WWE SmackDown
Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah
Corey Graves welcomed us to WWE SmackDown. They showed The Rock arriving to the arena earlier in the day.
Kevin Owens def. Dominik Mysterio in a Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match
Kevin Owens came out to huge reaction. Dominik Mysterio came to strong boos. The crowd booed loudly as Dominik delivered a pre-match promo. Owens took control rocking Dominik with a shoulder tackle. Owens went for a right hand but Dominik rolled to the floor. Dominik responded catching Owens with a hurricanrana. Dominik taunted the crowd. Owens took advantage rocking Dominik with a clothesline. R-Truth appeared ringside. Dominik took advantage running Owens into the ring steps. Dominik connected with a slingshot senton for a near fall. Dominik caught Owens with a reverse drop for a two count. Owens made a comeback rocking Dominik with a clothesline. Owens connected with a running cannonball. Owens hit a frog splash but Dominik kicked out at two. Owens called for a Popup Powerbomb but Dominik escaped. Dominik caught Owens with an X-Factor for a two count. Dominik called for 3 Amigos but Owens blocked. Owens went for 3 Amigos but Dominik countered into a DDT for a two count. Dominik went for a Frog Splash but Owens moved. Owens connected with a Swanton Bomb for a two count. Owens went for a Stunner but Dominik escaped. Dominik rocked Owens with a Superkick. Dominik followed with a 619 for a two count. Dominik told R-Truth to get him a chair. R-Truth grabbed a chair. R-Truth sat on the chair. This gave Owens the opening to rock Dominik with a Superkick. Owens followed hitting a Popup Powerbomb for the win.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — This was a really good match. Dominik has become a really good wrestler looking really comfortable inside the ring. Owens is one of the best wrestlers on the WWE roster but Dominik held his own in this match. R-Truth costing Dominik plays up the ongoing story with Judgment Day. Owens winning add more star power to a stacked Men’s Elimination Chamber match.
Kayla Braxton interviewed Drew McIntyre backstage. McIntyre said there’s lots of WWE superstars who want to win. McIntyre said he needs to win for Raw and for the people. McIntyre said his WrestleMania moment was stolen four years ago. The fans cheered as LA Knight appeared. Knight said McIntyre’s moment can get stolen again courtesy of him. McIntyre said Knight was insecure. McIntyre said the fans are behind Knight now but will lose them when the bell rings. McIntyre said if Knight doesn’t produce titles the fans will turn on him. McIntyre said his resume is stacked. Knight said McIntyre hasn’t been champion since he’s been here. Knight grabbed McIntyre’s new shirt mocking CM Punk. Knight said that shirt has room for one more name. WWE officials pulling Knight and McIntyre back.
Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman arrived earlier in the day. Reigns hugged Jimmy Uso as Solo Sikoa looked on.
WWE United States Champion LA Knight was shown arriving earlier in the day.
Kayla Braxton interviewed Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate backstage. Dunne said things are going great right now. Dunne said all that’s left is to beat Finn Balor and Damian Priest for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles at Elimination Chamber. Bate told Dunne he’s come up with a new team name as they’ve been doing great together. Bate came up with “New Catch Republic.” Dominik Mysterio appeared. Dominik said they can’t beat any members of Judgment Day. Bate suggested he and Dunne face Dominik and R-Truth. Dominik said R-Truth isn’t part of Judgment Day and walked off.
Tiffany Stratton def. Zelina Vega in a Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match
Zelina Vega got a solid reaction. Vega shined early catching Tiffany with a hurricanrana. Vega delivered a Flying Moonsault onto Tiffany on the floor to a big reaction. Legado Del Fantasma were shown ringside watching the match. Carlitto, Cruz Del Toro and Joaquin Wilde made their way ringside. Vega planted Tiffany with a Satellite DDT for a two count. Vega went for a dive but Tiffany moved. Tiffany caught Vega with a Cartwheel Alabama Slam for a two count. Vega caught Tiffany with a 619 to yank her off the ropes. Vega connected with a flying Meteora for a two count. The action moved the floor. Electra Lopez taunted Vega ringside. Tiffany took advantage catching Vega with a Spinebuster. Tiffany followed hitting the Prettiest Moonsault Ever for the win.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — This was a good match. A great showing from Vega as she looked great working very hard in the match. The involvement with Legado Del Fantasma works to continue the program with LWO. Another good showing from Tiffany as she’s getting more comfortable working main roster matches. Tiffany is going to a huge WWE star.
