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WWE SmackDown opened this week with Cody Rhodes entering the ring with his new Universal Championship. He kicked off with, “So, Detroit, what do you guys want to talk about?” before addressing The Rock’s interruption on Monday Night Raw. Cody teased revealing what The Rock handed him secretly but withheld the information for later. He then listed the six contenders who have a chance to face him at the next pay-per-view event: Bobby Lashley, Santos Escobar, Rey Mysterio, Kevin Owens, AJ Styles, and LA Knight. Fans will have to wait to find out both the challenger’s identity and the content of The Rock’s delivery.
Who will head to Lyon, France to face @CodyRhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship?!
The Road to #WWEBacklash starts TONIGHT on #SmackDown! pic.twitter.com/snEjuajnDA
— WWE (@WWE) April 13, 2024
The first match featured a triple threat bout between LA Knight, Bobby Lashley, and Santos Escobar. The winner would advance to face the victor of another triple threat to determine the number one contender. Midway through, Legado del Fantasma intervened to aid Escobar, prompting The Pride to even the odds. Amidst the chaos, Bobby Lashley had both opponents down and lined up for a spear. Escobar evaded, allowing LA Knight to seize the opportunity and secure the win with his finisher.
YEAH!!!@RealLAKnight moves one step closer to #WWEBacklash! #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/I3vJzYJKN5
— WWE (@WWE) April 13, 2024
Paul Heyman, Jimmy Uso, and Solo Sikoa entered the ring for a promo. Heyman took responsibility for The Bloodline’s losses at WrestleMania, attributing Roman Reigns’ distraction to unresolved issues with The Shield and Seth Rollins. Solo interrupted, advocating consequences for the defeat. He confronted Jimmy Uso, initially appearing confrontational but ultimately expressing love before Jimmy fell victim to a surprise attack by Tama Tonga. Tonga then held Jimmy for Solo to deliver several Samoan Spikes. Solo even disconnected Heyman’s phone when he attempted to contact Roman, leaving questions about a potential new faction and Heyman’s status.
🤯🤯🤯
EVERYTHING just changed for #TheBloodline… #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/G6rDVEeXvO
— WWE (@WWE) April 13, 2024
Bron Breaker faced Cameron Grimes in a match, unfortunately highlighting Grimes’ underutilization in squash matches despite his talent.
.@bronbreakkerwwe is just built different 😤#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/KM4lOyLy7d
— WWE (@WWE) April 13, 2024
Bayley, the new WWE Women’s Champion, appeared next to celebrate and offer an opportunity. Tiffany Stratton interrupted, initially accepting an open challenge before Bayley clarified her intention to grant Naomi a title shot. Naomi entered, accepting the challenge and expressing determination to defeat Tiffany.
LET'S GO!!!@TheTrinity_Fatu wants a piece of @tiffstrattonwwe RIGHT NOW on #SmackDown! pic.twitter.com/cMZw77PnrT
— WWE (@WWE) April 13, 2024
In a backstage segment, Tama Tonga cryptically referred to Solo Sikoa as the Tribal Chief, raising further questions about the developing storyline.
"What the hell does that mean?!"@HeymanHustle is going through it right now…😬#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/cK8rOQ2zJ1
— WWE (@WWE) April 13, 2024
Naomi battled Tiffany Stratton, resulting in an average match. Naomi emerged victorious, earning the number one contender spot for Bayley’s title.
Forget Tiffy Time, it's Naomi's Time!@TheTrinity_Fatu is taking it to @tiffstrattonwwe 👊#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/mcM9ddZ5xz
— WWE (@WWE) April 13, 2024
Chelsea Green and Piper Niven faced Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair in women’s tag-team action, with Cargill being protected once again in a squash match scenario.
JUST. LIKE. THAT. @Jade_Cargill and @BiancaBelairWWE are not to be messed with 😤#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/rbs9TYZyE1
— WWE (@WWE) April 13, 2024
The main event featured a triple threat match between Kevin Owens, Rey Mysterio, and AJ Styles. The three delivered a compelling bout, avoiding the typical pattern of one wrestler being sidelined. AJ Styles secured the win with an Avalanche Styles Clash, pinning Rey Mysterio on top of Kevin Owens. Styles will face LA Knight next week to determine the number one contender.
🍿🍿🍿@RealLAKnight takes on @AJStylesOrg NEXT WEEK in a #WrestleMania rematch with the winner heading to #WWEBacklash to face @CodyRhodes!!!#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/VBVBvxPnHu
— WWE (@WWE) April 13, 2024
That wraps WWE Smackdown for this week, stay tuned to Greenville Sports Media for more of my regular wrestling articles.
Howe Fresh (of The Wrasslin Corner on The Real Fresh Channel)
for Greenville Sports Media
and check out my weekly opiniated podcast “The Wrasslin Corner”
