What is going on, guys? It’s Wrestle Amia here, back with another video! Join us now as we look at The Good, The Bad, and The Downright Ugly from this week’s edition of SmackDown, as well as some of the wildest wrestling news stories and rumors you need to know. Be sure to subscribe and hit that notification bell for daily wrestling videos, and follow us on Facebook for exclusive content. Let’s dive right in!
**Smackdown: The Good, The Bad & The Downright Ugly**
Hot Opener: SmackDown Live from France kicked off with a hot eight-woman tag match, showcasing the talent of Bailey, Naomi, Jade Carill, Bianca Belair, and more. The crowd was into every moment, especially with Bailey and B’s dynamic despite their past feud.
Carlo Hayes’s Push Continues: Carlo Hayes declared himself for the 2024 King of the Ring, setting up potential conflict with Bobby Lashley. WWE seems to be planting seeds for an intriguing feud between the two.
Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman Friction: A backstage segment hinted at tension between Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman, teasing Reigns’s eventual return and a potential babyface run for the head of the table.
RKO Show: Randy Orton and Kevin Owens entertained the French audience with their chemistry and comedic timing, building anticipation for their upcoming match at Backlash.
LA Knight Still Over: LA Knight received a massive pop from the crowd, solidifying his status as one of SmackDown’s top babyfaces. Fans are eager to see him challenge US Champion Logan Paul.
Fun Tag Title Match: The tag title match between Aown Down Under and The Street Profits was an entertaining showcase for both teams, although the presentation of The Street Profits as a collective unit remains unclear.
Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles Face Off: The feud between Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles escalated in a verbal confrontation, with AJ delivering a standout promo. The potential for a rematch between the two adds intrigue to their storyline.
**The Bad**
The Final Testament: The faction received zero reaction from the crowd, raising concerns about their reception on the main roster.
Weak Backlash Match Card: Only five matches have been made official for Backlash, leaving the card lacking in depth. Fans hope for surprises to compensate for the limited lineup.
**The Downright Ugly**
Nothing downright ugly on this show, thanks to one of the best crowds in WWE history. Cory Graves announced that this specific SmackDown show was the highest-grossing in WWE history, reflecting the enthusiasm of the French fans.
That wraps up this week’s SmackDown review! What did you think of the show? Let us know in the comments below. Now, let’s move on to the news.
**Cody Rhodes Has No Direction**
According to a report from Dave Meltzer, Cody Rhodes has no clear direction until the return of The Rock and Roman Reigns to WWE. With uncertainty surrounding his WWE Title reign, Rhodes’s future storyline remains up in the air.
**Does Cody Rhodes Want To Turn Heel?**
In a recent interview, Cody Rhodes addressed the possibility of a heel turn, admitting that he occasionally thinks about it. While he values his connection with fans, Rhodes acknowledges the potential for a character shift in the future.
**More WWE Releases**
Several NXT names have been confirmed for release, including Drew Gulak, Darl Mason, Vlad Pavlenko, Ezekiel Bogan, K Saint, Emma Diaz, Valentina Fos, KW Laflor, Trey Beill, and Julian Baly. The ongoing trend of releases raises concerns among wrestlers and fans alike.
**CM Punk Appearing At Backlash?**
Former WWE Champion CM Punk will be part of the Backlash pre-show panel, joining fellow former champion Big E. This appearance marks a rare return to WWE programming for Punk and adds excitement to the Backlash event.
**WWE Making Major Announcement**
WWE is teasing a major announcement on social media, potentially related to WrestleMania. Speculation surrounds the possibility of a venue change to Las Vegas, signaling significant developments for WWE’s flagship event.
**AJ Styles Praises Triple H**
AJ Styles praises Triple H for his leadership and care for WWE talent. Styles emphasizes Triple H’s communication and support, highlighting a positive morale shift in WWE since Vince McMahon’s exit.
**Ronda Rousey Movie On The Way**
Former Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey is set to have her own biopic on Netflix, adding another venture to her post-wrestling career.
That concludes our roundup of the latest wrestling news and rumors. Stay tuned for more wrestling content, and be sure to share your thoughts in the comments below!
