WWE SmackDown
Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Connecticut
We are just 8 days away from WrestleMania. Corey Graves welcomed us to SmackDown. They showed clips of The Rock attacking Cody Rhodes on SmackDown. They showed Jimmy Uso, Solo Sikoa and Paul Heyman arriving earlier in the day. They also showed Bianca Belair and Damage CTRL arriving earlier in the day.
Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince & Kit Wilson) def. Randy Orton & Kevin Owens in 7:02. Randy Orton received an incredible reaction. Orton held up an RKO sign from the crowd. Kevin Owens received a great reaction. Pretty Deadly’s entrance is great with the Disco Ball. Owens took control early crashing Wilson with a back senton for a near fall. Orton and Prince tagged into the ring. Orton rocked Prince with corner strikes. Prince caused a distraction. This led to Wilson running Orton into the ring post. Prince took control planting Orton onto the announcers table. Orton caught Wilson with a backdrop suplex as the retuned from break. Owens ran wild rocking Prince with strikes. Owens planted Prince with a DDT for two. Owens went for a Swanton Bomb but Prince got his knees up. Wilson yanked Orton off the ring apron. Orton dumped Wilson onto the announcers table. The referee was distracted as Logan Paul rocked Owens with the Brass Knuckles. Paul hid underneath the ring. Prince covered Owens for the win.
- Orton looked at Owens wondering what happened after the match. Orton looked upset with Owens. They showed a replay of Logan Paul attacking Owens with Brass Knuckles. Owens told Orton that Paul was hiding underneath the ring. Orton left the ring. Orton saw Paul hiding underneath the ring. The crowd cheered as Orton attacked Paul. Prince and Wilson made the save for Paul. Owens gave Prince a Stunner. Orton gave Wilson an RKO. Orton chased Paul to the back. Paul drove off in a vintage Corvette.
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a fun tag team match. I actually didn’t mind the finish with Logan Paul using the Brass Knuckles costing Owens the win. It was also nice to see Prince and Wilson get back on the winning track. I really liked the post-match angle with Orton not blaming Owens after seeing it was Paul who costed them the match. It’s kinda refreshing seeing WrestleMania opponents getting along together in a tag team match.
Iyo Sky / Bayley Segment
We saw an Iyo Sky promo in Japanese with English Subtitles. Iyo said Bayley started Damage CTRL because she was lost. Iyo said Bayley was never about helping new talent. Iyo said Bayley saw an opportunity to launch us and get into the spotlight again. Iyo said the only reason Bayley wanted them to succeed is so she could take the credit. Iyo said Bayley’s a narcissist who loves to claim she’s a victim. Iyo said and now we all feel sorry for Bayley. Iyo said your hypocrisy disgusts her. Iyo said she knows Bayley played a role in her becoming champion. Iyo said she made Bayley relevant. Iyo said Dakota Kai and her felt obligated to keep Bayley around. Iyo said their patients wore thin and got tired of Bayley. Iyo said she outgrown Bayley and did what was needed to be done. Iyo said there was a time when Bayley was her friend. Iyo claimed Bayley was an embarrassment and is a tragedy to this company. Iyo said she hopes she never see Bayley after WrestleMania. Iyo got up from her chair as the interview was done. Bayley appeared attacking Iyo on the interview set. WWE officials appeared pulling Bayley and Iyo apart.
Amin’s Thoughts: A good promo from Iyo Sky explaining her reasoning for taking Bayley out of Damage CTRL. I like the setting with Bayley attacking Iyo Sky after her interview. I’m looking very forward to seeing Bayley vs. Iyo Sky at WrestleMania.
Jade Cargill Arrives On SmackDown
SmackDown GM Nick Aldis was standing inside the ring. The crowd cheered as Nick Aldis asked the crowd if they are ready for WrestleMania. Aldis said he had one goal in mind since he became the GM on SmackDown. Aldis said he wanted to make SmackDown the best pro wrestling and sports entertainment show on television for the fans. Aldis said with the signing of the following superstar takes him closer to that goal. Aldis called out Jade Cargill as the newest member of the SmackDown roster.
The lights went out. Jade Cargill’s music played. There was a spotlight as Jade posed. Jade came out looking like a million bucks. Jade got a superstar reaction. Jade signed SmackDown contract. Jade said it’s about damn time. The fans cheered. Jade wanted to make herself crystal clear. Jade said we have one of the best female roster in the world. She said they’re not Jade Cargill. Jade said they’re not the headline and a once in a lifetime superstar. Jade wanted to give us a weather update. Jade said the “Storm has arrived!” Jade’s music played as she posed in the ring.
