Friday Night SmackDown concluded with a mix of high-profile matches and significant story developments, setting the stage for an action-packed weekend including NXT Great American Bash, Saturday Night’s Main Event, and WWE Evolution. However, Randy Orton SummerSlam disappointment emerged as fans reacted to Orton’s limited involvement, overshadowed by a celebrity tag team storyline WWE appears to be emphasizing.
Missed Opportunity in the Tiffany Stratton versus Trish Stratus Rivalry
With WWE Evolution less than two days away, anticipation surrounds the event but criticism has surfaced regarding the build for the Tiffany Stratton and Trish Stratus match. Some fans feel the storyline has been expedited without fully developing its potential under Triple H’s direction. A promotional segment featuring both competitors aired on SmackDown, aiming to elevate the stakes for their upcoming bout. Despite the segment’s solid foundation and moments of tension, it ultimately failed to fully engage the audience or elevate the feud as intended. Interruptions from Naomi and Jade Cargill distracted from the focus, leaving the buildup feeling incomplete and less impactful than expected on this platform.
Sol Ruca Impresses in Her Main Roster Debut
Sol Ruca, a rising star in WWE and holder of both the WWE Speed Women’s Championship and NXT Women’s North American Championship, made an impressive debut on the main roster during SmackDown. Competing in a Fatal Four-Way Match alongside Kairi Sane, Alexa Bliss, and Roxanne Perez, Sol displayed remarkable athleticism and versatility. The contest blended different eras and styles of women’s wrestling, effectively positioning Sol as a credible force among established stars. Although Sol was unable to secure the victory due to interference by Raquel Rodriguez, the match served as an undeniable showcase of her talent, signaling Triple H’s confidence in her abilities and hinting at major opportunities ahead.
Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre’s Celebrity-Focused Segment Draws Criticism
The SmackDown episode featured musician Jelly Roll performing before his spotlight was interrupted by Logan Paul, sparking a heated altercation. Randy Orton intervened to defend Jelly Roll but was attacked by Drew McIntyre, who took advantage with multiple cheap shots before being pulled away by Jelly Roll. While the segment itself was engaging and avoided becoming overbearing, it strongly suggests that Orton and McIntyre’s involvement at SummerSlam will revolve around a celebrity-driven tag team match. This decision disappointed many fans who expected more serious or traditional wrestling storylines for these seasoned performers, marking a major letdown given their established reputations within WWE.
Aleister Black’s Heel Turn Sets Up a Promising SummerSlam Match
Aleister Black returned to WWE earlier this year as a heroic figure, but recent developments indicate a darker direction. After ongoing tension with R-Truth, a match on SmackDown culminated with Black losing due to R-Truth’s underhanded tactics involving a concealed chair. Black’s frustration boiled over post-match when he aggressively attacked Damian Priest, who intervened to stop him from further harming R-Truth in the locker room. This aggressive behavior confirmed Aleister’s heel turn, adding complexity to his character and building anticipation for his anticipated match against Damian Priest at SummerSlam. The storyline progression benefits multiple characters and enhances interest in upcoming events.
SummerSlam Outlook and WWE’s Strategic Choices
The combination of exciting emerging talent like Sol Ruca and Aleister Black’s character evolution contrasts sharply with the underwhelming positioning of veterans Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre, whose anticipated SummerSlam roles appear relegated to supporting a celebrity tag match. This prioritization signals WWE’s continued strategy of integrating celebrities to expand mainstream appeal, but it risks alienating core fans eager for intense, competitive wrestling from established stars. How these choices resonate will likely influence fan sentiment and narrative direction as WWE heads into one of its biggest annual events.
