WWE SmackDown, officially known as Friday Night SmackDown is an American professional wrestling television program produced by WWE. The last Smackdown took place on June 16, 2023, at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center in Lexington, Kentucky.
We saw a lot of significant and proficient matches like Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Gauntlet Match, Zelina Vega vs. Iyo Sky, AJ Styles and “Michin” Mia Yim vs. Karrion Kross and Scarlett, Santos Escobar vs. LA Knight, Join us as we do a recap of yesterday’s WWE SmackDown.
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Gauntlet Match
At the top of Friday’s show, a Gauntlet Match was held to determine the top contenders to the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. The Brawling Brutes’ Sheamus and Ridge Holland dominated the field, defeating The Street Profits and Hit Row.
However, Kit Wilson and Elton Prince of Pretty Deadly had other plans and narrowly defeated the Brutes. Prince took advantage of Sheamus not knowing which of the heels was the legal competitor and scored the pinfall victory over the former WWE Champion. Since joining the blue brand, Pretty Deadly has risen to the occasion and has been great. Surely, Their program with the Brutes and upcoming match against Zayn and Owens will establish them as a significant heel act on Friday nights.
Result– Pretty Deadly claimed Tag team championship match opportunity.
Grade– B
Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens Congratulate and Warn Pretty Deadly in the recent episode of SmackDown
During a recent promo segment, Zayn and Owens confronted the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions, delivering an over-the-top promo that left the champions seemingly broken. Although the heels managed to escape any physical confrontation, Undoubtedly, the stage is set for a highly entertaining match between the new No. 1 contenders and the champions. With the in-ring talent of all four men, the match is expected to be a great display of skill and athleticism.
Grade – B
Zelina Vega vs. Iyo Sky at WWE SmackDown
Bayley’s interference in Iyo Sky’s match against Zelina Vega, unfortunately, resulted in Sky’s loss and heightened tensions within Damage CTRL. This is not the first time Bayley has been involved in Sky’s losses, with the most notable being at Backlash when Sky lost the Raw Women’s Championship Match to Bianca Belair.
The argument between teammates continued backstage, with Shotzi interrupting and challenging Bayley to put her spot on the line next week. Sky accepted on Bayley’s behalf, claiming she was “just trying to help.” It is expected that Bayley will lose the match, causing further frustration and revenge from her teammates toward Sky in London. The feud is likely to continue in the coming weeks and months following Money in the Bank.
Result– Zelina Vega defeated Iyo Sky.
Grade – C
Charlotte Flair featured by The Grayson Waller Effect
During the recent talk show, The Grayson Waller Effect, tensions between Charlotte Flair and Bianca Belair were on full display. Belair criticized Flair for leaving after WrestleMania, while Flair questioned Belair’s championship credentials.
Despite the Superstar for which the show was named, Waller’s facial expressions sold the jabs well. Belair warned Flair that she will be ringside to watch her challenge Asuka in two weeks before leaving. Overall, it was a good segment, but Waller’s role was underutilized.
Grade – A
Karrion Kross and Scarlett vs. AJ Styles and “Michin” Mia Yim
The Mixed Tag Team Match in the latest edition of WWE SmackDown featuring AJ Styles, Karrion Kross, “Michin” Mia Yim, and Scarlett was too short to accomplish anything of note. Kross and Scarlett won through underhanded tactics. However, it did not establish them as a dominant threat or a cheating tandem. The match failed to present Kross as a top-tier villain.
Result – Karrion Kross and Scarlett defeated AJ Styles and Michin.
Grade – C
LA Knight vs. Santos Escobar at WWE SmackDown
Santos Escobar won against LA Knight in a Money in the Bank ladder match. Escobar dedicated his performance to those who dared to chase their dreams. Knight was focused on sending a message to the other competitors, but Escobar scored a pinfall victory over him with a victory roll.
The match was solid but lacked time. Knight restored some heat with a cheap post-match beatdown that ended with Rey Mysterio rushing to his protege’s aid. Knight vs. Mysterio could be a fun extended feud, but it feels like Mysterio is destined to win Money in the Bank in London. If not, the company may face backlash from fans who are tired of seeing Knight’s talent go to waste.
Result – Santos defeated LA Knight
Grade – C+
Is Jey Uso In or Out of the bloodline?
Well, Samy Zayn was right about everything. Cody Rhodes once rightly said, If Jey and Jimmy leave the bloodline, Roman Reigns’ bloodline will collapse, unfortunately.
Jey Uso refused to succumb to Roman Reigns’ manipulation and gaslighting tactics and instead teamed up with his brother Jimmy to leave The Tribal Chief unconscious in the ring. Solo Sikoa also joined in, while Paul Heyman slithered away. This moment marked the culmination of The Bloodline, which had been building up for three years. The fans in Kentucky cheered as The Usos emerged victorious. Jey’s decision to stand by his brother and protect their bond was reminiscent of his choice to join the group in the first place for Jimmy’s safety and wellbeing.
Consequently, Bloodline Story ends here. Now, Roman is left with The Enforcer and The Wiseman. However, It led to victory for the fans, who were waiting for a long to have such a result.
Grade -A+
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