WWE SmackDown on October 14 featured the Season Premiere of SmackDown. The show went live from BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was a mega-show featuring the fallout from WWE Fastlane.
The main highlight of the show was the return of the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, after months of hiatus from WWE TV. There was a special appearance from WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H. John Cena, who was on the show, addressed his and LA Knight’s win over the Bloodline at Fastlane. Let’s talk about everything that went down on this Season Premiere episode of WWE SmackDown.
John Cena Kicked Off WWE SmackDown
John Cena kicked off the show and welcomed fans with great energy. But before he could talk much, Roman Reigns returned to the show alongside Paul Heyman and Solo Sikoa. Reigns started his traditional way and told the Tulsa fans to acknowledge him. He then had verbal attacks on Cena. The Tribal Chief told Cena to leave and warned him.
John Cenaacknowledged Roman’s 1000+ Days title reign. John also agreed to the fact that he hasn’t earned a Title shot at Reigns’ Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. But he said he knew someone who had earned the title match. LA Knight walked out and entered the ring. The Megastar made fun of Roman and introduced himself as the fastest-rising WWE Superstar. Jimmy Uso attacked him from behind. Knight threw Jimmy out of the ring and challenged Solo to a match later on the show.
Grades A+
Analysis
It is wondering that John Cena can open any show even in 2023. Paul Heyman’s dedication to his character is excellent. His grey hairs were back to being black, and there was a unique smile on his face all the time. LA Knight is over among fans, and WWE is going in the direction of him challenging Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
Tag Team Match
Pretty Deadly vs Brawling Brutes
Elton Prince suffered a shoulder injury back in July at the hands of Ridge Holland. After his recovery, WWE started their journey, where it stopped as they battled against Brawling Brutes. It was a back-and-forth action.
One spot was beautiful when Butch delivered the Ten Beats of the Bodhran on Wilson at the announcers’ table while Holland did the same to Prince on the ropes. The match featured German Suplex, uppercut, chops, and snapping the fingers by Butch.
Holland used his power moves like power slam and bodyslam. Prince faked an injury to his knee and distracted the Brutes. Wilson then kicked Holland, and Elton Prince rolled him up for the win.
Winner: Pretty Deadly
Grades C
Analysis
It was an excellent way to book the comeback of Pretty Deadly. They have a lot to offer the tag team division. Their heelishmoves to win a match always look incredible. Brawling Brutes are seemingly off track in the absence of Sheamus.
Lashley attacks Carlito
Backstage, we saw Bobby Lashley and Carlito facing off. The Street Profits attacked Carlito from behind. Bobby grabbed a chair and tried to go extreme. Adam Pearce prevented this attack.
Singles Match
Bayley vs Zelina Vega
It was a short match. Bayley kicked out of the meteora from Zelina Vega. A little distraction from Iyo Sky allowed Bayley to hit the Rose Plant for the win. Damage CTRL continued the attack on Vega after the match, but Charlotte Flair made the save.
Winner: Bayley
Grades C
Analysis
It was a much-needed victory for The Role Model following her series of losses recently. Charlotte seems to be still chasing the title.
Backstage: Roman Reigns asked Jimmy Uso about his actions. He ordered Jimmy to fix The Bloodline’s problem, which was Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso as Tag Team Champs.
Triple H’s Announcement
Triple H entered the arena alongside Adam Pearce. He thanked Pearce for his services and granted him a promotion. Triple H announced that Pearce will be a General Manager on Raw from now on. Before he could announce the GM for SmackDown, Dominik Mysterio came out to address Balor and Priest challenging Cody and Jey for Tag Team Championships. He made fun of Dom being booed by the crowd. Then, He announced Nick Aldis as the new General Manager for SmackDown. Aldis pointed out Jey Uso’s trade to Raw. Kevin Owens came out and revealed himself as the trade from Raw to SmackDown. Owens dropped Dom with a Stunner.
Grades A
Analysis
This announcement from Triple H came out of nowhere. Nick Aldis, being the authority figure on SmackDown, will freshen up things. Also, Kevin Owen’s arrival on SmackDown will be a fresh stint for him. It will be interesting to see what WWE has in store for the former Universal Champion on Friday Nights.
Watch Out for Jade Cargill
Nick Aldis offered Charlotte Flair a match for Iyo Sky’s Title. The Queen accepted the challenge. When she was walking away, Jade Cargill came face to face with her, teasing a potential showdown between the two in the future.
Undisputed Tag Team Titles Match
Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso vs Grayson Waller and Austin Theory
Cody Rhodes announced an open challenge for the Undisputed Tag Team Titles. Grayson Waller and Austin Theory accepted it. It was a solid match. Theory and Waller always seemed in the right place, facing two of the top stars of the company.
Austin and Grayson first dominated on Jey, followed by a hot tag to Cody. Things turned from here, and the face team began to gain some momentum. Cody Cutter and a 1-D combo from Jey and Cody, followed by Cross-Rhodes, got the win for the team.
The main highlight here was the post-match confrontation between Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso and The Bloodline. Roman Reigns came face-to-face with Cody Rhodes, but the newest General Manager, Nick Aldis, cooled down the moment.
Winner: Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso
Grades B
Analysis
Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso are defending their titles on both shows which seems great. Speaking of the challengers, Theory and Waller are a great duo. Both are talented Superstars and can serve the Tag Team Division until they are fully ready for singles run.
Singles Match
LA Knight vs Solo Sikoa
The main event featured LA Knight competing against Solo Sikoa. It was a decent match. Solo Sikoa got the early advantage in the match and assaulted Knight. The match story revolved around Knight trying to powerslam Sikoa but failing to do so ona much heavier opponent. The spot got a huge ovation from the crowd when Knight finally delivered that powerslam.
Jimmy came out to help Solo. Cena evened the odds for Knight and hit Jimmy with an Attitude Adjustment. Cena took Samoan Spike on behalf of Knight. The Megastar took advantage of the situation and hit BFT for the win. After the match, Roman Reigns arrived. He laid out Knight with a Spear to close out the show.
Winner: LA Knight
Grades B+
Analysis
Knight is looking incredible in the World Title picture. His performance made it clear that he can hang out with stars like Roman Reigns. As we have seen in the previous Roman Reigns feuds, Solo was the last step, and now Knight will challenge Reigns for the Undisputed Title. John Cena will be alongside The Megastar on this journey.
It was an excellent Season Premiere edition of WWE SmackDown. The return of Roman Reigns and Knight’s push to the main event was the highlight of the show. Also, the newest GM, Nick Aldis, will give a fresh start. Things look exciting in the upcoming weeks.
