WWE SmackDown Review: Solo Sikoa DESTROYED Roman Reigns

As a seasoned wrestling enthusiast who’s been following the WWE for decades, I must say that this week’s SmackDown was nothing short of thrilling!

Following a spectacular WWE Bad Blood 2024 Pay-Per-View event, WWE SmackDown is moving forward, heading towards the WWE Survivor Series 2024. The main event saw Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns triumph over The Bloodline, with Jimmy Uso and The Rock making their returns immediately after. In a surprising turn of events, Nia Jax successfully defended her WWE Women’s Title against Bayley, thanks to some unintentional interruptions from Ms. MITB Tiffany Stratton at the ringside. Now, the lineups for the War Games Matches in both men’s and women’s divisions are starting to take shape, with this week’s episode of SmackDown being a significant step in that direction.

This week saw the official announcement of two highly-anticipated bouts: LA Knight defending his U.S. Championship against Carmelo Hayes, and a tag team title match featuring Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill (current champions) versus Fatal Influence for the Undisputed Tag Titles. Elsewhere on WWE SmackDown, Roman Reigns opened the show to discuss the aftermath of Bad Blood, focusing on Jimmy Uso’s return and The Rock’s appearance. The recent incident that has been dominating conversations is the brutal assault by Kevin Owens on Cody Rhodes in the parking lot following Bad Blood. Moving forward, here’s your WWE SmackDown Review for October 11, 2024.

Roman Reigns & Jimmy Uso Promo [Opening Segment]

Result: Roman Reigns and Jimmy Uso need help against The New Bloodline

Storyline Grade: B-

Jimmy Uso started SmackDown with a celebration of his comeback and a message to the WWE Universe, expressing his ongoing anger towards Solo Sikoa and his group for putting him out of action several months ago. However, Roman Reigns interrupted the speech, addressing Jimmy as “Big Jim.” He reminisced about when The Bloodline was in its initial harmonious stage, and expressed sadness over the current state of disarray within the family. Jimmy hinted at potential support from Jey Uso, but Roman swiftly dismissed the idea. In the end, Jimmy made it clear that only “Big Jim” himself seems to acknowledge Roman these days.

In-Ring Match Star Rating: N/A

Conclusion/Key Insight: This initial part effectively conveyed that The Bloodline has significantly changed over the last three years and now requires assistance in confronting the latest iteration. While WWE could have had Roman and Jimmy delve a bit more into their promos, they did create an unnecessary cliffhanger. This cliffhanger is superfluous because the Bloodline narrative extends back to medieval eras. Nevertheless, this is one of those instances where a casual fan can allow the storyline to unfold naturally.

LA Knight (c) vs. Carmelo Hayes [U.S. Championship]

Result: LA Knight (via pinfall)

Storyline Grade: N/A

In the match, LA Knight executed a Powrslam followed by an Elbow Drop on Carmelo Hayes. LA Knight then pinned Hayes for a count of two. Trying to regain strength, Hayes leaned against the corner turnbuckle. Energetically, LA Knight rushed towards Hayes. In response, Hayes launched a Superkick and managed another count of two. Andrade was present at ringside, watching the competition. With an aim to size up his opponents, he didn’t interfere in the match. Eventually, Hayes climbed to the top rope with the intention of landing the Nothing But Net Leg Drop. However, LA Knight swiftly moved out of the way and countered with a flawless NeckBreaker instead.

Later, LA Knight seized Hayes for a BFT maneuver, but Hayes retaliated with a handstand, scissors axe kick, and cutter. Carmelo Hayes almost pinned LA Knight, but Knight managed to survive. Subsequently, Knight again attempted the BFT on Hayes, but Hayes countered with a Small Package. Again, Knight escaped. Momentum shifted as Hayes, off the ropes, was met by Knight who grabbed Hayes’ neck for another BFT attempt. This time, Knight succeeded in pinning Hayes for a 3-count to keep his U.S. Championship title.

