The WWE Smackdown latest episode review reveals a blend of thrilling wrestling action and uneven storytelling that aired on Friday, featuring in-ring highlights and backstage drama. While the show benefited from strong matches and notable character development, certain segments—including a questionable celebrity match—detracted from its overall impact.
Opening Chaos Sets a Confusing Tone
The episode kicked off with a dramatic scene involving wrecked cars and a bloody face, aiming to create immediate tension. However, this momentum quickly faltered due to Cody Rhodes’ awkward delivery while presenting a contract. Instead of enhancing the gravity of the moment, his frantic demeanor and odd behavior detracted, making the segment feel artificial and poorly executed.
Backstage Encounter Between Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss Falls Flat
Alexa Bliss continues to impress with her expressive acting and the energy she brings to her return, drawing strong audience reactions. In contrast, Charlotte Flair appeared stiff and detached, often seeming as though she was reading from a script rather than performing naturally. The sharp contrast between Bliss’s authenticity and Flair’s discomfort created an uneven scene, highlighting Flair’s need to improve her on-camera presence.
Disappointing Opener: Charlotte Flair vs. Raquel Rodriguez
As the night’s opening match, expectations were high for an energetic display to set the pace. Unfortunately, the contest unfolded slowly, with both competitors exhibiting hesitation between moves. Raquel Rodriguez showcased growing strength and dominance, but Charlotte Flair’s performance was underwhelming, particularly during her top-rope maneuvers. The match’s conclusion felt awkward and lacked impact.
Strong Backstory Elevates Carmello Hayes vs. Damien Priest
The rivalry between Carmello Hayes and Damien Priest was well framed through an effective video package that added depth and continuity to their encounter. Hayes’s surprise early attack caught attention, and Priest’s resilience—shown while remaining in his entrance attire—added to the drama. The match featured exciting momentum shifts, including Hayes landing his signature move, “Tuning Up the Band.” The bout ended in a disqualification after Aleister Black’s interference, setting up future tension among the three competitors.
Jelly Roll’s Presence Draws Criticism
The ongoing involvement of Jelly Roll in WWE programming sparked strong negative reactions, particularly in light of talented wrestlers being released. His participation, alongside other celebrity guests such as Logan Paul, felt out of place and compromised the credibility of the product, coming across as cartoonish and detracting from the wrestling’s authenticity. These segments serve as a reminder of ongoing concerns voiced by industry figures about WWE’s direction.
Stephanie Vaquer and Alba Fyre Deliver a Brisk but Intense Contest
Though brief, the match between Stephanie Vaquer and Alba Fyre packed a punch with fast-paced action and impactful moves. Both wrestlers maximized the limited time, with stiff strikes and a memorable top-rope superkick from Fyre. Despite the rushed finish, likely due to an impending interference by Piper Niven, the bout hinted at potential for more significant showcases in the future.
Explosive Four-Way Tag Team Battle Ignites the Crowd
The four-way tag team contenders match stood out as one of the hottest segments of the night, featuring Motor City Machine Guns, Fraxiom, DIY, and Andrade with Ray Fenix. Although Andrade and Ray Fenix took the victory, every team contributed to a high-energy contest packed with remarkable sequences. Nathan Frazer, wrestling as Fraxiom, impressed with relentless intensity and athleticism, consistently delivering standout moments in an electrifying display.
Cody Rhodes Faces a Dark Turning Point in His Storyline
The ongoing storyline involving Cody Rhodes and John Cena is reaching a critical moment, as Rhodes appears to be gravitating towards a darker persona, reminiscent of Luke Skywalker’s transformative path in Star Wars. His emotional and psychological struggles are becoming increasingly evident, with future decisions looming that could profoundly alter his character’s trajectory. While a dramatic shift may not occur at the upcoming SummerSlam event, the groundwork laid in this episode strongly suggests it is only a matter of time.
This episode of Smackdown delivered a mixed bag of performances and segments, balancing pulse-pounding matches with some ill-conceived moments that affected the show’s overall cohesion. With a roster brimming with talent, it remains crucial for WWE to minimize unnecessary celebrity stunts and focus on building compelling wrestling narratives. The developments in key rivalries, especially involving Cody Rhodes, promise intense drama going forward and will be essential for maintaining audience engagement in the coming weeks.
