WWE SmackDown Review, Dec 13, 2024: Braun Strowman SQUASHED Carmelo Hayes

As a seasoned wrestling enthusiast and critic with over three decades of ringside experience, let me tell you that this week’s SmackDown was quite the rollercoaster ride! From the high-flying action to the emotional drama, it had everything a wrestling fan could ask for.

This week’s WWE SmackDown is leading up to Saturday Night Main Event, where Cody Rhodes will defend his WWE Championship against Kevin Owens, and the Women’s U.S. Title Tournament finals will be held. Given that SNME has a nostalgic feel, it’s possible we might see legends like Bob Orton making an appearance to support Randy Orton, who may return to take revenge on Kevin Owens. Last week on SmackDown, DIY seized the Tag Team Championship title after apparently attacking Street Profits backstage and taking their place in the match against MCMG.

This week on SmackDown, three bouts have been confirmed: Carmelo Hayes faces an Unknown Contender, Tiffany Stratton (Ms. MITB) clashes with Michin in a U.S. Title Tournament fight, and Bayley squares off against Chelsea Green in another U.S. Title Tournament match. Additionally, there’s buzz about an upcoming WWE “Transfer Window” Shakeup involving the trading of superstars between Raw and SmackDown. This shakeup seems to coincide with the halfway mark on the WWE calendar as we near the path to WrestleMania 41 in April.

Jimmy Uso Promo [Opening Segment]

Result: Drew McIntyre Claymored Jimmy Uso, continuing his revenge tour on The Bloodline.

Jimmy Uso was limping on a crutch after his epic Uso Splash at Survivor Series. Nonetheless, he celebrated his War Games Victory with the OG Bloodline and called his shot for the WWE Title, U.S. Title, and Royal Rumble. Basically, he carved out his pathway for his singles career, similar to what Jey Uso did when he broke away from The Bloodline. After Jimmy Uso said his piece, he turned around into a Claymore by Drew McIntyre. Backstage, Bianca Belair was informed that she will stripped of the tag titles since Jade Cargill was injured but Naomi stepped in to help Belair defend the titles.

Main Insight/Conclusion: 3.0 Stars (C+) – This segment served as an average foundation for Jimmy Uso’s solo career and foreshadowed Drew McIntyre’s vengeance against The Bloodline. It appears that Drew McIntyre will face not just Sami Zayn at SNME, but also the Usos in upcoming events. Regarding Bianca Belair, the enigma surrounding Jade Cargill persists, and it was intriguing to see Naomi intervene on Belair’s behalf. The speculation about Naomi being the one who attacked Jade Cargill may escalate now that she is connected to Belair, but she seems to be a decoy in this storyline.

Ms. MITB Tiffany Stratton vs. Michin [U.S. Title Tournament]

Result: Michin (via pinfall)

In this wrestling match, Tiffany Stratton paid for a powerful stomp on Michin near the ring’s edge. Quickly dodging, Michin stepped aside, leaving Stratton to tumble harshly onto the apron. Seizing the opportunity, Michin went outside the ring to execute a Tornado DDT on Stratton. With a swift move, Michin hurled Stratton back into the ring. Then, as Michin climbed up the ropes, Stratton unexpectedly caught her in mid-air and performed an Alabama Slam, barely missing the pin. Next, Stratton hoisted Michin for a Rollover Slam before ascending to the top rope to launch the Tiffy Top Moonsault. However, Michin evaded once more and retaliated with the Eat Defeat for the winning three-count. With this victory, Michin progressed to the finals.

Key Takeaway: 3.5 Stars (B-). This was an impressive showdown between these two top stars, and it’s fitting that the victor progresses further in this tournament. Given her consistent performance this year, Michin seems a stronger contender for the finals. Her matches against Chelsea Green in the Dumpster Match and Iyo Sky last year have been particularly noteworthy. Tiffany Statton, who currently holds the MITB Briefcase, didn’t need to win this match. In fact, she can still use her MITB Contract at SNME during the U.S. Title Finals Match to secure the title, regardless.

