WWE Announces First Netflix Match: Analysis of 3 Winners & 3 Losers from SmackDown on December 13, 2024

WWE Announces First Netflix Match: Analysis of 3 Winners & 3 Losers from SmackDown on December 13, 2024

WWE is heading towards a transformative era as it made its last appearance before the reintroduction of Saturday Night’s Main Event, taking place at the Excel Center in Hartford, CT. The promotion confirmed an exciting first match for its upcoming Netflix venture: Roman Reigns versus Solo Sikoa. The OTC challenged Sikoa for the ula fala title on January 6th, marking a significant chapter for WWE. The evening saw Sikoa and his Bloodline retaliating against LA Knight following a disqualification loss, while Drew McIntyre further decimated the Bloodline by attacking Jimmy Uso.

In a heated backstage exchange, Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes confronted each other after failing to meet in the ring. Additionally, Braun Strowman made his debut on SmackDown, celebrating his arrival with a victory over Carmelo Hayes. In another exciting development, Michin and Chelsea Green will compete for the first-ever Women’s United States Championship at the upcoming Saturday Night’s Main Event, following their respective wins over Tiffany Stratton and Bayley.

Winners

1 Roman Reigns

The First Match of the Netflix Era is Confirmed by the OTC

Roman Reigns WWE SmackDown Dec 14th

The much-anticipated transition of WWE to Netflix is just weeks away, heralding a new era in programming. Recent episodes have embraced a more cinematic style, exemplified by dramatic meetings such as Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns’ interaction on an empty football field leading up to Bad Blood. Notably, Roman Reigns has issued a challenge to Solo Sikoa for the title of Tribal Chief on the inaugural night of WWE on Netflix, which promises to be an exciting turn of events.

This revamped promotional style reflects an advanced production quality that surpasses earlier WWE presentations. Paul Heyman’s innovative approach is a driving force behind this new vision, allowing wrestlers to convey their narratives and personalities in a format that aligns with Netflix’s cinematic aspirations. Roman’s chilling challenge, steeped in historical context, captures the essence of what fans can expect when the curtain rises on Netflix.

2 Saturday Night’s Actual Main Event

Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens Could Go Either Way

Cody and KO WWE SmackDown Dec 14th

The rivalry between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens for the WWE Championship has captivated audiences with its psychological depth and personal stakes. Their encounters, which have escalated from promos to all-out brawls, are a fitting showcase for the return of this storied event.

What makes this bout particularly thrilling is its unpredictability. While Cody Rhodes appears poised to lead the new face of WWE on Netflix, Kevin Owens has demonstrated exceptional form since his return, raising the stakes for this impending showdown. As a competitor who last held the main championship in 2016, Owens’s journey has been storied and filled with potential for a triumphant return.

3 The Women’s US Championship Booking

Faith in Today’s Emerging Superstars is Great to See

Chelsea Green WWE SmackDown Dec 14th

Michin’s advance to the finals by defeating Money in the Bank victor Tiffany Stratton, along with Chelsea Green’s win over Hall of Famer Bayley, indicates a strategic commitment to elevating new talent. This match reflects the title’s purpose: to foster the next generation of WWE superstars.

Choosing to have first-time competitors battle for the inaugural US Women’s Championship is an exciting decision that showcases WWE’s willingness to take risks. With Michin and Chelsea Green both in contention, fans can anticipate an exhilarating match where one woman will emerge as a groundbreaking champion.

Losers

4 Carmelo Hayes

Who is in Charge of Melo’s Booking?

Carmelo hayes WWE SmackDown Dec 14th

Carmelo Hayes has recently been highlighted as one of SmackDown’s leading talents, with a captivating series of bouts that showcased his immense potential. However, his rapid defeat to Braun Strowman in under 90 seconds begs the question: who is managing his trajectory in WWE?

Despite the positive evolution under Paul Levesque’s leadership, witnessing Hayes absorb such a defeat raises concerns about his current standing. Fans hold hope that brighter days lie ahead for him, especially with the Royal Rumble approaching, as he may seek retribution against Strowman.

5 Jimmy Uso

Drew McIntyre is Eradicating Roman’s Bloodline, Piece by Piece

Drew McIntyre Jimmy Uso WWE SmackDown Dec 14th

Even with the positive reception from fans, Jimmy Uso’s character development has stagnated as he grapples to define his identity outside of the Bloodline. Despite the legacy of his tag team, he faces pressure to carve a distinctive path.

Opening SmackDown, Jimmy engaged in an impassioned discussion about the WarGames injuries before being blindsided by a devastating Claymore from Drew McIntyre. As McIntyre systematically dismantles the Bloodline, it raises the stakes for Jimmy, who must find a way to regroup and reclaim his footing.

6 LA Knight

Is This His Worst Month of the Paul Levesque Era?

LA Knight WWE SmackDown 2024 Dec 14th

LA Knight has endured a challenging month, witnessing his US Championship slip away to Shinsuke Nakamura and subsequently being attacked by Solo Sikoa and The Bloodline. Although technically a DQ win for Knight, the reality of being overwhelmed in that match has left him feeling far from victorious.

This pivotal moment for Knight comes as WWE anticipates a surge of new viewers through its Netflix platform. His unique ‘Attitude Era’ vibe could resonate well with many fans, yet navigating this rough patch remains crucial for his future storyline developments.

The Final Word

  • It’s exciting to hear Michael Cole referencing Harley Race as the inaugural US Champion.
  • A WWE Raw Netflix Kick-Off Event is set to air on the WWE YouTube channel, featuring guests like Logan Paul.
  • Notably, only two women have defeated Michin since March: WWE Champion Nia Jax and Chelsea Green.
  • This upcoming match marks the third encounter between Michin and Chelsea Green this year, currently at a stalemate of 1-1.
  • Braun Strowman is set to appear on The Grayson Waller Effect next week on SmackDown.
  • A series of compelling vignettes from DIY and the Motor City Machine Guns have captivated the audience.
  • As of now, Carmelo Hayes has not secured a victory in over two months.
  • Let’s not forget Kevin Owens’ previous loss of the Universal Championship to Bill Goldberg.
  • Following an injury to Jade Cargill, Naomi will step in as Bianca Belair’s tag team partner.
  • LA Knight’s humorous phrase “ufa lafa”showcased his unique charm and comedic timing.
  • Kevin Owens sporting a Stardust tee was a brilliant touch of banter.

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