Likely date for major Cody Rhodes match, The Bloodline evolved? - 4 takeaways from WWE SmackDown this week (November 22, 2024)

WWE Friday Night SmackDown aired last night on the USA Network. This was the second-to-last edition of the blue brand ahead of the Survivor Series WarGames 2024 Premium Live Event.

The show featured four matches, two from the men's side of things and two featuring female stars. This includes a United States Championship match and a bout part of the Women's United States Championship Tournament.

Perhaps more interesting than the matches were major segments. The show featured the returns of Paul Heyman and CM Punk, plus a heated confrontation between two of the top stars in the promotion. These were in addition to other segments scattered throughout the show.

This article will take a look at a handful of key takeaways from the blue brand, which include a potential date for a blockbuster match, a clear sign of a talent working well within a stable, and more.

Below are four takeaways from the November 22, 2024 edition of WWE SmackDown.

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#4. It is clear that Bronson Reed is a perfect fit for The New Bloodline

The biggest story in WWE right now is the ongoing Bloodline saga. The group is in the middle of a new civil war, this time with Roman Reigns leading one side and Solo Sikoa leading the other.

To have the numbers for WWE Survivor Series WarGames, Solo had to recruit a hired gun of sorts. The man he brought into The New Bloodline is Big Bronson Reed. Reed debuted with the group last week and laid out Roman Reigns and the rest of The O.G. Bloodline.

Fans felt an immediate chemistry between Bronson and the stable. A week later, that chemistry remains. Bronson Reed is clearly a perfect fit for the stable and he should be kept with the group moving forward. Chemistry like this is too good to pass up on. He just fits nicely.

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#3. Kevin Owens vs. Cody Rhodes is almost definitely going to take place at Saturday Night's Main Event

While the returns of CM Punk and Paul Heyman were arguably the biggest segments of the night on WWE SmackDown, there was another part of the show that was equally as good, if not better.

Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes had an incredible segment where they fired insults back and forth. Things were extremely heated, with Kevin noting that he hated the Undisputed WWE Champion. Cody argued Owens actually hated himself.

During the verbal sparring, Cody referenced the two fighting last night, at Survivor Series, or at Saturday Night's Main Event. Given that it wasn't announced for WarGames, nor did it happen last night, it seems all but guaranteed the bout will happen at SNME. This teaser also fits in with previous reports on the matter. Owens vs. Rhodes at the big special in December feels inevitable.

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#2. Bayley is still haunted by her past with both Bianca Belair and IYO SKY

WWE SmackDown featured a lot of chaos within the women's division. Bianca Belair left her match early when a shocking video played showing Jade Cargill assaulted on the roof of a car.

While Jade was carted off to the hospital, Bianca was quick to join her. Before she left, however, she yelled at her long-time rival Bayley. Later on in the same show, Bayley and IYO SKY were in the same ring at the same time and there was clear tension and the two stayed away from one another.

The major takeaway here is that Bayley's past continues to haunt her. Either as leader of Damage CTRL and Bianca's long-time rival or a former member of the stable, The Role Model's demons are yet to be exercised and they almost certainly weigh heavily upon her shoulders. It is bad news for The Role Model.

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#1. WWE SmackDown's tag team division is finally getting the focus it deserves

A major takeaway from Friday Night SmackDown is the rise of the tag team division. While Monday Night RAW's World Tag Team Championship picture is still lacking in the eyes of many fans, there is a compelling story centered around the WWE Tag Team Titles.

Currently, The Motor City Machine Guns are the WWE Tag Team Champions, but both DIY and The Street Profits want the gold. Angelo Dawkins has shown a more intense and serious side, even nailing Chris Sabin with a strike last week for no reason. Some think they may turn heel.

Speaking of turning heel, Tommaso Ciampa of DIY has turned to the villainous side, yet Johnny Gargano hasn't. Gargano is friends with MCMG and he's trying to calm things down, but it isn't working. Who is the villain? Who will betray their friends to get ahead? For once, there is a lot of intrigue in the tag team division and a real story for fans to sink their teeth into.