Key talking points from WWE SmackDown (May 17, 2024)

This week we saw a contract signing on the Blue brand

We’re not going to talk much about Bloodline stuff in this column tonight — congratulations to Tama Tonga on advancing in the King of the Ring tournament on WWE SmackDown (May 17, 2024), and condolences for whatever condition is causing him to make the noises he did in the pre-match backstage segment, but neither really grabbed us by the feels on Friday, which is what this column is all about.

With that out of the way, let’s discuss our thoughts. What were our thoughts on Bianca Belair vs. Tiffany Stratton? Did we admire WWE’s unique decision to save her fight with Jade Cargill for a bigger show? Most importantly, is it true that Logan Paul cannot read? Inquiring minds want to know. Here are some takeaways we have from the 5/17/24 edition of WWE Friday Night SmackDown.

King and Queen of the Ring Tournaments was a success

The King and Queen of the Ring tournaments have been exceptional, showcasing high-quality matches and unpredictable outcomes. Tonight’s Queen of the Ring matches, featuring Bianca Belair vs. Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill vs. Nia Jax, were particularly exciting. Stratton, a hot new prospect, faced Belair, an established star, in a fantastic match that exceeded expectations. Although Stratton didn’t get the predicted victory, the match was highly entertaining.

Jax, experiencing a stellar second run in WWE, advanced via disqualification against Cargill, an instant superstar. This result made sense and highlighted Jax’s deserved progress in the tournament. Overall, these matches were a testament to the strength and unpredictability of the tournament, keeping fans engaged and eager for the next developments.

With Belair nursing a storyline knee injury, this could pave the way for Jax to reach the final. Personally, I see a strong chance for Lyra Valkyria to win it all, assuming she defeats IYO SKY on Monday. It seems likely that either Jax or Valkyria will take the crown, as Belair and SKY don’t need the distinction. These tournaments traditionally propel up-and-comers or reclamation acts, making Jax and Valkyria ideal candidates.

Contract signing conundrum

The contract signing on Friday’s SmackDown was unconventional, with each champion seated separately. Logan Paul had an entourage, including a lawyer, because he refused to sign the initial contract and demanded his own, claiming Cody Rhodes hadn’t earned a shot at his title. Paul tore up the original contract, insisting on his terms.

Surprisingly, Rhodes signed Paul’s contract without reading it, risking potential loopholes. This move seemed nonsensical, as Paul, already holding a title, shouldn’t be contending for the Undisputed WWE Championship on such short notice. The segment felt convoluted and illogical, with Nick Aldis exiting and Rhodes blindly agreeing to Paul’s demands.

Bayley’s time off looks cool

Booking a new champion after a big win can be tricky, but Bayley’s run since WrestleMania has been solid. Despite a low profile on “SmackDown,” her backstage confrontation with Chelsea Green and Piper Niven hints at a future title defense in Scotland.

Bayley’s absence from the King & Queen of the Ring PLE cycle is logical. Most of the division is focused on the tournament, and the current era’s pared-down PLE cards don’t accommodate everyone. Bayley has already had a major title defense and can afford a break.

Given her status as the first-ever WWE Women’s Grand Slam Champion and a decade-long workhorse, Bayley deserves a lighter schedule and occasional breaks.

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