WWE SmackDown Review: Final build towards Money in the Bank

WWE SmackDown
Bakersfield, California at Dignity Health Arena

—Joe Tessitore introduced the WWE SmackDown show. We saw backstage shots of Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss, Stephanie Vaquer, Naomi, Giulia and Roxanne Perez. 

Seth Rollins Promo

Seth Rollins made his way to ring alongside Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed and Paul Heyman. The crowd sang along to Rollins song. CM Punk chants as Rollins went to speak. Rollins did his catchphrase. Rollins said he will take everything pointing at the Money in the Bank briefcase. Rollins said he will have complete control when he wins the Money in the Bank. OTC chants from the crowd. Rollins said Roman Reigns was in the island of irrelevancy after what he did after WrestleMania. Rollins said the power moves to SmackDown. Rollins spoke out taking out CM Punk, Sami Zayn and noted Reigns is missing in action. Rollins said Reigns never cared about you but Rollins did. Rollins said he will take everyone into the future. Rollins said nobody can stop him. 

Solo Sikoa made his entrance alongside WWE United States Champion Jacob Fatu and JC Mateo. Solo noted he was standing in Rollins way. Solo noted Rollins got himself a version of The Bloodline. Solo wondered if Breakker was Jey Uso and if Reed was the Honourary Uso. Solo told Heyman “long time, no see.” Rollins told Solo to choose his next words wisely. Solo said he was gonna win Money in the Bank. Rollins wondered if Solo was threatened because they were here on SmackDown. Rollins pointed at Fatu noted he would rather stab Solo or help his family. Rollins taunts Fatu for listening to Solo. Rollins called Fatu “Solo’s B*tch!” Breakker stood in Solo’s way. Breakker and Fatu had a stare down. Rollins held Breakker back as they left. Jimmy Uso appeared jumping Mateo from behind leading to the opening match. 

Amin’s Thoughts — Rollins was going pretty heavy on Roman Reigns in his promo teasing a return back to WWE TV soon. Good stuff here with Solo’s group holding the ground against Rollins new group who came over from Raw. The tease between Breakker and Fatu screamed big time money match. Good stuff here

(1) Jimmy Uso vs. JC Mateo (w/Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu)

Jimmy caught Mateo with a flying crossbody for a near fall. Mateo quickly took control launching Jimmy with an overhead suplex. Mateo planted Jimmy with a release back suplex. Jimmy used Mateo’s momentum sending him to the floor. Jimmy caught Mateo with a tope on the floor. Solo distracted Jimmy on the ropes. Mateo hit a dropkick sending Jimmy to the floor. 

Mateo rocked Jimmy with a lariat. Mateo connected with a standing Moonsault on Jimmy. Jimmy responded catching Mateo with a Samoan Drop. Jimmy caught Mateo with a spinning enzuigiri. Jimmy hit Whisper in the Wind for two. Mateo caught Jimmy with a Spin Cycle for two. Jimmy battled back hitting a pair of SuperKicks. Jimmy followed with a Spear. Solo and Fatu climbed the ring apron. Jimmy moved as Mateo knocked Fatu off the ring apron. Jimmy rolled up Mateo for the 1-2-3 win. 

Jimmy Uso defeated JC Mateo in 13:40 

➤Mateo was furious blaming Jacob Fatu for the loss. Mateo told Solo that Fatu was the problem. 

Amin’s Thoughts — A perfectly fine standard TV match here between Jimmy and Mateo. Jimmy right now looks lost in the shuffle on SmackDown even though he got the win. It’s quite something to see the gap between Jey and Jimmy has gone. They are just planting more seeds to an eventual split between Fatu from this secondary Bloodline group. An eventual match between Mateo and Fatu is something that I’m looking forward to seeing. 

—WWE United States Champion Zelina Vega approached Giulia backstage. Vega noted Giulia made her intensions clear about wanting the Women’s United States Title. Vega told Giulia she worked her ass off to get this title. Vega said Giulia would have to take the title from her hands. Giulia told Vega she likes her and said she’s confident. Vega walked off. Giulia watched on.

