WWE was in Oklahoma City for Smackdown on Friday with one of the final episodes before the Bad Blood premium live event on October 5 in Atlanta.
The show only had four matches, and only one was memorable–and it wasn’t the main event. Here are the results:
- Bayley defeated Naomi
- Carmelo Hayes defeated Andrade
- Mia Yim defeated Niven
- Solo Sikoa and Fatu defeated Kevin Owens and Randy Orton
A potential heel turn from Kevin Owens continues to be teased as he and Cody Rhodes got into a brief shoving match. Still, I’m beginning to believe there is another situation developing.
Someone will turn on Rhodes, but it’s time we stop looking at Owens and turn our attention to Orton. The Viper told Rhodes he didn’t like him teaming with Roman Reigns at Bad Blood, but the American Nightmare was defiant toward his long-time friend.
Orton played the peacemaker between Rhodes and Owens, but throughout the entire time, it felt like a perfect time for an RKO out of nowhere.
Rhodes and Orton have had a long history with each other since both were young and just getting started as professional wrestlers, following in the footsteps of their famous fathers.
Orton appeared on Rhodes’ podcast, So What Do You Want to Talk About, earlier this year, and both expressed an interest in working together with a feud.
Launching a significant push in that direction would be one of the most compelling feuds in the WWE, likely replacing what we’re seeing with CM Punk and Drew McIntyre.
Also, keep an eye on a potential heel turn from Naomi as she lost her No. 1 contender’s match against Bayley.
Carmelo Hayes and Andrade worked another excellent match that showcased both men’s in-ring prowess. L.A. Knight’s appearance cost Andrade the match, but that wasn’t the most memorable concept.
The series between Hayes and Andrade has elevated both men and properly positioned them to succeed Knight as the United States Championship potentially.
Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu defeated Orton and Owens in the last match. The beef at the end of the match will get most of the discussion, but what continues to be the story of every Bloodline 2.0 segment, and that’s Fatu.
From a presence and pure ability standpoint, Fatu is already one of the best in the WWE. Fatu’s ascension has been slow and steady, and fans are eagerly awaiting him taking the next step.
He has everything it takes to be the Tribal Chief. At some point, you have to think he’ll get the opportunity.
Last but not least, AJ Styles’ return was announced. The future Hall-of-Famer will be back on Smackdown next week. His return will also coincide with the beginning of a run of six straight weeks where Roman Reigns will also be on Smackdown.
WWE is cranking things up for Bad Blood and into Survivor Series in November. It’ll be interesting to see the promotion rounds out the year and lead into 2025 beginning with The Royal Rumble.
