SmackDown more than fulfilled its purpose this week, setting the stage for next week’s event, which promises to be an extension of Crown Jewel. Premium Live Event-level matches were also held in Perth, Australia, the day before the main event.
Furthermore, we witnessed a historic moment in the WWE, or almost. The Vision achieved a resounding victory on Friday, while Seth Rollins continues to question himself and feeds on his desire for revenge and validation.
SmackDown Results for Friday
- Sami Zayn (c) defeated Aleister Black (United States Championship).
- Sol Ruca and Zaria defeated Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre.
- Rey Fenix and Je’Von Evans defeated Los Garza.
- The Vision defeated Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton.
Seth Rollins’ interference added more tension to the rivalry with Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton.Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker defeated Rhodes and Orton after Rollins interfered in the match, applying a “stomp” to Orton. This finish adds another layer of animosity between Rollins and Orton heading into the match between Rollins and Rhodes at Crown Jewel. After the match, Rollins tried to attack Rhodes, but received a “Cross Rhodes” in return. After Crown Jewel, Orton could have a match on Raw or SmackDown against Rollins, and be a future title challenger for Rhodes. Paul Heyman urged Rollins not to go after Rhodes, saying “it’s in your head”, which leaves room for Rollins to make a similar mistake in his match at Crown Jewel.
Other highlights and storylines
The open challenge by Sami Zayn’s United States Championship served to boost two distinct rivalries this week. First, Carmelo Hayes demanded another opportunity before being attacked by The Miz, who, after Hayes said his team was finished, left him lying with a “Skull Crushing Finale.” Then, Aleister Black accepted the challenge (as Michael Cole said in the commentary, his first opportunity for a WWE title on Raw or SmackDown). Damien Priest distracted Black, allowing Zayn to apply a “Helluva Kick” and a “Blue Thunder Bomb” to retain the title. Whether to highlight or elevate talent, boost a rivalry, or simply for a fantastic match, the open challenge for the United States Championship continues to be a success on SmackDown.The parallel development of Sol Ruca and Zaria as title contenders, along with the growing team chemistry of Charlotte and Alexa Bliss, is an entertaining story. It seems that this match could take place at “Survivor Series”.Tiffany Stratton and Stephanie Vaquer made their match at Crown Jewel official, and we finally had a WWE contract signing without any physical action… until Stratton left the ring and was attacked by Giulia and Kiana James. It seems that Giulia will definitely play a role in the match at Crown Jewel, where she could face Stratton for the WWE Women’s Championship.
I was surprised to see Je’Von Evans on SmackDown again. Not because he didn’t dominate in his debut match on the blue brand last week against Sami Zayn, but because it’s very soon despite being active in NXT and in a match with Rey Fenix against Los Garza, which seems like it should involve a full-time SmackDown roster member. But allowing Evans to showcase his talent on SmackDown to promote the NXT vs. TNA clash on Tuesday is definitely good for business.
Solo Sikoa continues with the “reset of his family tree”, ending this week by saying that something is missing and that everyone (and I mean everyone) is on notice. The original Bloodline against the Sikoa family would be a great War Games match.
