This week’s SmackDown brought a wave of nostalgia as a decade-old segment made a triumphant return.
While notable absences like Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins left a void, The Rock’s scathing verbal assault filled the void, reminding fans why he’s the People’s Champion.
Amidst the excitement, let’s delve into the standout moments from the latest episode of SmackDown.
Jimmy Uso Accepts WrestleMania Challenge
The impending clash between brothers Jimmy and Jey Uso has wrestling fans buzzing with anticipation. Once united, the brothers now tread separate paths on different brands, each with their own aspirations and conquests.
YEET! We're getting USO vs. USO!
Jimmy @WWEUsos accepted Jey @WWEUsos #WrestleMania challenge! 👏👏👏#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/SmRIvguaPC
— WWE (@WWE) March 16, 2024
At WrestleMania 39, The Usos reigned as the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions, headlining Night 1 of the event.
However, Jey Uso’s quest to carve his own legacy away from The Bloodline spotlight led to a confrontation with Gunther for the Intercontinental Championship on RAW, foiled by a timely distraction from Jimmy Uso.
In a bold move, Jey Uso challenged his twin to a WrestleMania showdown earlier this week, an offer promptly accepted by Jimmy on SmackDown.
As the hype builds for this brother vs. brother encounter, the watchful eye of their father, Hall of Famer Rikishi, adds an extra layer of intrigue to the unfolding drama.
Logan Paul’s WrestleMania 40 Opponents Revealed
Last week, Logan Paul’s foray into the world of WWE sponsorship was met with excitement, only to be disrupted by the interference of Randy Orton.
🚨 TRIPLE THREAT MATCH FOR THE #USTITLE AT #WRESTLEMANIA! 🚨#SmackDown GM @RealNickAldis just announced that @LoganPaul will defend his US Title against @RandyOrton and @FightOwensFight on The Grandest Stage of Them All! 🇺🇸#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/2ruXbYLRF2
— WWE (@WWE) March 16, 2024
This week, The Viper faced Grayson Waller in a singles bout, with the Maverick attempting to thwart Orton’s momentum before the match even began.
Despite the intervention of Austin Theory, Orton emerged victorious, setting the stage for the announcement of Paul’s WrestleMania 40 opponents.
SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis revealed that Paul would defend his United States Championship against Kevin Owens and Randy Orton at the upcoming event.
While the triple threat format may play to Orton’s advantage given his recent back issues, Owens’ longstanding history with the champion ensures that the stakes remain high and the tension palpable.
The Rock’s Iconic Concert Returns
Two decades after his iconic heel run, The Rock graced WWE television once more, bringing with him the legendary “Rock Concert” segment.
Donning his signature designer shirts and trademark shades, The Great One spared no one in his scathing verbal assault, including Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins.
This song goes out to @CodyRhodes and @WWERollins courtesy of @TheRock! 🎶🎤#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/9WloQroeop
— WWE (@WWE) March 16, 2024
While his jabs at The American Nightmare’s mother may have crossed a line for some, there’s no denying The Rock’s unparalleled charisma and ability to captivate audiences, even in WWE’s PG Era.
With Roman Reigns conspicuously absent from this week’s SmackDown, anticipation mounts for his confrontation with Cody Rhodes slated for next week’s episode.
As the drama unfolds, one thing remains certain: The Rock’s return has injected a dose of electrifying energy into the WWE universe, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable WrestleMania season.