The SmackDown episode following Wrestlepalooza had all the ingredients to be a blockbuster. Top stars, heated rivalries, and big stakes. Yet, while some moments delivered, several decisions left fans scratching their heads. Let’s break down what really went down and where WWE missed the mark.
Cody Rhodes Opens SmackDown
The Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes, set the tone for the night with a fiery segment alongside Paul Heyman. Rhodes wanted to know exactly which version of Heyman he was dealing with, especially after Heyman rekindled ties with Brock Lesnar.
But Rhodes’ night didn’t get easier. He soon had to deal with Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, who attacked him. Luckily, Randy Orton stepped in, making the segment even more explosive.
Aleister Black Sends a Message
Aleister Black made his intentions clear with a vicious Black Mass on Damian Priest backstage. This attack wasn’t random it hinted strongly at a possible Last Man Standing match between the two, something fans would definitely want to see.
Zaria and Sol Ruca Issue a Challenge
The rising stars Zaria and Sol Ruca challenged Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair. However, they were quickly told they hadn’t earned the right to face them yet. What rubbed fans the wrong way was that another NXT star, without much build-up, still received a title shot on the same night.
WWE’s Key Mistakes After Wrestlepalooza
SmackDown wasn’t short on talent, but the booking choices raised eyebrows. The episode suffered from weak match placement, questionable heel turns, and a main event riddled with issues.
Mistake #1: Weak Match Placement
The show featured only four matches over the course of two hours. That might work if balanced correctly, but instead, the card felt repetitive. Two tag team matches ran back-to-back, followed by two title bouts one after another. Variety was missing. With such limited in-ring action, better pacing was essential.
Mistake #2: Drew McIntyre’s Heel Turn
Once a dominant figure who defeated Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania, Drew McIntyre now looked like a bitter heel. Wearing a walking boot, McIntyre complained about his injury, which didn’t even come from a WWE doctor.
General Manager Nick Aldis called him out, followed by Jacob Fatu who confronted him and left him lying in the ring. Turning McIntyre into a whiny villain felt like a step backward for someone of his stature.
Mistake #3: NXT Star in Sami Zayn’s Open Challenge
Sami Zayn’s open challenges are always exciting, but this time fans were surprised when Je’Von Evans from NXT answered. While Evans is talented, many wondered why SmackDown stars weren’t used instead.
Names like Santos Escobar, Johnny Gargano, or Tommaso Ciampa could have benefited from the spotlight. Instead, Evans wrestled, only to be blindsided later by Josh Briggs. The match was good, but the choice of opponent left SmackDown talent sidelined.
Mistake #4: Chaotic Women’s Main Event
The triple threat main event featuring Tiffany Stratton, Jade Cargill, and Nia Jax promised fireworks. And while there were some amazing moments like Cargill and Stratton superplexing Jax off the top rope several problems ruined the flow.
Half the match played out during commercials, and the ending was botched when Nia either forgot to kick out or the referee missed it. The confusion left fans puzzled during the most important part of the night. Stratton eventually pinned Jax to retain her title, but the finish left a sour taste.
The Good Highlights of SmackDown
Despite its flaws, the show had bright spots. Cody Rhodes’ opening was strong, Aleister Black’s attack added excitement, and the women’s triple threat had moments that could have been iconic with better execution.
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