Get ready for some wrestling drama! The world of WWE SmackDown just got a whole lot more intriguing with a loophole that's causing quite a stir. The fine print in wrestling contracts can be a real game-changer!
On this week's SmackDown, Paul Heyman, with a War Games contract in hand, reminded General Manager Nick Aldis that the agreement allowed him to choose any WWE wrestler, regardless of brand, to join Team Vision. And boy, did he make a controversial choice!
Suspended Drew McIntyre made a surprise appearance at the end of the show, aligning himself with Heyman and The Vision. Aldis was left powerless to stop it, and from a storyline perspective, it was a clever move. Heyman even managed to convince Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes to give Bronson Reed a title shot. But here's where it gets interesting... I have to say, I wasn't a fan of the match being the main focus of the storytelling. It felt like an afterthought, which is a shame because it could have been so much more.
Let's dive into the results of Friday's SmackDown:
- Jey Uso defeated The Miz
- Ilja Dragunov retained the United States Championship against Axiom
- LA Knight advanced in the "Last Time Is Now" Tournament, defeating Zack Ryder
- Jade Cargill dominated B-Fab in a non-title match
- Cody Rhodes retained the Undisputed WWE Championship against Bronson Reed (by DQ)
The Survivor Series: War Games is shaping up to be an epic battle. Heyman's point about the contract is valid, and Aldis did indeed say "ANYBODY"! McIntyre's return, despite his suspension, adds an intriguing twist. It looks like Team Vision will consist of Reed, Breakker, Logan Paul, and McIntyre, with one spot left to be filled. On the other side, we have Rhodes, Jimmy and Jey Uso, and CM Punk. The next two weeks will reveal the final members, leading up to the highly anticipated War Games match. I'm leaning towards the villains emerging victorious, as the titles won't be on the line, giving them a much-needed win heading into future title matches.
Now, let's take a look at some other storylines and takeaways from the show:
- Welcome back, Zack Ryder! He put on an impressive performance against LA Knight, showcasing his talent and experience. It remains to be seen if this is a full-time return, but either way, Ryder is always ready for action.
- Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky's discussion about their upcoming War Games match took an unexpected turn when Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss entered the ring. Flair addressed her past beef with Ripley, acknowledging their lack of trust in each other. I appreciate how this rivalry is being incorporated into the storyline leading up to Survivor Series, adding depth to the match.
- Tomasso Ciampa's exclusion from a United States title match due to being "a jackass" feels a bit unfair. Dragunov's reason for not wanting to face him seems weak, and I'd love to see Ciampa get a title run. However, Dragunov's popularity might be a factor in this decision.
- The open challenge for the United States Championship continues to deliver incredible matches. The title has become synonymous with the best technical wrestlers and in-ring competitors, much like the Intercontinental Championship once was. Ilja Dragunov's defense against Axiom was a prime example of this.
- Sami Zayn's medical clearance and subsequent promo, interrupted by Solo Sikoa and the MFTs, sets the stage for Survivor Series: War Games. Rey Fenix, AJ Styles, and the Motor City Machine Guns also joined the fray, adding to the excitement.
- Jade Cargill's dominance over B-Fab was a perfect showcase of her heel persona. Total destruction, confidence, and a cocky pin - this is what will propel Cargill to mega stardom.
And this is the part most people miss... the fine print in wrestling contracts can change everything! What do you think about these developments? Will the villains reign supreme at Survivor Series? Let's discuss in the comments and share your predictions!
