WWE kicked off the SmackDown Season Premiere with a bang, showcasing big names like John Cena, Roman Reigns, The Bloodline, and LA Knight. The highlight of the segment was the hint of a showdown between The Megastar and The Tribal Chief for the coveted WWE Universal Championship. Additionally, the main event spotlight shone on the bout between Knight and Solo Sikoa.
The audience’s enthusiasm was palpable, especially when Knight took center stage, putting him on the same pedestal as Cena and Reigns.
Showcasing its major stars from the past two decades, WWE ensured that by the end of the evening, any doubts regarding the crowd’s support for the potential babyface challenger had dissipated.
Knight’s match against Sikoa represents a pivotal moment in his ascendancy to the Friday night zenith. Even if he doesn’t clinch the title, his transformation from a character with a male model gimmick to the most sought-after talent is truly remarkable.
Grade:
A
Top Moments and Takeaways:
- Cena’s entry was met with a thunderous response. No matter how often he comes and goes, his charisma remains unmatched. A stellar choice for the season premiere’s opening.
- As Reigns made his appearance, he matched Cena’s star power, although the crowd’s reception was a mix of cheers and jeers.
- Paul Heyman’s visible relief at Reigns’ reappearance was touching. His once-graying hair was its original shade, leading Corey Graves to jest with a Benjamin Button reference. The joy on Heyman’s face was a sight to behold.
- Cena emphasized, “I’m not here to challenge you tonight, I’ve yet to earn that. But I know of someone who has…” The crowd erupted in anticipation, greeting Knight with immense approval.
- Without batting an eye, Knight asked Reigns, “Nervous yet? You’re Roman, aren’t you?”
Brawling Brutes vs. Pretty Deadly
Elton Prince of Pretty Deadly had been recovering from a shoulder injury he suffered during a bout with Ridge Holland last July. This Friday, he teamed up with Kit Wilson to face off against Holland and Butch from The Brawling Brutes.
The match’s momentum swung both ways, but the turning point came when Prince feigned an injury. With the referee distracted, Wilson seized the opportunity, giving their team the upper hand and the eventual victory.
The dynamic duo of Wilson and Prince is a force to be reckoned with on Friday nights. Their combination of in-ring prowess and character depth is a valuable asset to the main roster.
Result:
Pretty Deadly overcame the Brawling Brutes
Grade:
C+
Top Moments and Takeaways
- Corey Graves emphasized the impressive comeback of Prince from his shoulder injury, while Michael Cole humorously pointed out the absurdity of Prince being in a wheelchair for a shoulder injury.
- Cole’s jest about Pretty Deadly’s attire as a “super crop top,” and Graves’ appreciation for the same, added some light-hearted banter to the commentary.
- The climax saw Prince fake a knee injury, leading referee Jessika Carr to get distracted and Wilson to sneak in an attack on Holland. Prince capitalized with a swift rollup for the win.
Zelina Vega vs. Bayley
After facing a streak of losses, Bayley turned her fortune around by clinching a victory against Zelina Vega. This was a much-needed boost for The Role Model, who had recently faced a series of setbacks against the likes of Shotzi, Asuka, and Charlotte Flair.
Post-match, Flair intervened to protect Vega from further assault, hinting at a potential tag team confrontation down the line. With Flair still on the trail for Iyo Sky’s championship, her involvement added another layer to the narrative.
Result:
Bayley bested Vega
Grade:
C+
Top Moments and Takeaways
- Carlito made a surprise appearance backstage after 14 years, only to be ambushed by The Street Profits post-challenge to Bobby Lashley.
- The tension between Bayley and Vega resulted in Adam Pearce hastily organizing a bout between the two.
- Roman Reigns confronted Jimmy Uso regarding recent decisions, emphasizing the need to regain the tag titles from Jey and Cody Rhodes.
- Graves cheekily commented on a particular move by Bayley, hinting at some backstage dynamics.
Triple H’s Big Announcement
Triple H announced some reshuffling: Adam Pearce was promoted to Raw General Manager while Nick Aldis, a former Impact Wrestling and NWA world champion, was brought in for SmackDown. Kevin Owens also made a statement by taking down Dominik Mysterio, signaling his intent on the blue brand.
Grade:
A
Top Moments and Takeaways
- Triple H praised Pearce for his dedication, officially confirming his new role on Raw.
- Triple H humorously remarked on the crowd’s noise, poking fun at rumors of artificially amplified reactions.
- Owens silenced Mysterio with a sudden stunner, much to the delight of the audience.
Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso vs. Grayson Waller and Austin Theory
Cody Rhodes threw down an open challenge for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship. Accepting the call were Grayson Waller and Austin Theory. While the challengers put up a commendable fight, Rhodes and Uso managed to retain their titles.
Following the match, an intense face-off between Rhodes and Roman Reigns teased a much-anticipated rematch.
Result:
Rhodes and Uso retained against Theory and Waller
Grade:
A
Top Moments and Takeaways
- Aldis revealed an exciting championship match between Charlotte Flair and Iyo Sky, leading to a tense encounter between Flair and Jade Cargill.
- The trading dynamics of Kevin Owens for Jey Uso raised some eyebrows, especially given Uso’s immediate title defense on the very show he was traded from.
- Graves humorously emphasized the unwritten rule about not headbutting a Samoan, referring to Waller’s audacious move against Uso.
- The energy during Rhodes’ tag-in was electric.
LA Knight vs. Solo Sikoa
LA Knight showcased his skills, defeating Solo Sikoa in the main event of the evening. Cena’s appearance hints at a possible continuation of their storyline, potentially leading to a showdown with Roman Reigns.
Result:
Knight triumphed over Sikoa
Grade:
B
Top Moments and Takeaways
- Knight showcased his leadership skills in the match, a trait expected of a top superstar.
- The duo executed an impressive powerslam sequence, highlighting Knight’s resilience and determination.
- Despite Knight’s victory, Reigns made a statement by laying out Knight, reiterating his dominance on the brand.
Overall Review
The season premiere of SmackDown was packed with action and surprises. New feuds and storylines were set in motion, ensuring an engaging journey ahead for viewers. The incorporation of Kevin Owens and the teased feud between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns are especially promising. The real challenge lies in how WWE capitalizes on this momentum in the coming episodes.
Grade:
A