—Damian Priest approached Jacob Fatu backstage. Priest told Fatu it’s tough working with family. Priest told Fatu he’s coming for the United States Titles. Fatu told Priest if he doesn’t take care of business then he goes to the back of the line with the rest of these suckers. Fatu said his catchphrase before leaving. Priest watched on. 

Piper Niven made her entrance alongside Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre. WWE Women’s United States Champion Zelina Vega got a fine reaction. 

(2) WWE Women’s United States Champion Zelina Vega vs. Piper Niven (w/Chelsea Green & Alba Fyre) in a Bakersfield Brawl

Niven overpowered Vega to start the match. Vega responded whacking Niven with a kendo stick. Vega connected with a Codebreaker for two. Crowd chanted for tables. Vega hit a flying stomp to the floor. Niven stopped Vega by dropping her onto ring apron. Niven took control hitting a running crossbody to Vega against the ring apron. 

Niven wrapped a chair around Vega’s mouth. Vega responded catching Niven with a Tornado DDT onto a chair. Vega battled back hitting a flying Moonsault to Niven, Green and Fyre to the floor. Vega hit a Super Code Red to Niven off the ropes. Fyre pulled Vega to the floor. Niven planted Vega with a Michinoku Driver on the floor. Green and Fyre placed a table which had SlimJim logo’s on it. Giulia appeared hitting a flying clothesline on Green and Fyre. Giulia whacked Niven with a Kendo Stick. Vega hit a PowerBomb sending Niven crashing through the table for the 1-2-3 win. 

Zelina Vega defeated Piper Niven in 10:45

➤Giulia raised Zelina Vega’s hand after the match. Giulia pulled Vega in rocking her with a head butt. Giulia gave Vega a Northern Lights Bomb. Giulia posed with the WWE Women’s United States Title. 

Amin’s Thoughts — A fun match with good action as Niven and Vega work well together. I liked the layout with Giulia coming to Vega’s save after the playing off the earlier segment. Good to see the champion Vega getting the win. The post-match was nicely done with Giulia showing her clear intentions wanting the Women’s United States Title attacking Vega. This is what the Women’s United States Title needs with someone with the star power of Giulia going on a strong run as champion. 

—Cody Rhodes was backstage with Jey Uso. Cody asked Jey how he was doing. Jey said he was a little banged up but nothing he couldn’t handle. Jimmy Uso appeared to check on Jey. Jey wondered why everyone keeps checking on him. Jimmy told Jey he has a big tag match at Money in the Bank and World Title match on RAW. Jey said he’s a champion now and answers the playbook when he’s called. Jey said he and Cody just have to worry about what John Cena and Logan Paul have to say. Jey said other than that, you worry about tomorrow, tomorrow. Jey left. 

—Aleister Black highlight promo aired. Black said he couldn’t let go what LA Knight did using his Black Mass to get the win. Black said Knight stole something from him and doesn’t sit well from him. Black called out Knight. Black said if Knight can beat him he will admit defeat and shake his hand. 

LA Knight Promo

LA Knight made his entrance to a big reaction. Knight said it was Money in the Bank season. Knight spoke about being in the match for the third time. Knight looked into the crowd who said third time. Knight wondered if third time was the charm. Knight brought up the participants in his way. Knight spoke about Penta saying the crowd liked him. Knight said Penta will do everyone possible to win. Knight brought up Andrade saying people like him too. Knight said he should get to the goons side of things. The crowd booed as Knight brought up El Grande Americano. Knight brought up dummy number two Solo Sikoa. Knight said he could beat Solo and grab the briefcase. Knight turned his attention to goon number 3 mentioning his hasn’t had much interaction with. Knight spoke about Rollins being champion. Knight said there’s nothing hotter than LA Knight in LA. Knight said Rollins was get burned by him. Knight said he could understand why Aleister Black because Money in the Bank is a big deal. Knight said Black would be sitting on the couch watching him win Money in the Bank with everybody saying LA Knight…YEAH! 

