An exciting episode of WWE SmackDown was held at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., as the countdown to WWE Bash in Berlin 2024 gets closer. The stakes are higher than ever with just one SmackDown left until the highly anticipated premium live event on August 31. The thrilling and dramatic exhibition last night featured elite wrestling, laying the groundwork for a tremendous match in Berlin. Here’s how the evening progressed, featuring intense promos and title bouts.
Cody Rhodes Dealing with the Heat in the Grayson Waller Effect
A much-anticipated episode of “The Grayson Waller Effect” with WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes as the special guest opened the evening. Never one to back down from a fight, Waller wasted no time in attempting to discredit “The American Nightmare.” Waller, along with his A-Town Down Under tag team partner, Austin Theory, established the tone early on by sneering dismissively at Cody’s signature opening statement.
Waller claimed that Cody’s actions had hurt his friends, particularly Kevin Owens, and accused Rhodes of hiding behind his fame. Cody tried to sidestep the verbal jabs in true Rhodes way, but the tension was evident. Waller’s charges were more than just a way to stir things up; they also alluded to more serious conflicts and fears inside the WWE locker room. Fans saw that this was a fight for the moral high ground rather than just a war of words as they watched.
Particularly noteworthy was Cody’s defense of Kevin Owens, whom he will be facing at Bash in Berlin. Rhodes highlighted the nuanced interaction between the two by insisting that Owens is a worthy opponent despite the residual concerns Waller sowed. Ever the provocateur, Waller attempted to turn the heat up by showing a compilation film that featured some of Owens’ more heinous acts, such as his well-known betrayal of former friend Chris Jericho. The video was a brilliant piece of manipulation, portraying Owens as a self-centered man in the end.
However, the arena was filled with the familiar sound of Owens’ theme music before Waller could enjoy his creation. Owens rushed out, using his trademark bluntness to refute Waller’s insinuations. In an exchange that made it difficult to distinguish fact from fiction, Owens acknowledged that although he had done some dubious things in the past, he had a true relationship with Cody. The interaction laid the groundwork for a subsequent tag match. SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis announced that Cody and Owens will square off against Waller and Theory in the main event of the evening.
Matchup for the US Championship: Santos Escobar vs. LA Knight
A thrilling match for the WWE United States Championship followed the action. After winning the match to win the title, LA Knight took on the formidable Santos Escobar. Fans were glued to their seats for the whole match, and it did not disappoint.
The Washington crowd erupted in deafening ovation upon seeing LA Knight enter, a testament to his quick ascent to become one of WWE’s most adored talents. But Escobar was not going to allow Knight’s momentum to continue unopposed, especially with the support of his Legado Del Fantasma allies. Escobar’s allies tried to soften Knight by launching a sneak attack before the bell even sounded. They were expelled from ringside by the referee, who saw through their deceptive tactics and made way for a fair one-on-one match.
A vicious back-and-forth ensued in which both men gave it their all. While Escobar displayed his technical mastery and aerial agility, Knight’s tenacity was the match’s most remarkable aspect. Knight retaliated against Escobar’s strongest attempts, which included a stunning meteora off the barricade. The match reached its conclusion when Knight delivered his devastating Blunt Force Trauma finishing by holding onto the belt and securing the pin. “The Mega Star” celebrated, his star power undiminished, and the crowd went wild.
Action from a Six-Woman Tag Team: Cargill, Belair, and Naomi Rule
A spectacular six-woman tag team bout highlighted the women’s division. Together, Jade Cargill, Bianca Belair, and Naomi faced off against the tough three of Blair Davenport, Isla Dawn, and Alba Fyre. With each of the six contestants showcasing their strength and athleticism, the match was a showcase for the diversity of the WWE women’s roster.
From the beginning, it was clear that Belair, Cargill, and Naomi had a great rapport and collaborated well with one another. Belair’s crew was able to reverse the early attack from Fyre, Dawn, and Davenport. Particularly impressive was Cargill’s raw strength, while Naomi’s explosive offense was the game’s high point. Naomi ultimately scored the game-winning pinfall, giving her team a hard-earned victory. The victory gave Belair’s continuing rivalry with Fyre more impetus, paving the way for a possible matchup at Berlin’s Bash.
Tag Team Title: The Bloodline Wins Despite Chaos
The WWE Tag-Team Championships were being defended by Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu of The Bloodline against The Street Profits in the evening’s penultimate bout. The Bloodline looked as strong as ever, especially with Solo Sikoa and Tonga Loa at ringside. B-Fab and The Street Profits put on one of their most passionate performances to date, obviously trying to make a message.
The game was an exhilarating ride filled with near falls and stunning comebacks. Despite the best efforts of Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins, The Bloodline’s coherence and brutality proved to be too formidable. The Bloodline’s triumph was ensured by Sikoa’s late intervention and Fatu’s explosive offensive, which allowed them to keep the crowns. But DIY made a surprise appearance after The Bloodline’s post-match beating, and even though they tried, they were also attacked by the champs. Fans are curious about The Bloodline’s future as they get ready to defend their crowns in Berlin in light of the scenario.
Title Match Tag Team Win for Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens
The highly anticipated tag bout between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens and A-Town Down Under’s Grayson Waller and Austin Theory brought the evening to a close. The contest embodied all three of the evening’s primary themes: alliances, betrayals, and the power struggle.
Despite the animosity that had been created earlier in the evening, Cody and Owens functioned effectively together. But Waller and Theory’s cunning strategies kept them in the contest. The audience was treated to a masterclass in narrative as the bout progressed, with Cody portraying the underdog until Owens’ hot tag changed the outcome. The game’s turning point was when Owens delivered his trademark pop-up powerbomb to give his team the victory.
The post-match scene was a nuanced yet effective narrative device. Owens pretended to approach Cody as he recovered, but instead, he brushed him aside and went up against Waller and Theory. Fans were enthralled with the moment, questioning whether Owens’ history would finally come up with him despite his assurances.
SmackDown Prepares the Stage for Berlin Bash
It was evident when SmackDown ended that the WWE Bash in Berlin was going to be one of the most thrilling events of the year. Excitement has been built with each match and segment, and layers of mystery and drama have been added by the tales that unfolded in Washington, D.C.
WWE SmackDown has set the setting for a memorable night in Berlin, from Cody Rhodes’ struggles with his issues and Grayson Waller’s mind tricks to LA Knight’s ongoing supremacy and The Bloodline’s reign of terror. When the blue brand takes over Germany on August 31, fans will be eager to watch how these stories pan out.
