Category: SmackDown

Backstage Report On Changes Made To Monday Night’s Pre-Taped WWE Raw

With most of WWE’s stars gearing themselves up for Survivor Series: WarGames on November 30, the company has been taping episodes of “WWE Raw” and “WWE SmackDown,” with the November 18 episode of “Raw” being the latest example. However, the show being taped meant that a number of things that happened live ended up being changed for the televised broadcast.

Matches Filmed Out of Sequence

According to Fightful Select, the November 18 episode wasn’t shown in the same order it was filmed. For example, viewers were greeted with the electrifying return of Rhea Ripley, who was revealed as the final member of the women’s WarGames team. However, this major moment was actually taped at the end of the show, not the beginning as it aired.

Meanwhile, the hard-hitting clash between Bronson Reed and Seth Rollins—which saw Reed secure a massive win, followed by an intense confrontation involving Solo Sikoa—aired as the main event. For those in attendance, though, it was the first match of the evening.

WWE also made post-production tweaks to enhance the televised experience, adding commentary lines and refining audio during certain segments to ensure the show delivered maximum impact.

Why WWE Tapes Multiple Episodes

The November 18 Raw taping is just the beginning of WWE’s holiday season adjustments. By the end of 2024, the company has plans to film three additional episodes of Raw and SmackDown back-to-back with live broadcasts.

  • November 22 SmackDown: The November 29 episode will be taped after the live show.
  • December 13 SmackDown: The December 20 episode will be taped on the same night.
  • December 16 Raw: WWE will record the December 23 episode following the live event.

The reasoning for these tapings? WWE wants to give its roster and crew some much-deserved downtime during the Christmas season. While the motive for taping the November 29 episode of SmackDown hasn’t been disclosed, the December tapings are aimed at ensuring talent and staff have an extended holiday break.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Shinsuke Nakamura Returns With A New Look, Attacked LA Knight After US Title Defense On WWE SmackDown

Shinsuke Nakamura has reemerged on WWE SmackDown, and he’s bringing a darker edge to his character. Months after a house show loss in Cardiff, Wales, Nakamura made a surprise return to confront United States Champion LA Knight.

Knight, fresh off a victory over Legado del Fantasma’s Berto, found himself blindsided by Nakamura. This wasn’t the flashy “King of Strong Style” fans remembered, however. Gone was the red gear synonymous with his WWE run. Instead, Nakamura sported a long, brown duster over a black leather shirt and pants. His crimson face paint, shaped into striking diamond patterns, added an air of menace as he silently admired the damage he inflicted before leaving the ring.

A Long-Awaited Return to Action

Fans have been waiting months for Nakamura to step back into the spotlight. His last televised WWE match was a loss to Sheamus on the April 22 episode of Raw. Despite his absence from WWE programming, Nakamura has kept fans intrigued, especially with Pro Wrestling NOAH announcing his return for their New Year’s Day show in 2024.

This marks a special homecoming for Nakamura, who previously appeared at NOAH’s New Year’s Day event in 2023, where he defeated The Great Muta during the Japanese legend’s retirement tour.

What’s Next for Nakamura?

Nakamura’s sudden targeting of LA Knight raises plenty of questions. Was this a one-off attack, or the beginning of a feud? Either way, Nakamura’s shift in presentation suggests that the WWE veteran is ready to reinvent himself yet again, a hallmark of his career in both WWE and Japan.

As he balances his WWE commitments with his anticipated Pro Wrestling NOAH appearance, one thing is certain: Shinsuke Nakamura is back, and he’s making waves in more ways than one.

Injured WWE Star Braun Strowman Makes Surprise Return In Post-SmackDown Dark Match

WWE fans in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, got an unexpected treat after last night’s episode of SmackDown went off the air. Braun Strowman, the “Monster Among Men,” made a shocking return to action during a dark match that pitted The Judgment Day against the LWO.

The post-show matchup saw Dragon Lee and Rey Mysterio struggling against The Judgment Day’s Finn Balor, JD McDonagh, and surprise ally Carlito. The odds turned in the LWO’s favor when Strowman made his entrance, stepping in to even the playing field. Strowman’s involvement helped the team secure the win, and he left fans with a memorable moment, stuffing Carlito’s signature apple down his trunks after the match.

https://twitter.com/Steven_R/status/1857625920871313918

Strowman’s Road to Recovery

This surprise appearance marks Strowman’s first action in months following a groin injury sustained during his Last Monster Standing match against Bronson Reed on the September 30 episode of Raw. Strowman later revealed on Instagram that he tore his groin just two minutes into the match, but fortunately, surgery was not required for his recovery.

Before that injury, Strowman had already been through a challenging year. After undergoing neck surgery in 2023, he finally returned to WWE in April, only to face another setback with the groin tear during his feud with Reed. While his recent dark match appearance is a promising sign, there’s no official word yet on when he’ll be back on WWE television.

A Busy Schedule Ahead

Fans eager to see more of Strowman won’t have to wait long. He’s confirmed to appear at Great Lakes Championship Wrestling’s Blizzard Brawl on December 7, revisiting a promotion he last worked with in 2022.

Whether his dark match return signals a storyline reintroduction or serves as a tune-up for his independent commitments, Strowman’s return adds a new layer of excitement to WWE’s roster. With his larger-than-life persona and renewed momentum, the Monster Among Men is once again ready to dominate the ring.

