This week’s episode of WWE “SmackDown” presented a mix of excitement and turbulence, with some key events shaping the future of the storyline and championship landscape.
Ilja Dragunov’s Victorious Return
Ilja Dragunov made a triumphant return, defeating Sami Zayn to become the new WWE United States Champion. This match marked Dragunov’s first appearance in over a year, following a recovery from a torn ACL.
Match Details
The championship bout unfolded amidst an intense atmosphere. Solo Sikoa intervened, distracting Zayn just enough for Dragunov to seize the opportunity. He executed a Torpedo Moscow and followed it up with an H-Bomb to claim victory. This match not only highlighted Dragunov’s resilience but also set up future rivalries.
Cody Rhodes’ Aggressive Turn
Cody Rhodes revealed a more aggressive persona during the episode. Frustrated with Drew McIntyre, Rhodes reacted carelessly, leading to a disqualification after he struck McIntyre with his championship belt in an impromptu Undisputed title match.
Key Matches and Outcomes
- Ilja Dragunov def. Sami Zayn (U.S. Championship)
- Drew McIntyre def. Cody Rhodes by disqualification
- Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss def. Zaria and Sol Ruca
- Motor City Machine Guns def. Los Garza
Unresolved Conflicts
Jacob Fatu’s backstage attack left him unable to compete, adding further uncertainty to the title picture. Reports suggest he sustained significant injuries. Should he return healthy, Fatu could quickly re-enter the championship conversation.
Future Rivalries
The aftermath of Dragunov’s title win and Fatu’s situation lays the groundwork for emerging rivalries. The anticipated matchups could unfold at Survivor Series: WarGames on November 29, with several competitors in line, including Zayn, Nakamura, and the newly established MFTs.
Women’s Tag Team Dynamics
In the women’s division, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss showcased their prowess against Zaria and Sol Ruca, who will be matched up soon for the NXT Women’s Title. Blink Monroe’s presence in the crowd added another layer to the ongoing women’s storyline.
Overall, this week’s “SmackDown” may not have reached the heights of previous episodes, but it indeed set the stage for thrilling developments in the weeks to come. Fans are left anticipating how these evolving narratives will unfold in future shows on El-Balad.
