#LAWTAKE - WWE SMACKDOWN 4/12/24
It’s a New Era! Smackdown without Roman Reigns as Universal Champion begins tonight and I would lying if I didn’t say I was excited for what was to come. I love this time of the year for WWE, the post-WrestleMania reset. Now, let’s get into the show shall we…
We open Smackdown with Cody Rhodes having his first solo, uninterrupted promo as WWE Champion.
Cody is still getting used to holding that title belt. As long as he doesn’t go full RVD and hang the belt over his neck we will be just fine.
Breaking down all the potential opponents for Cody Rhodes at Backlash…
Cody vs Santos Escobar… on a throwaway episode of Smackdown, maybe.
Cody vs Rey Mysterio… another throwaway title defense on Smackdown.
Cody vs LA Knight… just not yet. Two collosal worlds that don’t need to meet yet.
Cody vs AJ Styles.. the only two men who have been NWA and WWE Champion. Ding, ding, ding.
Cody vs Bobby Lashley, Bobby Lashley… had to say the name twice so people could even believe that match.
Cody vs Kevin Owens is very intriguing for K-O’s upteenth heel turn.
I am going to go out on a limb and say Cody Rhodes has an Eddie Guerrero style title reign. I just have a feeling this won’t be a long run.
The first Triple Threat #1 contender match takes place next betweeen Santos, LA & Lashley.
Garza and Humberto are like night and day compared in the new regime compared to the Vince era even with them both just being lackeys.
Street Profits & Lashley vs Santos & LDF is okay for now. But I don’t see Karrion Kross fading away so soon. I vision another midcard triple threat with Santos/Lashley/Karrion, winner gets a US Title shot.
The BFT is not an enticing finisher but considering LA used a DVD in TNA I didn’t see that sticking. Santos sold that shit well.
Either way, LA wins and advances to next week.
Solo and the Bloodline are now taking a split path and I’m here for this.
It’s really like watching a Power series end, then the new Power book starts with completely new characters that have you invested out the gate.
Tama Tonga having a main roster debut and aiding Solo was refreshing. Usually we knock AEW for these niche audience debuts, but tonight didn’t get that reaction from the WWE audience when Tama showed up (keeping his name and all).
Jacob Fatu’s debut is around the corner at this rate and I for one am STOOOOOKED.
If this all leads to a Jimmy/Jey reunion, we can assume their singles match was so bad internally that the reunion was better off happening as opposed to seeing these two fight again (and again).
Bron Breakker finally returns to Smackdown and KILLS another NXT star that had promise… Cameron Grimes. Remember that guy? At least Grimes got some offense in.
Bayley showed up next in the blue jumpsuit and not in the baggy leather. She’s a total babyface now because she knows what we love about Bayley most when she strikes a pose.
I do wish the “you deserve it” chants could morph into a “you really earned it” chant.
Bayley gives us the RaRa Babyface victory speech. It’s been quite some years since she’s been in this role so I’ll live with it for now.
I think Bayley has an extensive run until Stratton wins MITB and cashes in when Bayley least expects it.
With Tiffany Stratton here, Carmella might as well stay gone.
Tiffany’s gear looked like it was kinda malfunction the way she kept grabbing her top.
Naomi picks up her first win that matters since returning to WWE - against a blossoming former star trying to make a name for herself.
Tiffany is 100% costing Naomi her title match next week against Bayley. I smell another Triple Threat coming.
I think Naomi goes to Raw in the draft so she can feud with Rhea for a while.
Naomi’s wig with the bang is still a very odd fit. Just looks like a duck beak by the end of her matches.
Tama Tonga gets put over heavy & referenced by name on commentary, the backstage announcers, & then gets some words in to Paul Heyman. He’s already in a PRIME position. That nepotism is strong in the WWE.
#1 Contender match for the Tag Titles next week which I can see New Catch Republic winning. Solid filler tag title feud.
What is Chelsea Green doing on Smackdown now?! This draft can’t come soon enough, as if it even matters at times.
Jade & Bianca killed Chelsea & Piper Nivens as they continue to showcase their dominance in the Women’s Tag division. I can see them being the Tag Champions for a long, long time.
With that said, I really hope Bianca can stop feuding with the Damage Control faction for 2024/25.
Kevin Owens, AJ Styles & Rey Mysterio as the second three way #1 contender match is way better than I anticipated. An Indy-darling treat if you will.
Kevin Owens holding a pseudo-24/7 title over his shoulder. I need people who don’t have sanctioned titles to stop bringing titles to the ring for their match.
I miss the Rey Mysterio launchpad entrance sometimes but I know he is not of age to be performing such a move every entrance.
An Avalanche Styles Clash sends Rey Mysterio packing as he takes the pinfall and allows Styles to advance to next week against LA Knight.
Styles gets his win back against LA to advance to Backlash in my opinion, but the question is how? Screwy finish? Clean? Where does LA Knight go from here?
All the #1 contenders matches in place, I see one happening for the US Title soon and that’s how LA Knight secures his Backlash plans.
Overall I give this a 10/10 Smackdown. We got thorough wrestling, promos, storyline advancements, & new storylines emerging.
With all the excitement going on via this new Bloodline storytelling, I can only hope Cody’s reign doesn’t feel like an afterthought.
What say you? Feel free to agree or disagree with my takes via Twitter @ TheRingsideClub!