Top three things we loved and hated about WWE Smackdown (August 09, 2024)

WWE SmackDown saw the return of The Original Tribal Chief

Welcome to Khel Now’s weekly assessment of “WWE SmackDown,” the show where Roman Reigns has reclaimed our hearts. In contrast to Monday’s “WWE Raw,” which virtually everyone on the WINC team thought was a fantastic program, we all agreed that “SmackDown” was a bit of a disaster this week while we waited for the inevitable Reigns entrance. Did “The OTC”‘s return to the blue brand make us feel better about the episode or worse?

Are we thrilled to watch Kevin Owens face Cody Rhodes at Bash in Berlin? Does DIY’s need to win their way back into a tag team No. 1 contender’s bout make sense? The answers to all of these questions can be found in this column, which is made up of our thoughts, and they certainly cannot be found on our “SmackDown” results page, which is more of a “here’s an objective description of everything that happened” sort of thing.

Loved: Chelsea Green & Tiffany Stratton backstage altercation

Tiffany Stratton and Chelsea Green unexpectedly showcased excellent chemistry during a brief backstage segment on “SmackDown,” which stood out on an otherwise lackluster show. Despite their similar characters and attitudes, their dynamic hinted at a potential rivalry rather than a partnership, a fresh direction for WWE.

Understanding each other’s personas adds depth to their interactions, opening up various storyline possibilities. Whether it leads to a feud, with Green potentially sabotaging Stratton’s Money in the Bank cash-in, or an eventual alliance, the developing storyline promises to be entertaining and engaging for fans.

Hated: Cody Rhodes & Kevin Owens promo

Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens’ “WWE SmackDown” segment felt awkward and poorly executed. While it started strong with Rhodes showing intensity against Solo Sikoa, the momentum faltered when Rhodes extended the segment unnecessarily, despite his music already playing, leading to a clunky transition.

Rhodes’ attempt to convince Kevin Owens to be his opponent at Bash in Berlin came off as forced and out of place, especially since Owens isn’t currently in a title feud. The whole interaction felt more like a mismatched prom proposal than a genuine wrestling storyline, leaving the segment feeling awkward and unconvincing.

Loved: Santos Escobar and Andrade fighting

Friday night’s match between Santos Escobar and Andrade for the No. 1 Contender’s spot for the United States Championship was a standout, showcasing their exceptional chemistry and in-ring skills. Escobar secured the win, but the match also deepened Andrade’s feud with Carmelo Hayes, who played a role in the finish.

The match was filled with high-impact moves and near falls, making it feel like a championship bout. Despite a roll-up finish, the quality of the match elevated both competitors and set up compelling storylines, keeping them central to WWE programming in the weeks ahead.

Hated: Jade Cargill squash match

Yes, the Chelsea Green and Tiffany Stratton segment was entertaining, but it highlighted the larger issue with the women’s division on this episode of “SmackDown.” The show only featured one brief women’s match between Jade Cargill and Alba Fyre, which barely received any time. Although there was a post-match segment involving Blair Davenport and Naomi, it did little to advance meaningful storylines.

The women’s tag champs, despite winning at Clash at the Castle, have been underutilized on TV, and their feud lacks depth. Additionally, top stars like Bayley and Nia Jax were absent, leaving the division feeling overlooked on a night that needed a boost.

Loved: Roman Reigns’ return

After all the hype surrounding Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Cody Rhodes leading up to WrestleMania 40, I never thought I’d be thrilled to see Roman Reigns back on “SmackDown.” But when Reigns returned at SummerSlam, taking out Solo Sikoa and helping Cody Rhodes retain the Undisputed WWE Championship, I found myself eagerly anticipating his appearance on this week’s show. And he didn’t disappoint. Reigns came back in full force, wrecking everyone in his path, including Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa, and delivering a Superman Punch to Sikoa.

Reigns looked even more imposing than before his hiatus, and his dominance in the ring was a reminder of why he’s “The Tribal Chief.” While Jacob Fatu’s absence due to injury added tension, the segment was powerful without it. The crowd’s chants for Rhodes during Reigns’ beatdown added to the drama, but I was glad Rhodes didn’t interfere, preserving the tension between the two. Though this didn’t advance the Bloodline vs. Reigns storyline significantly, it was a strong return for Reigns, who seems poised to reclaim his place at the top.

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