The July 4 episode of WWE Smackdown delivered a refreshed pace with its return to a two-hour runtime, offering renewed energy after months of prolonged broadcasts. The show featured a gripping confrontation between Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, and Randy Orton, energizing the men’s division, while the women’s tag team segment struggled to engage the audience.
High Tension Builds as Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, and Randy Orton Collide
The rivalry among Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, and Randy Orton was the highlight of the night, filled with palpable tension and uncertainty about each wrestler’s future moves. Cody’s choice to openly ask the audience what they wanted to discuss during promos broke the usual scripted pattern, intensifying anticipation for the eventual fallout between him and his mentor Orton. Fans remain unsure whether Cody or Orton will change allegiances first, making the storyline unpredictable and compelling.
Drew McIntyre’s involvement adds an intriguing dimension to this feud, promising an exciting showdown when he and Cody finally face each other in the ring. An unexpected but memorable moment was Drew’s shirt, which humorously connected with viewers on a relatable note. This subtle touch brought levity to a show otherwise heavy with dramatic wrestling narratives.
Women’s Tag Team Contest Fails to Impress
The women’s tag team match left much to be desired, with Charlotte Flair’s performances drawing criticism for being unengaging, especially when compared to the dynamism of her partner, Alexa Bliss. While Charlotte is undeniably a major figure in professional wrestling, her current on-screen presence felt tedious and diminished the match’s impact.
Alexa Bliss stood out by displaying fierce aggression and fluid movements, earning the loudest crowd support during the bout. B-Fab and Michin, two favored competitors of the commentator, experienced unfortunate missteps, including a notable faceplant by Michin following a dive. The arrangement of established tag pairings against more prominent names raised frustration, as it seemed to prioritize Flair’s character recovery over showcasing authentic team chemistry.
Trish Stratus’s Return Misses the Mark Amid Growing Women’s Roster
The reintroduction of Trish Stratus was viewed as a missed opportunity to highlight the deep talent pool of the women’s roster currently available in WWE. Instead of promoting emerging female stars, the choice to bring back a veteran seemed out of step with efforts to focus on women’s wrestling excellence, leaving some fans longing for fresh narratives.
Men’s Tag Team Bout Delivers Comic-Book Style Excitement
The men’s tag team match provided one of the most thrilling moments of the evening, capturing a dramatic battle reminiscent of superhero comics. Four wrestlers united to oppose a formidable threat, creating an engaging story of power versus vulnerability. This match marked the strongest showing yet for the team known as the Wyatt Sicks, who demonstrated solid teamwork and clearer direction.
Dexter Lumis stood out by shedding previous performance errors, solidifying his character as a feared presence rather than an inconsistent figure. The match transcended typical good-versus-evil storytelling by emphasizing a clash of strength and weakness, resulting in an enjoyable and intense contest that entertained the audience throughout the night.
Fraxiom and Andrade & Fenix Showcase Masterful Tag Team Wrestling
Another highlight was the matchup between Fraxiom and the team of Andrade and Rey Fenix, which featured spectacularly synchronized moves and high-flying maneuvers. Andrade’s successful pinfall signified a shift in momentum, ending Fraxiom’s undefeated streak — a bittersweet moment given Fraxiom’s impressive prior booking by Triple H.
Nathan Frazer’s rapid and energetic style contrasted with Axiom’s precise, commanding performance, making them a duo both feared and admired. Though initially skeptical about Andrade and Fenix’s partnership, their seamless cooperation surprised many and produced what many considered the best match of the night, blending technical skill with spectacular athleticism.
Main Event Falls Short Despite Title Defense
The main event did not meet expectations, particularly regarding Solo Sikoa‘s portrayal as the United States Champion. His subgroup, referred to as the Family Tree, was criticized for lacking the impact and cohesion that his predecessor’s Bloodline faction maintained. Sikoa’s victory, aided by multiple interference, did not convincingly project dominance, undercutting the intended portrayal of power.
The match itself was average, with few memorable wrestling sequences to discuss, and continues to suffer from the underdeveloped character of J.C. Mateo, whose presence has yet to resonate strongly with the audience.
Looking Ahead: Renewed Focus on Men’s Tag Momentum and Women’s Division Development Needed
WWE Smackdown’s July 4 edition presented hope for future storylines, particularly with the evolving intrigue among Rhodes, Orton, and McIntyre, and the promising cohesion developing within the men’s tag divisions. However, the women’s matches and main event segments highlighted ongoing challenges that could impact viewer engagement.
As the show adjusts to its two-hour format, expectations remain high for more consistent storytelling and character development that capitalizes on WWE’s talented roster, ensuring each division receives the attention and depth it deserves.
