WWE SmackDown results, recap, grades: Roman Reigns and Jimmy Uso need help, Kevin Owens attacks Randy Orton
Reigns might have to reconcile with Jey Uso after he and Jimmy were overwhelmed by the new Bloodline
Roman Reigns and Jimmy Uso got one over on The Bloodline 2.0 at Bad Blood, but they don't have the numbers to fight them head on. It's become clear on WWE SmackDown that Reigns needs more help to seize The Bloodline from Solo Sikoa.
Another prevalent story on Friday's show was the fallout between Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes. Owens attacked Rhodes after the conclusion of Bad Blood and did the same to their mutual friend Randy Orton on SmackDown.
SmackDown also featured United States and WWE women's tag team title matches, plus allusions to a highly decorated tag team making their WWE debut next week.
CBS Sports was with you all night with recaps and highlights of all the action from Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
Reigns gets a reality check, Owens combusts further
Uso was showered with chants of "welcome back" as he kicked off the show. Uso reflected on his six-month absence at the expense of his little brother Sikoa. Uso shunned Sikoa from attacking him from behind and promised to kick his ass. That's when Reigns appeared. Reigns took the microphone and made a rare deviation from his typical introduction. Reigns asked the Greenville crowd to acknowledge Uso. Reigns proclaimed they were still "the ones" but Uso disagreed.
Uso said Reigns was a Tribal Chief with no tribe. Uso revealed he came to Reigns' aid despite Reigns not asking for help. Uso also said they'd need more help. Jimmy said he knew one person who could help them, leading the crowd to chant "Yeet!" in honor of Jey Uso. Reigns gave Jimmy a cold stare before responding, "No yeet." Jimmy gave Reigns a comforting but disapproving pat on the shoulder before walking away.
Backstage, Rhodes thanked Jimmy for helping him at Bad Blood. Uso considered it a favor but playfully told Rhodes not to expect further gifts. The pair exchanged respect and went their separate ways.
Owens interrupted Meta-Four's entrance ahead of their WWE women's tag team title match. Owens claimed he was warned not to come to SmackDown tonight but his microphone was cut off. Owens grabbed a commentary headset before Rhodes interrupted him. Orton and WWE staff tried to separate the pair. The segment ended after Orton clocked Owens out of frustration.
Backstage, Orton told Rhodes to leave the arena while he spoke with Owens. SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis later found Owens attacking Orton and WWE security chased Owens.
Solo Sikoa def. Jimmy Uso via pinfall after hitting a Samoan Spike. Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa repeatedly interfered in the match.
Reigns came to Jimmy's defense post-match, but they were crushed by The Bloodline 2.0. Reigns grabbed at his throat after being hit with a Samoan Spike as Jimmy said, "We need help!"
SmackDown maximized its two-hour runtime on Friday. WWE effectively developed The Bloodline and Rhodes-Owens-Orton storylines, laid the groundwork for Crown Jewel title feuds and built anticipation for the long overdue debuts of the Motor City Machine Guns. I'm not sure how I felt about Reigns leaving Jimmy to fend for himself until after the match but their shortcomings effectively proved the need to make amends with Jey. Effective stuff. Grade: A
What else happened on WWE SmackDown?
- United States Championship -- LA Knight (c) def. Carmelo Hayes via pinfall after hitting BFT.
- WWE Tag Team Championship -- Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill (c) def. Meta-Four (Jakara Jackson and Lash Legend) via pinfall after hitting a double-team maneuver.
- Naomi def. Nia Jax via pinfall after hitting a powerbomb following interference by Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez. Rhea Ripley attacked Rodriguez post-match and Jax laid out Dominik Mysterio.
- Aldis booked Los Garza (Angel and Berto) a No. 1 contender's match for the WWE tag team titles against a team of his choice next week.
- Aldis teased the WWE debut of Motor City Machine Guns while speaking with Street Profits and #DIY.
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