In-Ring Match Star Rating: 2.75 Stars

Final Analysis/Takeaway: This title match was average, at best, as LA Knight really needs to expand his arsenal if he is going to be a compelling champion in the ring. There is also a svere lack of storytelling in thge mid card scene, which does not help matters. As for Carmelo Hayes, even though he has unfinished business with Andrade in their best-of-7 match series, he earned this title match by defeating an injured AJ Styles last week on SmackDown. This was a decent showcase for a promising NXT star like himself in a major title match. Nonetheless, the right individual came out on top, as it is too early to end LA Knight’s title reign just yet.

Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill (c) vs. Fatal Influence [Women’s Tag Titles]

Result: Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill (via pinfall)

Storyline Grade: N/A

Prior to the match’s start, Kevin Owens, who had been fined and banned by Nick Aldis, breached the barricade and stormed into the ring to express that he hadn’t turned against Cody Rhodes because it was actually Cody who had betrayed him. Since KO wasn’t permitted on SmackDown, his microphone malfunctioned and security rushed in to prevent a brawl between him and Cody. Randy Orton soon followed to break up the fight, but in the process, Owens accidentally struck Orton, which enraged Orton enough to retaliate with a punch to Owens’ face.

Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill swiftly defeated Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson, demonstrating their powerful team moves. Fatal Influence executed a double team cutter on both Belair and Cargill, leaving spectators like Chelsea Green and Piper Niven astounded at ringside. Michael Cole expressed his distaste due to Chelsea Green’s lingering odor from her Dumpster Match against Michin. However, Belair and Cargill responded with a Double Team Wheelbarrow Suplex for the winning pin, successfully retaining their Tag Titles.

In-Ring Match Star Rating: 2.0 Stars

Key Insight/Conclusion: The bout didn’t stretch for a considerable period; instead, it wrapped up in under five minutes – a pity considering the progress women’s matches have made in the WWE since moving beyond the Divas Era, which has been over for more than a decade now. To add to that disappointment, the match was overshadowed by an unexpected interaction between Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and Kevin Owens that took place prior to the start of the bout. It’s intriguing to observe how Randy Orton, who is known for hearing voices in his head, assumed the role of reason in this encounter. Keep an eye out as we watch Orton decide which side he will align himself with when it comes to his closest associates.

Nia Jax & Ms. MITB Tiffany Stratton Promo [Intermission Segment]

Result: Nia Jax wants Tiffany Stratton to Cash in on Liv Morgan

Storyline Grade: B-

At Bad Blood, Nia Jax acknowledged that Bayley pushed her to the brink, but she was confident that Bayley would eventually be overpowered by Nia. Later, Nia requested Tiffany Stratton to capitalize on Liv Morgan following their upcoming match at Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia. However, Naomi stepped in, reminding Nia that she couldn’t hold onto the title without Tiffany’s help. Since pinning Nia weeks ago and defeating her last week, Naomi challenged Nia Jax for the title right then and there.

Nia countered by saying that Naomi relied on Bayley to pin her several weeks back, but she’s open to facing her in a match without the title tonight. If Naomi prevails, she’ll secure a future opportunity for the WWE Women’s Title. As soon as Naomi agreed to the bout, Liv Morgan interrupted with her associate Raquel Rodriguez and boyfriend Dirty Dom, warning Nia that they’ll be watching from ringside as Nia struggles against Naomi, much like how Liv will when they fight at Crown Jewel in November.

In-Ring Match Star Rating: N/A

Summarizing Thoughts/Conclusion: The intermission segment effectively built anticipation for the conflict between Nia Jax and Miss Money in the Bank Tiffany Stratton. To be frank, having Tiffany cash in on Liv Morgan isn’t a terrible concept. It would indeed be exciting to witness Tiffany as champion, offering a refreshing change on Raw since Liv Morgan and Rhea Ripley have dominated the main event scene following WrestleMania 40. However, it is essential not to overlook the possibility of a heartwarming babyface transformation for Tiffany Stratton if she cashes in on Nia, given that Nia has been bullying, manipulating, and patronizing Tiffany on a regular basis.

