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The latest episode of WWE SmackDown showcased a disparity of cinematic intrigue, intensity, and friendships at stake. The show ended with a huge tease for the WWE Universe as well.
Naomi and Bayley faced Nia Jax and Tiffany Stratton in a Tornado Tag Team match. The catch was whoever pinned Jax would challenge for the WWE Women's Championship at Bad Blood. The controversial ending to the bout led to Nick Aldis announcing a singles match between Bayley and Naomi next week on SmackDown, to determine the next challenger for the title.
Let's dive into the best and worst from SmackDown:
Best: Kevin Owens going to the dark place; teasing a heel turn
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Kevin Owens was spotted backstage watching Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes' intense confrontation. He was then approached for an interview to which KO gave disgruntled responses.
The former United States Champion was set to address fans about his thoughts on the megastars' encounter but was interrupted by Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, and Jacob Fatu. A heated verbal exchange took place before The Bloodline pounced on Owens, forcing DIY to run out for the save. Once the chaos somewhat cooled down, Nick Aldis announced a six-man tag team match between Kevin Owens and DIY vs. The Bloodline, in the main event.
KO was left without any allies when Tonga, Loa, and Fatu attacked DIY backstage before the match even started but he had back-up in The Street Profits. They defeated the menacing Bloodline, who were discontent with their loss and attacked the winners. Cody Rhodes ran out just as the group escaped. By this time, Kevin Owens was standing behind the champion, chair in hand. He hesitated, seemingly hinting at an attack on his 'friend.'
KO has been in a dark place recently - from losing the Undisputed WWE Championship match at Bash in Berlin to going back to feuding with A-Town Down Under. Additionally, with Roman Reigns vowing to take back his title, it leaves KO with little to do on SmackDown.
Worst: Andrade and Carmelo Hayes feuding again after the former seemingly moved on!
Andrade and LA Knight commenced SmackDown this week with a match for the United States Championship. Andrade once held the highly reputed title from December 2019 until May 2020 when he lost it to Apollo Crews. Four years later, the 34-year-old was in familiar territory, vying to become a two-time United States Champion.
The current titleholder, LA Knight, put up an impressive defense that kicked off the hype for the show. A few moments during the match teased a possible title change, displaying Andrade's determination to win the championship. After the match, the two shook hands, showcasing the mutual respect between the stars.
Backstage, Carmelo Hayes bumped into Andrade and left no chance to belittle the WWE star. He mocked his efforts and loss, claiming that the SmackDown star was 'washed.' A fight broke out between the two, indicating that their rivalry was far from over.
The two have been going at it for the past four months, which is an adequately normal period of time for a WWE feud. However, the seeming lack of focus and direction makes it fruitless. Whenever it seems either of the two former champions are moving on to better things on the horizon, they are drawn back into a feud with each other, which fans have seen often.
Best: Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes' cinematic promo featured on SmackDown
A few hours before SmackDown, Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes shared an image of a confrontation between them but not in the ring.
Reigns visited his alma mater, Georgia Tech where he kickstarted his football career. On the other hand, Rhodes was born and raised in Marietta, Georgia. The place has had an influential part in the WWE stars' lives.
Reigns and Rhodes met at the Georgia Tech football field to discuss business. The first is their upcoming tag team match against Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu at Bad Blood. Then, they talked about whatever transpired in recent years before The Head of the Table claimed that after their temporary partnership was over, he was heading to take back what was his - the Undisputed WWE Championship.
The intensity of the encounter left fans on the edge of their seats. The additional theatric environment made it all the more intriguing and a one-of-a-kind experience for the WWE Universe.
