On Friday, August 18, 2023, WWE presented SmackDown Episode 1491 from the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada. This episode was packed with electrifying matches, emotional promos, and the continuing build towards major storylines leading into the future of WWE’s programming. As always, SmackDown delivered a mix of entertainment, athleticism, and storytelling that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The Bloodline Saga: Roman Reigns vs. Jey Uso Fallout
One of the highlights of the evening was the ongoing storyline involving The Bloodline. The fallout from SummerSlam 2023, where Roman Reigns defeated Jey Uso in the Tribal Combat match, continued to reverberate through the WWE Universe. Roman Reigns, accompanied by Paul Heyman and Solo Sikoa, made his presence felt on SmackDown, addressing the situation involving Jey Uso.
The Bloodline storyline has been one of the most compelling sagas in WWE history. It has successfully built Roman Reigns as a dominant and almost invincible figure while showcasing the internal family conflicts that have torn apart the once-united faction. On this episode, Reigns, in his typical confident and menacing fashion, declared that he had “put down” Jey Uso once and for all. However, the tension between Reigns and Solo Sikoa was palpable, as Solo seemed to be silently plotting his next move.
As Reigns continued to assert his dominance, the crowd’s reaction was a mixture of boos and cheers, highlighting the complexity of his character. The segment ended with Reigns standing tall, but the underlying tension within The Bloodline hinted that the story is far from over.
Edge’s 25th Anniversary Celebration Match
Another major attraction of SmackDown Episode 1491 was the celebration of Edge’s 25th anniversary in WWE. The Rated-R Superstar is one of the most iconic figures in WWE history, and this milestone was celebrated with a special match against Sheamus.
Edge, who made his WWE debut in 1998, has had a storied career filled with championships, memorable rivalries, and unforgettable moments. His return to WWE in 2020 after being forced into retirement due to a neck injury was nothing short of miraculous. Since then, Edge has continued to compete at a high level, proving that he still has what it takes to hang with the best in the business.
The match between Edge and Sheamus was a hard-hitting affair that showcased the physicality and intensity that both men are known for. Sheamus, a former WWE Champion and a tough competitor in his own right, pushed Edge to his limits. The two veterans traded blows, with Edge showing that he hadn’t lost a step despite his long career. The Toronto crowd was firmly behind their hometown hero, chanting “You still got it!” and “Thank you, Edge!” throughout the match.
In the end, Edge managed to secure the victory with a well-executed spear, bringing the crowd to its feet. After the match, Edge and Sheamus shared a moment of mutual respect, embracing in the ring as the crowd applauded their efforts. The celebration continued with Edge addressing the audience, thanking them for their support over the years and hinting that this might be his final match in Toronto. If this was indeed Edge’s farewell, it was a fitting and emotional send-off for one of WWE’s all-time greats.
United States Championship Picture Heats Up
The United States Championship has been a focal point of SmackDown in recent weeks, and Episode 1491 was no exception. Austin Theory, the current United States Champion, has been on a roll since winning the title and has shown that he is willing to do whatever it takes to retain his championship.
On this episode, Theory found himself confronted by a new challenger: LA Knight. Knight, who has been steadily gaining momentum and fan support, made it clear that he had his sights set on the United States Championship. The two engaged in a heated exchange of words, with Knight vowing to take the title from Theory and prove that he is the true face of SmackDown.
This confrontation set the stage for a potential showdown between the two in the coming weeks. LA Knight’s rise to prominence has been one of the more organic and fan-driven storylines in WWE, and a match against Austin Theory could be the opportunity he needs to establish himself as a top star on SmackDown.
Women’s Division: The Championship Chase Continues
The WWE Women’s Championship picture on SmackDown remains as competitive as ever, with several top contenders vying for a shot at the title currently held by IYO SKY. The reigning champion has been a force to be reckoned with since cashing in her Money in the Bank contract and winning the championship, but she now faces a growing list of challengers.
