Two-Man Power Trip 2.0, LA Knight’s next challenger confirmed: 3 major takeaways from SmackDown season premiere on USA Network
From an unlikely union to teased dissension between two friends, here are three notable moments from the SmackDown season premiere episode.
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SmackDown is set to undergo a major change (via WWE)
After a five-year run on FOX, WWE SmackDown returned to the USA Network on Friday night. Among the notable changes were a new theme song and logo. WWE CCO Triple H kicked off the night and welcomed fans to a new era for the blue brand. Needless to say, the first night on USA Network did not disappoint at all.
A steel cage match between Cody Rhodes and Solo Sikoa kicked off the show. Meanwhile, Michin carried on with her feud with Piper Niven and Chelsea Green. In addition to that, Nia Jax announced that she would defend her women’s title at Bad Blood. Furthermore, Andrade and Carmelo Hayes settle the score in the fifth match of their enthralling series.
In the main event, two unlikely forces combined to take out a vicious threat. Having said that here are three major points to take away from the season premiere episode of SmackDown last night:
Nia Jax stirs the pot between Bayley and Naomi on SmackDown
After Nia Jax made her Bad Blood announcement, both Bayley and Naomi lined up to face her at the PLE. The Role Model initially tried to add fuel to the ever-growing tension between Jax and Tiffany Stratton. However, the Women’s Champion responded in a ruthless fashion. To solve the #1 contender’s issue, she challenged Bayley and Naomi to a tag team match for next week’s SmackDown.
Jax added a stipulation to the bout, stating that whoever gained the pinfall from the two would receive a title shot. Without hesitating, Bayley and Naomi accepted the challenge. However, The Queen of the Ring also mentioned that whoever was on the losing end would have to leave SmackDown permanently. As such, loyalties will be tested next week when the four women meet inside the squared circle.
Andrade becomes the #1 contender for LA Knight’s United States Championship
Unlike the women’s title, the United States Championship picture was crystal clear on SmackDown. Last week, Carmelo Hayes and Andrade advocated themselves for a shot at LA Knight and his title. Hence, the final match of their series unofficially became a #1 contender’s battle. After a swift back-and-forth encounter, Andrade put away Hayes with a top rope Messenger.
However, his celebration was cut short by The Megastar. Knight cut a promo, vowing to emerge victorious on next week’s episode of SmackDown. Following the show, Andrade revealed that he was “done” with Hayes. Despite that, the latter might eventually interfere in his rival’s match and cost him a chance at the title.
Cody Rhodes sets aside differences with Roman Reigns to take down The Bloodline
In the closing segment of SmackDown, WWE’s two biggest stars, Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns, joined forces to fend off The Bloodline. The duo will team up to face Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu at Bad Blood. Earlier in the night, Reigns returned to avenge his attack on the faction, saving Rhodes from a beatdown in the process.
Later, Sikoa laid down a challenge to the WrestleMania rivals. At first, The American Nightmare refused as he wanted his feud with the faction to be over. However, the power of the common enemy led to the unlikely duo signing the contract for Bad Blood. Fans online have since compared the team of Reigns and Rhodes to that of the Two-Man Power Trip, which included Triple H and Steve Austin.
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Vansh Shah
(1079 Articles Published)