The May 2nd edition of WWE SmackDown emanated from Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa. The night kicked off with a spectacular showdown, memorable moments, and stellar matches that were a delight to watch on the blue brand.
The main event of the night pitted the top four stars from the women’s division. An unlikely team emerged victorious, but as the dust settled, things seemed to have changed in the WWE Women’s title picture.
Quick Results
- LA Knight vs Damian Priest ended in Disqualification.
- Nathan Frazer & Axiom defeated Pretty Deadly in a tag team match.
- Aleister Black defeated The Miz in a singles match.
- Zelina Vega defeated Piper Niven in a non-title singles match.
- Rey Fenix picked up a win over Santos Escobar in a singles match.
- Tiffany Strattonย & Jade Cargill defeated Nia Jax & Naomi in a tag team match.
Best Match
The best match candidate of WWE SmackDown this week was the night’s opening match. The show opened with a fiery promo exchange between LA Knight and Damian Priest. The duo engaged in an evenly matched back-and-forth action that garnered major attention and even led to a ‘This is Awesome’ chant breaking out.
However, Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa interfered, spoiling the ending. Solo came out first to attack both competitors, but was overpowered by them. The Samoan Werewolf then appeared and destroyed LA Knight and Priest to make a huge statement.
Worst Match
The tag team showdown between Fraxiom and Pretty Deadly was the least compelling match of the night, in our opinion, as compared to other matches. Although it ended in Fraxiom’s win, which got good reactions, the match itself did not live up to expectations and even had a botch spot.
Noteworthy Moments
A prime highlight of the night was the promo cut by Randy Orton. He had heated words for his upcoming opponent, John Cena, at WWE Backlash and claimed that Cena sold his soul long ago and was playing the fans for years. The Viper promised to dethrone him for the Undisputed WWE title in front of his family and hometown crowd and vowed to punt kick Cena in the head.
Following Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa’s interference in the first match of the night, GM Nick Aldis made a Fatal 4-Way match official for WWE Backlash, in which Fatu will defend his title against LA Knight, Damien Priest, and Drew McIntyre.
Another noteworthy moment of WWE SmackDown this week was the end of the main event. After Jade Cargill and Tiffany Stratton picked up the win over Naomi and Nia Jax, the two women engaged in a tug of war with the WWE Women’s Championship. Right after, Naomi attacked the duo from behind and held the Women’s title to end the show.
The last major highlight from this week’s show was Aleister Black’s first match after returning to WWE last week. He collided against The Miz, and following an exciting showdown and neutralizing Carmelo Hayes’ interference, Black connected with the Black Mass to win the match.
Holy Sh!@ Moments
The only Holy Sh!@ Moment from this episode of WWE SmackDown was the display of exceptional power by Jade Cargill. In the final moments of the tag team main event, Cargill countered Jax’s attempt to hit the Annilhilator. Right then, she powerbombed the Irresistible Force from the top rope in a jaw-dropping moment to secure the win for her team.
Lowlights
Zelina Vega had her first match as the new WWE Women’s United States Champion against Piper Niven. It was a good match, with Vega going up against Niven despite a major size disadvantage and interference from her cohorts, Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre. Vega fought the odds again this week and won the match.
Another lowlight was Rey Fenix and Santos Escobar in a singles match. The performance by both competitors was exceptional; however, there was no storyline, and they did not get major reactions. It ended with Fenix executing the top-rope Meteora on Esobar to win the match.
What’s in store for WWE SmackDown next week
One of the biggest announcements for WWE SmackDown taking place next week was the return of John Cena. The 17-time WWE Champion is likely to address Randy Orton, one night before they collide for the Undisputed WWE title at Backlash.
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Apart from that, two major matches were announced for next week’s show. Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa will team up to battle LA Knight and Damian Priest. The second match set for next week will see Jade Cargill colliding against Nia Jax in a No.1 contender’s match for the WWE Women’s Championship.