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WWE SMACKDOWN TV REPORT
AUGUST 16, 2024
ORLANDO, FL AT KIA CENTER
AIRED ON FOX
REPORT BY ALEX McDONALD, PWTORCH CONTRIBUTOR
Announcers: Corey Graves, Wade Barrett
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO OUR POST-SHOW PODCAST
[HOUR ONE]
-The show started with a video recap of Solo Sikoa’s speech on last week’s Smackdown. The video then transitioned to Reigns’ appearance and subsequent beatdown on the Bloodline. Sikoa taunted Reigns from the ramp with the lei. Reigns looked on and posed for the crowd as he stood tall in the ring as the video ended.
-They showed downtown Orlando, FL before they transitioned to the parking lot where Solo Sikoa arrived with Tama Tonga.
-The camera panned the crowd as Corey Graves introduced the show.
-Tiffany Stratton was in the ring with Pretty Deadly. The ring was adorned with pink decorations and balloons. Stratton said it was time to celebrate. She then introduced Nia Jax. The camera focused on a blow-up unicorn in the ring.
-Nia Jax made her entrance on a throne. The throne was wheeled to the ring on a cart by security guards.
-Jax entered the ring and Stratton gave her a sash and the WWE Women’s Championship. Jax stood in the center of the ring and accepted a pink microphone from Stratton. Jax said that Stratton shouldn’t have. Stratton said it was Jax’s big moment and she wanted to give back to Jax after everything Jax has done for her. Jax said it was a lot of pink. Stratton asked if Jax didn’t like it. Jax said she appreciated it, but it isn’t her style. Jax said that her style is more destruction and she proved it at Summerslam against Bayley. Jax said she proved she was a woman of her word. She said she would take the title from Bayley, and she did. Jax said she is both the Queen of the Ring and WWE Women’s Champion. She said that everyone in the locker room better bow down to her. Jax said that she wanted to start with Stratton. Stratton asked if she should bow down right now. Jax insisted. Stratton agreed and said she would, but Pretty Deadly are going to sing a song first.
-Kit Wilson said they have a brand new hit song from their musical. Elton Prince introduced the song, “Ode to the Queen”. Pretty Deadly sang for Jax. They danced in front of Jax who smacked them on the ass.
-Michin appeared from under the ring with a kendo stick. She went after Pretty Deadly, Stratton, and Jax. Jax and Stratton bailed out of the ring. Michin wailed on Pretty Deadly with the kendo stick. Michin held up the champagne in the ring as Jax and Stratton looked on from ringside.
-Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill, and Naomi watched on a monitor in the back. They talked about their six person tag team match next week. Carmelo Hayes appeared and asked if they were coming to his after party. Cargill mentioned that Hayes has lost to Andrade twice already. Hayes put on headphones and snickered that they have been watching his matches.
-Andrade made his entrance. There was a lower third graphic for Andrade against Hayes. Graves promoted the match for after the break. [c]
-They showed a video from Fanatics Fest in New York City.
-Andrade was in the ring.
-Carmelo Hayes made his entrance.
(1) ANDRADE vs. CARMELO HAYES
The bell rang twenty minutes into the hour. Hayes ducked through the ropes and the ref beckoned him back into the ring. Andrade went after Hayes and Hayes dropped to the outside. Andrade followed and Hayes went back into the ring. Andrade entered the ring and landed a kick. Andrade went to the corner and Hayes kicked him down. Hayes stomped away at Andrade. Hayes hit a snapmare followed by a kick and made the cover for a one count. Andrade landed a chop and sent Hayes off the ropes. Hayes springboarded into a crossbody and made the cover for another one count. Hayes landed a chop of his own and took Andrade to the corner. Hayes landed another chop and then went to the arm. Hayes kneed Andrade in the gut. Hayes came off the ropes and Andrade caught him with a dropkick. Hayes rolled to the apron. Andrade landed a right hand that sent Hayes to the floor. Andrade climbed to the second rope and came off with a moonsault. Andrade sent Hayes into the ring but Hayes rolled back out. Andrade went after Hayes on the apron but Hayes hung up Andrade on the top rope. Hayes started to climb the corner but Andrade knocked him down. Hayes was caught in the corner and Andrade tried to set up but Hayes pulled Andrade down to the floor as the show cut to commercial break. [c]
Hayes climbed to the top rope but Andrade landed a chop. Andrade climbed up to join Hayes. Andrade landed shots on the top rope. Andrade set up for a superplex but Hayes blocked it. Hayes landed a headbutt. Andrade kept working and hit Hayes with a Spanish Fly. Andrade made the cover for a two count. Andrade charged Hayes but Hayes caught him with a superkick. Andrade came back with two suplexes. Andrade went for a third but Hayes countered into a cutter. Hayes made the cover for a two count. Hayes climbed to the top rope. Hayes came off and landed on his feet. Hayes rolled up Andrade for a two count. Andrade rolled up Hayes for a two count. Hayes landed a kick and came off the ropes but Andrade caught him with a back elbow. Andrade made the cover for another two count. Andrade went to the corner and climbed to the top rope. Andrade came off but landed on his feet as Hayes moved. Andrade escaped Hayes and went for the Message. Hayes countered into a roll up for the win.
