Top three things we loved and hated about WWE SmackDown (July 26, 2024)

This week WWE built the remaining final pieces going to WWE Summerslam

With just eight days remaining until Cody Rhodes defends the Undisputed WWE Championship against Solo Sikoa at SummerSlam, the July 26, 2024, episode of SmackDown was a pivotal point in the buildup to one of WWE’s biggest events of the year.

Coming off a brutal assault by The Bloodline, Cody Rhodes addressed the WWE Universe, setting the stage for an intense showdown. The night was packed with action, drama, and significant developments, from LA Knight’s match against Santos Escobar to a tag team gauntlet that showcased the depth of WWE’s tag division.

However, not everything hit the mark, as some segments and character bookings left fans wanting more. Here’s a closer look at the top three things we loved and hated about this episode of SmackDown, breaking down the best and worst moments and their implications for the ongoing storylines.

Loved: LA Knight beat Santos Escobar on WWE SmackDown

LA Knight is all set to fight Logan Paul for the United States Championship at SummerSlam. He continued his momentum with a stunning victory against Santos Escobar on WWE SmackDown. Despite efforts at intervention by Elektra Lopez and Logan Paul, Knight delivered Blunt Force Trauma to seal the win. Wade Barrett praised Knight’s resilience and explosive approach after the contest, pointing out his ability to recover swiftly.

Logan Paul tries to attack LA Knight during the distraction, but LA Knight gets the upper hand and manages to beat Santos Escobar!#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/BBGWeTqMxT

— The Movement – Pro Wrestling (@TheMovementXx) July 27, 2024

Also Read: WWE SmackDown Results, Highlights & Winners (July 26, 2024): The Bloodline wins Gauntlet

Hated: Cody Rhodes and Terence Crawford segment

While Cody Rhodes’ promo for his SummerSlam battle against Solo Sikoa was strong, Terence Crawford’s portion felt flat on WWE SmackDown. Grayson Waller and Austin Theory challenged the unbeaten boxer, only for Crawford to land a knockout punch on Theory.

This part felt more like a continuation of the conflict between Waller and Theory than a watershed moment for Crawford. The presence of a well-known player like Crawford deserved a more significant portion, but it ended up looking brief and forced. However, Rhodes’ promo gave Sikoa legitimacy by questioning his preparation for the championship event, which will help create tension building up to SummerSlam.

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Loved: Bayley and Michin taking on Nia Jax and Tiffany Stratton on WWE SmackDown

Nia Jax and Tiffany Stratton proved why they are the biggest threats to Bayley’s reign as WWE Women’s Champion with a strong victory over Bayley and Michin. The match was competitive, with the heels focusing their attack on Bayley after wiping out her partner on two different occasions.

Bayley’s resilience made her a sympathetic figure, garnering fan support before she made the hot tag to Michin. Despite the action breaking down late in the match, Jax was able to deliver the Annihilator for the victory.

This segment on WWE SmackDown successfully built heat for the upcoming women’s tag match at SummerSlam while positioning Michin to shine as she fought back into the contest. The growth of Stratton as an in-ring performer has been impressive, positioning her as a future star in women’s wrestling.

Hated: Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair’s lackluster promo

Former women’s tag team champions Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill made their way to the ring to express their desire for a rematch with Isla Dawn and Alba Fyre on WWE SmackDown. However, the portion was disappointing and felt hurried. Having the champs, who haven’t received much attention, attack two babyfaces isn’t going to make viewers interested in this feud.

This part may have been better served as a backstage story rather than eating up important in-ring time. The women’s tag team division remains the most neglected part of the roster, and this segment did little to improve that view.

Former women's tag team champions Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill need a manager both horrible on the mic this easily could have been saved for a backstage vignette #wwesmavkdowm #SmackDown #sswwe pic.twitter.com/TPFryFDXNI

— Christopher (@Christo79744616) July 27, 2024

Loved: Tag Team No. 1 Contender’s Gauntlet Match

The gauntlet match to determine the No. 1 contenders for the WWE Tag Team Championships featured Baron Corbin and Apollo Crews, Angel Garza and Berto Carrillo, The Street Profits, Pretty Deadly, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, and The Bloodline’s Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu.

The match effectively spotlighted the tag team division and took up a significant portion of the show. Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu eventually emerged victorious, capitalizing on an exhausted Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford, who had competed against and defeated three other teams prior.

This match was a great way to showcase the depth of WWE’s tag team division, even if there’s still work to be done in terms of consistent character development for the teams involved. Pretty Deadly remains one of the best acts not currently being used meaningfully. Ford’s athleticism was on full display, reminding fans of his potential for a future singles push.

Hated: Backstage Promos and Filler Segments

Several backstage promos and filler segments throughout the show felt like they were simply there to fill time rather than advance storylines or develop characters. Naomi’s promo on Blair Davenport, while necessary to build their feud, lacked impact.

Paul’s promise of a “legendary homecoming” for SummerSlam and his match with Knight didn’t add much to the narrative. WWE needs to focus on making each segment meaningful and impactful to keep fans engaged throughout the show.

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