This week on SmackDown, nostalgia swept through the arena as a decade-old segment made a sensational comeback.
While Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins were notably absent, The Rock stepped in to verbally eviscerate them, reminding fans why he’s the master of the mic.
But amidst the electrifying returns and captivating promos, there were moments that left fans scratching their heads. Let’s delve into the highlights and low points of the latest SmackDown installment.
Rey Mysterio’s Unexpected Challenge: WrestleMania 40 or Prequel?
Rey Mysterio’s return from a knee injury set the stage for a showdown with Santos Escobar, the mastermind behind his WWE television hiatus.
The ongoing feud between Mysterio’s camp and Escobar’s Legado Del Fantasma faction escalated when Escobar secured a victory over Dragon Lee, adding fuel to the already intense rivalry.
The subsequent challenge laid down by Mysterio for a match against Escobar on next week’s SmackDown raised eyebrows.
While the anticipation for their clash is palpable, some speculate whether such a significant bout should be reserved for WrestleMania.
The risk of premature exposure potentially dampening the feud’s momentum looms large, prompting fans to wonder if WWE has grander plans in store, perhaps with a monumental stipulation added to the mix.
Bayley’s Betrayal and Bianca Belair’s Absence: What Lies Ahead?
In the main event, Bayley found herself embroiled in a battle against Dakota Kai, with alliances crumbling and tensions soaring.
As Damage CTRL unleashed their fury on Bayley, Naomi’s attempted rescue only led to her own downfall, leaving fans puzzled by Bianca Belair’s conspicuous absence.
While the reasons behind Belair’s no-show remain shrouded in mystery, speculation runs rife regarding her allegiance.
With past conflicts between Belair and Bayley simmering beneath the surface, her absence speaks volumes about the intricate dynamics at play. As the plot thickens, fans eagerly await Belair’s next move, pondering the implications for both friend and foe alike.
Navigating the Murky Waters of Rivalry: AJ Styles vs. LA Knight
The clash between AJ Styles and LA Knight promised to be a highlight, but amidst the hype, the rivalry’s direction seems muddled. Styles’ resentment towards Knight for encroaching upon his spotlight and disrupting his title aspirations should have fueled a compelling narrative.
However, the lack of consistency and coherent storytelling has left fans questioning the trajectory of this feud.
Knight’s relentless pursuit of Styles backstage, juxtaposed with the latter’s elusive presence, paints a picture of frustration and missed opportunities.
IT'S GOING DOWN! YEAH! 🔥@RealLAKnight is tired of the talkin' and challenged @AJStylesOrg to a one-on-one match at #WrestleMania! #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/Zg2nYI3xrh
— WWE (@WWE) March 16, 2024
While Knight’s challenge for a match at the upcoming Premium Live Event holds promise, the absence of a solid foundation and adequate television exposure casts doubt on its potential impact.
As Knight’s WrestleMania debut hangs in the balance, WWE must course-correct swiftly to salvage what could be a defining moment in his career.
In the ever-evolving landscape of SmackDown, moments of brilliance are often overshadowed by perplexing plot twists and unresolved storylines.
As the road to WrestleMania unfolds, the stakes have never been higher, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the saga of their favorite superstars.