WWE SmackDown would open this week with Cody Rhodes being called to the ring by General Manager Nick Aldis. He would announce his next challenger, the WWE United States Champion, Logan Paul. Will this be title for title?
Champion vs. Champion
It’s going to be @CodyRhodes vs @LoganPaul at #WWEKingAndQueen 👊 #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/Q0dSNRlZGz
— WWE (@WWE) May 11, 2024
Naomi and Nia Jax would face off in the first round of the Queen of the Ring tournament. This would be a stiffer match than expected with a couple of good false finishes. Nia Jax would ultimately win and move on in the tournament.
Nia Jax is wasting no time tonight!
She has her eyes set on #WWEKingAndQueen 👀#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/WYcm5LlDyR
— WWE (@WWE) May 11, 2024
The next match was a first-rounder in the men’s tournament between Baron Corbin and Carmelo Hayes. Corbin would control the pace early with power and strikes, leading to some good false finishes. Carmelo would pull off a surprise roll-up to advance.
Who wants it more?
Will it be @Carmelo_WWE or @BaronCorbinWWE who advances in the #WWEKingAndQueen Tournament?! 😤 #SmackDown
Presented by @streamonmax. #TheIronClaw #MaxGetsMovies pic.twitter.com/jl9zLKN4fy
— WWE (@WWE) May 11, 2024
Jade Cargill and Piper Niven would face off in their first-round match. The match was very slow, and Cargill required obvious verbal guidance from Niven on multiple occasions. Jade Cargill would pull off an impressive feat in lifting up Niven to execute her finisher and advance in the Queen of the Ring tournament.
💪💪💪
Will @Jade_Cargill or @PiperNivenWWE move one step closer in the #WWEKingAndQueen Tournament? 👀#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/nOZeNLEugf
— WWE (@WWE) May 11, 2024
The next match would see Bianca Belair and Candice LeRae face off in an attempt to advance. This was a very short match in which the obvious happened: Belair advances.
That wasn't cool, @indi_hartwell 😡@BiancaBelairWWE is fighting through the pain! #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/3xdTFmE2qp
— WWE (@WWE) May 11, 2024
Another first-round match in the King of the Ring tournament was next, Angelo Dawkins taking on Tama Tonga. Tama Tonga won the match, and then The Bloodline would administer some extracurriculars after the match to the Street Profits.
Really Solo? 🤨
Tama Tonga advances in the #WWEKingAndQueen Tournament but Solo wasn’t done with @AngeloDawkins#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/zs7BECTq7m
— WWE (@WWE) May 11, 2024
AJ Styles would take on Randy Orton in a clash of mega stars, but only one could advance in the King of the Ring tournament. The two would start fast and heavy, as AJ was slammed onto the announce tables only minutes in. AJ would fight back, and they would work a leg injury on Orton from a whip in the ropes. Another match with great false finishes. Orton would grab the rope after getting hit with a Phenomenal Forearm, and then reverse a Styles Clash into an RKO for the victory.
This match is CHAOS! 😱@RandyOrton and @AJStylesOrg are pulling out all the stops tonight 👊#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/g6BWmeAIq8
— WWE (@WWE) May 11, 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”