‘WWE Smackdown’ Review (Sep 13th 2024)
Welcome to this review of this past Friday’s episode of Smackdown, right here on Nerdly. Let’s see what went down on this week’s show, which was the first show on the blue brand’s new home, USA Network!
Match #1: Steel Cage Undisputed WWE Championship Match – Cody Rhodes def. Solo Sikoa
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
The Undisputed WWE Championship remains with Cody Rhodes after a devastating Steel Cagcagee Match against The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa. Sikoa dominated the champion early, sending him crashing into the Steel Cage and even busting Rhodes open, leaving him down and injured. The American Nightmare fought back and delivered a hellacious Cody Cutter from nearly the top of the cage, evening the odds against his rival. Both Superstars found themselves precariously perched near the top of the cage, and Sikoa delivered a dynamic blow as he hit a Superplex from the top of the structure. Rhodes took an unfathomable beating, getting hit with multiple strikes and even a Flying Splash, but mustered up enough strength for a CrossRhodes, only for Sikoa to kick out. The champion scaled the cage and hit a gravity defying Crossbody Splash, but not even that was enough to win the match. Sikoa went for the Samoan Spike one final time, but it was countered into a Cross Rhodes that delivered The American Nightmare the win.
My Score: 3.5 out of 5
Match #2: Michin def. Piper Niven
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Michin brought the fight right to Piper Niven and it paid off as she picked up a major singles victory. Both Superstars threw caution to the wind with Michin hitting a dive to the outside and Niven hitting a huge Cannonball, but Michin scored the win with an Eat The Feet. After the match, Chelsea Green and Niven attacked Michin and put her through a trashcan with an Unpretty-Her
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #3: Randy Orton & Kevin Owens def. A-Town Down Under
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Kevin Owens nearly went to battle with a partner named Ricky, but thankfully The Viper appeared and helped out his one-time ally. Despite being dismayed at the partner change, Austin Theory and Grayson Waller composed themselves and engineered strong tag team work, isolating Owens and working him over. The Prizefighter made good on his nickname and fought back, allowing Randy Orton to tag into the match and clean house. Orton and Owens began to dominate before hitting an RKO and a Stunner, respectively, to win the bout.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #4: Andrade def. Carmelo Hayes
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
The epic fifth installment of the rivalry between Carmelo Hayes and Andrade ended with El Idolo earning a future United States Championship Match. Hayes was ruthless and even attacked Andrade before the match, but Andrade rallied and hit a huge destroyer before nailing his signature running knee strike in the cover. Andrade was perched on the top rope and managed to counter Hayes’ attack, allowing him to hit a huge Twisting Neckbreaker to win the match and earn a Title Match.
My Score: 3 out of 5
Final Verdict: 2.5/5
Well that was a disappointing debut for Smackdown on the USA Network… Aside from the opening match there wasn’t much on the show that signified a new start, a new home or even celebrated the change of broadcaster – in the ring at least. OK, so the main event was OK, but this was the FIFTH match between these two and it’s getting a bit repetitive by now. Overall I was expecting something from this first show on USA and I didn’t get it.
