SmackDown 08.03.2024
Finally, the Radiant Team has come back to Dallas, Texas! Tonight is sure to be one of the most important nights of the year. Bobby Lashley will try to stop the leader of the Final Testament, Karrion Kross. Randy Orton will probably find his prey in Logan Paul's face, and LA Knight will get his hands on AJ Styles. But most importantly, we'll witness the meeting between the most powerful faction in WWE, The Bloodline, and the two most popular people in WWE right now, Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins. This will be explosive—I’m sure of it. I can't wait anymore, let's get started!
The United States Champion opens the show
Your United States Champion is here, and he has something to say. First of all, Logan Paul reminds us that Dallas is his number one town because two years ago, his WWE journey started here. Of course, he begins boasting about how cool he is: YouTube star, boxing star, and, of course, wrestling star. The fastest-growing star in WWE. According to Logan, he’s number one on the WWE roster—by his own rating, of course. He also has a surprise for us tonight... it's the Prime drink logo on the ring. Wow, what a great surprise (sarcasm). After that, Paul calls KSI to join him in the ring. From this point, I start to suspect things won't end well. The last time KSI was here, he got hit with a Diving Elbow. What could make this moment even more special?
SmackDown 08.03.2024 -The big moment for Logan Paul and his brand.
The voices in Logan's head—Randy Orton is somewhere near. About seven years ago, I saw The Viper play these games, but this time, he strikes fast. From behind, he attempts an RKO, but the champion escapes—unlike KSI, who takes the RKO. Randy then grabs a bottle of Prime drink, tries a bit, and says, "This is very good, really." So good that he spills the rest of it all over Paul's friend. The war games have started, but Logan created this mess himself back at Elimination Chamber when he made an enemy out of one of the most dangerous men in WWE.
SmackDown 08.03.2024 - Taste of revenge has a Prime flavour
Randy Orton and Kevin Owens vs. Grayson Waller and Austin Theory
Last week, Paul's buddies Waller and Theory formed a dangerous alliance, which led to the union of KO and The Viper for tonight's opener. To me, the outcome of this match seemed obvious, but with the United States Champion potentially interfering, victory could slip away from the Prizefighter and the Legend Killer.
SmackDown 08.03.2024 - Great teamwork by Austin and Waller overall.
The match started with KO and Theory, two competitors who've clashed many times before. This time wasn’t much different from their previous encounters, ending with a tag to Waller when Theory realized he didn’t want to fight the crazy Canadian. KO gladly tagged in Orton, and the crowd was all for it.
SmackDown 08.03.2024 - I think Grayson is already used to taste of Kevin's Stunner.
The union between KO and Randy was unexpected, especially considering Randy took KO out at Elimination Chamber. Still, they are both professionals, and both wanted to win and secure their spot at WrestleMania. Owens had a rough five minutes until Waller made the mistake of mocking Orton and failed in his attempt to hit KO with an RKO. This gave Owens the opening to tag in the master of the RKO. The match ended with a Stunner on Austin, followed by a Pop-Up RKO—an excellent combination for a tag team finisher.
SmackDown 08.03.2024 - Austin is trying Pop up RKO for the first time, such a privilege.
As expected, the United States Champion didn’t stay quiet, cheap-shotting both KO and Orton from behind and attempting to use brass knuckles on Randy. That attempt failed. Now, we have Paul’s group with Theory and Waller facing off against Kevin and Randy. I think this confrontation is heading for something big—maybe even at WrestleMania.
Bayley stands tall
Backstage, we saw an interview with Bayley, who was feeling pretty down after being betrayed—first by Damage CTRL and then by Dakota Kai. Bayley has no idea why or how this happened, but now she's on her own, and that won’t stop her from taking Iyo's title. She built them with her own hands, and she will destroy them.
