WWE SmackDown on October 27 went live from Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The show featured a contract signing between Roman Reigns and LA Knight for a match at Crown Jewel.
LWO battled against Street Profits. John Cena was on the show to further his storyline with Solo Sikoa and much more. Look at everything that went down on WWE SmackDown on October 27, 2023.
Roman Reigns and LA Knight Contact Signing
The show opened with the much-anticipated contract signing. The Tribal Chief made his entrance alongside Paul Heyman. However, LA Knight entered right then as Roman was still on the ramp.
Knight passed Reigns and entered the ring. He took Roman’s Head of the Table seat. As Nick Aldis, already in the ring, tried to talk, Knight interfered and signed the Contract. He then passed it to Reigns, who called him an idiot. Roman taunted him by asking if he had a title match before. Reigns signed the Contract hesitantly, leading to a fan’s chant, “Roman’s scared”.
Roman tried to go, but Knight stopped him.
The Megastar made it clear that it was his first time in a title match, but he needed one time only. Reigns angrily flipped the table and laid out Knight. He then set the table and returned to Knight, who stomped Reigns with a boot. Roman retrieved, but Jimmy Uso got caught, and Knight slammed him through the table.
Grade A+
Analysis
LA Knight’s presentation today made it crystal clear that he is a star and can hang with top names like Roman Reigns. The way he crossed Reigns through his entrance and owned the ring was badass. WWE is high on him and he will be ideal person to dethrone Roman Reigns.
LWO vs The Street Profits
Carlito and Santos Escobar took on The Street Profits. Bobby Lashley was ringside. The match was good, and seeing Carlito in action on SmackDown for the first time since 2009 was a great experience.
However, things didn’t go well for LWO. Rey Mysterio was watching the action from backstage, where Logan Paul attacked him. Carlito ran to help Rey, leaving Escobar alone in the ring. The Street Profits defeated Escobar with the Revelation.
Winner: The Street Profits
Grade B+
Analysis
The Street Profits had new theme music and a victory on SmackDown, which is a good step. Escobar’s tensions continue to grow, and cracks may appear in LWO. It was wise to have a little progression in Mysterio and Logan Paul’s story.
Backstage: Roman Reigns ordered Jimmy Uso to handle the LA Knight problem. Paul Heyman talked to Nick Aldis and made Knight vs. Jimmy official.
Logan Paul trash-talked about Rey in a backstage interview. Kevin Owens appeared wearing a Rey Mysterio t-shirt. Austin Theory and Grayson Waller tried to irritate KO, who punched both.
Cedric Alexander interfered in Dragon Lee’s promo and challenged him, which he accepted.
Shotzi Blackheart vs Chelsea Green
It was a short match which was set up after a backstage argument. Green took the early advantage in the game. However, Shotzi got the better of Chelsea’s arrogance and won via the Crucifix rollup pin.
Winner: Shotzi Blackheart
Grade C-
Analysis
It is a welcome move by WWE to utilize other Women’s talents on SmackDown rather than repetitive stuff around Charlotte Flair and Damage CTRL. Green seems a perfect woman to light up the dark picture of Women’s Tag Team Titles.
John Cena Segment
John Cena entered the arena to a huge ovation. He started his promo by saying that this is a serious moment in his career, even more serious than when WWE was about to fire him 20 years ago. He said that this was a must-win match for him, or he would lose the respect of the fans.
Paul Heyman came down to the ring. He said that he respects Cena, but the fact is that John is not the Greatest Of All Time anymore. He said that he’s just Greatest now in communicating with the WWE Universe. Solo Sikoa came out and hit a Samoan Spike to lay down Cena.
Grade B+
Analysis
It was fantastic mic work from Cena and Heyman, as you expect from these veterans. Sikoa’s involvement got him the heat before the Crown Jewel match.
–LA Knight cut a short promo about The Bloodline backstage.
Dragon Lee vs. Cedric Alexander
Dragon Lee continued his main roster run when he faced Cedric Alexander. It was a fast-paced, action-packed match.
Lee’s rising knee and apron STO looked great. Cedric hit a Michinoku Driver for a nearfall. A Liger Bomb by Lee for a two count. A knee to the back by Dragon Lee followed by DDT was all to get the victory.
Winner: Dragon Lee
Grade B+
Analysis
Dragon Lee was expected to win, but Cedric’s performance was impressive. I hope WWE Creative notices Alexander and gives him more TV time.
Bianca Belair Promo
Bianca Belair entered the ring and grabbed a mic. She said she was back on SmackDown and discussed how Damage CTRL injured her. She said vengeance got her to this, and she will take out Damage CTRL to reclaim her title. She will first take on Bayley next week on SmackDown and then face Iyo Sky for the WWE Women’s Championship at Crown Jewel.
Grade A
Analysis
It was a little promo but a very effective one. Everything the EST said was valuable, and no extra words were added.
LA Knight vs Jimmy Uso
The main event featured a match between LA Knight and Jimmy Uso. It was a good match. “Jey is better” changes infuriated Jim Uso.
Jimmy was kicked out of the DDT. In return, Knight was kicked out of a Samoan Drop. An Uso Splash and Knight are still kicked out. Knight hit a top rope SuperPlex and a BFT for the win.
Roman Reigns ran down to the ring but couldn’t do much. Knight laid him down, too, with a BFT and stood tall to end the show.
Winner: LA Knight
Grades B+
Analysis
This was the LA Knight show. The babyface Megastar is in full momentum. Overall, it was a great show. The storyline progression was, at best, and there is enough hype for Crown Jewel from the SmackDown side.
