WWE launched its European Summer Tour with Friday Night SmackDown airing live from Dublin, Ireland, for the first time in the show‘s history. This global broadcast, featuring the <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/smackdown/”>WWE SmackDown Dublin Highlights, drew an enthusiastic crowd, with the United States audience watching the show on tape delay via the USA Network.
Becky Lynch Opens the Show with a Powerful Performance in Dublin
The event started with Becky Lynch, the Women’s Intercontinental Champion and native of Dublin, making a memorable entrance that electrified the local fans. Although she is primarily associated with RAW, Lynch’s return to her hometown was marked by a mix of genuine emotion and commanding presence. After engaging warmly with the crowd, she quickly shifted into her “heel” persona, showcasing the skill and charisma that solidify her status as one of wrestling’s greatest female performers.
Her interaction with the crowd combined both respect and showmanship, setting a high energy tone for the evening. Despite this strong start, the momentum slowed when Tiffany Stratton interrupted, bringing an abrupt end to Lynch’s segment and redirecting the show‘s focus.
Underwhelming Presentation of Tiffany Stratton, Nia Jax, and Jade Cargill Undermines Women’s Division
The interruption by Tiffany Stratton led into an uninspired promo from the WWE Women’s Champion, followed by a lackluster appearance from Nia Jax. The two teamed up to target Stratton, prompting a rescue by Jade Cargill and setting up the tag team main event for the night. However, the segment highlighted significant problems with how these three wrestlers are portrayed on WWE television.
Their characters remain underdeveloped, and inconsistent promo work diminishes their impact, creating stagnation within the women’s division. Overexposure of these wrestlers without meaningful storylines or character growth has contributed to a lack of excitement, detracting from what was otherwise an impressive introduction by Becky Lynch.
Many fans and commentators questioned why Lynch was not placed in a heavier spotlight, suggesting that a champion versus champion match featuring Lynch against Stratton or United States Women’s Champion Giulia could have elevated the evening’s narrative. Such matchups might have concluded with a disqualification or a save by Cargill to build intrigue, potentially offering a stronger finish to the night.
The Miz Captures the Crowd’s Attention and Steals the Show
In the opening match, The Miz teamed with Carmelo Hayes to face the Motor City Machine Guns, and it quickly became clear that fans had come to see The Miz above all. The Dublin audience erupted with chants of “We Want Miz” whenever he was not in the ring, celebrating his veteran savvy and charisma. In contrast, Carmelo Hayes was frequently booed, reflecting the story unfolding between the two performers.
The match revolved around the subtle rivalry between Hayes and Miz, with both trying to outshine each other. The Miz ultimately secured the win after cleverly capitalizing on an opponent’s mistake, only to be knocked down immediately by Alex Shelley. This outcome reinforced Miz’s reputation as a crafty competitor, earning genuine appreciation from the crowd.
The growing tension between Miz and Hayes suggests an impending shift in their characters, possibly positioning The Miz for another face turn. The enthusiastic reactions from the fans hint that Miz’s eventual transition may be met with support if the storyline continues to build.
Stagnant Development in the Women’s United States Championship Scene
Backstage segments involving Mia Yim, Kiana James, and Giulia further illustrated the slow progression of the Women’s United States Championship storyline. Indications pointed to an upcoming match between Yim and James, with the winner likely earning a title shot against Giulia. Although this represented some movement after weeks of little development, it also highlighted missed opportunities elsewhere on the card.
Giulia’s role as United States Women’s Champion remains underutilized, despite her potential. Placing her in a high-profile match against Becky Lynch or having her team with Lynch in the tag main event could have significantly enhanced both competitors and the title’s prestige. Instead, the current direction risks making the championship feel secondary.
Additionally, Nikki Cross was shown observing events covertly, but without clearer storytelling or more engaging rivals, the Women’s United States Championship remains overshadowed. Until more compelling characters emerge to challenge Giulia, this division’s momentum is likely to stall further.
John Cena Delivers a Scathing Rebuke of Logan Paul
One of the night’s most intense moments came when John Cena launched a blistering verbal attack on Logan Paul. The promo was a masterclass in controlled aggression as Cena thoroughly dismissed Paul’s WWE credentials and motives. Cena notably flipped off Paul during the segment, a rare gesture signaling his fiery disdain.
The crowd joined in by chanting an explicit insult directed at Paul, underscoring vocal disapproval. Cena remarked that he initially considered Paul an “outsider,” but acknowledged that the Dublin fans’ harsher judgment was justified, though he ultimately described Paul as a disappointment rather than an outsider.
Cena accused Paul of exploiting WWE to promote his “Prime” brand and warned that their upcoming Clash in Paris match would be the most significant bout of Paul’s career. He also expressed preference for facing opponents like Dominik Mysterio, Seth Rollins, or Jacob Fatu during his farewell tour, emphasizing that Paul did not belong in such a spotlight.
This segment effectively positioned Cena as a voice of tradition and respect within WWE, calling out what he sees as inauthenticity and reminding fans of the importance of genuine competition.
Overall Impact and Implications for WWE SmackDown’s Future
WWE SmackDown’s debut in Dublin provided a mixed but intriguing show, marked by standout moments like Becky Lynch’s hometown opening, The Miz’s savvy win, and John Cena’s harsh critique of Logan Paul. The event’s electric crowd added energy, highlighting the appeal of live wrestling in new international markets.
However, the uneven booking decisions, particularly involving the women’s division and emerging talents, revealed ongoing challenges in storytelling and character development. The heavy focus on certain wrestlers with limited promo skills risks diluting the excitement and stagnating the roster’s growth. This calls for a refreshed approach to elevate new stars and better utilize champions like Giulia.
Moving forward, WWE’s ability to capitalize on powerful moments while addressing weak storylines will be crucial in maintaining fan interest, especially during a significant touring period such as their European Summer Tour. With upcoming events like Clash in Paris and high-profile matches involving Cena and Logan Paul on the horizon, future episodes may serve as an important barometer for WWE’s evolving narrative strategies and talent utilization.
