Friday Night Smackdown Round Up below –
Lets dive in to the night shall we?
Roman Reigns and LA Knight Sign the Contract for Crown Jewel
Before their monumental showdown for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship on Saturday, November 4 at Crown Jewel, Roman Reigns and LA Knight finalized their main event bout by officially signing the contract this Friday on SmackDown.
What unfolded when The Tribal Chief and The Megastar confronted each other in the ring, and what impact would this encounter have on the momentum leading to the annual extravaganza?
Discover the details in our recap, which also highlights Bianca Belair’s inaugural appearance since her comeback last week and unveils John Cena’s contemplations leading to his Crown Jewel confrontation against Solo Sikoa.
Every lingering uncertainty regarding LA Knight’s stature was decisively dispelled on Friday night at the onset of SmackDown. He made a statement, overshadowing Roman Reigns’ entrance by seizing the ring and the spotlight with unyielding charisma.
With a demeanor marked by composure and control, Knight captivated the audience, declaring his dominion over the game and swearing to usurp the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship from The Tribal Chief at Crown Jewel.
His unwavering confidence magnified his superstar persona, positioning him as a formidable adversary, and potentially, an equal to Reigns. Despite the odds, and skepticism about his capability to clinch victory in Saudi Arabia, Knight projected an image of a credible contender for the championship.
Is he destined to triumph? Perhaps not overtly, but given Knight’s consistent performance and resilience, it wouldn’t be beyond belief if the championship found a new home. A change in creative direction by Triple H and WWE could indeed pave the way for his ascendancy to the pinnacle of the roster.
Knight’s journey, marked by relentless momentum-building and unwavering relevance over the past six months, stands as a powerful testament to his evolving legacy.
Grade – A
- Knight interrupted Reigns’ entrance, hit the ring, stole his place at the head of the table, and cut Aldis off. This was top-dog stuff from the No. 1 contender, who looks every bit like The Megastar he has fashioned himself for the last year.
- “Have you ever had a championship match?” Reigns arrogantly asked Knight, eluding to his lack of big-match appearances in WWE.
- “While you failed time after time, while you were busy with suckering succotash, I’ve been out here since day one telling everyone whose game it is!” Knight said.
Carlito and Santos Escobar vs. The Street Profits
The Street Profits, flourishing under Bobby Lashley’s mentorship, triumphed over Carlito and Santos Escobar in a bout subtly disrupted by Logan Paul’s antics.
While United States Champion Rey Mysterio was attentively watching his LWO teammates from backstage, he fell victim to an unforeseen assault by Paul. This act of treachery caught the eyes of Carlito and Escobar, steering their focus away from the ongoing match. Consequently, this allowed Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins to capitalize on the distraction, marking another pivotal triumph in their evolution as formidable antagonists.
The match itself was robust, serving as a catalyst for brewing discord and dissatisfaction within Escobar concerning his alliance with his LWO counterparts. It imbued the contest with significance that transcended the mere physical exchanges within the ring.
Result
The Street Profits conquered Carlito and Escobar
Grade – B+
- Ford and Dawkins entered to new theme music, sans red Solo cups, as they continued their shift in character and tone.
- This is Carlito’s first match on SmackDown since 2009, when he partnered with Primo Colon to battle Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes.
- Logan Paul jumped Rey Mysterio backstage, the video drawing the attention of the babyfaces. Escobar ordered Carlito to the back, leaving him to go it alone.
Shotzi vs. Chelsea Green
After a heated backstage altercation with the Women’s Tag Team Champions Chelsea Green and Piper Niven, Shotzi was thrust into a singles clash against Green, orchestrated by the general manager, Nick Aldis.
Green showcased a spirited performance, but it was Shotzi who cleverly exploited Green’s overconfidence, clinching an unexpected victory through a decisive pin.
This match ushered in a refreshing divergence from the routine by not featuring prominent figures like Charlotte Flair, Asuka, or Damage CTRL. Shotzi, often not given ample consistent screen time, and Green, with her outsized personality, truly brought something novel to the screen.
Their inclusion in the show, allowing them to cultivate rapport with the audience, is precisely the direction WWE Creative ought to navigate. However, it is essential to acknowledge the absence of substantial stakes or a coherent rationale behind the match, aside from a spontaneous backstage clash, making it somewhat challenging to stir significant anticipation or enthusiasm beyond the mere participation of both women in a televised match.