Roman Reigns Promo [Backstage Promo]

Result: Roman Reigns Challenged Solo Sikoa for Raw Netflix Debut

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but feel a thrill knowing that Roman Reigns and the Original Bloodline emerged victorious against the New Bloodline at Survivor Series. Yet, Roman understands there’s still a lingering issue to address – Sikoa. Despite their encounters in multi-person matches, they haven’t had a one-on-one showdown to settle their score. The New Bloodline continues to cause chaos on SmackDown, and they have their sights set on Reigns.

As a die-hard wrestling fan, I’ve got to say that giving Reigns and Sikoa a one-on-one showdown was a smart move by the WWE brass. After losing the WWE Title to Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 40 back in April, Reigns made his comeback in August, turning the tables on Sikoa during their World Title Match with Cody as revenge for Sikoa’s jabs about him being a cosplay Tribal Chief while he was away. This definitely sets up Sikoa as a formidable heel contender.

Carmelo Hayes vs. Mystery Opponent [Personal Rivalry]

Result: Braun Strowman (via pinfall)

Camelo Hayes was taken aback when he discovered Braun Strowman as his adversary, thinking it would be an effortless win. Yet, the surprise didn’t deter him. Instead, Hayes took advantage of his speedy offense to tire out the Monster. Strowman charged at Hayes relentlessly, like a battering ram, but Hayes nimbly dodged and left Strowman colliding shoulder-first into the steel post. Hayes followed up with a Slingshot DDT on Strowman. Subsequently, Hayes climbed to the top rope intending to execute Nothing But Net, but Strowman countered and executed a Running PowerSlam for the pinfall and the victory.

Key Insight/Conclusion: 2.0 Stars (D+) – While it was fitting for Braun Strowman to emerge victorious in his comeback following injury, it’s disappointing that Hayes, a former NXT World Champion, ended up taking the brunt of the loss. The element of surprise likely caught him off guard, but his repeated losses since joining the main roster have not done justice to his past achievements. If this pattern continues, Hayes risks being typecast as a skilled performer like Dolph Ziggler, which is unfortunate given his potential to become a future world champion.

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Solo Sikoa & Bloodline Promo [Intermission Segment]

Result: Solo Sikoa Accepted Roman’s Challenge For Tribal Combat; LA Knight Challenged Solo Sikoa

Solo Sikoa came out to the ring to assure everyone acknowledged him and to accept Roman Reigns’ challenge for Tribal Combat. However, he did not have much time to speak at all becuase LA Knight interrupted the promo to challenge Solo Sikoa to a match so that he can get his revenge for that Bloodline attack last week. After Knight gets past Sikoa, he planned on winning back his U.S. Title from Shinsuke Nakamura. However, it does not look like Knight will be getting past Sikoa anytime soon because The Bloodline will not be satisfied until they get Roman Reigns in 2025.

From My Perspective: I’d have to rate this match at 2.0 stars (D+). It primarily served to establish the upcoming Reigns-Sikoa match at Raw Netflix Debut, as well as setting up a Sikoa-Knight encounter for tonight. Some might anticipate a grander stage for these two powerhouses given their momentum and reputation. However, it appears WWE was content with scheduling this bout on an ordinary SmackDown. This fight could merely be a stepping stone, perhaps paving the way for a future showdown between them. It seems they’re laying groundwork by planting seeds for that potential match, ensuring there’s a solid storyline foundation in place beforehand.

LA Knight vs. Solo Sikoa [Personal Rivalry]

Result: LA Knight (via disqualification)

LA Knight executed a Top Rope Bulldog on Sikoa. In response, Knight attempted to take advantage, but Sikoa responded with a Spinning Solo off the commentary desk outside the ring. Knight retaliated by performing a Flying Crossbody onto Tama Tonga and a Hip Toss onto Jacob Fatu on the commentary desk. Sikoa seized Knight for the Spike after creating a distraction, but Knight evaded and executed a Side Effect instead. Subsequently, Knight ascended to the top rope and delivered a Flying Elbow Drop, nearly securing the victory. However, Jacob Fatu’s interference resulted in a disqualification. Andrade and Apollo Crews intervened to assist LA Knight, but Bloodline maintained control during the ensuing brawl.

