The recent episode of “SmackDown” featured a card packed with high-profile matches, generating an atmosphere similar to “Crown Jewel Night 1” and was very well received by the audience in Perth, Australia.Fans witnessed unexpected returns, surprising twists, and crucial moments. Among them, the return of Shinsuke Nakamura to the ring stands out, after his last appearance in mid-June, and the reincorporation of Tama Tonga to The MFT, since Wrestlemania 41. In addition, Zelina Vega emerged from the audience at the RAC Center to influence the outcome of the main event, a Last Man Standing match between Aleister Black and Damian Priest.
“SmackDown” Results for Friday
- Sami Zayn vs. Shinsuke Nakamura ends in a no-contest (Men’s United States Championship)
- Stephanie Vaquer and Tiffany Stratton defeat Giulia and Kiana James
- The Wyatt Sicks defeat The Street Profits (Tag Team Championship)
- Aleister Black defeats Damian Priest
A Rising Rivalry Lights Up the Night
After weeks of anticipation, the long-awaited match between Black and Priest finally took place. The Last Man Standing stipulation guaranteed a match of great endurance, where the winner is defined by the opponent’s inability to stand up before the referee’s ten count. Black emerged victorious thanks to the intervention of his wife, Zelina Vega, who infiltrated the audience and positioned herself in front of Priest, imploring him for mercy for her husband. This distraction allowed Black to prepare a fireball that impacted Priest’s face, sending him through a table.The rivalry between both fighters continues, promising more exciting encounters. The question that arises is: what’s next after a Last Man Standing match? A Hell in a Cell?
Other highlights from “SmackDown”
Nakamura surprised everyone by answering Zayn’s open challenge for the United States Championship. The match, which promised to be spectacular, was interrupted by the appearance of a masked man, Tama Tonga, who was returning after six months of absence. The MFT, with Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, JC Mateo and Talla Tonga, surrounded the ring and attacked Zayn and Nakamura, while their leader, Solo Sikoa, watched the scene.The MFT faction didn’t stop there. After Dexter Lumis and Joe Gacy successfully defended their Tag Team Championship against The Street Profits, who could be on the verge of separation after this defeat, The MFT made it clear that their sights are set on The Sicks. A possible confrontation between both factions could be a perfect match for Survivor Series.Drew McIntyre attacked Jacob Fatu backstage after Fatu expressed his desire to get a world title opportunity, to which Cody Rhodes responded affirmatively. A confrontation between McIntyre and Fatu promises to be beneficial for both wrestlers. For Fatu, a victory over McIntyre, a renowned talent in WWE, would strengthen his position in the world title contention. On the other hand, McIntyre, almost invincible, could aspire to the championship at any time.