Naomi, watching the interview backstage, feels sad. Bianca Belair approaches and wonders why Naomi is sympathizing with Bayley. After all, Bayley got what she deserved after putting Belair in the same position—fighting alone against the entire group. Right now, Bayley can barely stand against Damage CTRL, but with Naomi's help, she might have a chance. If Bayley promises to give Naomi a title shot after defeating Sky, it could make their partnership even stronger—at least until Mania.
The end of All-Mighty era?
A long-standing conflict might end tonight. I was disappointed when I saw Bobby Lashley come out alone because there's zero chance that Kross will be without backup tonight. Kross can’t handle Lashley solo, and Bobby looks like the last titan standing, probably about to be taken down in a one-on-four battle. Could I be wrong? Karrion came out alone... well, almost alone, with Scarlett by his side. But don’t be fooled—AoP are somewhere nearby.
SmackDown 08.03.2024 - From this position Kross looks like Trevor from GTA V isn't he?
Bobby started strong, as a former world champion should. He had the upper hand until things changed when he tried to smash Kross against the ring post, only for Scarlett to get in the way. This gave Kross the opening to counter and focus on Lashley’s injured arm. Bobby eventually rolled out of the ring and turned the tables by slamming Kross into the barricades and finally smashing his head into the ring post. Unfortunately, he missed a spear, allowing Kross to take control for several minutes until Lashley knocked him out with a powerful one-handed slam.
SmackDown 08.03.2024 - Three on one assault on ALl-Mighty by AoP.
As expected, AoP wasn’t far off, and they attacked Bobby. But Bobby had backup too—Street Profits arrived and cleared the ring. At the same time, Kross got hit with Flatliner, and even Scarlett couldn't protect him because B-Fab took her out. Unfortunately, the Street Profits somehow lost the fight against AoP, and together they beat down Lashley, allowing Kross to execute his Final Prayer. Once again, the Street Profits let their boss down, and I think the All Mighty era is over, with the Final Testament settling another score in this war.
Legado Tries to Press Dragon Lee
Backstage, the four members of Santos Escobar's group cornered Dragon Lee, trying to make fun of him. Of course, together they seem tough and strong, but in the ring, Dragon will show who the dominant superstar really is. I hope the LWO has his back.
Tiffy Time Continues
The fast-rising star Tiffany Stratton arrived for her next match against Michin. These two have met before, and I’m sure this time, nothing will change. Tiffy started strong, showing off her athleticism with an impressive combo—an incredible salto followed by a slam in the corner and a huge stomp to the chest. She’s an absolute physical beast. As you may remember, she's a former Olympic team member, so her training is top-notch. She didn’t hesitate to use her strength, ending Michin with the Prettiest Moonsault Ever. Another great victory for the young, pretty star. If she keeps winning, she'll soon be in the title race.
SmackDown 08.03.2024 - Perhaps Tiffany is one of the strongest woman in division right now.
Appeal to LA Knight
AJ Styles explained why he’s crossed the world. He claimed that LA Knight doesn’t even deserve to be in the same locker room as someone like him. According to Styles, Knight is untalented, weak-minded, and simply a “retarded idiot,” and Styles promised to prove to everyone that Knight doesn’t belong here.
Shaun was watching this interview and, instead of addressing Styles, punished the poor TV for what was said. Unfortunately, it looks like we’ll have to wait another week to see these two superstars in action.
Dragon Lee vs. Angel Garza
This was a pretty unfair battle for Lee, but I had hope that he’d survive until his teammate Rey Mysterio and the LWO would arrive to even the odds. Skill-wise, Dragon Lee had the upper hand with a better game plan, as Angel Garza is more of a tag team fighter. However, Garza fought dirty, pretending to be injured, which tricked Lee and led to him getting sent out of the ring, where the entire Legado group started mocking him. Elektra Lopez, looking stunning in her short skirt and high heels, added to the scene.
SmackDown 08.03.2024 - Can Dragon Lee became a new Rey Mysterio in this century?