AJ Styles was sitting inside the locker room. Karl Anderson, Luke Gallows and Michin appeared. They wondered why Styles hasn’t been keeping contact with them. Anderson noted Styles forgot where he came from. Anderson and Styles began shoving each other. Styles left. Gallows and Michin calmed Anderson down.
Damage CTRL Vignette
We saw an Iyo Sky, Asuka & Kairi Sane vignette speaking in Japanese with English subtitles. Iyo said “Bayley, you like to pretend like our success is all because of you, but you’re wrong. Damage CTRL may have started with your vision. But we made it what it was. We became champions because we are strong. Bayley, I’m not the same superstar you brought to SummerSlam a few years ago. You think you can choose to face me at WrestleMania and win? It’s Iyo Era. And it will stay that way when I embarrass you on the grandest stage of them all. Asuka said “And Dakota, if you think you can turn on us with no consequences, then you’re just as stupid as Bayley. Kairi said “You better sleep with one eye open because we are coming for you.” Asuka said “No one is ready for Damage CTRL.”
Authors of Pain (Akam & Rezar) (w/Karrion Kross, Scarlett & Paul Ellering) def. Javier Bernal & Beau Morris
Bernal and Morris are from NXT. Akam sent Bernal flying with an Exploder Suplex. Akam and Rezar launched Morris into the ring. Akam and Rezar delivered the Super Colliders to Bernal and Morris. Akam and Rezar delivered a Neck Breaker/Powerbomb combo to Bernal for the win.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — A perfect showcase match for Akam and Rezar.
Byron Saxton interviewed WWE United States Champion Logan Paul backstage. Paul said this was his first SmackDown match. Paul said everyone is welcome for getting to watch his first SmackDown match. Paul said he’s going to knockout The Miz on SmackDown. Paul said he’s the only champion in a qualifying match. Paul said he’s going to win his qualifying match. Paul said he’s going to Australia and will win the Elimination Chamber. Paul said he will beat Seth Rollins in a rematch and win the World Heavyweight Title at WrestleMania. Paul said he’s going to be a WWE double champion.
Progressive Match Flo: WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins telling Cody Rhodes on Raw that he’s uniquely gifted to be his Shield against Roman Reigns and The Rock.
WWE United States Champion Logan Paul def. The Miz in a Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match
Logan Paul came out to huge boos. Miz shined early rocking Paul with a huge chop. Paul responded catching Miz with a flying crossbody. Paul went for a standing moonsualt as Miz went to get his knees up. There was a miscommunication as Miz quickly rolled up Paul for a near fall. SmackDown GM Nick Aldis was shown with Bron Breakker, Jade Cargill, Bianca Belair and Liv Morgan watching from a booth. Paul caught Miz with a rolling senton. Paul connected with a split-legged splash for a near fall. Miz battled back rocking Paul with YES Kicks. Paul battled back running Miz into the ring post. Paul connected with a Frog Splash to Miz onto the ring apron. Miz caught Paul with a neck breaker as they returned from break. Miz planted Paul with a flatliner for a two count. Miz caught Paul with a gut buster for a two count. Miz rocked Paul with YES Kicks. Miz went for a roundhouse kick but Paul ducked. Miz caught Paul with a knee breaker. Paul grabbed hold onto the ring apron. Paul poked Miz in the eyes. Paul connected with the Skull Crushing Finale but Miz kicked out for two. Paul went for a sunset flip. Miz countered into a Figure-4-Leg Lock but Paul grabbed the ropes. Paul’s buddy Jeff handed him the Brass Knuckles. Miz stopped Paul. Miz went to grab the Brass Knuckles but the referee stopped him. Paul pulled the ropes between Miz’s legs. Paul rocked Miz with a right hand. Paul connected with an STO for the win.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — There was an awkward spot early as the match started on a rough note. This turned into a pretty good match. Miz is the perfect opponent because he’s previously worked with Paul and is established that he will be fine taking a pin. Another good showing from Paul as he continues to look more comfortable inside the ring. Paul winning adds more interest to the Elimination Chamber match. Whoever pins Paul will likely set up a United States Title match at WrestleMania.
