On September 22, SmackDown showcased a highly anticipated match as Iyo Sky defended her WWE Women’s title against Asuka, with the championship on the line.
This episode on Fox also included a special appearance by John Cena and a tag team clash featuring LWO’s Santos Escobar and US Champion Rey Mysterio against The Street Profits.
Who claimed victory and what other developments unfolded as the company ramped up towards Fastlane on October 7? Here’s a rundown of Friday’s episode.
Match Card
Scheduled for Friday’s show were:
- John Cena’s appearance
- WWE Women’s Championship Match: Asuka vs. Iyo Sky
- Tag Team Match: Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar vs. The Street Profits
John Cena and AJ Styles Start SmackDown
John Cena brought his unique energy to kick off the show, raising the bar for the entire episode. Despite the opening segment being more of a teaser, Cena’s enthusiasm and eagerness to compete again enthralled the audience, compensating for a somewhat unexciting creative approach.
Grade: B
Highlights and Key Points:
- Cena’s vibrant energy is contagious, enhancing every segment he’s part of.
- After expressing gratitude for his varied opportunities, Cena focused on his desire to wrestle and confronted The Bloodline. The scene heated up as AJ Styles, Jimmy Uso, and Solo Sikoa joined in.
- Anticipation builds for potential partnerships and confrontations.
Santos Escobar and Rey Mysterio vs. The Street Profits
Following their previous encounter, The Street Profits sought to secure another win against Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar. However, the veteran and his partner emerged victorious, delivering a surprising and well-executed match.
The outcome sparked speculation about an ongoing rivalry between LWO and The Street Profits, especially considering Bobby Lashley’s subsequent involvement.
Result: Mysterio and Escobar won
Grade: B
Highlights and Key Points:
- The match’s result raises questions about character development and future storylines.
- The dynamic between the teams and the individual wrestlers added depth to the narrative.
WWE Women’s Championship Match: Asuka vs. Iyo Sky
The battle between Iyo Sky and Asuka lived up to the hype, showcasing exceptional in-ring prowess. Despite a somewhat predictable interference by Charlotte Flair, the match maintained high energy and intensity.
The future of several characters remains uncertain, sparking curiosity about upcoming developments.
Result: Sky retained the title
Grade: A
Highlights and Key Points:
- The match’s physicality and technique stood out, emphasizing the competitors’ unique skills.
- Questions arise regarding character involvement and storyline progression.
Brawling Brutes vs. Grayson Waller and Austin Theory
A backstage altercation led to a tag team match between Austin Theory, Grayson Waller, and The Brawling Brutes’ Butch and Ridge Holland. The former duo secured a victory, hinting at future opportunities and rivalries.
Result: Waller and Theory won
Grade: B
Highlights and Key Points:
- The match showcased the participants’ abilities and set the stage for potential future encounters.
- The commentary team effectively highlighted notable performances and recommended related content.
Contract Signing
The closing segment of SmackDown left fans wondering who would join John Cena against Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa at Fastlane. Following an attack on AJ Styles and a tense contract signing, speculation rose about potential partnerships and surprises.
The mystery surrounding Cena’s partner added an intriguing element to the upcoming event, with LA Knight being a possible candidate.
Grade: A
Highlights and Key Points:
- The segment effectively built anticipation for Fastlane and introduced new narrative possibilities.
- The interaction between characters and the unfolding storyline added depth to the overall narrative.
Overall Grade
The episode’s success hinged on key segments, including the clash between Asuka and Sky and John Cena’s involvement. The impressive title match and the intriguing developments surrounding Cena set the stage for exciting future events.
The possibility of LA Knight rising to stardom and the unfolding storylines added to the episode’s appeal, culminating in a well-rounded and engaging show.
