WWE SmackDown on FOX kicked off with an intense video package highlighting the ongoing drama within The Bloodline, particularly the issues between The Usos. The show was live from the GIANT Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and Michael Cole welcomed the viewers. He was joined at ringside by Kevin Patrick and Corey Graves.
The opening segment featured the return of John Cena to a massive pop from the crowd. Cena wasted no time and rushed to the ring as Mike Rome introduced him. Cena took the mic and expressed his gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support throughout his 20-year career. He mentioned his excitement about being a part of SmackDown for a few months and hosting WWE Payback the following night.
Just as Cena was hyping up the show, Jimmy Uso’s music hit, and he made his way to the ring to a chorus of boos. Cena and Uso had a tense face-off, with fans chanting for Jey Uso. Uso questioned Cena’s presence and claimed that the fans came to see him instead. He expressed his love for his brother and his intentions to protect him from the corrupting influence of Roman Reigns and Cena.
Uso took a shot at Cena’s fashion sense, which Cena acknowledged with a smile. Cena then confronted Uso about his mindset and delivered a powerful message, stating that the wrong Uso quit three years ago. Cena then hit Uso with an Attitude Adjustment, leaving him down and out in the ring.
In a backstage interview, Austin Theory and Grayson Waller laughed off Cena hosting Payback and bragged about their own abilities. They promised to show the world what they are capable of as the “world’s greatest tag team.”
The opening match featured Austin Theory and Grayson Waller taking on The LWO (Santos Escobar, Joaquin Wilde, and Cruz Del Toro) with Rey Mysterio. Theory and Waller secured the victory, further establishing their dominance as a tag team.
Mia Yim confronted Adam Pearce backstage, expressing her readiness to compete. Jimmy Uso interrupted the conversation and had a heated exchange with Pearce before storming off.
Bobby Lashley made his way to the ring, where he praised The Street Profits for their recent success and their friendship. The Street Profits thanked Lashley for his guidance and vowed to continue their pursuit of power, control, and championship gold.
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn faced The LWO in a non-title match. Owens and Zayn emerged victorious, sending a warning to The Judgment Day ahead of their Steel City Street Fight at Payback.
The Miz and LA Knight engaged in a war of words, with Miz belittling Knight’s accomplishments. Knight fired back, highlighting his journey from the bottom to the top and promising to defeat Miz at Payback.
Bayley took on Shotzi, with Shotzi emerging victorious thanks to an assist from Charlotte Flair. Flair made her presence felt, setting the stage for a potential showdown with Bayley in the future.
In the main event, Solo Sikoa faced AJ Styles. Solo secured the win with the Samoan Spike, thanks to interference from Jimmy Uso. The segment ended with Jimmy standing tall in the ring, signaling his desire to rejoin The Bloodline.
Stay tuned to Wrestling Headlines for more updates on WWE SmackDown and all things professional wrestling.