Nick Aldis was speaking to Bron Breakker and Jade Cargill. Tiffany Stratton appeared gloating to Bianca Belair and Liv Morgan about qualifying for the Women’s Elimination Chamber. Tiffany said she wasn’t sure about the Elimination Chamber rules wondering if she should pin either Belair or Liv first. Belair said she won a Women’s Elimination Chamber. Liv said Tiffany wasn’t pinning her either. Jade said this wasn’t happening during her “Big Business” meeting. Aldis stopped everyone from arguing.
Corey Graves hyped Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins will be on the Grayson Waller Effect at the Elimination Chamber show. Paul Heyman was speaking to Grayson Waller outside the Bloodline locker room.
Naomi def. Alba Fyre (w/Isla Dawn) in a Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match
Naomi received a huge reaction. Fyre took control ramming Naomi into the turnbuckle. Naomi responded nailing Fyre with a sliding punch. Naomi connected with a splits-legged splash for a two count. The action moved to the floor as Naomi rammed Fyre onto the ring steps. Naomi caught Fyre with a hurricanrana. Naomi connected with a slingshot bulldog for a two count. Naomi connected with a flying crossbody for a two count. Fyre responded catching Naomi with a wheelbarrow face buster for a two count. Dawn nailed Naomi with a cheap shot. Fyre rolled up Naomi for a two count. Fyre called for a Gory Bomb but Naomi broke free. Naomi nailed Dawn with an enzuigiri knocking her off the ring apron. Naomi planted Dawn with a Spike Hurricanrana. Naomi placed Fyre in the Rings of Saturn for the submission win.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — This was a solid match. Fyre was a replacement after Shotzi’s injury at the NXT tapings. I’ve been a big fan of Fyre’s work during her NXT UK run. I would like to see Fyre go on a single’s run. WWE has been putting more effort into the Women’s Tag Division. I would like to see Dawn & Fyre get back involved into the Women’s Tag Team Title mix. A strong showing from Naomi as she looked good in the win. Nice to see Naomi back in WWE TV and showcased like a star.
We see Bayley walking backstage. Dakota Kai appeared telling Bayley she needs her help after what Damage CTRL said about her. Bayley said she said what Damage CTRL said as well. Bayley said she isn’t sure who she can trust as well. Kai stopped Bayley from leaving. Kai tried to explain to Bayley she thought everything would be fine within Damage CTRL. Bayley told Kai she had to understand where she’s coming from. Bayley left.
Bron Breakker Joins SmackDown
SmackDown GM Nick Aldis came out. Aldis announced Bron Breakker as the newest member of the SmackDown roster. Bron Breakker received a great reaction. Breakker signed SmackDown contract. Aldis raised Breakker’s hand.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — Bron Breakker is ready made for the WWE main roster. Breakker will no doubt be a huge star on SmackDown.
The Rock Joins The Bloodline
Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns came out to a huge mixed champion. Reigns got a huge firework display. Reigns came out with Paul Heyman, Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa. Reigns told the fans to “Acknowledge Him!” This got a huge mixed reaction. Mostly loud boos. Reigns said he wants to be honest with the crowd. Reigns called the people of Utah idiots. Reigns said tonight is big night. Reigns said he didn’t the people to ruin this when his cousin comes out here. Reigns said everything he says has purpose and people need to understand. Reigns said tonight is the greatest night in WWE. The fans loudly chanted “Cody!” Reigns blamed Cody for ruining everything. Reigns said tonight they fix it. Reigns said tonight they can say The Rock is a member of The Bloodline.
