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The season premiere of SmackDown was a tumultuous environment with a segway of returns and major transitions. Roman Reigns made his triumphant return for the first time since SummerSlam, Pretty Deadly were viable for in-ring competition, and Triple H had a few announcements to overturn WWE's future direction.
Below is a list of the best and worst from the seaon premiere of SmackDown:
Best: Triple H's announcements about SmackDown's future
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Triple H appeared on the season premiere of SmackDown to make a few notable changes. He applauded Adam Pearce's contributions to managing both RAW and SmackDown. They were interrupted by Dominik Mysterio, who expressed his anger at Pearce being made the official to look after the red brand, and complained about Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso being the tag team champions.
Triple H announced Nick Aldis as the new General Manager for the blue brand exclusively. Dominik Mysterio continued to argue his case, but the audience boos took over. Nick Aldis proceeded to address an important issue - the trade off replacement for Jey Uso to RAW, who was revealed to be Kevin Owens.
This was a contemplated move by WWE in a bid to stir up the SmackDown roster. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn were working together trying to regain their lost tag team titles. Also separate managers for the two brands comes at an apt timing, with Survivor Series not too far away.
Worst: Bayley's match with Zelina Vega without an adequate backstory
Bayley and Zelina Vega got into a verbal altercation backstage when a WWE star was injured. The Damage CTRL member called out the interviewer for not having their priorities straight, and involving her in the segment. Bayley got the win in her match against Zelina Vega, which saw Charlotte Flair run out to threaten Damage CTRL from further attacking Vega post-match.
Bayley was entangled in a feud with Shotzi over the past few months, which also led to the latter taking on an unhinged persona. Shotzi continued to scare Bayely in the ring and backstage. While it seems that feud initially kicked off with a storm, when Shotzi shaved her head on live television, the two women are yet to officially clash in a singles match to settle the scores between them.
Best: Jade Cargill's teaser of being on the SmackDown roster
Jade Cargill turned the wrestling world topsy turvy when news of her signing almost broke the internet. The 31-year old made her first WWE appearance, making her entrance into the building at Fastlane, and later on at NXT this past week. However, this was the first time she was properly featured in a segment of sorts.
Charlotte Flair approached Adam Pearce backstage on SmackDown to confirm her title match against IYO Sky next week. As she walked away, Flair bumped into Jade Cargill. Triple H appeared and proceeded to introduce Cargill when The Nature Girl replied that she knew who she was.
There is no official announcement on which brand Jade Cargill will be a part of yet. And this segment, and first run-in with Flair, could prove to be a hint at her potentially joining SmackDown for good.
Worst: Carlito being attacked backstage
Carlito returned at Backlash this year for a brief segment. Following which, it was reported that he had signed with WWE in July 2023. Since then, he had been absent from television, as it seemed the company was unsure on how to book the 44-year old.
Eventually, he returned at Fastlane to assist Rey Mysterio in his tag team match. This week on SmackDown, Carlito was interviewed backstage, before Bobby Lashley interfered. He cited that they should set aside their differences, and work together. This turned out to be a ploy by the All Mighty, when The Street Profits attacked Carlito from behind.
The LWO rushed to his aid, while the trio who ambushed him made their exit. The brief segment was deemed to give a sneak peek into his full time return but it somehow felt a bit flat to fans.
Best: LA Knight confronts Roman Reigns on SmackDown
In Roman Reigns' absence, LA Knight saw a meteoric rise. From teaming up with John Cena, and kickstarting a feud with Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa, the 40-year old has upped his ante on the roster.
John Cena kicked off SmackDown only to have Roman Reigns crash his addressal. Cena then cited that he was not looking to challenge Reigns, but instead it was owed to someone else. LA Knight walked out and confronted the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, much to his disdain.
Knight even paid tribute to John Cena by using words from his age old entrance theme. The confrontation was cut short when Jimmy Uso attacked Knight from behind and a brawl ensued. The Bloodline and Paul Heyman were spotted with Jimmy Uso backstage to gain a sense of the happenings in the WWE Champion's time away.
The trio also came face to face with Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso following their tag team title match on the blue brand. Earlier, there were rumors on John Cena potentially facing Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel, but now, it seems to be replaced with LA Knight.
What did you like from the latest edition of WWE SmackDown? Sound off in the comments section below.
