On the final episode of Friday Night SmackDown before SummerSlam, WWE took the opportunity to build up the main event between Jey Uso and Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Championship. The show started with Jey Uso facing Solo Sikoa, a match that aimed to demonstrate Jey’s capabilities. While the match itself wasn’t particularly memorable, Jey showcased his skills by defeating Sikoa with a Spear followed by a Splash.
However, the real intrigue came after the match when Jey confronted Paul Heyman and Solo Sikoa. Jey got into Sikoa’s head by revealing the truth, much like Sami Zayn had done in the past. Despite Sikoa seeming to buy into Jey’s words, Jey ultimately laid him out with a superkick. This left the audience wondering if Jey’s mind games would play a significant role in his match against Roman Reigns at SummerSlam.
Speaking of SummerSlam, Michael Cole left the audience with several questions: “Can Jey Uso do the unthinkable? Can Jey Uso knock off The Tribal Chief? Can Jey Uso win Tribal Combat tomorrow night at SummerSlam?” These questions built anticipation for the upcoming event and left fans eager to see if Jey could pull off an upset victory.
In other news, LA Knight continued to make waves on Friday Night SmackDown. Knight started the show with a memorable promo, receiving a thunderous ovation from the crowd. He then went on to defeat Sheamus in a match that showcased his abilities. Despite The Miz unintentionally distracting Sheamus, Knight emerged victorious.
After the match, Karrion Kross and Grayson Waller attempted to attack Knight, highlighting the threat they perceive him to be. This segment further solidified Knight’s status as a rising star in WWE.
Other notable moments from the show included The Brawling Brutes taking on The O.C. in a tag team match that ended without a finish due to interference from The Street Profits. The Profits made a powerful statement, and the addition of Bobby Lashley to their group hinted at the formation of a new faction.
Cameron Grimes also had a strong showing against Austin Theory, although he ultimately fell short. Santos Escobar took advantage of the situation and attacked Theory, building anticipation for their upcoming U.S. title match.
Additionally, Iyo Sky and Bayley were guests on “The Grayson Waller Effect,” where Bayley answered on behalf of Sky regarding her plans for cashing in the Money in the Bank contract at SummerSlam. Shotzi made a surprise appearance and attacked Bayley, setting up a match between Sky and Zelina Vega, which Vega won with an assist from Shotzi.
Finally, the show featured video packages promoting the women’s championship match at SummerSlam, showcasing Asuka, Charlotte Flair, and Bianca Belair. However, these packages were deemed underwhelming by some fans.
Overall, Friday Night SmackDown delivered a solid show with a mix of captivating matches and intriguing storylines. The build-up to the main event of SummerSlam between Jey Uso and Roman Reigns left fans eagerly anticipating the outcome. LA Knight continued to impress, and the emergence of new factions and rivalries added to the excitement. With SummerSlam just around the corner, the anticipation for the event continues to grow.
For more information and a detailed recap of the show, visit prowrestlingwars.com.