Amin’s Thoughts — You can just feel Knight is ready to become a top level star in WWE but just needs that opportunity. LA Knight feels like the one person in the match who would get the most from winning Money in the Bank.

Aleister Black made his awesome entrance to the ring. 

(3) Aleister Black vs. LA Knight

Black and Knight began with mat wrestling. Black and Knight exchanged shoulder tackles. Black and Knight were evenly matched at the start. Black went for Black Mass but Knight ducked away. Knight took control hitting a suplex on Black for a near fall. Knight rocked Black with a lariat for two. Black caught Knight with a jumping knee for two. Black rocked Knight with a combination strikes. Black went for a springboard Moonsault. Knight caught Black with a clothesline as they both went to the floor. 

Black caught Knight with a hook kick. Black followed hitting a springboard Moonsault for two. Knight responded catching Black with a jumping neck breaker. Knight made a comeback hitting a PowerSlam. Knight went for Burning Hammer. Black landed on his feet. Knight caught Black off the ropes with a Burning Hammer. Black rolled to the floor. Seth Rollins appeared giving Knight a Stomp for the DQ finish. 

LA Knight defeated Aleister Black via Disqualification in 13:20

Amin’s Thoughts — Good stuff here between Black and Knight working a solid match. You can see both Black and Knight were holding back from giving the good stuff. A pretty solid match here as both Black and Knight worked well together. I didn’t mind the finish with Rollins getting involve protecting both Black and Knight from taking a loss. This also plays off Knight promo calling out Rollins who’s part of the Money in the Bank match. 

➤Rollins went for a second Stomp on Knight. The crowd cheered as Black stood in Rollins way. Rollins backed off. Bron Breakker appeared rocking Black with a Spear. Rollins sent Black outside the ring. Breakker gave Knight a Spear. Rollins music played. 

Amin’s Thoughts — I liked the tease between Black and Rollins playing off their past history together in WWE. Good stuff here showcasing Rollins as the top heel by having help with his crew to take out the competition. This makes you wonder if someone babyface will make an appearance and stop Rollins from winning the Money in the Bank. Rollins right now would be too predictable of a choice to win. Rollins could get his World Title match a different way. Money in the Bank should be given to someone who’s on the brink of reaching top level status in WWE. Knight just feels like the right winner for the match. 

WWE King & Queen of the Ring Tournament Announced

WWE RAW GM Adam Pearce and SmackDown GM Nick Aldis were together to announce the start of the King and Queen of the Ring tournament. There will be four Fatal-4-Way matches two for the Men and two for the women. The winners of the respective Fatal-4-Way matches will face off in co-branded singles matches. The winners of those co-branded single matches will meet in the finals at Night of Champions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The winners of the King and Queen of the Ring tournament will earn World Title matches at WWE SummerSlam. 

Amin’s Thoughts — Good to see the return of the King and Queen of the Ring Tournament. I like having tournaments which has stakes and adds meaning to the matches. Looking forward to see who will be the participants for the tournament. Then could get a feel of what could be the big championship matches for SummerSlam. 

—Byron Saxton interviewed Jade Cargill backstage. Jade said it feels great to compete in the Queen of the Ring Tournament. Jade noted she might not get the chance to climb the ladder for the Money in the Bank. Jade said she will be climbing regardless. Jade said she can’t wait to tear through the tournament. Jade said she’s not going to be asking but will be taking gold. Saxton asked Jade where things stands between her and Bianca Belair. Charlotte Flair appeared. Charlotte told Jade that salt and sugar look the same. Charlotte told Jade to choose her friends wisely or don’t have any at all. Charlotte told Jade there’s one Queen in WWE. The crowd cheered as WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton appeared. Tiffany told Charlotte and Jade good luck before walking off. 