The fans pooped as The Rock’s music played. The Rock came out a huge reaction. The Rock was looking “Hollywood Rock” wearing a vest and sunglasses. The fans booed as The Rock stood inside the ring. The Rock said he’s got some good news to share. The Rock noted they have broken an indoor attendance record for city of Salt Lake and the whole state of Utah. The fans cheered. The Rock said the crowd broke the record for the largest gathering of trailer park trash he’s ever seen. The fans booed.
The Rock said Finally. The fans booed. He asked are you sure you really want to boo The Rock? The boos got louder. The Rock said finally, your life has meaning. The Rock said finally you and your 50 wives will have a story to tell your 600 inbred children. The Rock said he can say they’ve seen greatness in person. The Rock said he finally came back to Salt Lake City. The crowd chanted Rocky. Rock said they’ve brought out a side of The Rock they haven’t seen in years, but it’s always lived inside him. The Rock threatened to slap the herpes off your lips to a heckling fan. He said they had Rock vs. Reigns in their hands, the biggest WrestleMania match ever, and they let it go. He said they sat on the toilet tweeting “We Want Cody” in a whiny voice.
The Rock said he had a question for them. He asked what Cody’s story is? He said his cousin Roman beat Cody last year at WrestleMania and now he wants a rematch. The Rock went full heel telling the crowd to pipe down shutting down the What chant. The Rock asked fans to try to apply that logic to sports. He said the 49ers just lost to the Chiefs, and they didn’t say they have a story to finish. The Rock said they took their loss like men and moved on like men do. The Rock said Michael Jordan came in that city and crushed the dreams of the Utah Jazz. The fans booed. The Rock said the Utah Jazz took the beating like men and worked their asses to get right back to the top.
The Rock said the fans don’t understand because you’re spoiled, entitled little crybaby bitches. The crowd booed. He said he’ll do everything in his power to be sure Cody walks out of WrestleMania as a loser. He said Cody’s story is ending and theirs is just beginning. The Rock was about to do his catchphrase. The Rock stopped. The Rock told the fans their privilege of singing with him is over so enjoy the ride silently. He said “If You Smell What The Bloodline Is Cooking!” The Rock, Reigns and The Bloodline posed. The Rock’s music played as the show ended.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — There was a stare down between Cody and Reigns on the October 13th episode of SmackDown. Cody looked like he was going to challenge Roman Reigns at WrestleMania after winning the Royal Rumble. The plans changed once The Rock got involved. WWE didn’t get the reaction they wanted for The Rock taking Cody’s spot. To WWE’s credit they went back to Cody vs. Reigns for WrestleMania. I thought this was a great segment for the most part. The Rock was playing his greatest hits. I give The Rock credit going full heel playing his Nation/Corporate character from the Attitude Era and his Hollywood character. Reigns is the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion but in these segment The Rock comes off as the bigger star. I would like to see Reigns be on equal footing with The Rock as the storyline progresses. The Rock joining The Bloodline has got me interested in this storyline to see where it’s going. The Rock didn’t mention or reference Triple H after his promo from last week. They’re still time to build to WrestleMania so a power struggle between Triple H and The Rock could be coming. I also took from this segment was The Rock is playing with The Bloodline and will help Cody win at WrestleMania. That could be a reason why they haven’t explained in storyline why The Rock took Cody’s spot at WrestleMania. The Rock will turn back babyface when he endorses Cody at WrestleMania. That begins the build to Rock vs. Reigns at WrestleMania 41.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
This was a really strong episode of SmackDown. There were lots of good wrestling matches. The winners in the Elimination Chamber qualifiers were all predictable but the matches felt important because of the stakes. They also announced Bron Breakker officially signed to SmackDown. The show closed with a huge promo segment with The Rock joining The Bloodline. Overall, a good episode of SmackDown. The focus right now is building towards the Elimination Chamber. They are also setting stuff up for WrestleMania.
