WWE’s Friday Night SmackDown kicked off the post-2024 Draft and post-Backlash France era with a wrestling-heavy show that delivered on action but raised eyebrows with some questionable decisions. The blue brand’s latest episode featured six matches, all focused on pushing the upcoming King and Queen of the Ring event. While the show flew by and was mostly entertaining, there were some questionable booking decisions that left fans scratching their heads.
One of the standout matches of the night was Carmelo Hayes vs. Baron Corbin, which was an excellent bout that rejuvenated Corbin and had the crowd behind him. However, the outcome left much to be desired, with Corbin losing momentum on the brand before it even began to take shape. The same can be said for Candice LeRae vs. Bianca Belair, where LeRae was given minimal offense before falling to Belair. These losses may have killed off the momentum for these superstars on the brand.
On a more positive note, Jade Cargill’s match against Piper Niven was a highlight of the night. Cargill, who was once a question mark upon joining WWE, has clearly been putting in the work, and it showed in her impressive performance. She sold well for the powerful Niven and looked strong in the end, even delivering an epic Jaded on her larger opponent. The chemistry between the two was undeniable, and Piper’s selflessness in making Jade look like a million dollars in the ring is worth commending.
In other news, Cody Rhodes’ next challenger for the Undisputed WWE Championship was announced, and it’s none other than Logan Paul. While the star power is undeniable, the decision to make it a Champion vs. Champion match feels like a mistake. It’s a step backward after finally separating the RAW and SmackDown Tag Team Titles, and having one star hold two titles only makes it more challenging for others on the roster to get acclaim and attention.
The clear highlight of the night, however, was The Bloodline saga, which continues to charming audiences. A backstage vignette featuring Solo Sikoa and Paul Heyman was a masterclass in tension and drama, with Solo claiming to be in charge and Paul acting as his Wiseman. The appearance of Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa in the background added to the menace, leaving fans wondering if Solo is truly trying to steal the throne or if Roman Reigns is still pulling the strings behind the scenes. Both options are fascinating, and fans can’t wait to see what’s in store for The Bloodline.