Welcome to the latest edition of our weekly WWE SmackDown hits and misses series.
The June 21, 2024, episode of SmackDown went down in Chicago at the Allstate Arena. CM Punk, The Bloodline, Cody Rhodes, Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill, and LA Knight were among the popular acts on the latest episode of the blue brand.
Here’s what went down on 6/21 Friday Night SmackDown.
Hit – Opening segment on WWE SmackDown
CM Punk kicked off SmackDown. The Second City Saint cut a lengthy promo before he was interrupted by Paul Heyman. The Wiseman asked his former protégé to leave the building. Solo Sikoa and the Tongans showed up. The Bloodline confronted Punk, but Cody Rhodes ran it to make the save, setting up a singles match between him and Solo for the main event.
Having CM Punk become the opening act in his hometown was the proper way to fire up the Chicago crowd. Punk is just so eloquent when it comes to promos. The exchange with Paul Heyman brought back so many memories. Heyman pleading with Punk to “take me with you” really put off The Bloodline.
Miss – Bianca Belair vs. Chelsea Green vs. Mia Yim
These three women collided for the opportunity to compete in the Women’s Money in the Bank match. A lot of back-and-forth action led to some near falls. Chelsea Green took advantage of Bianca’s KOD on Michin for the win.
A decent match with the right winner. There were times when the exchange looked sloppy, but all three women made up for their miscommunication with some good spots. Michin pulled off a Styles Clash as a tribute to Uncle AJ.
Hit – The Scottish Psychopath batters the Second City Saint
Drew McIntyre showed up on WWE SmackDown after quitting RAW earlier this week. The Scottish Warrior carried a bloody and battered CM Punk on his shoulders all the way to the ramp. He then tossed Punk’s lifeless body on the floor before taunting the Chicago crowd with their hero’s own sit-down pose. Nick Aldis confronted McIntyre before seeing Punk out of the arena in an ambulance.
This feud just keeps getting better and better, and now there’s literally blood in it. If somehow they can extend it till the rumored Bad Blood PLE. Punk had it coming. Everything from the doors lifting to show McIntyre standing next to a destroyed Punk to him being carried with everybody watching in horror was a visual treat. Another big moment from the segment was when McIntyre shoved Aldis back and got in his face.
Miss – Roman Reigns isn’t coming back
Paul Heyman and Solo Sikoa had a verbal exchange before the main event. Solo told Heyman Roman Reigns wasn’t coming back. The Wiseman’s expressions completely changed as soon as he heard those words.
They should keep some consistency as it pertains to Roman Reigns’ status. We all know he’s on his post-WrestleMania hiatus. Solo was the name who told Heyman Reigns was coming back weeks ago on SmackDown. Now, he’s telling the Wiseman Reigns isn’t coming back.
They could’ve kept this exact segment for next week’s SmackDown to sell the main event beatdown.
Hit – Jacob Fatu debuts on WWE SmackDown
Cody Rhodes took on Solo Sikoa in the main event. The American Nightmare was jumped by the Tongans leading to a DQ ending. Randy Orton and Kevin Owens showed up to make the save. The babyfaces cornered Solo, but Jacob Fatu showed up and singlehandedly took care of them.
The Samoan Werewolf has finally come around. Fatu looked like a beast in his debut. He took out three of the biggest faces in WWE and looked like a monster while doing it. It was great to see the crowd popping big time for the former MLW champion.
Honorable Mentions
- LA Knight cut a promo on Logan Paul calling him out. Santos Escobar showed up. Knight took him out with a BFT, but Paul jumped him from behind. The Maverick delivered a huge right hand to the Megastar. LA Knight was the highlight of this segment. Paul should find another way to hype up his finisher instead of making all the weird noises.
- Both Men’s Money in the Bank qualifiers were good. I prefer the triple threat between Orton, Carmelo, and Tama to the one between Owens, Waller, and Andrade because the former had some old-school psychology to it – mostly due to Orton’s involvement. KO selling his leg and Andrade catching Waller mid air to hit him with his finisher made for some great action.
READ MORE: Jacob Fatu Debuts, Joins The Bloodline On 6/21 WWE SmackDown
Did you enjoy WWE SmackDown this week? Let us know in the comments section below!
