On October 3, WWE held its Friday Night SmackDown event at the Heritage Bank Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, delivering notable WWE SmackDown highlights review just days before the company’s international trip to Perth, Australia for the upcoming Crown Jewel event. The show featured key moments including contract signings, promos, brawls, and matches that shaped the current WWE landscape, especially highlighting rising NXT talent who captured fans’ attention.
Breakup Between Carmelo Hayes and The Miz Sets New Feud in Motion
After weeks of mounting tension, Carmelo Hayes decided to end his partnership with The Miz. In a backstage exchange, Hayes made it clear to The Miz that he intended to leave behind their Melo Don’t Miz tag team and pursue his own path moving forward. The Miz, holding onto Hayes in recent weeks, was visibly frustrated by this decision.
The split quickly escalated when The Miz betrayed Hayes with a surprise attack just as Hayes attempted to answer Sami Zayn’s United States Championship open challenge. This incident signals a potential turning point for Hayes, likely marking a babyface transition and setting up a singles rivalry that could elevate Hayes’s standing in WWE.
Sami Zayn’s United States Title Open Challenge Showcases Aleister Black
The ongoing United States Championship open challenge from Sami Zayn remains a highlight segment on SmackDown. Aleister Black was the latest competitor to respond, delivering a match that built steadily from a measured beginning into an intense, fast-paced showdown. Black displayed technical skill and resilience, almost capturing victory against Zayn.
However, Damian Priest’s interference cost Black the match, continuing the simmering conflict between Priest and Black. Priest’s distraction allowed Zayn to retain his title, reinforcing Zayn’s prominence while simultaneously giving Black a platform to demonstrate his strength and credibility within WWE.
Emerging NXT Stars Sol Ruca and Zaria Gain Main Roster Exposure
NXT’s promising talents Sol Ruca and Zaria earned valuable spotlight time on Friday Night SmackDown through an official tag team match announced by SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis. After a backstage interaction with The Green Regime, the duo was set to face Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre on the main roster.
Sol Ruca, the reigning WWE Speed and Women’s North American Champion, alongside her partner Zaria, came away with a decisive victory in a brief but impactful bout. Their convincing win over established main roster competitors not only showcased their abilities but also raised hopes among fans for their imminent call-up to a more prominent WWE role, potentially strengthening the women’s tag team division.
Je’Von Evans Returns to SmackDown, Teams with Rey Fenix in Tag Match
Following an impressive showing last week when he answered Sami Zayn’s US Championship open challenge, Je’Von Evans made another appearance on SmackDown, continuing to capture positive attention. His performance at NXT’s No Mercy event further solidified his reputation as a rising star within WWE’s ranks.
Last night, Evans teamed up with Rey Fenix to secure a victory over Los Garza in a tag team contest that highlighted both wrestlers’ electric ring styles. Fenix, previously on track to contend for the WWE Tag Team Title before his partner Andrade’s departure from the company, now finds renewed momentum alongside Evans as they climb the tag team ranks together.
Significance of These Developments and What to Expect Next
The October 3 SmackDown episode illustrated WWE’s willingness to integrate fresh talent from NXT into the main roster spotlight while continuing major storylines among established names. Carmelo Hayes’s split from The Miz promises a compelling singles feud that could catapult Hayes’s career forward, matching the hopes of fans eager to see his rise.
Sami Zayn’s United States Championship reign remains dynamic through open challenges that allow competitors like Aleister Black to shine, maintaining the title’s prestige and narrative importance. Meanwhile, the inclusion of NXT prospects Sol Ruca and Zaria in main roster matches underscores WWE’s commitment to building new stars within its ranks.
Je’Von Evans’s continued presence on SmackDown and partnership with Rey Fenix signals WWE’s focus on cultivating talented tag teams capable of invigorating the tag division. Looking ahead, these storylines and rising talents are poised to influence the build-up towards Crown Jewel and beyond as WWE prepares to engage global audiences.