WINNER: Carmelo Hayes in 10:00
-Hayes taunted Andrade and celebrated. Andrade clapped for Hayes and tried to leave. Hayes stopped Andrade from leaving and Andrade landed a right hand. The two men brawled on the mat as officials arrived to separate them. Andrade broke free and went after Hayes again. The officials corralled Andrade and brought him outside the ring. Hayes talked trash from the ring.
(McDonald’s Analysis: The match was good and these guys work really well together. Unfortunately, they just don’t mean much on the show and having them feud with each other feels like a time filler. This felt like a get-back for Hayes and he won with a roll up that protects Andrade. Are we going to get a fourth match where Hayes wins clean with his finish so they’re completely even? And if that’s the case, then what’s the point? Does someone actually get elevated when this is over or do they just trade wins and remain in the same spot on the card? Without stakes and upward mobility, the feud feels hollow. With that said, the wrestling quality is really good and that’s a positive.)
-Solo Sikoa was in the back. Tama Tonga appeared with the lei. Sikoa took it. Tama said that when Roman Reigns gets to the building he’s going to rip him apart. Sikoa said he appreciated it, but he’s the Tribal Chief. Sikoa said if Reigns takes the lei back, Reigns will be the Tribal Chief and they will acknowledge him. Sikoa said that’s if Reigns can take the lei back. Sikoa kissed the lei.
(McDonald’s Analysis: I like that Sikoa is acknowledging that they will in fact recognize Reigns as the Tribal Chief if he defeats him. I don’t know if they’ll be true to their word, but it makes sense within the story. I still wish we got some word from the elders that originally sent Sikoa. We’ve never heard of that again and it seems like the perfect time to bring it up.)
-Naomi made her entrance. They showed a lower third graphic for the match between Naomi and Blair Davenport. Graves promoted the match for after the break. [c]
-Graves threw to a video package on Giovanni Vinci.
-Naomi was in the ring dancing.
-Blair Davenport made her entrance.
-Roxanne Perez was shown in the front row.
(2) NAOMI vs. BLAIR DAVENPORT
Davenport shoved Naomi and Naomi landed shots. Davenport fought back and took Naomi down. Davenport taunted Naomi and shot her off the ropes. Naomi ducked under a clothesline and landed a kick. She shot Davenport off the ropes and hit the Rear View. Davenport rolled to the outside. Naomi landed a kick through the ropes. Naomi landed a dive. Naomi threw Davenport into the ring. Naomi climbed to the top rope and came off with an awkward crossbody. Naomi made the cover for a two count. The show cut to commercial break. [c]
Davenport sent Naomi into the corner and then into a backbreaker. Davenport choked Naomi with the middle rope. Davenport whipped Naomi into the corner and Naomi hit a sloppy headscissors. They collided with dual crossbodies. Both women were down in the ring. Naomi came off the ropes and took Davenport down with a clothesline and then a back elbow. Naomi came off the rope with a kick that Davenport stood and waited for. Naomi landed a split leg drop and made the cover for a two count. Davenport rolled up Naomi but Naomi escaped and landed a kick. Davenport went to the corner and Naomi charged with a dropkick that almost missed. Naomi went for a split-legged moonsault but Davenport cut it off. Davenport landed a double stomp. Davenport landed a knee to the face and covered Naomi for a two count.
WINNER: Blair Davenport in 7:00
(McDonald’s Analysis: What an absolute mess. Is Davenport really green or really nervous, or both? Or is Naomi still that bad? Naomi should have no problem carrying someone like Davenport to a passable match at this point in her career. This wasn’t that. Both women botched multiple spots and the match was incredibly sloppy. Not good enough for prime time in 2024.)