Amin’s Thoughts — You can see they are slowly planting the seeds for a Charlotte and Jade match which could maybe happen at the Evolution PLE. I also liked how Charlotte appeared before Jade could speak about Belair leaving that storyline open as well. Some interesting stuff going on. 

—Legado Del Fantasma vignette promo aired. Santos Escobar told Berto they are family and why he called them. Escobar said they are going to Worlds Collide and has a plan. Escobar wants to establish they own the world of Lucha Libre. 

—Byron Saxton was backstage with American Made. Chad Gable said he’s confident going against El Hijo Del Vikingo for the AAA Mega Title at Worlds Collide. Gable said he was disappointed he didn’t qualify for Money in the Bank. Gable said they found a suitable replacement in El Grande Americano who will win. Gable said will the AAA Mega Title. Andrade appeared. Andrade spoke in Spanish. Gable said Si! Andrade looked confused why Gable was saying Si. The crowd cheered as Penta appeared. Andrade and Penta spoke in Spanish mocking Penta. Nick Aldis appeared announcing Andrade & Penta vs. Brutus and Julius Creed in a tag match. 

Tiffany Stratton Promo

WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton made her entrance to a strong reaction. Tiffany said she just didn’t win Money in the Bank but became the IT girl of WWE. Tiffany said everyone in the match is championship material. Tiffany the winner of the match will be revolving around her. Tiffany said nobody can outdo her. Tiffany asked the crowd what time it was? Tiffy Time. Rhea Ripley made her entrance to an awesome reaction. Ripley said she never was part of the Money in the Bank because she never had too. Ripley said she knows what it feels to be a champion. Ripley said he misses that feeling. Stephanie Vaquer came out next to a big reaction. Alexa Bliss came out next to another big reaction.

Amin’s Thoughts — Fine promo from Tiffany here explaining how the Money in the Bank took her to top level star. Ripley just screams superstar when she makes her entrance as her reactions are incredible. Good to see Vaquer receiving great reactions from the crowd. Bliss also feels like a top level star with her reactions. This was mostly just fun seeing how the crowd was reacting to everyone.

Naomi made her entrance to a strong heel reaction. Roxanne Perez made her entrance next to a strong heel reaction. Giulia made her entrance to another strong heel reaction. Giulia’s entrance looks awesome. 

(4) Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss and Stephanie Vaquer vs. Giulia, Roxanne Perez and Naomi

Giulia and Vaquer started the match. Stephanie went for Devil’s Kiss but Giulia’ broke free. Giulia countered into a reverse Stomp for near fall. Naomi went for Devil’s Kiss but Vaquer broke free. A brawl broke out. The crowd went wild as Vaquer hit Devil’s Kiss onto Naomi to a big reaction. Naomi responded pulling Vaquer into the ropes. Roxanne stomped away at Vaquer in the corner. Giulia hit a suplex on Vaquer for two. We Want Mami chants. Bliss tagged in. Bliss hit a running Blockbuster on Naomi. Bliss hit a flying cannonball onto Giulia and Naomi. Roxanne ran Bliss into the ring steps. 

We Want Mami chants from the crowd. Bliss caught Naomi with a DDT. The crowd went wild as Ripley tagged into the match. Ripley launched Naomi with a Fallaway Slam. Ripley launched Roxanne with a Razor’s Edge. Ripley hit a Shining Wizard on Roxanne. Naomi made the save. The action broke down. Bliss hit Sister Abigail DDT on Giulia. Ripley went for RipTide. Roxanne countered into a DDT. This Is Awesome chants. Roxanne went for a tag but Naomi refused. Bliss rocked Roxanne with a right hand. Vaquer hit Eat Defeat on Roxanne. Ripley hit RipTide for the 1-2-3 win. 

Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss & Stephanie Vaquer defeated Roxanne Perez, Giulia & Naomi in 12:02 

➤The referee raised the babyface team hand after the match. Ripley, Bliss and Vaquer all looked up at the Money in the Bank briefcase. You got that small moment of awkwardness with the babyface as they didn’t brawl but knowing they all want to win Money in the Bank.

