SmackDown 05.01.2024: Revolution

Finally, the Radiant Team is come back in Vancouver; British Columbia! Tonight is set to be a special night filled with anticipation. We're on the brink of discovering who will step up to challenge Logan Paul for the USA title. Will Mechin claim her first World title from Io Sky? The mystery of Butch's partner also adds an intriguing element to the mix. And of course, our main event will determine who earns the coveted spot as the number one contender for Roman Reigns' title between AJ Styles, LA Knight, and Randy Orton. Let's uncover the answers together!

Santos lost his crew just before the match

As you may recall from last week, Santos caused a huge upset by defeating the All Mighty Bobby Lashley. Escobar has gained new followers in Angel and Humberto, and their interference led to a distraction, allowing them to attack the Street Profits. Unfortunately, Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins have shown a recent lack of strength and ability to fight back. Bobby attempted to assist his associates, but Santos capitalized with a roll-up, stealing the victory. Tonight, he faces KO, and I anticipated that Kevin would be at a disadvantage, facing three opponents. However, justice was served when Cruz and Joaquin intervened, attacking the new Legado members. In a brief moment, Escobar was left alone, providing Kevin with a prime opportunity to advance to the finals.

SmackDown 05.01.2024: Brawl between LWO and Lego Del Fantasma.

Kevin Owens vs Santos Escobar for the 1 contendership for USA title

Since this should be a fair fight, I believe Owens will take this match without major problems, employing his common brawling style while adding some flying elements. Kevin prevents almost every attempt at offense from Santos. Legado's leader has one good chance by targeting Owens' injured arm, but I'm not sure if that was a very bright idea. It only made Kevin angrier, and as you all know, an angry Prizefighter is a solid war machine. In the final moments, Santos tried to knock Kevin out using a Super Kick, but Owens is a Super Kick specialist and answered with his own move, adding the classic combination of the Pop-up Powerbomb and Stunner to secure the victory.

SmackDown 05.01.2024: Do you know that Kevin knows how to fly?

Yes, Kevin is in the finals, and now he will face Logan Paul. By the way, the champion was at the commentary table the whole match, and he really dislikes Kevin for almost everything. He's a very cocky man, and this plays a bad joke. He took the microphone and started talking trash about Kevin, laughing that a Canadian could not be a USA champion. Enough was enough, and Kevin just knocked him out with a right hand. Damn, that was good, just like Big Show did in his best days. Maybe Kevin will now have two finishing moves? Anyway, soon we will see the collision between these two massive superstars. I can't wait to see this battle for the title.

SmackDown 05.01.2024: Knockout forearm by Kevin Owens!

Bobby Lashly and Street Profits find problems in New Year

Following Bobby's recent defeat at the hands of Santos, I anticipated a retaliatory showdown between him and his associates against Escobar and Legado. As all three members of the burgeoning Mighty Era converged in the ring, each harbored ambitious plans for the year ahead. The Profits, perennial contenders for the tag team titles, remained resolute in their pursuit. Meanwhile, Bobby, driven by a singular focus on championship gold, sought to solidify the dominance of the Mighty Era once more.

SmackDown 05.01.2024: Bobby announces that All Mighty Era will back in 2024.

However, amidst these aspirations, a foreboding presence loomed over SmackDown in the form of the ominous Final Hour, teased by none other than Karrion Kross in cryptic missives disseminated to the WWE roster. Despite his recent setback at the hands of the All Mighty during their initial encounter in the USA tournament, I half-expected Kross to be embroiled in yet another futile feud, destined to be vanquished once more. But fate had other plans.

SmackDown 05.01.2024: Karrion Kross and AoP hunting their prey. 

Emerging slowly from the shadows, Karrion Kross materialized with his enigmatic partner, Scarlett, by his side. Their ominous aura heightened with the sudden appearance of Paul Ellering, signaling the arrival of the Authors of Pain. With ruthless precision, Rezar and Akam launched a surprise assault on the Profits and Bobby, catching them off guard. While Bobby may possess individual prowess in the ring, his associates were ill-prepared for the unified onslaught.