-Austin Theory and Grayson Waller were in the back. Waller accused Theory of throwing him under the bus. Theory said it was a big opportunity for Waller and he would have Waller’s back. Waller said that Owens hasn’t done anything besides lose in over a year. Waller said that the Bloodline was so dominant because they beat Kevin Owens all the time. Waller continued to run his mouth about Owens. Owens appeared and agreed with Waller. Owens called himself a loser. Owens said Waller called him an easy win. Owens said he agreed that Waller would win. Owens then called himself an idiot and a loser. Owens yelled “let’s go” as he walked off.
-They showed a graphic for Owens against Waller. Wade Barrett promoted the match for after the break.
-Graves and Barrett were shown ringside. Graves threw to a video package on the late Afa Anoa’i. [c]
-They showed a commercial for Bad Blood in Atlanta, GA.
-Kevin Owens made his entrance.
[HOUR TWO]
-They showed a graphic for Cody Rhodes against Kevin Owens at Bash in Berlin. Graves and Barrett promoted the match.
-Grayson Waller made his entrance with Austin Theory.
-Ethan Page was shown in the front row.
(3) KEVIN OWENS vs. GRAYSON WALLER (w/ Austin Theory)
Owens landed a dropkick as soon as the bell rang. Owens kicked away at Waller in the corner. Waller went after Owens and landed knees to the face of Owens. Owens shot Waller off the ropes and took him down with a back elbow. Owens landed a senton. Waller retreated to the corner. Owens charged but Waller rolled to the outside. Owens dropped to the outside and took Waller down with a clothesline. Owens tossed Waller into the barricade. Owens slammed Waller on the announce desk. Owens tossed Waller back into the ring. Theory distracted Owens and Waller slid under the bottom rope and hit Owens with a clothesline. Waller celebrated in the crowd. Owens appeared behind Waller and pulled him over the barricade. Owens took down Theory at ringside. Owens tossed Theory into the timekeeper’s area. Waller attacked Owens from behind and tossed him into the ring post. Waller slammed Owens on the outside. Waller pushed Owens into the ring and covered him for a two count. Waller climbed to the second rope and came off with an elbow drop. Waller made another cover for a two count. Waller beat on Owens in the corner and then lifted him to the second rope. Waller pounded on Owens and set up for a superplex. Owens fought back and punched Waller who teetered on the middle rope. Owens knocked him down with a headbutt. Owens delivered a Swanton Bomb and made the cover for a two count. Owens went for the Stunner but Waller rolled up Owens for a two count. Waller hung up Owens on the top rope. Waller slid into the ring and went for a cutter but Owens countered with a Stunner. Owens hit the Pop-Up Powerbomb and covered Waller for the win.
WINNER: Kevin Owens in 5:00
-Owens tossed Waller to the outside. Owens followed and attacked Waller. Owens yelled at Waller and set up for a powerbomb. Theory appeared and saved Waller. Waller and Theory attacked Owens and tossed him into the ring. Theory grabbed a chair from ringside. Waller and Theory entered the ring. Cody Rhodes ran down to the ring to help. Rhodes and Owens beat on Theory and Waller with chairs. The crowd chanted for Rhodes. Rhodes and Owens were alone in the ring. The WWE Championship was on the mat. Rhodes walked over to grab it but Owens picked up the title first. Owens handed the title to Rhodes and left the ring.
(McDonald’s Analysis: Well that settles it, Owens beat an all-time great in Grayson Waller, he totally deserves a title shot now. It’s not like he’s ever knocked down Waller and Theory with one punch before. Waller’s impressive undefeated streak is finally over, if that doesn’t earn you a title shot, I don’t know what does. Nice of Cody to come help out his title challenger. What a stand-up guy.)
-Solo Sikoa was in the back with lei in hand. Tama put the lei around Sikoa’s neck. Tama acknowledged Sikoa as his Tribal Chief. Sikoa said he knows that Tama does and he loves him. Sikoa said that tonight, Reigns needs to acknowledge him. [c]
-Titus O’Neil was shown in the crowd. Graves promoted his book.
-There was a video package on Legado del Fantasma. Santos Escobar said they have gotten complacent. Escobar urged Legado to remember who they are. He said Legado isn’t just a name, it’s a legacy and it won’t be diminished. Escobar said he’s going to win the United States title from L.A. Knight next week. Escobar said they need to remind everyone of the taste of fear. Escobar said they need to send Knight back to the trailer park he came from.
-L.A. Knight made his entrance.
