WATCH: Horrendous botch prompts referee to call-off a massive grudge match on SmackDown

Owing to a mid-match debacle, the referee said it was over for Austin Theory and Carmelo Hayes.

WATCH: Horrendous botch prompts referee to call-off a massive grudge match on SmackDown

Major botch on SmackDown [via- Post Wrestling on X]

When they run an advisory not to imitate what WWE Superstars do inside that squared circle, there’s a reason behind that. The spots don’t always go as planned, and a paragon of them was on display on SmackDown this week. In only his third match on the blue brand, Carmelo Hayes locked horns with Austin Theory. The two were putting on a show until a catastrophe happened.

Seeing Melo perched on the top rope, Theory tried to outmaneuver him by executing a Springboard Spanish Fly. However, the move that was meant to outclass Carmelo didn’t work, and ricocheting off the ropes, Theory’s head hit the canvas with a thud. It was an ugly-looking landing for both of these men; however, the former US Champion got the worst of that exchange.

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Foreseeing the consequences of what happened, the match referee implicitly displayed the X-sign and called for the bell. The match ended in a stalemate, with the well-being of Melo and Theory being the major concerns. While on commentary, Corey Graves took a moment to laud the WWE talent for their unbelievable efforts.

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For sure, the live crowd at the Pinnacle Bank Arena appeared like someone sucked the air out of their lungs. The fans showed up in numbers despite the bone-chilling snowfall in the area. As for Hayes and Austin, the prayers are up, and the WWE Universe would be hoping to see them at their full potential once again.

Before his match, the former NXT Champion was spotted in a backstage segment with Nick Aldis, where the latter seemed impressed by Hayes’ herculean effort in the recently concluded US Championship tournament. Therefore, he is willing to give Melo an opportunity on SmackDown.

What else went down on SmackDown this week?

To open the show, The Bloodline ran through Cameron Grimes, who was about to face Grayson Waller. Then, it incited Nick Aldis to let Paul Heyman and his clients know that they’re going to face Randy Orton, AJ Styles, and LA Knight in the main event, entrusting Paul to find a third member for Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso.

Paul Heyman and The Bloodline on SmackDown
Paul Heyman and The Bloodline on SmackDown [via- Wrestle Ops on X]

In the first match of the night, Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo defeated LWO’s Cruz Del Toro and Joaquin Wilde, following some shenanigans. Bayley lost her match against Bianca Belair, and during a backstage segment, The Role Model wondered why the Damage CTRL did not help her out. Bobby Lashley-led Street Profits, too, were out for revenge after what transpired last week.

Instead, they were introduced to The Final Testament, the official name for Karrion Kross‘ stable. And finally, in the main event, it was a 2-on-3 affair, as Paul Heyman couldn’t find anyone. Orton, Styles, and Knight emerged victorious.

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