This week’s “SmackDown” episode offered a card packed with high-profile matches, similar to a “Night 1 of Crown Jewel”, and the fans in Perth, Australia, responded with enthusiasm. The audience witnessed surprising returns and unexpected twists, including Shinsuke Nakamura’s return to the ring, after his last appearance in mid-June, and Tama Tonga’s rejoining The MFT, since Wrestlemania 41. Zelina Vega also played a crucial role, influencing 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)A Rising Rivalry
After weeks of anticipation, the match between Black and Priest finally took place. The Last Man Standing stipulation guaranteed a test of endurance, where victory is decided when a wrestler cannot stand before the count of ten. Black took the victory thanks to the intervention of his wife, Zelina Vega, who made her way through the crowd and climbed a barricade to implore Priest for mercy. The distraction allowed Black to throw a fireball at Priest’s face, sending him through a table. This rivalry promises to continue, and the public eagerly awaits more confrontations. The question that arises is what kind of match could follow a Last Man Standing, a Hell in a Cell?Other Key Points of “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, marking his return after six months of absence. The MFT group, made up of Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, JC Mateo and Talla Tonga, surrounded the ring and attacked Zayn and Nakamura, while their leader, Solo Sikoa, watched. Although the challenge opened by the United States title has been a platform to launch new stars and offer exciting matches, the participation of a faction like The MFT could mean that every week a different member challenges Zayn on “SmackDown”, starting with Sikoa. The night continued with The MFT confronting The Wyatt Sicks, following the successful defense of the Tag Team Championship by Dexter Lumis and Joe Gacy against The Street Profits. The MFT made it clear that they have their sights set on The Sicks. A clash between these two factions could be a perfect match for Survivor Series.Drew McIntyre attacked Jacob Fatu backstage after Fatu expressed his desire to compete for the world title, to which Cody Rhodes responded affirmatively. A match between McIntyre and Fatu would be beneficial for both. For Fatu, a victory over McIntyre would solidify his position in the world title contention. McIntyre, for his part, could become world champion at any moment.
