Best and worst of SmackDown (September 27, 2024): Cody Rhodes p*sses off WWE star; mega return; HUGE booking mistake?

WWE SmackDown's chaos continued this week as well, on the road to Bad Blood. Roman Reigns was absent from the show as per his reported schedule for the rest of 2024.

Randy Orton returned and kicked off the show, highlighting his focus and priorities after feuding with Gunther. Tensions are at it's peak for Tiffany Stratton and Nia Jax.

AJ Styles' WWE return was announced for next week on SmackDown after he quit at Clash at the Castle. Additionally, a Triple-Threat Ladder Match was made official for next week before the show ended for the WWE Tag Team titles. This would feature DIY, Street Profits, and The Bloodline.

Let's take a look at the best and worst from WWE SmackDown this week:

---

Best: Hayes' win tied the series of six matches on SmackDown

Andrade and Carmelo Hayes' clash of egos led to their one-on-one matches now going on up to six matches on the brand so far.

Additionally, Andrade's continued discourse with LA Knight following their clash last week added to the dispute. A misunderstood handshake heated things up and Hayes' backstage comments led to a brawl.

On the latest episode of the show, Hayes won the match, resulting in a tie at 3-3 between the duo, but not without Knight's interference. Carmelo Hayes attacked Knight backstage creating, more ruckus in the moment.

Andrade returned to WWE in January this year and was drafted to RAW. He was not seen on television and barely had a match to his name. Soon after, he was moved to SmackDown where he is thriving. Recent events might be indicative of another potential shot at the United States Championship.

---

Worst: Naomi losing the #1 Contender spot to Bayley

Bayley defeated Naomi in the #1 Contender match on SmackDown for the WWE Women's Championship. She will face Nia Jax at Bad Blood to try to regain what she lost at SummerSlam.

Naomi's return to SmackDown seemed to indicate an upward trajectory, with her being a fan favorite. She soon joined Bayley in her fight against Nia Jax and Tiffany Stratton.

After last week's controversial ending, Bayley and Naomi were pitted against each other in a singles match this week, with the winner facing Jax at Bad Blood for the title. The Role Model pinned her opponent and they hugged it out backstage.

The 36-year-old last held a singles title nearly seven years ago. Following this, she was actively a part of the women's tag team division and held the respective titles a few times. Her loss disappointed many, with some suggesting might even lead to a heel turn. Hopefully, The Glow can earn the status of being a women's champion before the year ends.

---

Best: Randy Orton's path to the Undisputed WWE Championship might be underway without his involvement

Randy Orton returned to SmackDown for the first time after losing to Gunther at Bash in Berlin. The WWE megastar caught up with Cody Rhodes, dismissing any indication of turning against his friend.

Kevin Owens joined the conversation and was cold in his behavior towards Rhodes. The trio was interrupted by The Bloodline, setting up a tag match for the main event. The WWE Champion suggested being a part of it but KO took over, announcing Orton and himself against Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu. This was not without The Prizefighter proclaiming disdain at Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns' alliance for Bad Blood.

Later, in a backstage segment, KO's temper was soaring again which Orton managed to simmer down. Solo Sikoa pinned Kevin Owens to win in the SmackDown main event which led to the latter lashing out at Cody Rhodes, whose vain attempt to help backfired.

Randy Orton controlled the situation just in time. Now, Orton enjoys stirring trouble on many occasions. With the chaos surrounding Cody Rhodes' upcoming Bad Blood bout, teaming up with Roman Reigns, and concern about Kevin Owens - this is the perfect time for Randy Orton to seize the opportunity. And it also gives The Viper a pawn in his pursuit to become a 15-time WWE world champion.