-Knight paused on the ramp as the crowd chanted his name. Knight mentioned the Legado video package. Knight said that Escobar is trying to be like him. He said that next week, Escobar is going to forget where he is when he catches a BFT next week. Knight said he doesn’t have time to worry about Escobar calling him trash. Knight said he’ll own it. He said he may be trash mixed with a little bit of flash. Knight said he’ll put Escobar on his ass and remain United States Champion.
-Michin emerged from Nick Aldis’ office. Chelsea Green and Piper Niven appeared and thanked Michin for ruining Jax’s celebration earlier. Niven said that Stratton doesn’t actually care about Jax. Green said they were going to do what Michin did, but they wanted to watch the car crash. Michin said she earned a title match against Jax. Green yelled and ran into Aldis’ office. Jax appeared and took out Michin. Aldis came out of his office and admonished Jax.
-The Street Profits made their entrance with B-Fabb. Graves and Barrett promoted their match against DIY for after the break. [c]
-DIY made their entrance.
-Trick Williams was shown in the crowd.
(4) STREET PROFITS (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford) (w/ B-Fabb) vs. DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa) – WWE Tag Team Championship Number One Contenders Match
Gargano started with Ford. They locked up. Ford grabbed the arm and Gargano countered and took Ford down. Gargano grabbed a headlock and transitioned around Ford. Gargano went to the arm and Ford flipped into a counter. They traded a series of counters and then stared each other down. They shook hands. Ciampa and Dawkins tagged in. Ciampa grabbed a headlock. Dawkins shot Ciampa off the ropes and they traded shoulder blocks. Dawkins took Ciampa down with a flying tackle. Ford tagged in and landed a dropkick. They landed a pair of double teams on Ciampa and then Gargano. Dawkins tagged back in and ran around the ring to take down Ciampa. The Profits celebrated as the show cut to commercial break. [c]
Gargano took Ford down with a clothesline. Gargano sent Dawkins to the corner. Gargano bulldog and dropkicked the Profits. Gargano landed a slingshot spear on Ford and made the cover for a two count. Gargano tagged in Ciampa. They tried a double team but Ford escaped and shoved DIY into each other. Dawkins tagged in. Ciampa attacked Ford and Dawkins. Dawkins tossed Ciampa into a suplex from Ford. Dawkins made the cover for a two count. Dawkins climbed to the top rope and came off but Ciampa moved and Dawkins hit the mat. Ciampa hit a running knee and covered Dawkins for a two count. Gargano tagged in and DIY double teamed Dawkins. Gargano went for a slingshot DDT but Dawkins caught Gargano and suplexed him. Ford tagged in. Gargano countered a double team. Ciampa grabbed the foot of Ford from the outside. Ford kicked Ciampa. Ford and Gargano hit dives on opposite sides of the ring. Gargano and Ford got back in the ring and traded shots. Gargano landed a final superkick and made the cover for a two count. The show cut to commercial break with Gargano and Ford down in the middle of the ring. [c]
Gargano took Ford down with a clothesline. Gargano sent Dawkins to the corner. Gargano bulldog and dropkicked the Profits. Gargano landed a slingshot spear on Ford and made the cover for a two count. Gargano tagged in Ciampa. They tried a double team but Ford escaped and shoved DIY into each other. Dawkins tagged in. Ciampa attacked Ford and Dawkins. Dawkins tossed Ciampa into a suplex from Ford. Dawkins made the cover for a two count. Dawkins climbed to the top rope and came off but Ciampa moved and Dawkins hit the mat. Ciampa hit a running knee and covered Dawkins for a two count. Gargano tagged in and DIY double teamed Dawkins. Gargano went for a slingshot DDT but Dawkins caught Gargano and suplexed him. Gargano landed a dive to Ford. Gargano went for a slingshot spear but Dawkins caught him with a DDT. Ford tagged in and hit a Super Blockbuster for the win.
WINNER: Street Profits in 15:00 to earn a WWE Tag Team Championship Match
-They showed a graphic for the Profits against the Bloodline next week on Smackdown. Barrett promoted the match.
(McDonald’s Analysis: Excellent match. Tag wrestling can be really good when they give it time and make it feel important. It helped that they went with two face teams to determine who would face the heel champions. Great idea as it added suspense and the ending didn’t feel like a foregone conclusion. They played into this and did a great job with the false finishes and big time tandem moves. It was a little car-crashy at times, but it worked for what it was and both teams felt like they were fighting for something. I hope they build up some more teams for the Tag Division because we’ve seen how good it can be when given a chance. I don’t think the Profits will win next week, but that could lead to the next part of their story if they fail yet again. I’m excited for the match next week and I want to see what the Bloodline team looks like without the presence of Jacob Fatu.)