Garza’s short period of dominance ended quickly, as the new lucha libre sensation pressed him hard, showcasing all his lucha moves and raw strength. The match ended with a great roll-up by Dragon on Garza, but the sweet moment didn’t last. Legado immediately destroyed him, and unfortunately, the LWO wasn’t in the building tonight. It’s a harsh message to Rey and his crew, but I’m sure they’ll get their revenge next week.
SmackDown 08.03.2024 - Legado is still stands tall but LWO should be fight back.
Cody and Seth Respond to the Bloodline
Throughout the evening, Nick Aldis tried to keep these two groups apart. But just before the main event, Cody and Seth disappeared from their room. First to appear was our Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. It's always a pleasure to see him every time he comes on SmackDown. Obviously, three years ago, when he used to appear every night and even have matches, not only at PLEs, he was in his prime—his most physically dominant form, with sharp micro-insults. Right now, I feel he's lost some of that edge, spending too much time reflecting on his achievements and greatness. I fear this could play a bad joke on him at WrestleMania.
SmackDown 08.03.2024 - Greatness among us.
Next to appear was the People's Champion, The Rock—the man who acknowledged Roman Reigns as his Tribal Chief. This time, Roman demanded acknowledgment not only for himself but for "Us." There’s still some tension between him and The Rock when they shake hands; Rock hesitates for several seconds.
Cody Rhodes then appears with Seth Rollins, earning extra points with the WWE Universe by coming through the crowd and marching straight to the ring. The most powerful people are gathered in one ring, and the tension is rising. You can feel the pressure even through the screen. Cody speaks first: "Despite all the bad blood between us, I suggest you take a moment and feel this." Cody questions whether Rock has the authority to make decisions about WrestleMania, but since he acknowledged Reigns, it hits a nerve.
"Shut your mouth right now, boy. And you, walking clown show, shut your mouth before you even start talking!" The crowd actually cheered, even though I thought they'd be behind Cody and Seth. But greatness is in the air, and the fans feel it. The crowd was chanting "Diarrhea!" just like on Raw when Seth gave The Rock a new nickname. Seth cuts off The Rock when he’s explaining the stipulations again, saying, "Hey, you middle-aged crisis, shut up once in your life and listen!"
SmackDown 08.03.2024 - The historical moment of this century.
Damn, tonight we've got the most powerful, content-rich talk segment in WWE history. Seth accepts the challenge for both himself and Cody. Then Roman steps in: "Do you let this cross-dresser (Seth) make decisions for you? Are you stupid, like you're from Texas?"
The Rock promised he'd do everything in his power to make sure Cody loses his match and that the heavyweight title finds a new owner. As the director of the board, that means Dwayne is technically Cody and Seth’s boss, and he’s ready to fight his employees. "Cody Rhodes, if you don’t complete our story, if you don’t win, you will never get another shot at this title." And The Rock crossed a line when he said everyone in Cody’s family has achieved something, but Cody is the last one left because "he's a mistake."
The tension reached its peak when Cody slapped The Rock across the face, but somehow, it didn’t escalate into a full-blown brawl. Wow, that was even more incredible than any match I've seen. Thank you!
Final Thoughts and Rating
That was just an amazing show. We witnessed a great match between Bobby Lashley and Karrion Kross, which should lead to a Street Fight or Steel Cage match. The new team of Randy Orton and Kevin Owens is on a roll to take down Logan Paul and his associates. But what was truly a masterpiece was the final verbal exchange between The Bloodline, Cody, and Seth. Every second, there was a punchline, powerful words from each participant, and it was awesome that it didn’t end in a massive brawl with security. I think Day 1 at WrestleMania will be something special—great, aggressive, and extremely personal. Without any doubt, I’m giving this show a 9/10, and I highly recommend watching the final segment yourselves. That’s all for today—see you on Raw, which should be just as great as tonight’s SmackDown.
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