Nia Jax (c) vs. Naomi [Non-Title Match]

Result: Naomi (via pinfall)

Storyline Grade: N/A

During a commercial break, Nia Jax executed a Samoan Drop on Naomi outside the ring. Upon resuming the show, Naomi retaliated with a Headscissors Takedown and followed up by scaling the ropes to perform a Flying Crossbody onto Nia. When Nia tumbled out of the ring, Naomi performed an acrobatic Corkscrew Plancha Dive, sending her back into the squared circle. Just as Naomi was preparing to finish off Nia with a Split-Legged Moonsault, Tiffany seized her briefcase for a surprise attack on Naomi instead.

In a surprising turn of events, Raquel Rodriguez halted Tiffany mid-stride by grabbing her briefcase. Tiffany asked Raquel to return the case, but Raquel refused. Taking advantage of the commotion, Naomi struck Tiffany with a Roundhouse Kick. As the action continued, Naomi returned to the ring. Nia Jax utilized this pause and climbed to the top rope to execute the Annihilator. However, Liv Morgan interfered by snatching the briefcase from Raquel. Seizing the opportunity, Naomi performed an Avalanche Powerbomb on Liv for a winning 3-count.

In-Ring Match Star Rating: 3.25 Stars

Key Insight/Conclusion: Naomi dominated the match with her impressive array of athletic moves. It’s generally unwise for the champion to lose via pinfall on live TV. However, Naomi’s exceptional performance and the numerous distractions from Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, and Dirty Dom served to safeguard Nia Jax and keep the champion appearing strong even in defeat. Although there was a breach of brand rules, having Rhea Ripley appear on SmackDown to attack Liv Morgan post-match was an excellent addition, to put it mildly.

Jimmy Uso vs. Solo Sikoa [Personal Rivalry]

Result: Solo Sikoa (via pinfall)

Storyline Grade: N/A

In this wrestling match, Solo Sikoa executed a Spinning Solo on Jimmy Uso, almost pinning him down. But after Jimmy managed to kick out, Sikoa kept attacking with a Hip Attack. Jimmy retaliated with a Superkick and Enziguiri to the back of Sikoa’s head. He then climbed the ropes for a Flying Crossbody, but again, Jimmy was able to escape with another near-fall. Sikoa tried another Samoan Spike on Jimmy, but Jimmy countered with a Samoan Drop. However, just as Big Jim was about to win, members of The Bloodline came onto the apron to distract him, allowing Sikoa to seize the opportunity and land the final Samoan Spike for the win in the main event.

In-Ring Match Star Rating: 2.75 Stars

From My Perspective: This match didn’t exactly blow me away, as both superstars’ movesets seemed a bit lackluster. But boy, did their in-ring psychology pay off! The lingering tension from when Solo took Jimmy out of commission after WrestleMania 40 was palpable. Bringing in Roman Reigns to save Jimmy was a smart move, and his defeat at the hands of the new Bloodline underscored just how overwhelming their numbers can be. It’s clear they need help, as hinted at the start of the show. The ending, which mirrored the cliffhanger from the beginning, was brilliantly foreshadowed and rewarding for those who watched the whole show from start to finish.

October 11, 2024, SmackDown Results

Roman Reigns and Jimmy Uso need help against The New Bloodline.
LA Knight defeated Carmelo Hayes to retain the United States Title.
Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill defeated Jakara Jackson & Lash Legend to retain the Tag Titles.
Queen Nia Jax wants Ms. MITB Tiffany Stratton to cash in on Liv Morgan.
Naomi defeated Nia Jax in a Non-Title Match, earning a future WWE Title Shot.
Solo Sikoa defeated Jimmy Uso in the Main Event.

2024-10-12 19:16