Amin’s Thoughts — A fun action packed match with everyone getting a chance to shine. The action here got me more excited for the Women’s Money in the Bank which could be one of the best matches on the show. The crowd reaction for Ripley is incredible as she looked awesome. I liked the finish with Naomi looking out for herself not helping her teammates leading to the babyface team winning. Money in the Bank should be given to someone who’s on the rise and not an already established superstar. I don’t see Ripley winning. Giulia is going after the Women’s United States Title so she’s likely not winning or that would’ve been my pick. Just like with LA Knight, I think Naomi would benefit most by winning Money in the Bank. Naomi right now would be my favourite to win. Alexa Bliss would be a close second. Roxanne and Vaquer would be my wildcard picks. 

—Solo Sikoa was backstage with JC Mateo. Mateo wondered if Solo still trust Fatu. Solo said things will be fine if Jacob Fatu follows his lead. Mateo wondered if Fatu will follow his lead. Solo said Fatu loves him and then noted he’s not that smart in the head. Solo said Fatu was all gas/no brains. Solo and Mateo left. Fatu appeared from behind was not looking pleased. 

—Bo Dallas vignette promo aired. Bo said that grief isn’t healed by time. Bo said it was ripped open. Bo said he watched the loyalty and trust in the tag division. Bo wondered if it was unbreakable. Bo said they wanted to forget about them. Bo said they didn’t return for nostalgia. Bo said they come to take what they are owed. Bo said they will not be forgotten. Bo spoke as glitches of Uncle Howdy appeared. The promo closed with a shot of Wyatt Sicks. 

—WWE Tag Team Champions Street Profits were inside SmackDown GM Nick Aldis office alongside the rest of the tag teams watching Bo Dallas vignette. DIY wondered who provoked The Wyatt Sicks. Montez Ford told the rest of the team to not focus on the WWE Tag Team Titles because they have bigger problem with Wyatt Sicks. Angelo Dawkins said Wyatts Sicks can come get the smoke if they want it. Dawkins said they are real boogie men around here. Nathan Frazer wanted his hands on Uncle Howdy. Axiom said Fraxiom is undefeated and they should teach The Wyatts a lesson. They left. DIY liked hearing that. MCMG was not pleased with DIY. MCMG said they are going to take the fight to The Wyatt Sicks. 

—Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett hyped WWE Worlds Collide and Money in the Bank show. 

Penta made his entrance to a strong reaction and firework display. Andrade got a solid reaction. AAA Mega Champion El Hijo Del Vikingo was shown ringside. Brutus and Julis Creed made their entrance alongside Chad Gable. 

(5) Andrade and Penta vs. American Made (Brutus and Julius Creed)(w/Chad Gable)

Andrade and Penta hit Tope Con Hilo onto Brutus and Julius as they were making their entrance. The crowd chanted Penta’s catchphrase. Andrade rocked both Brutus and Julius with running Meteora. Penta rocked Julius and Brutus with handstand Woo Dropkicks. Julius leaped off Brutus catching Andrade with a rising knee. Brutus hit a standing Moonsault on Andrade for two. 

Andrade got Penta the hot tag. Penta ran wild catching Julius with a head scissors. Penta hit a back cracker on Julius. Brutus made the save. Penta went to climb the ropes. Gable pulled on Penta’s mask. The crowd cheered as Vikingo attacked Gable. Andrade rocked both Brutus and Julius with running spinning back elbow smashes. Penta hit a flying Mexican Destroyer on Julius for the 1-2-3 win. 

Penta & Andrade defeated Brutus & Julius Creed in 7:56 

➤Seth Rollins music played. Rollins came out with Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed. They surrounded the ring. Rollins and his goon squad got the numbers advantage. Breakker rocked Andrade with a Spear. Rollins hit Stomps on Andrade and Penta. Reed hit a Tsunami Splash on Penta. WWE agents came out. 