-Graves and Barrett were shown ringside. They hyped next week’s Tag Team title match. Graves and Barrett promoted next week’s Smackdown including the U.S. title match between Escobar and Knight.
-Solo Sikoa made his entrance with Tama Tonga. Graves promoted his segment for after the break. [c]
-Sikoa was in the center of the ring flanked by Tama. Sikoa asked Orlando to acknowledge him. The crowd booed as Tama held up his finger. The crowd chanted “OTC”. Sikoa said he sees that Orlando doesn’t want to acknowledge him. He said that’s fine because he knows one man that needs to acknowledge him. Sikoa addressed Roman Reigns. He said Reigns calls himself the OTC, whatever that is. Sikoa said if Reigns wants the lei back then he needs to come take it from him. Sikoa dropped the mic and looked toward the entrance.
-Roman Reigns made his entrance. Pyro exploded as Reigns stood at the top of the stage and stared Sikoa down. Reigns walked slowly toward the ring. Reigns climbed onto the apron and stared Sikoa down. Reigns entered the ring and stood opposite of Sikoa.
-Sikoa removed the lei and held it in his hands. He looked at it and then handed the lei to Tama. Tama gritted his teeth at Reigns and accepted the lei. Sikoa motioned for Tama to back off. Tama went to the corner. Sikoa smirked at Reigns. The two traded shots in the middle of the ring. Sikoa landed a big right that rocked Reigns. Reigns came off the ropes with a flying clothesline. Tama attacked Reigns from behind. Reigns caught Tama with a standing Rock Bottom. Reigns tossed Tama to the outside. Sikoa leaned against the steps. Reigns took apart the announce table. Reigns set up Tama for a powerbomb but Sikoa attacked Reigns from behind. Sikoa beat on Reigns and then tossed him into the ring. Sikoa went for the Spike but Reigns ducked and hit the Superman Punch. Reigns posed for the crowd and then hit Sikoa with the spear. Reigns stood over Sikoa as the crowd chanted “OTC”. Reigns walked over to the corner and grabbed the lei. Reigns lifted the lei off the mat and held it in the center of the ring. Reigns held the lei up and placed it around his neck. Reigns stood in the center of the ring and breathed a sigh of relief. Jacob Fatu appeared and attacked Reigns. Fatu beat on Reigns and then lifted him to his feet. Fatu tossed Reigns into the ring post. Reigns collapsed in the corner. Fatu charged and hit the running butt bump on Reigns in the corner. Reigns sold the move and crawled out of the corner. Fatu tossed Reigns out of the ring as Reigns struggled to get to his feet. Sikoa barked orders. Sikoa, Tama, and Fatu powerbombed Reigns through the announce table. Sikoa barked more orders and Fatu rolled Reigns into the ring. Fatu positioned Reigns as Tama placed the lei on Sikoa. Sikoa, Tama, and Fatu stood over the fallen Reigns and posed. Reigns sold the beatdown.
(McDonald’s Analysis: Reigns’ response continues to be incredible, even with a crowd that was hot all night. The Bloodline had to get some heat at some point and this was a good a chance as any. I guess Fatu is fine and will be able to defend the Tag titles next week after all. Fatu’s return was a surprise and it worked well. They didn’t have the big stare down with Reigns, but after this attack that will be bigger down the line. Fatu was the muscle here and looked like the dominant force and final foe in the Bloodline. With that said, despite Rhodes undercutting Sikoa at every turn, the stare down and brawl with Reigns and Sikoa had heat and felt like a big moment. That’s a credit to the story they’ve told leading to the moment. We still need to hear from Reigns and this beatdown can only add to whatever he has to say. Reigns will also realize he needs to bring back Heyman and put the band back together to fight this force. There’s a ton to go to here and as long as they don’t shoehorn in people who don’t belong, the story should deliver. Reigns, the Usos, and Sami Zayn against the new look Bloodline could be a big match and spin off into singles matches with Reigns against Sikoa and eventually Fatu. With any luck, Reigns will get the title back between now and then and we can add more stakes to those matches. Reigns is finally the babyface they wanted him to be and there’s no backlash whatsoever. Mission accomplished and Roman Reigns is now “the one” in an entirely new context.)
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