Top three things we loved and hated about WWE SmackDown (August 16, 2024)

WWE SmackDown saw Roman Reigns getting destroyed by Bloodline 2.0

Welcome to Khel Now’s weekly review of WWE SmackDown! As the blue brand continues its build towards Bash in Berlin, tensions are running high, and rivalries are intensifying. From championship pursuits to shocking betrayals, this week’s episode had plenty of memorable moments.

But, as with any show, not everything hit the mark. So, let’s dive into the top three things we loved and hated about the August 16, 2024 edition of WWE SmackDown.

Loved – A Championship commemoration gone awry

Tiffany Stratton began the program with a Women’s Championship commemorative segment, throwing a party for Nia Jax, the newly minted WWE Women’s Champion. What began as a relatively casual and enjoyable session rapidly devolved into turmoil, resulting in an interesting mix of humor and stress. Stratton’s attempts to lavish Jax with praise via expensive décor and activities were comically disregarded by the reigning champion, emphasizing their extreme personality differences.

A special entrance for the new Women’s Champion Nia Jax.#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/IrTwJEV0eX

— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) August 17, 2024

This humorous scene brought much-needed light to the event and established the tone for the remainder of the evening. However, the piece did more than simply make people laugh; it also exacerbated the growing tension between Jax and Stratton.

WWE has been teasing Stratton’s Money in the Bank cash-in, and this segment adds gasoline to the fire. By the end of the episode, Michin had made her presence known, interrupting the celebrations and presumably establishing herself as Jax’s next rival. It was a well-executed part that struck the right mix between humor and plot advancement, making it one of the night’s highlights.

Hated: Title defenses before a Premium Live Event

One of the most irritating features of current WWE programming is the practice of scheduling title defenses immediately preceding a premium live event (PLE). This week on SmackDown, WWE announced championship bouts for next week’s program, only days before Bash in Berlin. Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu will defend their WWE Tag Team Championships against The Street Profits, while United States Champion LA Knight will face Santos Escobar.

While these matchups might be thrilling, the timing seems strange. With only a few fights planned for Bash in Berlin, it seems unusual that these championship contests would take place on SmackDown rather than the PLE. It lowers the significance of these games and offers little opportunity for anticipation. WWE has the chance to make these moments memorable, and relegating them to a regular edition of SmackDown before a huge event seems like a squandered opportunity.

Loved: Carmelo Hayes vs Andrade – A Rivalry that keeps giving

Carmelo Hayes and Andrade renewed their feud on SmackDown, and they delivered another fantastic match. These two superstars have great connections in the ring, and their matches are constantly action-packed. While Hayes won with a roll-up, the fight left fans wanting more, indicating that the feud is far from done.

The post-match conversation added to the intrigue of this encounter. Hayes’ arrogance and Andrade’s irritation hinted at a possible continuation of their feud. Given the success of their battles and the story they’ve created, this feud might be one of SmackDown’s most memorable in the coming weeks.

The way Carmelo Hayes and Andrade have elevated themselves and their rivalry needs to be appreciated more #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/NczehscjrT

— Public Enemies Podcast (@TheEnemiesPE3) August 17, 2024

Both guys can elevate each other, and if WWE continues to engage in this narrative, Hayes or Andrade may be able to compete for the championship in the future. The idea of further battles between these two should delight any WWE fan.

Hated: Lack of stakes in title matches

One of the most significant flaws with SmackDown this week was the absence of true stakes in the championship contests. With so many titles lately changing hands at SummerSlam, it’s difficult to imagine that any of the current rivals has a legitimate shot at winning. Whether Michin challenges Nia Jax or The Street Profits pursues the tag championships, the consequences are obvious.

This predictability detracts from the thrill of the game and makes it harder to become emotionally involved. WWE must find a method to make these championship matches seem more competitive and less like foregone outcomes. Otherwise, the championship scenario on SmackDown would remain static, and the next PLE matchups will lack the weight they deserve.

Loved: The Bloodline saga continues

The Bloodline storyline remains one of WWE’s most gripping plots, and this week’s SmackDown added to the tension. With Roman Reigns, Solo Sikoa, and Tama Tonga at the helm of the action, tensions are at an all-time high. The ending part saw Reigns reclaim the Ula Fala, only to be caught off guard by Jacob Fatu, resulting in a striking image of The Bloodline standing tall above Reigns.

The Bloodline really destroyed my man Roman like that. #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/Ing0n8Xdhq

— The Black Guy Wrestling Podcast (@bgwpod) August 17, 2024

This episode exemplified why The Bloodline plot has been so successful: complicated characters, heated rivalries, and surprising twists. As WWE approaches Survivor Series, it’s evident that The Bloodline train is still rolling, and fans can expect more explosive moments in the coming weeks.

Hated: Cody Rhodes vs Kevin Owens feud falls flat

Despite their star power, Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens’ current fight for the Undisputed WWE Championship has been disappointing. Both men are extremely skilled, but their battle lacks the energy and drama that viewers have grown to expect from high-profile shows. This week’s SmackDown saw Owens and Rhodes maintain their tense partnership, but their exchanges appeared forced and out of character.

Rhodes, who was once a passionate and motivated competitor, now appears lethargic and disengaged. Meanwhile, Kevin Owens, renowned for his keen humor and realism, appears to be going through the motions. Their parts lack the emotional depth required to make this conflict engaging, which is unfortunate given the potential these two have. If WWE wants this narrative to resonate with viewers, it needs to be more urgent and unpredictable.

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