Amin’s Thoughts — A fun match with the action moving at a good pace. The pairing of Andrade and Penta makes for a fun team to watch. I liked the involvement with Vikingo getting involved to build the AAA Mega World Title match with Gable for Worlds Collide. WWE has been doing their best to showcase Vikingo having make appearances on all their TV shows. I could see Vikingo being a big player in WWE. Good post-match getting more heel heat on Rollins before Money in the Bank. 

Cody Rhodes Confronts Seth Rollins

Paul Heyman delivered a promo calling Rollins group the future. Heyman said Rollins explained what would happen before WrestleMania. Heyman brought up Rollins getting Roman Reigns and CM Punk out of the way. Heyman said Rollins will become Money in the Bank. Heyman was about to say the greatest honour of his professional and personal would be to stand in the ring announcing Seth Rollins as the WWE World Champion. The crowd cheered as Cody Rhodes music played. Cody got a huge reaction from the crowd. Cody got a big firework display. Cody entered the ring. Rollins held Breakker and Reed back. Cody and Rollins had a stare down. Jey Uso’s music played. WWE World Champion Jey Uso made his way from the crowd to a big reaction. Rollins left the ring with his crew.

Amin’s Thoughts — Paul Heyman is just tremendous and knows to get the right heel reaction from the crowds. Heyman name dropping Roman Reigns name as well. They are letting you know Reigns will be on his way back soon. I liked the tease with Cody and Rollins as well. Cody is WWE’s top babyface star and was good to see him stand up against Rollins crew as he’s been mostly on SmackDown. 

John Cena & Logan Paul attack Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso

The crowd cheered as Cody asked what they wanted to talk about. Cody asked talk about Money in the Bank. Inuit Dome, Jey Uso and his opponents John Cena (which got a big mixed reaction) Logan Paul which got loud boos. Let’s Go Cena/Cena Sucks chants. Cody spoke about Cena calling him desperate. Cody spoke Cena dance his way on a live stream, then kick a man in the nuts, then begging for forgiveness and then take pictures with Logan Paul on X. Cody said that was as desperate as Michael Hayes standing next to The Hardy Boyz. Cody spoke about Cena washing all the years of good win to get his 17x World Title at WrestleMania. Cody said Money in the Bank wasn’t about the WWE or World Title. Cody said it was a showdown. Cody asked Jey what was it called. Jey said it was YEET-Down. 

The crowd went wild as Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena came out to a huge mixed reaction. Cena asked for music to cut. Cena pointed over at Mike Nash to introduce him. Logan Paul appeared nailing Jey with a right hand. Cena gave Jey an Attitude Adjustment. Cody went for Cross Rhodes on Paul. Cena attacked Cody with the WWE Title. Paul gave Cody the Paul-Verizer. Paul hit Frog Splashes on Cody and Jey. 

Cena said nobody was coming to save you. Cena said he will take the WWE Title home. Cena said Paul will the take the World Title to the top. Cena gave an over-the-top for Paul as World Champion. Cena and Paul held up the World Titles. Cena gave Cody an Attitude Adjustment. Paul gave Jey another right hand. The crowd chanted “We Want Truth!” Cena said you can’t handle the truth. Cena said our truth was staring you in the face. Cena called the crowd pathetic liars. Cena called Paul a future champion and said he was the last real champion. Cena and Paul posed with the World Titles. The show ended. 

Amin’s Thoughts — This is one way to get mega heel heat on Cena by having him team and gloat about Logan Paul. Strong heel heat closing segment having Cena and Paul laying out both Cody and Jey before the Money in the Bank PLE. The crowd here was mostly favourable toward Cody on SmackDown. My guess is the babyface teams of Cody and Jey win at Money in the Bank. You don’t want Jey taking a pin before defending the World Title against Gunther on RAW. I will say Cody wins pinning Logan Paul as a way to keep Cena strong.

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