showing he’s not in control. The chants for Roman Reigns was perfect as WWE fans are ready for him to return and help Heyman. Roman Reigns is going to be the biggest babyface star when he returns to WWE. This was awesome.]
Paul Heyman was shown leaving the arena. SmackDown GM Nick Aldis appeared and grabbed Heyman’s arm. Aldis asked Heyman if he knew about this? The camera zoomed showing one car running into another car. Aldis told Heyman that one rental car belonged to Owens. Aldis said the other rental car belonged to Tama Tonga. Heyman told Aldis this wasn’t authorized. Aldis told Heyman’s the WWE Draft will be happening next week and tippy-top brass will be watching. Aldis told Heyman he won’t tolerate this kind of savage behaviour. Aldis told Heyman to tell Bloodline. Aldis told Heyman the repercussions will be equally as savage. Aldis told Heyman that “losing isn’t the only thing that has consequences.”
[Amin’s Thoughts: Aldis has been tremendous as the SmackDown GM showing everyone he’s running the show by not backing down to anyone. This was good showing giving reason behind Owens attack on the show.]
They showed Kayla Braxton interviewing Santos Escobar who arrived with Legado Del Fantasma earlier in the day. Escobar told Braxton he and Legado Del Fantasma had nothing to do with Dragon Lee’s attack. Escobar said he’s going to prove to everyone that he was right all along.
Santos Escobar (w/Electra Lopez) vs. Carlito (w/Zelina Vega)
Carlito came out with LWO to a solid reaction. Santos Escobar came out to a strong heel reaction with Lopez. Carlito and Escobar began exchanging strikes. Carlito took control early catching Escobar with a Spinebuster for two. Carlito connected with a standing dropkick sending Escobar to the floor. Carlito connected with a slingshot plancha to the floor. The fans cheered as Carlito raised Vega on his shoulders. Escobar was in control rocking Carlito with a running double knees as they returned from break. Escobar sent Carlito flying with a Super Hurricanrana for two. Carlito battled back rocking Escobar with a running clothesline for two. Lopez stood on the ring apron as Carlito went to climb the ropes. Vega yanked Carlito off the ropes. Lopez caught Vega going for a flying Hurricanrana. Lopez swung Vega sending her crashing into the barricade. Escobar took advantage kicking the ropes between Carlito’s legs. Escobar made a comeback running Carlito into the ring post. Escobar connected with the Phantom Driver for the win.
[Amin’s Thoughts — This was a pretty standard match. You can see Carlito has really slowed down since returning back to WWE. Carlito going heel and splitting away from the LWO could help freshen him up. A nice showing from Escobar who looked good in the way. I would like to see Escobar featured in a more prominent position on the show. The WWE Draft is the perfect time for Escobar and Legado Del Fantasma to split away from LWO.]
We saw Iyo Sky, Asuka, Kairi Sane and Dakota Kai seated in a private booth. Kayla Braxton appeared to interview Damage CTRL. Kai said Iyo will challenge for the WWE Women’s Title when the time is right. Kai said they are going to watch Bayley and Naomi tear each other apart who they can’t stand. Kai said Damage CTRL is the still the most dominant force in WWE. Kai said Asuka and Kairi Sane are still the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. Kai said that’s not going to the chance. The lights went out. The fans cheered as Jade Cargill’s music played. We saw Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill standing in a private booth right next to Damage CTRL. They all began arguing.
[Amin’s Thoughts — This was nice to see Iyo, Asuka, Kari and Kai back on SmackDown. I’ve been impressed with Dakota Kai as she has done a great with her promos putting over Damage CTRL as the top heel Women’s faction in WWE. I liked the Belair and Cargill’s appearance teasing they will be challenge Asuka and Kairi for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles. Belair and Cargill just make for a Super Team as they both look like superstars.]
Corey Graves announced SmackDown was sold out with an attendance of 14,994.
We saw highlights of AJ Styles beating LA Knight to earn an Undisputed WWE Championship match against Cody Rhodes at WWE Backlash in France. Cody delivered a promo from UK. Cody spoke about winning the big one. Cody spoke how the title can make the man. Cody said the man makes the title. Cody spoke about competing in London and wants to defends the title around the world. Cody said Styles is the modern day excellence of execution. Cody said Styles rarely misses. Cody said he doesn’t miss either. Cody said he looks forward to facing Styles at WWE Backlash.
Bayley [c] vs. Naomi for the WWE Women’s Championship
Naomi received a strong reaction from the fans. Bayley received an awesome babyface reaction from the fans. Iyo Sky, Asuka, Kairi Sane, Dakota Kai, Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill were watching from separate sky boxes. Bayley and Naomi were evenly matched to start the match. Bayley and Naomi connected with stereo crossbody for a double down. Naomi took control catching Bayley with a slingshot bulldog for two. Naomi connected with the Rear View for two. Naomi connected with a flying crossbody for two. Bayley battled back planting Naomi with a backdrop suplex for two. Bayley went for a Macho Man Elbow Drop but Naomi got her knees up. Naomi caught Bailey with a slingshot X-Factor for two. Naomi went for a Splits-Legged Moonsault but Bayley got her knees up. Bayley made a comeback rocking Naomi with a running knee strike. Bayley connected with a Macho Man Elbow Drop for two. Bayley called for the Rose Plant but Naomi countered with a sliding kick. Naomi caught Bayley in the Rings of Saturn. Bayley countered catching Naomi with a rollup for two. Bayley and Naomi exchanged big strikes. Naomi connected with a knee strike sending Bayley to the floor. Naomi followed hitting a slingshot plancha to the floor. Bayley responded planting Naomi with a Bayley-to-Belly onto the announcers table. Tiffany Stratton appeared attacking Bayley and Naomi for a non-contest.
—Tiffany attacked Bayley and Naomi after the match. Tiffany delivered the Prettiest Moonsault Ever to Bayley and Naomi. Belair and Cargill weren’t pleased with Tiffany. Iyo Sky, Asuka, Kairi Sane and Dakota Kai were happy with Tiffany attacking Bayley and Naomi. Tiffany celebrated. The show ended.
[Amin’s Thoughts — This was a good action match. A strong showing from both Bayley and Naomi as they worked well together. I was fine with the DQ finish because Bayley shouldn’t lose the title. Naomi should be featured as a top star so it was good that she didn’t lose clean as Bayley’s first title challenger. The post-match angle was strong to put the spotlight on Tiffany. Iyo Sky watching makes me think we might get a Fatal-4-Way match Women’s Title with Bayley, Iyo, Naomi and Tiffany for WWE Backlash.]
OVERALL THOUGHTS
This was a good episode of SmackDown. We now know AJ Styles will be Cody Rhodes first challenger for the Undisputed WWE Title. We got another strong Bloodline angle with Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga showcased as the top heels on the show. I liked the new WWE Tag Team Title design. We also got new challengers in The Street Profits challenging Theory and Waller for the WWE Tag Team Titles. I also enjoyed the Bayley and Naomi title match. We also got some good wrestling matches. Overall, a good episode of WWE SmackDown. Good show here building up the WWE Backlash show.