WWE SmackDown Preview 11/15/2024

WWE SmackDown will air live tonight on the USA Network from the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

  • WWE Tag Team Championship Match: Motor City Machine Guns (c) vs. The Street Profits
  • WWE Women’s Championship Match: Nia Jax (c) vs. Naomi
  • Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes to appear
  • Kevin Owens to appear

(Report) WWE RAW & SmackDown To Expand To 3 Hours In January 2025

According to a report from Pwinsider, the current plan is for both RAW and SmackDown to expand to three hours in January 2025.

RAW moved from 3 hours back to 2 last month for the rest of the year. The plan seemed to always be that RAW would then move back to 3 hours in January when the show makes the move to Netflix.

Now it appears that SmackDown on Friday night’s on the USA Network will also expand to 3 hours

While this is not confirmed just yet, there has been some talk of calling up talent from the NXT brand to help fill six hours of weekly television on the two main brands.

For years, the three-hour format has been a topic of debate among fans, with some embracing the extra content and others feeling it sometimes stretches thin. How WWE will balance the additional time without affecting pacing and viewership will be something to watch closely.

As January 2025 approaches, WWE fans can expect more announcements regarding this programming shift, as well as potential tweaks to the structure of RAW and SmackDown to maximize engagement and entertainment value in the new, extended format. For now, the prospect of a three-hour SmackDown is already stirring curiosity about how WWE will use the added time to shake up storylines and push its Superstars to new heights.

Original Bloodline Reunites On WWE SmackDown, Will Enter WarGames At Survivor Series

The Original Bloodline has fully reunited with Sami Zayn on last night’s WWE SmackDown.

After an opening segment that saw Reigns reject a reconciliation with his former “Honorary Uce” and subsequently appear to lose the trust of The Usos, Reigns came to the ring on his own during the main event segment to confront Solo Sikoa. Reigns challenged his cousin to a singles match, but Sikoa laughed in his face, challenging him instead to find four more others backstage ready to support him in a war. Reigns asked Sikoa if his intention was WarGames, saying Sikoa only had three men beside him; Sikoa then claimed Zayn had joined his side in the battle, prompting Zayn to emerge at the top of the ramp. Zayn stood and watched as Reigns was attacked by The Bloodline, with The Usos coming down to save their cousin. 

Sikoa called for Zayn to deliver the Helluva Kick to Reigns, but Zayn instead kicked Sikoa’s head, allowing for Reigns to hit a spear, and then The Original Bloodline fought the rest of the mutineers to clear the ring. Zayn and Reigns stared one another down as The Usos threw up the ones, the former raising his own finger and visibly asking Reigns “Are you in, or are you out?” Reigns finally raised a finger with the other three, signaling that at least for now, the band is back together.

As the segment closed, commentary stated clearly that Reigns, Zayn and The Usos would meet Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, and the one-time Guerrillas of Destiny at Survivor Series in a WarGames match. It remains unclear whether a fifth man will be added to each side, but the reiteration of the five-on-five format WWE has used in main roster WarGames matches thus far suggests there are more participants to come.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE SmackDown GM Nick Aldis Announced A NEW Women’s Title (WWE Women’s United States Championship)

In a major announcement that’s sure to shake up the WWE women’s division, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis last night unveiled a brand-new title: the WWE Women’s United States Championship. This groundbreaking addition introduces a fresh opportunity for the roster to vie for championship gold, and it aims to further showcase the depth of talent in WWE’s women’s division.

The creation of the Women’s United States Title signals WWE’s commitment to expanding opportunities for its female Superstars. Much like the iconic men’s United States Championship, this new belt is expected to elevate its holder, rewarding both in-ring prowess and fan support. The decision underscores WWE’s ongoing focus on giving the women’s division its own unique platforms, something the fans have been clamoring for as the roster’s talent continues to grow.

As the Women’s U.S. Title enters the picture, speculation is already swirling about who might become the inaugural champion. With so many rising and established stars in the SmackDown women’s division, the competition promises to be fierce. Fans can look forward to new rivalries, fresh storylines, and perhaps even some surprises along the way as WWE continues pushing the boundaries of its women’s division.

Stay tuned, as more details will likely emerge in the coming weeks, including a possible tournament or match to crown the first-ever WWE Women’s United States Champion. With the addition of this title, SmackDown’s women’s division just got even more exciting!

WWE SmackDown Preview 11/8/2024

WWE SmackDown airs live tonight on the USA Network from KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.

  • Fallout from Crown Jewel
  • WWE Tag Team Champions Motor City Machine Guns will be special guests on the Grayson Waller Effect
  • Jey Uso invites Sami Zayn to SmackDown to discuss what happened with Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel
  • Roman Reigns to appear
  • Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes to appear Champion Cody Rhodes?

WWE SmackDown Preview 11/1/2024

WWE SmackDown airs tonight on the USA Network from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.  It’s the go-home show for Saturday’s Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia

  • The Street Profits (Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins) vs. Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince and Kit Wilson)
  • WWE Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan and WWE Women’s Champion Nia Jax go face-to-face
  • Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton vs. WWE World Heavyweight Champion Gunther and Ludvig Kaiser
  • IYO SKY vs. Bianca Belair, Lash Legend and Piper Niven
  • Naomi and Bayley vs. Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell
  • Roman Reigns, Jimmy and Jey Uso to appear
  • Liv Morgan vs. Tiffany Stratton

WWE SmackDown Preview 10/25/2024

WWE SmackDown will air live tonight on the USA Network from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

  • WWE Tag Team Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Motor City Machine Guns vs. DIY
  • Series Finale (tied 3-3, special guest referee L.A. Knight): Andrade vs. Carmelo Hayes
  • Cody Rhodes goes face-to-face with Gunther
  • Roman Reigns to appear