SmackDown: Judgment Day's analogue on SmackDown?

Thus, a new alliance of formidable competitors emerged, their motivations shrouded in mystery, their enmity directed squarely at Bobby and his allies. The ensuing conflict promises intrigue and uncertainty, leaving us to ponder Bobby's response to this audacious assault in the weeks to come.

Iyo Sky vs Mechin: title opportunity of a lifetime

In the twilight of 2023, Damage CTRL and its reigning champion faced a tumultuous conclusion. A pivotal tag team encounter saw Michin deftly pinning the champion, ushering in the prospect of a title contention. Tonight marks Michin's maiden foray into the realm of championship gold, an uncharted territory for this untested contender. While Michin's prowess as an athlete is undisputed, her mettle in the crucible of championship contention remains an enigma. Sensing a vulnerability in the champion's armor, Michin appeared on the cusp of victory, poised mere inches away from securing the coveted pinfall after executing a breathtaking Styles Clash from the elevated confines of the second rope.

SmackDown 05.01.2024: beautiful Styles Clash from second rope.

Yet, in a testament to the champion's tactical acumen, a strategic retreat from the ring forestalled imminent defeat. With an audacious gambit, Michin sought to seal her triumph with a daring Suicide Dive, only to find her maneuver countered by the champion's unwavering resolve. Responding with ruthless precision, the champion unleashed a barrage of punishing Meteoras, culminating in a majestic Moonsault that sealed the contest in her favor. Thus unfolds another chapter in the annals of championship history, with the indomitable Iyo Sky reaffirming her supremacy while Michin's valiant effort underscores her emergence as a formidable contender.

SmackDown 05.01.2024: another championship triumph.

Paul Heyman doesn't invite The Rock to a Tribal table

Last week, The Rock made a veiled reference to Roman Reigns, stirring the ire of Paul Heyman. With a queue of formidable superstars clamoring for a piece of the champion, including the likes of LA Knight, AJ Styles, Randy Orton, CM Punk, and Cody Rhodes, each harboring aspirations of dethroning the Tribal Chief, Heyman remains resolute in his conviction. In his unwavering belief, he asserts that each contender will ultimately receive their comeuppance: a relentless tribal beating at the hands of the undisputed Head of the Table. With unwavering conviction, Heyman declares that no force in this world can halt the reign of dominance established by Roman Reigns.

Damage CTRL short celebration and spoiling time from Bianca Belair

Iyo and her compatriots bask in the glow of their successful title defense tonight. Bayley, in her characteristic fervor, proclaims that this year shall be the era of Damage CTRL. With bold declarations, she foresees the Kabuki Warriors ascending to tag team gold, Iyo asserting her dominance over SmackDown, and herself triumphantly claiming Rhea's championship at the Royal Rumble. However, amid their jubilation, their spirits are dampened by Bianca's unexpected announcement. The EST of WWE boldly proclaims her entry into the Royal Rumble, vowing to seize what she believes is rightfully hers: Iyo's coveted title. Concerned by this unforeseen development, the trio implores Bayley to confront Bianca and put an end to her aspirations once and for all. Yet, Bayley faces a daunting task ahead, for the prospect of besting even someone as formidable as Bianca seems a Herculean feat.

Pretty Deadly tastes unpretty beating by Butch and Tyler Bate

Nick Aldis afforded Butch the opportunity last week to exact revenge on Pretty Deadly, with one condition: he must find a tag team partner. While Sheamus seemed the most obvious choice, the revelation of a mysterious partner proved even more intriguing. Enter Tyler Bate from NXT, the Big Strong Boy, teaming up with Butch for tonight's showdown. Witnessing Tyler's elevation to the main roster filled me with joy. His exploits in NXT showcased his remarkable wrestling prowess, characterized by a unique offense and diverse technical repertoire. To sum up this match in a few words: utter domination by Bate and Butch. Pretty Deadly stood no chance, likely caught off guard by Tyler's unexpected appearance, which provided a decisive advantage to Butch and his newfound partner. The exquisite conclusion, culminating in the Tyler Driver, hints at the potential of this budding tag team, poised to vie for championship gold in the near future.

