Welcome to the newest version of our weekly WWE SmackDown hits and misses sequence.
Final evening marked the start of a brand new period for SmackDown on USA full with a brand new emblem and intro. WWE Head of Artistic Paul “Triple H” Levesque kicked off the present to welcome followers to an all-new period of the blue model.
Right here’s what went down on 9/13 Friday Evening SmackDown.
Hit – Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa inside a metal cage
Cody Rhodes and Solo Sikoa had the opening match on WWE SmackDown. The American Nightmare put his undisputed title on the road in opposition to the self-proclaimed Tribal Chief. Solo’s relentless assault reduce Cody extensive open however the champion someway continued to place up a battle. He lastly picked up the win just for the remainder of The Bloodline to point out up. Roman Reigns appeared to clear the home paving the best way for the present’s primary occasion phase.
This match was extraordinarily bodily. I’d say it was Solo’s greatest singles efficiency in a protracted, very long time. Each males introduced the battle to one another. The cutter spot was stunning. Roman getting into the cage and shutting the door was badass. The group popped large time for the stare-down between Roman and Jacob Fatu. I can’t look forward to the eventual singles match-up between Reigns and Fatu.
Miss – Michin vs. Piper Niven on WWE SmackDown
Michin took on Piper Niven, who had Chelsea Inexperienced in her nook. Michin planted Chelsea with a kendo keep on with the again. The previous Mia Yim picked up the win however was double-teamed by Piper and Chelsea after the match.
The motion was underwhelming on this one. Michin’s finisher regarded horribly weak but she picked up the win. I believe Chelsea and Piper have been a tag crew for a lot too lengthy. WWE must put them on a solo run now.
Hit – Kevin Owens’ thriller tag crew companion is…
A-City Down Below entered the ring. Kevin Owens confirmed up subsequent. KO’s tag crew companion arrived. It was some native enhancement expertise named Ricky. Owens shocked Ricky as a result of his actual tag crew companion was about to enter the sector. Randy Orton arrived to an enormous pop. RKO then teamed up collectively to defeat Concept and Waller after a back-and-forth match.
This was the quickest KO has ever turned on his tag crew companion. Poor Ricky, or Reggie, was simply there to assist however he was by no means going to sub for Orton. You possibly can’t presumably have WWE SmackDown’s season premiere with out The Viper. Concept made Orton nearly break character by mocking his pose. The Stunner-RKO spot was made for an important ending sequence.
Miss – Girls phase on WWE SmackDown
Nia Jax put her over throughout an in-ring promo. Bayley interrupted the WWE Girls’s Champion. The Position Mannequin stated she wished a shot on the title. Tiffany Stratton interrupted. Naomi confirmed up subsequent to arrange a tag crew match with Unhealthy Blood implications for WWE SmackDown subsequent Friday.
Nothing, other than the stipulation, piqued my curiosity on this phase. Tiffany obtained an enormous pop for her entrance. The WWE Universe loves her. WWE wants to determine Nia as a dominant champion. She regarded like a monster whereas chasing the title. Her momentum shouldn’t be slowed down.
Hit – Longtime rivals conform to crew up
Roman Reigns spoke on the mic for the primary time since returning to WWE at SummerSlam 2024. The OTC stated he was the Tribal Chief with or with out the ula fala. Cody Rhodes arrived and teased a match between himself and Reigns. Solo and Jacob Fatu confirmed up earlier than the Tongans attacked Reigns and Rhodes from behind. After clearing the ring, Reigns and Rhodes signed a contract to make the tag crew match that includes the duo and The Bloodline official for Unhealthy Blood.
My prediction for a serious match at WWE Unhealthy Blood got here true. This match completely is sensible due to the route all males concerned have taken since WrestleMania XL. Cody and Rhodes have teased operating it again however there are extra pressing issues to take care of earlier than we get to Rhodes versus Reigns III for the highest title. Right here’s the up to date WWE Unhealthy Blood card after 9/13 SmackDown.
- Liv Morgan (c) vs. Rhea Ripley – Girls’s World Championship
- Finn Balor vs. Damian Priest – Singles match
- CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre – Hell in a Cell
- Nia Jax (c) vs. TBA – WWE Girls’s Championship
- Cody Rhodes & Roman Reigns vs. Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu – Tag crew match
Honorable Mentions
- WWE SmackDown premiere on USA featured a number of legends in addition to present superstars in attendance. Legends like RVD, Booker T, Teddy Lengthy, and Ron Simmons popped on the display screen. Gunther and Damian Priest appeared as properly.
- Carmelo Hayes and Andrade capped off their feud with a brief but explosive match. The match featured a Spanish fly to the surface and a few stiff strikes that knocked the wind out of Melo. I wished to see Melo get the W and tackle LA Knight for the U.S. title at Unhealthy Blood. Subsequent time, perhaps Andrade will problem Knight for his title subsequent Friday on WWE SmackDown.
READ MORE: WWE SmackDown Outcomes (9/13/24)
