The last episode of “SmackDown” presented a show with ups and downs, although it left memorable moments for the fans. Despite not reaching the intensity of the previous week, the show crowned a new champion and generated important developments in the existing rivalries.
Dragunov Crowned Champion
Ilja Dragunov’s return to action was one of the highlights of the night, defeating Sami Zayn to become the new WWE United States Champion. This triumph marks a significant milestone for Dragunov, who returns after an injury that kept him out of the ring for more than a year.Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss defeated Zaria and Sol Ruca.
Cody Rhodes: A New Dark Side?
Cody Rhodes showed a more aggressive side, using the championship as a weapon against Drew McIntyre. This change in his attitude could be a sign of a possible character change towards the “heel” side, a speculation that has always been around among WWE fans. However, given his prominent role in the company, it is unlikely that this change will materialize in the near future.
Other Highlights and Rivalries
The rivalry between McIntyre and Rhodes remains unresolved, and a number one contender was not determined on “SmackDown.” In addition, Jacob Fatu suffered a backstage attack, preventing him from participating in the match for the number one contender spot. If the reports about Fatu’s injury are true, his return could be key in the title fight.The match between Dragunov and Zayn was exceptional. Solo Sikoa’s interference, who distracted Zayn, allowed Dragunov to execute his “Torpedo Moscow” and an “H-Bomb” to secure the victory and the championship. This triumph could lead to a rivalry between Zayn and Sikoa, in addition to the possible involvement of the MFTs, who attacked Zayn and Dragunov after the match. Rey Fenix tried to help Zayn and Dragunov, but was neutralized by Tama Tonga. This could be the beginning of a rivalry between the MFTs and a group of wrestlers, including Zayn, Dragunov, Fenix and Shinsuke Nakamura, with the possible incorporation of one more wrestler. The Wyatt Sicks are also in play, which adds even more possibilities for confrontations, especially for Survivor Series: WarGames on November 29.Sami Zayn once again demonstrated his ability to deliver high-quality matches against any opponent. His journey in pursuit of the United States title has pitted him against legends, high-flying wrestlers, and technicians.Blake Monroe was present in the audience observing Sol Ruca, whom she will challenge soon for the NXT Women’s Championship. The match in which Ruca teamed up with Zaria against Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss seemed a bit rushed, detracting from the excitement of the NXT title match.