Amin’s Thoughts: Jade Cargill looked like a complete superstar. Jade’s entrance looked incredible. I really liked how Jade put over the WWE Women’s roster in her promo. Jade also gave her mission statement telling the roster they are great but just not her. This was nicely done as Jade felt like a big deal.
We saw Asuka, Kairi Sane and Dakota Kai backstage with Kayla Braxton. Braxton noted it’s been an eventful night for the SmackDown roster. Braxton noted Bayley attacked Iyo Sky. Braxton brought Jade Cargill’s arrival. Kai noted Jade hasn’t done anything but stand there. Kai said Iyo will beat Bayley at WrestleMania. Kai said the best part of SmackDown will be when she beats Bianca Belair in the ring. Kai said Belair was not a thought in their minds. Kai said Belair reinserted herself back into Damage CTRL business by helping Naomi. Kai said if Belair was the smartest she wouldn’t have gotten herself into Damage CTRL business. Asuka, Sane and Kai left. Braxton hyped Belair and Kai as the SmackDown main event.
Amin’s Thoughts: I really liked the transition from Jade Cargill’s arrival to the Damage CTRL interview. A great promo from Kai hyping her match with Bianca Belair. Kai mentioning Jade Cargill was a nice hint to let the viewers know Jade will be appearing on the show again.
We saw Nick Aldis walking backstage. Aldis approached Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn. Dawn was pitching Aldis some ideas. Fyre pulled Dawn away. AJ Styles appeared. Styles asked Aldis if he told LA Knight to not be on SmackDown. Aldis said he asked Knight to not be on SmackDown. Styles told Aldis he should have told him. Styles left.
We saw Bobby Lashley, B-Fab and The Street Profit backstage. They were celebrating with champagne on ice. The Street Profits left for their tag team match.
Austin Theory & Grayson Waller def. The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford) in a WrestleMania Tag Team Qualifying Match in 6:21. The Street Profit received a solid reaction. We saw Finn Balor and Damian Priest watching backstage. Waller shined early rocking Ford with strikes. Theory and Waller went for a double suplex but Ford landed on his feet. Dawkins connected with a pounce as Waller went flying over the announcers table. They showed a replay of Waller flying onto Graves on the announcers table. Dawkins caught Theory flying off the ropes with a T-Bone Suplex. Ford ran wild rocking Theory with a springboard elbow. Ford connected with a standing Moonsault to Theory for two. Ford connected with a Super Doomsday Blockbuster to Theory but Waller made the save. Theory caught Dawkins against the ropes. Theory went for a rolling dropkick but Dawkins caught him with a Spinebuster. Ford went to climb the ropes. They showed Bobby Lashley and B-Fab laid out backstage. Karrion Kross was with Scarlett holding a champagne bottle. Kross told The Street Profit they were missing a party. Ford went for a Frog Splash but Theory got his knees up. Theory rolled up Ford for the win.
- AOP appeared attacking Dawkins and Ford after the match. AOP delivered the Super Collider to Dawkins and Ford. Kross celebrated with AOP. Bobby Lashley was held by WWE referee’s as he was making his way ringside. AOP attacked Lashley. Kross rocked Lashley with a Kross Hammer. Kross told Lashley that nobody is going to WrestleMania. The Final Testament posed together.
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a solid tag team match. I’m fine with Theory & Waller being added to the WrestleMania ladder match as they’ve been featured team on SmackDown. Street Profit are still currently in a program with Kross and AOP. Lashley didn’t have a WrestleMania match last year. I would like if this post-match angle sets up a six-man tag between Kross/AOP vs. Lashley & Street Profit for WrestleMania.
Progressive Match Flo highlight was Dominik Mysterio costing Rey Mysterio his match against Rey Mysterio.
Rey Mysterio Makes WrestleMania Challenge
Legado Del Fantasma came out to strong heel reaction. Santos Escobar said he hates to be that guy. Santos said he told you so. Santos gloated about putting Rey Mysterio on the shelf. Escobar said Mysterio’s leg wasn’t amputated like he wanted. Escobar said he got the second best thing which was beating Rey in the ring. Escobar said Rey was the greatest Luchador of all-time. Escobar said he outsmarted Rey. Escobar said he made one phone call to a man who despises Rey just as much as him. Dominik Mysterio came out to huge boos. Escobar thanked Dominik. Escobar said he didn’t see eye to eye with Dominik at first. Escobar said Dominik was right. They shared a hug. The crowd booed as Dominik went to speak. The crowd booed louder as Dominik spoke.
