In this week’s Friday Night SmackDown, WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made a significant entrance to discuss his recent match against Seth Rollins at Crown Jewel. He acknowledged Rollins’ intense efforts but expressed a desire to move on from the rivalry. Instead, Rhodes was focused on a number one contender’s match featuring Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu.
Unprecedented Moments in the Ring
Rhodes had an encounter with Fatu backstage, where Fatu welcomed him to the Bay Area, creating a lively atmosphere among the fans. Anticipation built as McIntyre and Fatu squared off for a chance to compete at the upcoming Saturday Night’s Main Event, scheduled for two weeks later.
However, the dynamic shifted abruptly when Fatu was discovered injured and incapacitated backstage, which led McIntyre to demand recognition as the number one contender. SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis hesitated, as McIntyre appeared to be the cause of Fatu’s condition. In a surprising turn, Rhodes intervened and challenged McIntyre to a title match on the spot, leading to chaos in the arena.
As chaos ensued, the match commenced, with Rhodes still dressed in his casual attire. In a shocking outcome, Rhodes used the championship belt to get disqualified, allowing him to retain the title despite the match loss. This controversial end to the match resulted in boos from the audience, dissatisfied with the finish.
Action-Packed Title Match
The excitement didn’t conclude there. Rhodes attempted to further escalate the situation by setting up the announcer’s table, raising the stakes for McIntyre. However, WWE personnel arrived to intervene, leading to Rhodes taking a daring leap from the top rope onto the gathered crowd, maintaining his intense momentum.
A New United States Champion Emerges
The episode also featured Sami Zayn, who faced a roadblock when The Miz tried to answer his United States Championship open challenge. Yet, Ilja Dragunov made a surprise return, filling the void left by The Miz. Dragunov showcased a powerful comeback, appearing fit and ready for action after time away.
Despite some interference from Solo Sikoa, Dragunov triumphed over Zayn with a decisive H-Bomb, claiming the United States Championship. Commentary noted that Sikoa’s appearance played a role in Zayn’s loss, raising questions about the legitimacy of Dragunov’s victory.
Post-Match Chaos
Following the match, just as Dragunov and Zayn were about to shake hands, The MFTs stormed the ring, launching an attack on both wrestlers. This feud seems poised for growth, aiming to solidify The MFTs’ status as a credible threat in WWE.
Additional Highlights
- Sol Ruca & Zaria faced off against Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss in a competitive tag match.
- Aleister Black and Zelina Vega announced their collaboration, hinting at darker prospects ahead.
- Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton addressed a recent loss while looking forward to future challenges.
- The Motor City Machine Guns celebrated their anniversary only to be interrupted by Los Garza, leading to a subsequent match.
The episode showcased an array of thrilling moments, leaving fans eager for future developments and matches, particularly the imminent title match and evolving rivalries on the brand.
