It’s time for the WWE SmackDown recap.
This week’s show took place at the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, FL. Cody Rhodes and Logan Paul made their title match official but with a little twist. The King and Queen of the Ring tournaments continued as well.
That being said, these are the biggest hits and misses from the May 17, 2024, episode of Friday Night SmackDown.
Hit – Bianca Belair vs. Tiffany Stratton kicks off WWE SmackDown
Bianca Belair and Tiffany Stratton kicked off all the action on SmackDown. Both women met in the Queen of the Ring quarterfinals. Despite the TV restrictions, the duo delivered a really good match for the fans. Stratton targeted Belair’s knee for the majority of the match.
The EST managed to turn the tides in her favor, putting an end to Tiffy Time with a KOD. The majority of fans wanted Stratton to win, but I believe Triple H has bigger plans for the former NXT Women’s Champion.
Miss – Solo Sikoa’s fit
Somebody said on social media that Solo Sikoa’s outfit made him look like he was about to drop Blinding Lights live on WWE SmackDown. The dude needs to take notes from his father, Rikishi when it comes to fashion.
Paul Heyman asked Solo if he had talked to Roman Reigns before the show. “All the time, Wiseman,” Solo said. “All the time.”
Hit – Logan Paul vs. LA Knight tease
It seems we are getting Logan Paul versus LA Knight sooner rather than later. Both men had a brief staredown prior to Paul’s contract-signing segment with Cody Rhodes. Knight and Paul have only crossed paths in multi-man matches.
The Megastar failed to advance to the King of the Ring semifinals because he lost to Tama Tonga. I would’ve counted this as a miss if we hadn’t got the Knight vs. Paul tease earlier during the show.
Miss – No Champion vs. Champion in Saudi Arabia
We are not getting a Champion versus Champion match at King and Queen of the Ring next Saturday. Logan Paul refused to put his United States Championship on the line against Cody Rhodes during their segment on WWE SmackDown.
Paul tore the contract and had his lawyer present a new one with his terms and conditions. Nick Aldis tried to sound off, but Cody Rhodes agreed to put just his title on the line. The American Nightmare signed the contract before putting one of Paul’s Prime boys through the table.
They should’ve stuck with the Champion vs. Champion stipulation to make the outcome unpredictable. Now we all know Cody is retaining his Undisputed WWE Championship against Logan Paul in Saudi Arabia.
Hit – Ending to Jade Cargill vs. Nia Jax on WWE SmackDown
Let’s talk about the match first. I thought the in-ring action was really well done by both women; no fancy moves, just stiff strikes. Nia played her heel character brilliantly when she trolled Jade’s daughter. The DQ ending protected Jade from a clean loss. The feud will continue.
Nia takes on Bianca Belair in the Queen of the Ring semifinals next week on WWE SmackDown. I’m guessing Belair vs. IYO SKY in the QOTR finals in Saudi Arabia. IYO takes on Lyra Valkyria this Monday on WWE RAW.
Honorable Mentions
- AJ Styles was asked about his plan following his early elimination from the King of the Ring tournament. Styles said he’ll meet SmackDown GM Nick Aldis next week to find out what’s in store for him. I’m intrigued to see how Triple H books Styles in the coming weeks.
- We got a back-and-forth exchange between Bayley, Chelsea Green, and Piper Niven. I’m not a fan of babyface Bayley and her promos. Chelsea and Piper, on the other hand, are doing great as a heel tag team.
- DIY picked up the win over Los Lotharios. We might get an official confirmation on Gargano and Ciampa vs. Theory and Waller for the WWE Tag Team Championship next week on WWE SmackDown.
- Randy Orton advanced to the KOTR semi-finals. The Viper defeated Carmelo Hayes in the main event of WWE SmackDown. Orton is teasing the return of the punt kick. Will we see it next week against The Bloodline?
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Did you enjoy WWE SmackDown this week? Let us know in the comments section below!