The crowd cheered as Rey Mysterio came out with Legado Del Fantasma. Rey thought he was done fighting Dominik. The crowd chanted LWO. Rey said since Santos brought him into this. Rey said having Dominik and Santos stand in front of him that he despises the most a divine intervention. Rey said because he can how beat some respect into both of them. Rey challenged Santos and Dominik to a tag match at WrestleMania. There was a light Carlito chant. Dominik wondered who Rey was going to choose? Rey said it’s the newest member of LWO, Dragon Lee!
Dragon Lee came out to a strong reaction Dragon Lee was wearing an LWO shirt. Rey and Dragon Lee hugged. Legado Del Fantasma went to leave. Electra Lopez had some words for Zelina Vega. Lopez booted Rey. A brawl broke out between Legado Del Fantasma and LWO. Carlito launched Dominik to the floor. The crowd cheered Dragon Lee delivered a Swanton Bomb onto LWO on the floor. LWO celebrated inside the ring.
Amin’s Thoughts: I really liked the layout for this segment. A strong promo from Santos Escobar as he just looks like a star. Dominik now costing Rey Mysterio the match last week was to set up the WrestleMania tag team match. They did good presenting Dragon Lee like a star being introduced by Rey as the newest member of the LWO. It’s gonna be great to see both Dragon Lee and Santos Escobar two rising stars get to have their first WrestleMania match.
We saw Bianca Belair warming up backstage. Naomi appeared. They shared a hug. Naomi wished Belair luck in her match against Dakota Kai. Naomi said she had Belair’s back. Belair had Naomi’s back last week. Belair said she appreciated it. Belair said she can’t be mad at Naomi. Belair noted she’s tried to take out Damage CTRL. Naomi said she’s here now. Naomi said she and Belair are going to get it starting tonight against Kai. Naomi hyped Belair for her match.
We saw Judgment Day in their clubhouse. Rhea Ripley asked if they knew Dominik Mysterio was going to the ring. Finn Balor said he said no idea. Damian Priest wondered why Dominik didn’t tell Ripley what’s going on. Priest asked Ripley if there’s something she wanted to tell them. Dominik Mysterio appeared. Ripley asked Dominik why he didn’t tell her what’s going on. Dominik said he wanted to make Judgment Day proud. Balor asked Dominik if there’s something else he wants to tell them. Dominik said he wants to see a doctor. JD McDonagh said he will take Dominik to see medical. Priest said this WrestleMania is too big not just for Judgment Day but them as individuals. Ripley asked Priest if there’s something he wants to tell her. Balor said what matters is WrestleMania will belong to Judgment Day.
Amin’s Thoughts: This was pretty interesting. Priest gave the hint that he might be cashing in the Money in the Bank briefcase at WrestleMania. They were also teasing dissension within Judgment Day.
New Catch Republic (Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate) def. Angel & Berto in a WrestleMania Tag Team Qualifying Match in 7:20. The match was joined in progress. Angel sent Dunne flying with a Woo Dropkick. Dunne responded catching Angel with a snap German Suplex. Bate ran wild rocking Angel with a flying European Uppercut. Bate connected with a running Shooting Star Press to Berto for two. Bate leaped off Dunne hitting a Corkscrew Splash onto Angel and Berto on the floor. Berto launched Bate who caught Angel with a flying Hurricanrana as they returned from break. Bate and Dunne delivered a German Suplex/Rebound Lariat to Berto for two. Angel responded nailing Bate with a superkick. Berto planted Bate with a Powerbomb. Angel followed with a springboard Moonsault to Bate for two. Angel and Berto delivered a Super Press Slam to Bate but Dunne made the save. Dunne spiked Berto with a nasty Popup DDT. Bate and Dunne delivered a double Burning Hammer to Angel for the win.
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a fun tag team match. A good showing with both teams getting a chance to shine. It’s going to be really fun to see Bate and Dunne compete together as a team at WrestleMania.
We saw highlights of The Rock making Cody Rhodes bleed on Raw. They showed off-air footage from Raw of Rock continuing his attack on Cody.
We saw Paul Heyman inside The Bloodline locker room. Heyman said “By orders of the “Tribal Chief” you know something is going to do down. Heyman said The Final Boss took out Cody Rhodes on Raw. Heyman said it was by order of the Tribal Chief. Jimmy Uso said Jey Uso won’t make it to WrestleMania. Jimmy said Jey will face Solo Sikoa next week on SmackDown by orders of the Tribal Chief. Solo Sikoa said he’s gonna see Jey next week. Sikoa said he’s going to take Jey out by orders of the Tribal Chief.
Amin’s Thoughts: I really liked this segment. They put the focus on Roman Reigns by having him as the mastermind behind The Rock appearing on Raw and taking out Cody Rhodes. This segment was also there to create a power struggle in the Bloodline between Reigns and Rock. Rock is calling himself Final Boss. Heyman noted it was Tribal Chief who was giving the orders. This was a simple Bloodline segment but was effective to move the story forward.