Main Impression/Key Points: 2.5 Stars (C-), The match between Knight and Sikoa turned out to be engaging, albeit it resulted in a DQ. It appears that the focus is shifting towards a six-man tag team encounter involving Bloodline, Knight, Crews, and Andrade, following last week’s attack by Bloodline. Meanwhile, DIY and MCMG shared their thoughts on the title change from last week. Backstage, it was revealed that Bianca Belair and Naomi will defend the Tag Titles against Nia Jax and Candice LeRae next week, as Tiffany Stratton feels neglected without any gold.

Bayley vs. Chelsea Green [U.S. Title Tournament]

Result: Chelsea Green (via pinfall)

In an instant, Bayley executed a Bayley-to-Belly maneuver on Chelsea Green, coming close to securing the win. The two exchanged Inside Cradles and Crucifix pins. Bayley employed Arm Drags and Vertical Suplexes, sending Green out of the ring with a Vertical Suplex, followed by a Back Suplex inside the ring, again narrowly missing the pin. Bayley climbed to the top rope, but Green retaliated with a running knee. In a comical twist, Green attempted a Piper Drop, but Bayley evaded and countered with a Sunset Flip Powerbomb in the corner turnbuckle, coming close once more. Bayley aimed for another Bayley-to-Belly and a Backbreaker, but Green fought back valiantly.

In a close call, Green won the Rough Ryder just shy of a complete win. Bayley retaliated with a Zig Zag and prepared to drop an Elbow Drop on Chelsea, but Piper intervened by moving Chelsea out of harm’s way. Instead, Bayley executed a Flying Elbow Drop on Piper outside the ring. In a quick move, Chelsea threw Bayley over the barricade for a countout victory. However, Bayley managed to return to the ring before the 10-count, making a last-ditch effort in this match. Seizing the opportunity, Green delivered the Un-Pretty to Bayley for the three-count and the win. This puts Green on track for the finals against Michin for the U.S. Title at SNME.

From My Perspective as a Gamer: This bout was a 4.0 star (B+) spectacle that left me absolutely thrilled! It had its moments where it felt a bit sluggish, but the momentum always picked up just when needed to keep me hooked. Bayley’s Zig Zag move could have been smoother, but the overall performance of these superstars inside the ring was truly commendable. Green deserves more than just being a supporting act – she’s popular right now and should be rewarded with a championship! A title reign for her could make for some exciting entertainment in the future.

Cody Rhodes v. Kevin Owens Final Faceoff [Closing Segment]

Result: Kevin Owens said that Cody Rhodes was more entertaining as Stardust, resulting in a brawl.

Initially, Cody Rhodes was scheduled for a climactic encounter with Kevin Owens, moderated by Michael Cole. However, Owens failed to appear and remained hidden backstage. In response, Rhodes carried on the interview without him, with Cole hinting at the potential return of the winged eagle belt, a gift from Triple H to Rhodes. But KO interrupted, dismissing the significance of Rhodes’ gift, instead praising his past character as Stardust. This provocation infuriated Rhodes, who stormed off to find Owens backstage and instigated a physical altercation that needed referee intervention to stop.

Main Insight/Conclusion: 2.0 Stars (D+), This concluding part didn’t contribute anything new beyond last week’s SmackDown. It failed to introduce additional complexities to the narrative, nor did it intensify the ongoing feud. Instead, it seemed like a mere filler segment intended to remind viewers that these two are contending for the World Title at SNME. In hindsight, WWE could have produced a compelling cinematic promo package instead, as this finale didn’t significantly enhance the storyline any further than what was previously presented.

December 13, 2024, SmackDown Results:

Drew McIntyre Claymored Jimmy Uso, continuing his revenge tour on The Bloodline.
Braun Strowman was revealed as the mystery opponent selected by Nick Aldis for Carmelo Hayes and squashed Carmelo Hayes in his return from his groin injury, as he will officially be on SmackDown going forward due to the transfer window.
Michin defeated Tiffany Stratton to advance to the U.S. Title Tournament Finals at SNME.
LA Knight defeated Solo Sikoa via disqualification thanks to Jacob Fatu interference after Roman Reigns challenged Solo Sikoa to Tribal Combat on Raw Netflix Debut.
Chelsea Green defeated Bayley to advance to the U.S. Title Tournament Finals at SNME.
Kevin Owens said that Cody Rhodes was more entertaining as Stardust, resulting in a brawl to close the show.

2024-12-14 18:46