WWE concluded its SmackDown episode for 2024 with an electrifying show in Tampa, FL. Among the highlights, Cody Rhodes made his much-anticipated return and is set to clash with Kevin Owens in a Ladder Match at the Royal Rumble. Kevin Owens has retained ownership of the iconic Winged Eagle Belt, while Solo Sikoa and The Bloodline gained the advantage over Sami Zayn after Zayn’s impressive victory against Carmelo Hayes.
Chelsea Green showcased her charisma as the Women’s United States Champion during a public address, while Tiffany Stratton hinted at a potential cash-in on Nia Jax. In a hard-fought contest, Green, Stratton, and Candace LeRae fell to the formidable trio of Bayley, Bianca Belair, and Naomi. In other action, Braun Strowman triumphed over Austin Theory amid ongoing rivalries with Hayes and The Bloodline. Chaos reigned in the tag team division as the Street Profits overcame Legado Del Fantasma, with Pretty Deadly, Motor City Machine Guns, and DIY also vying for attention.
- Nick Aldis announced that Kevin Owens must hand over the Winged Eagle Championship by the end of the night.
- Naomi, Bayley, and Bianca Belair emerged victorious over Nia Jax, Candace LeRae, and Tiffany Stratton.
- Sami Zayn confronted Nick Aldis, leading to his match with Carmelo Hayes following a backstage altercation.
- Braun Strowman secured a victory against Austin Theory.
- Michin interrupted Chelsea Green’s US Title celebration.
- Street Profits scored a win against Legado Del Fantasma.
- Cody Rhodes made his triumphant return.
- Cody and Kevin Owens’ ladder match for the WWE Championship is officially set for the 2025 Royal Rumble.
1
Kevin Owens Refuses to Relinquish the Winged Eagle Belt
Over the past fortnight, Kevin Owens has been proudly showcasing the revered Winged Eagle Championship, boldly proclaiming himself the WWE Champion. Although his claim has yet to be formalized, fans have enjoyed the spectacle immensely. During the SmackDown broadcast, GM Nick Aldis urged Owens to surrender the belt by the night’s end, eliciting a collective chuckle from the audience.
This Royal Rumble marks the first Ladder Match since 2001, when Chris Jericho triumphed over Chris Benoit for the Intercontinental Championship. As Owens concluded the show with the Winged Eagle strapped around his waist, he was confronted by a returning Cody Rhodes, who brandished the legitimate WWE Championship. Rhodes refused to let Owens portray himself as a martyr, and tensions flared over Owens’ grievances regarding a referee’s error that cost him the title at Saturday Night’s Main Event. The upcoming ladder match between Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble promises to be a thrilling encounter, setting a dynamic tone for WWE’s 2025 Premium Live Events.
2
Nia Stirs the Pot
A central storyline on SmackDown revolves around the ongoing mystery concerning Jade Cargill’s injury. With Cargill off the screen for several weeks, the renewed duo of Bianca Belair and Naomi has emerged as a formidable tag team. However, WWE Women’s Champion Nia Jax accused Bianca of being responsible for Cargill’s misfortune, though she would be wise to focus on her own issues, particularly with Tiffany Stratton—whose Money in the Bank aspirations are growing clearer.
The Women’s division on SmackDown is effectively weaving a tapestry of suspense and intrigue. Following the disruptions of rivalries due to events such as Crown Jewel and WarGames, each competitor now possesses a distinct character motivation. The suspicion surrounding Naomi’s involvement in Jade’s injury has been echoed in this column, and that stance remains unchanged.
3
The Monster Reigns on SmackDown
Since his transition from Raw to SmackDown, Braun Strowman has been making waves. He debuted with a decisive victory over Carmelo Hayes and recently dismantled The Grayson Waller Effect’s set during his appearance. This week, he again impressed audiences by defeating Austin Theory in a compelling match, showcasing his raw power while allowing Theory to exhibit his underrated skills.
In a demonstration of WWE’s focus on building new narratives, Strowman also featured in a significant segment involving The Bloodline and Sami Zayn. This indicates that Braun Strowman is being positioned as a formidable threat once again, shedding his previously lighter persona in favor of a more menacing character, which fans have eagerly welcomed.
4
A Patriotic Celebration
Chelsea Green’s recent celebration as the United States Champion was predictably pompous, featuring a costume reminiscent of the Statue of Liberty and exuberant quotes. Her antics have attracted attention not only for their extravagance but also because they serve to elevate those around her. Her ally, Piper Niven, is improving alongside her, while Michin received applause for interrupting Green’s self-congratulatory moment.
Excitingly, the mid-card scene seems bursting with potential for Green to showcase her skills, suggesting that her reign could yield significant stories moving forward. With an additional hour of programming set to debut next week, both Michin and Chelsea Green are poised to capitalize on this moment and elevate the United States Championship’s status within WWE.
5
Tag Team Chaos Reigns
In a demonstration of the fierce competitiveness in SmackDown’s tag team landscape, the Street Profits scored a victory against Legado Del Fantasma. Meanwhile, Apollo Crews raised eyebrows by suggesting that Pretty Deadly were deceiving regarding who was responsible for their injuries, implicating DIY in the matter. This maintains the excitement surrounding the tag division, with the Motor City Machine Guns also looking to disrupt the title picture.
Notably, the only team to have defeated the Street Profits in a traditional two-on-two match since June is The Bloodline.
6
Carmelo is Currency; Sami Faces Peril
Carmelo Hayes is poised to break through to the Main Roster in 2025. His confrontation with Sami Zayn in Nick Aldis’s office ignited their match, and their bout delivered the high-caliber wrestling that fans expected. Hayes demonstrated growth and readiness for the next chapter of his career, all while angering Braun Strowman by revealing cards depicting Strowman’s defeat from the previous week.
Although the match ended in a No Contest due to the abrupt arrival of The Bloodline, who ambushed Zayn in an action-packed segment (with Strowman joining the fray), Hayes effectively solidified his place in the spotlight.
The Final Thoughts
- SmackDown is scheduled to expand to a three-hour format starting next week.
- Grayson Waller is rapidly becoming a standout star; his every appearance is captivating.
- Scheduled for next week: Andrade vs. Shinsuke Nakamura and Nia Jax defending her championship against Naomi.
- Austin Theory has not secured a singles victory since defeating Carmelo Hayes on January 26th.
- If appreciating Pretty Deadly is wrong, we remain happily misguided. Yes, boy!
- Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes have delivered captivating mic work throughout their ongoing rivalry.
- Notably, Cody Rhodes’ last ladder match in WWE occurred as Stardust at WrestleMania 32, in a seven-man Intercontinental Championship bout.
Leave a Reply