Result
Shotzi triumphed over Green
Grade – C
Top Moments and Takeaways
- Graves disclosed that Shotzi’s ring attire was ingeniously crafted from an “authentic straight jacket,” aligning seamlessly with her character’s ethos.
- Seizing the moment, Shotzi leveraged Green’s hubris to her advantage, securing victory with a deft crucifix rollup.
John Cena Promo on Solo Sikoa
John Cena, noted for his ability to connect and communicate with fans in a unique and inspirational manner, drew the ire of The Bloodline, as per Paul Heyman’s remarks on Friday night. At Crown Jewel, Cena is set to face the repercussions when he confronts Solo Sikoa.
The sequence commenced with Cena, immersed in self-doubt, absorbing the love and support radiating from WWE fans. However, the arrival of Heyman, coupled with veiled threats and a brutal onslaught by The Bloodline’s Enforcer, curtailed his resurgence, leaving Cena vulnerable and defeated at Sikoa’s hands.
Heyman executed an impeccable promo, with Cena displaying compelling character work, and Sikoa contributing an intense beatdown, escalating the temperature before their impending collision at Crown Jewel.
Grade – B
Top Moments and Takeaways
- Cena expressed vulnerability, referencing a 2,000-plus day streak without a singles match victory, evoking a sense of jeopardy regarding fan support and respect.
- Responding to chants, Cena exhibited resilience and a determination to triumph at Crown Jewel.
- Heyman, offering a blend of homage and hostility, revisited historical intersections with Cena while simultaneously orchestrating a verbal and physical onslaught.
Dragon Lee vs. Cedric Alexander
Dragon Lee demonstrated his escalating prominence with a decisive victory over Cedric Alexander, a performance that spanned two television segments, allowing both athletes to underscore their prowess and contribution to the show’s dynamics.
The portrayal of Alexander was notably significant, sparking considerations of whether this engagement could serve as a pivotal momentum builder for his journey. While the spotlight was poised on Lee, culminating in a victory, the unfolding narratives raise intriguing prospects regarding Alexander’s trajectory.
Result
Lee secured victory over Alexander
Grade – C+
Top Moments and Takeaways
- A dedicated video segment served to reacquaint fans with Alexander’s capabilities and storyline.
- The extensive, unrestricted showcase of Lee and Alexander’s talents signaled a conspicuous Triple H influence.
Bianca Belair Promo
Bianca Belair conveyed a crystalline resolve: to dismantle Damage CTRL and reclaim her WWE Women’s Championship.
In a precise and compelling promo, Belair unveiled her strategic alliance with general manager Nick Aldis, orchestrating a crucial title clash at Crown Jewel against Iyo Sky. With a detailed roadmap, Belair’s intentions and upcoming engagements were clearly laid out, fostering anticipation and clarity regarding the unfolding saga.
Grade – A
Top Moments and Takeaways
- Belair emphasized her focus during her absence, alluding to the intense confrontations that have characterized her journey since SummerSlam.
- A profound sense of retaliation pervades Belair’s narrative, elucidating her strategic orientation.
LA Knight vs. Jimmy Uso
LA Knight culminated an impressive evening with a triumphant effort against Jimmy Uso, an encounter that underscored his imposing status as a potent challenger, poised to confront Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel.
In a spectacle dominated by Knight’s charisma and prowess, WWE’s narrative investments seemed to have been judiciously placed. Despite the soaring showcase, considerations linger regarding potential fan reactions and narrative pathways in the wake of the Crown Jewel outcomes.
Result
Knight emerged victorious over Uso
Grade – A
Top Moments and Takeaways
- Acknowledgments of Knight’s unprecedented situation and the associated stakes helped frame the narrative ambiance.
- Audience interactions and narrative embellishments, such as the resistance against the Uso Splash, enhanced the portrayal of Knight’s stature and popularity within the storyline.
Overall Show
WWE delivered an outstanding show, essential in ramping up the anticipation towards Crown Jewel on November 4th, and it triumphed emphatically.
Apart from Knight’s commendable performance, the show brilliantly spotlighted the main event, fueled the rivalry between John Cena and Solo Sikoa, unveiled Belair’s formidable challenge to Iyo Sky for the title, and unfolded the latest saga involving Rey Mysterio and Logan Paul.
Enhancing these crucial segments were captivating encounters like the one between Dragon Lee and Cedric Alexander, a triumphant moment for Shotzi leading up to Halloween Havoc, and the nuanced portrayal of the evolving discord within the LWO and Santos Escobar.
The show vibrated with intense energy and delivered a compelling narrative, earning a well-deserved high grade.
Grade: A