On SmackDown Episode 1491, Bianca Belair, Charlotte Flair, and Asuka all made their presence felt as they continued to stake their claims for a title shot. Belair, who has been a dominant force in the women’s division for the past few years, is eager to reclaim the championship that she lost. Charlotte Flair, the self-proclaimed “Queen” of WWE, is always a threat to any champion, and her track record speaks for itself. Asuka, with her unique blend of striking and submission skills, remains a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division.
The tension between these top contenders was on full display as they engaged in a heated confrontation backstage. Each woman made it clear that they believe they are the rightful challenger for IYO SKY’s championship, and it seems only a matter of time before a multi-woman match is announced to determine the next contender.
This brewing rivalry in the women’s division promises to be one of the key storylines on SmackDown in the coming weeks. With so much talent in the division, the competition for the championship is fierce, and fans can expect some thrilling matches as the women continue to battle for supremacy.
The Viking Raiders vs. The Brawling Brutes
Tag team action was also featured prominently on this episode of SmackDown, with The Viking Raiders taking on The Brawling Brutes in a hard-hitting contest. The Viking Raiders, known for their brute strength and aggressive style, have been looking to climb the ranks of the tag team division, while The Brawling Brutes, consisting of Sheamus, Ridge Holland, and Butch, have been making a name for themselves with their tough-as-nails approach to wrestling.
The match was a physical affair, with both teams showcasing their unique styles. The Viking Raiders used their size and power to dominate portions of the match, while The Brawling Brutes relied on their brawling techniques and teamwork to stay in the fight. The back-and-forth action kept the audience engaged, and the intensity of the match was a testament to the quality of WWE’s tag team division.
In the end, The Viking Raiders managed to secure the victory after hitting their devastating double-team finisher. The win was a significant step forward for the team as they continue to pursue championship opportunities. However, with so many talented teams on SmackDown, the path to tag team gold is far from easy.
Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar’s Partnership
The ongoing partnership between Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar continued to be a focal point of SmackDown Episode 1491. Mysterio, a WWE Hall of Famer and one of the most beloved figures in the history of the company, has taken Escobar under his wing in recent months, and the two have formed a formidable alliance.
On this episode, Mysterio and Escobar teamed up to take on a pair of local competitors in a quick but entertaining match. The chemistry between Mysterio and Escobar was evident as they worked together seamlessly to secure the victory. After the match, Mysterio praised Escobar’s talent and expressed his confidence in the young star’s future.
This partnership has been a positive storyline for both men. For Mysterio, it allows him to continue competing at a high level while mentoring the next generation of talent. For Escobar, being aligned with a legend like Mysterio has elevated his status on SmackDown and positioned him as a future contender for championships.
Grayson Waller Effect: Special Guest Cody Rhodes
The Grayson Waller Effect talk show segment has become a regular feature on SmackDown, and Episode 1491 was no different. This week, Waller’s special guest was none other than “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes. Rhodes, who has been a major player on Monday Night Raw, made a special appearance on SmackDown to address his future and his ongoing rivalry with Brock Lesnar.
Waller, known for his brash and arrogant personality, attempted to stir the pot by questioning Rhodes’ ability to defeat Lesnar. However, Rhodes remained composed and fired back with his usual charisma and confidence. The exchange between the two was entertaining, with Rhodes ultimately getting the upper hand by delivering a scathing verbal takedown of Waller.
This segment served as a reminder of Cody Rhodes’ star power and his ability to captivate an audience with his mic skills. It also planted the seeds for a potential future rivalry between Rhodes and Waller, which could be an interesting dynamic to explore down the line.
Conclusion:
WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 was a night filled with excitement, emotion, and drama. From the continuing saga of The Bloodline to Edge’s 25th anniversary celebration, the show delivered on all fronts. The matches were intense, the promos were compelling, and the storylines continued to build towards future events.