AJ Styles Promo
AJ Styles came out to strong heel reaction. Styles blamed the fans for LA Knight coming to his house and attacking him in his front yard. The crowd chanted YEAH. Styles said he should’ve had Knight’s ass locked up and have him miss his first WrestleMania. Styles said he has bigger plans for LA Knight. Styles said he wants the biggest spotlight possible and that is WrestleMania. Styles said he will expose Knight as the over achieving, under talented, piece of trash that he is. Styles said he guarantees LA Knight is here. Styles wondered if Knight was coming out from the isle. Styles said Knight could be in the crowd. Styles said Knight could be the camera man. Styles told the camera man to leave the ring. The fans chanted “LA Knight!”
Someone in hoody jumped the barricade. WWE security stopped him. Styles removed the hoody and it was someone else. Styles asked Knight if he’s done with the games. Styles said he won’t be playing games at WrestleMania. Knight was dressed a camera man ringside. Knight stomped away at Styles in the corner. Knight grabbed a chair. Styles left the ring as Knight went to swing a chair. Styles left from the crowd. Knight asked for the mic. Knight said Styles was the biggest piece of human waste he’s ever seen. Knight said at WrestleMania he’s not going to ask or tell Styles. Knight said at WrestleMania, Styles will know whose game this is with everyone saying. LA Knight! YEAH!
Amin’s Thoughts: The good thing here is the fans are still very much behind LA Knight treating him like a top babyface star. I’m glad to see Knight is getting is getting his first single’s match at WrestleMania. Knight and Styles is a WrestleMania match which I’m looking forward to seeing.
We saw a Tiffany Stratton highlight package. Tiffany said when Paris Hilton was speaking about some girls with glitter in their veins. Tiffany said she was talking about her. Tiffany said people think life is some much easier when you’re an insane athlete, have a gorgeous tan and a main event talent. Tiffany said carrying the burden of talent is not as easy as it looks. Tiffany said for her adoring fans, she will always look hot, and to spare our eyes from the ugos. Tiffany said everyone is going to find out what TIffy Time is all about. Toodles!
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a great highlight package presenting Tiffany Stratton as a big time star on SmackDown.
Bianca Belair def. Dakota Kai in 9:27. Bianca Belair received a great reaction from the crowd. Dakota Kai got a strong heel reaction. Belair and Kai began exchanging grounded strikes. Kai caught Belair with a rollup for a near fall. Belair planted Kai with a suplex, Belair rolled through planting Kai with a second suplex. Kai responded catching Belair against the ropes. Kai took control after booting Belair to the floor. Belair planted Kai with a stalling suplex as they returned from break. Belair went for a handspring Moonsault. Kai countered by pulling on Belair’s ponytail. Belair responded planting Kai with a face buster. Belair followed hitting a handspring Moonsault for two. Kai responded rocking Belair with a stomp against the ropes for two. Belair and Kai had a strike exchange. Kai caught Belair with a Scorpion Kick. Kai went for a running boot but Belair moved out of the way. Belair planted Kai with a stalling suplex. Belair made a comeback rocking Kai with a spear. Belair connected with a KOD for the win.
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a good match between Belair and Kai as they worked well together. It’s great to see Dakota Kai wrestling again and coming back after her injury. A good showing from Belair as she looked strong in the win.
Jade Cargill Makes Her Presence Felt
Asuka and Kairi Sane attacked Bianca Belair after the match. The crowd cheered as Naomi ran down to make the save. Damage CTRL got the number advantage. The crowd went wild as Jade Cargill’s music played. Jade rocked Asuka with a big boot. Jade planted Kai with a Catch Powerbomb. Jade planted Sane with the Jaded. Jade did her classic cover as the crowd counted along. The fans cheered as Belair, Jade and Naomi stood together. The show ended.
Amin’s Thoughts: This was all about presenting Jade Cargill like a superstar. The crowd popped for Jade as everything she did looked impressive. I gotta give tons of credit to Asuka, Kai and Sane as they took awesome bumps for Jade. A great angle setting up Belair/Jade/Naomi vs. Damage CTRL in a Six-Women Tag for WrestleMania.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
This felt like a cooldown episode of SmackDown. This show was about filling out the WrestleMania card. They added two new WrestleMania matches to the show. The highlight of the show was Jade Cargill’s arrival as she was presented like a superstar. Overall, this was a fine episode of SmackDown. This show hit the key notes with Jade Cargill’s arrival and filling out the WrestleMania card.
