On June 23rd, 2023, WWE sold a tortuous WWE SmackDown episode. This jammed episode of Smackdown was full of entertainment. WWE SmackDown kicked off with the Announcement of Civil War in The Bloodline by the former Undisputed tag team champions and former members of Bloodline, The Usos.
The title unification match between Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler wrestled Isla Dawn and Alba Fyre in a bold headliner. Legend and LA Knight feud added heat to the show. Let’s have a look at the highlights and results of WWE SmackDown inside the Cajundome in Lafayette, Louisana with this recap.
Original Match Card
- The beginning of The Bloodline civil war
- Money in the Bank Ladder Match Spot on the Line: Shotzi vs. Bayley
- Cameron Grimes vs. Baron Corbin
- Women’s Tag Team Champions Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler vs. NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn
- Butch vs. Santos Escobar vs. LA Knight
Although, Friday Night got vinced this time i.e. WWE SmackDown was ruined by Vince McMahon’s last-moment changes this time.
Let’s discuss the changes:-
- Cancellation of Bayley vs. Shotzi
- Cancellation of Baron Corbin vs. Cameron Grimes
- Charlotte Flair vs. Lacey Evans
- The Street Profits vs. Pretty Deadly
- Rey Mysterio vs. LA Knight
Here are the final results and highlights of the latest WWE SmackDown event.
Official Announcement of Bloodline Civil War
On SmackDown, The Usos announced The Bloodline Civil War match against The Tribal Chief and Solo Sikoa at Money in the Bank on July 1. They reminded their cousin and brother that they are the best tag team in wrestling and welcomed them to The Uso Penitentiary. This was a follow-up to last week’s angle and The Usos were confident on the mic. They also highlighted Paul Heyman’s role in Reigns’ heel turn and he is expected to play a significant part in The Bloodline storyline leading up to WrestleMania 40.
Grade -A
Rey Mysterio vs. LA Knight
In singles competition, Knight battled his mentor, Rey Mysterio, a week after losing to Escobar. Knight scored a clean victory over the Hall of Famer with his Blunt Force Trauma finisher. Although the match never really picked up the pace, Knight’s win over a respected veteran is a positive sign for him leading up to Money in the Bank on July 1 at London’s O2 Arena. Escobar defended Mysterio’s honor after the match, keeping his rivalry with Knight alive until the premium live event.
Result- LA Knight secured a clean victory
Grade- C+
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Title Unification Match
Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler won the WWE and NXT women’s tag titles by defeating Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn in a competitive match. The match highlighted the new main roster call-ups while still ensuring that Rousey and Baszler made history. Liv Morgan made a notable return with partner Raquel Rodriguez and challenged for the titles they never lost. Reigniting the rivalry between Morgan and Rousey in the middle of a star-studded feud could help elevate the tag titles. Overall, the segment was better than expected and set up the next big feud in women’s tag wrestling.
Result- Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler’s victory
Grade- B
The Grayson Waller Effect featuring Pretty Deadly, Tag team action ensues
Grayson Waller Effect featuring Pretty Deadly was followed by a tag team match against The Street Profits. During the promo segment and in-ring action, Elton Prince and Kit Wilson showed that they were ready for the main roster. They are great characters and strong in-ring competitors who have held their own against stars with considerable main-roster experience.
Next week in London, they will face their strongest test yet when they challenge Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship. They have momentum on their side after defeating Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins on Friday night. Although the champions have considerable stature in WWE, Elton Prince and Kit Wilson have the potential to be the centerpiece of the tag division for the foreseeable future.
Result- Pretty Deadly claimed victory over Street Profits
Grade- B
Charlotte Flair vs. Lacey Evans
Charlotte Flair will challenge Asuka for the WWE Women’s Championship next week from London. On Friday night, she faced off against Lacey Evans, a rival from years past. Flair easily defeated Evans with the Figure Eight, but was immediately attacked by Asuka. The Empress of Tomorrow left The Queen writhing in pain to close out the segment.
The match between Flair and Asuka is expected to be great, as it has been in the past. However, fans hope that the outcome will not be the same as their WrestleMania 34 match, where Flair ended Asuka’s 914-day reign as champion. Flair’s upcoming match is against Asuka, who recently won the women’s championship at Night. Although, Bianca is also part of this segment.
However, this match was not able to collect massive exciting responses from the crowd.
Result- Charlotte defeats Lacey
Grade- C
Solo Sikoa vs. Sheamus
On Friday’s show, the main event featured Solo Sikoa and Sheamus in a physical battle. This match followed The Celtic Warrior’s strong in-ring performances and allowed Sikoa to continue his growth as a competitor. The finish was not the most inspired and may have been unnecessary protection for Sheamus. However, it did set up The Usos’ return to the ring and their consecutive weeks of standing tall. It is hoped that this is not just a setup for the heels to win in London, as that would render the entire story meaningless.
Result- Unclear
Grade- B
This SmackDown didn’t Satisfy the expectations of the crowd. Although, it successfully led to the establishment of the Road to the Money in the Bank 2023.
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