SmackDown 05.01.2024: that is how you

Ashante Adonis is still in company?

Yes, I remember Hit Row, the group from NXT consisting of B-Fab, Top Dolla, and Ashante "Thee" Adonis. While Top Dolla's whereabouts are uncertain, it seems he's no longer with WWE. As for Ashante Adonis, he's an enigmatic figure whose wrestling style and strengths have remained somewhat elusive. However, it appears that tonight marks a new beginning for him. Seeking opportunity, Adonis approached Nick Aldis in his office, and Aldis, being receptive, granted him a chance. The specifics of this opportunity remain unclear, but perhaps we'll gain clarity on Adonis' aspirations in the coming week.

Triple threat contender match: Randy Orton vs AJ Styles vs Randy Orton

Here we are, at the main event of the Revolution, where three top-tier superstars will determine who will challenge Roman Reigns at the Royal Rumble. Frankly, I can't discern who has the upper hand or the strongest motivation to emerge victorious in this match. There's a lingering sense of unease that the main event may not unfold as expected. With Nick Aldis present at ringside, there's a reassuring sense of oversight.

SmackDown 05.01.2024: classic Randy Orton.

Firstly, Randy's entrance seemed to stretch on longer than both AJ's and LA's combined. It's a common spectacle that the entrances of legendary wrestlers tend to be more elaborate. Nonetheless, it was a captivating sight, as Viper always manages to leave a lasting impression. Given the nature of a triple threat match, there are no rules, and anything goes. Wrestlers capitalized on the environment, utilizing tables, ladders, barricades, and ring posts to inflict maximum damage on their opponents.

SmackDown 05.01.2024: moments before LA bleeding out.

Initially, LA seemed to be at a disadvantage, allowing Styles and Orton to vie for dominance. However, Knight's timely intervention shifted the dynamics, countering Orton's RKO with BFT. LA came within moments of securing his spot in the Royal Rumble main event, only for AJ to halt the referee's count—an unexpected turn of events. Knight's frustration boiled over, while Orton seized the opportunity to recuperate outside the ring.

SmackDown 05.01.2024: Bloodline handle the problems.

The match unfolded in brutal fashion, culminating in Styles making LA bleed, reminiscent of classic confrontations. AJ seemed poised to finish off Orton with the Phenomenal Forearm, but Orton countered with an RKO out of nowhere, securing the victory. Unfortunately for Randy LA Knight didn't let this happen by pulling referee outside the ring. However, just as the dust settled, the Bloodline made their presence known, storming the ring and disrupting the main event, leaving us without a clear winner.

SmackDown 05.01.2024: acknowledge the Bloodline.

But what transpired next was unexpected. Nick Aldis took decisive action, contacting Paul Heyman with a resolute message: "Let your Tribal Chief celebrate for now. But make no mistake— the moment he interfered, his Royal Rumble match transformed into a fatal four-way. Good evening, sir." It was a bold and principled move by the General Manager, one that resonated with fairness and authority.

Ranking and Opinion

So, the first SmackDown of the year has concluded, and I must say it lived up to the hype set by Day One. We witnessed Iyo Sky successfully defend her title, discovered who will challenge Logan Paul at the Royal Rumble, saw the debut of AOP and Tyler Bate on SmackDown, and had an electrifying main event that set up a fatal four-way match for Roman Reigns. Now, with Roman's chances of retaining the title standing at about 25% in a fair fight, the looming presence of Jimmy and Solo adds an unpredictable element. There's potential for a 3-on-3 showdown. Overall, I'd rate this show a solid 7/10. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I'm grateful for your company. Until next time, stay safe!