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Tonight's SmackDown kicked off Night One of the 2024 WWE Draft. A few popular names were picked by their same old brands while some were drafted to the competitor. An NXT name, Kiana James, was the only female talent from the developmental brand called up to RAW.
Three Backlash: France matches were confirmed on SmackDown with the event barely a week away. Let's dive into the best and worst from the latest edition of the blue brand:
Best: Randy Orton and Kevin Owens teaming up against The Bloodline
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The Bloodline under Solo Sikoa's leadership has been nothing but a nuisance to the SmackDown roster. More so after Kevin Owens was caught in the cross hairs last week when he was viciously attacked by Tama Tonga and Solo on the blue brand.
This week, he exacted revenge and attacked The Enforcer and his MFT. The numbers game worked to their advantage, however, before Randy Orton ran out to save Owens. Later, a tag team match was announced for all four members at Backlash 2024 next month.
It is crucial to note The Viper has been involved in multi-man matches ever since his return last year, which makes sense given his condition and recovery from his back injury. Orton and Owens feuded in a triple threat match at WrestleMania 40 for the United States Championship and briefly brawled among each other as well. So, for Randy Orton to team with Kevin Owens against a faction he is all too familiar with makes the most sense.
Worst: Carlito revealed as Dragon Lee's attacker on SmackDown
Carlito has been underutilized ever since his WWE return last year. The SmackDown star soon found himself associated with Rey Mysterio and the LWO. They competed in a few tag team bouts against Legado Del Fantasma led by Santos Escobar.
A couple of weeks before WrestleMania 40, Carlito would finally get his spot for revenge against Santos Escobar. Things took a turn when the Master of The 619 chose Dragon Lee to be his tag team partner against his son Dominik and Santos Escobar for the mega event earlier this month. Lee was then attacked backstage by an unknown assailant, who turned out to be Carlito.
The 45-year-old ran away from the ring after attacking Lee again as the remaining LWO members looked on in confusion. The moment of truth had no impact on the WWE Universe as his involvement was heavily speculated given how crushed he looked when Rey Mysterio appointed Dragon Lee to be by his side.
Best: Carmelo Hayes making a statement after being the first Draft pick on SmackDown
Carmelo Hayes is officially done with WWE NXT. However, his move to SmackDown was a no-brainer given his prior performances and feuds on the brand.
The former NXT Champion was a first round pick in the Draft 2024 and was the third superstar pick overall. He showed up with his cheeky persona and immediately challenged Cody Rhodes to a match on the blue brand in the main event.
Making his mark and sending the champion a bold statement, Carmelo Hayes put up an impressive fight. The 29-year-old made his Royal Rumble debut this year and resonated with the WWE Universe within his three-year span with the company. His confidence and eagerness demonstrate the beginning of big things to come for the young star on the main roster.
