Welcome to the latest edition of our weekly WWE SmackDown hits and misses series.
The July 5, 2024, episode of SmackDown went down at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Superstars such as LA Knight, Bayley, and Cody Rhodes worked on the show.
Here’s what went down on the go-home episode of SmackDown for WWE Money in the Bank.
Hit – 2024 Men’s Money in the Bank participants kick off WWE SmackDown
Jey Uso showed up first. LA Knight interrupted him. Both had a Yeet-Yeah off. Carmelo Hayes arrived next. Chad Gable followed, then Andrade and finally, Drew McIntyre came to the ring. The Scottish Warrior cut a promo on all five of his opponents as well as CM Punk. The six superstars collided with each other. LA Knight and Jey were left in the ring standing.
A solid way to kick off the show. Jey and Knight received a standing ovation. The Yeet-Yeah off was great, but the best part of the segment was arguably Drew McIntyre. The Scottish Warrior roasted CM Punk on his way to the ring before focusing his attention on the men in the ring. The “How did you get across the border anyway” line to Jey was brutal.
Drew has been damn untouchable on the mic this year. The only other person that’s been on his level is Punk himself. Both men are giving an all-timer feud. I can’t wait to see how the Men’s Money in the Bank turns out on Saturday.
Miss – Women’s tag team match
Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill collided with Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell on WWE SmackDown. Belair got the hot tag and cleared out the ring. The former tag team champions emerged victorious. Jade and Bianca said they were coming after Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn.
This was a short match that was made for Bianca and Jade to look strong. I wonder if Candice and Indi have gotten anywhere since reuniting as a team on the main roster. They’ve been used to put other teams over so far.
Hit – Kevin Owens shares a personal story
Kevin Owens arrived in his home country to a huge ovation. Randy Orton showed up next. Cody Rhodes followed. All three men took turns ripping apart The Bloodline. Owens told the crowd his mother is in the hospital “fighting like hell,” and that has given him the greatest motivation to take out The Bloodline at Money in the Bank.
KO’s promo was the best and most emotional part of the promo segment. You could feel the emotions in his voice. WWE Superstars sacrifice a lot for their jobs. It’s one of the many things that make them larger-than-life personalities. Let’s see how these three men handle The Bloodline come Saturday.
Get well soon, Mama Owens!
Miss – Bayley vs. Piper Niven on WWE SmackDown
Piper Niven took out Bayley backstage earlier during the show. Both women squared off in the penultimate match of the night. The six women Money in the Bank participants emerged from the crowd to attack each other. Bayley utilized the distraction to pick up the win. She was attacked by Nia Jax before Michin returned to make the save.
Their WWE Clash at Castle match was better. Piper sold the hell out of The Rose Plant. Having the MITB competitors watching the match at ringside was a smart move. Chelsea Green should’ve been on the offense in her home country instead of getting thrown into the barricade. She really needs to win the briefcase now.
Hit – And New WWE Tag Team Champions…
A-Town Down Under defended their WWE Tag Team Championship against DIY in the main event of WWE SmackDown. Both teams put on some great action. Gargano and Ciampa finally claimed gold on the main roster.
A really good main event match between A-Town and DIY. I have a feeling DIY are slowly getting back to their NXT days. Theory and Waller worked brilliantly as the heel tag team. I’m looking forward to a singles run for both men because it’s about time.
Honorable Mention
- WWE aired a vignette featuring The Bloodline after the main event. Solo Sikoa said he was coming after Cody Rhodes and his WWE title. He fired shots at Roman Reigns as well. This was a really good promo from Sikoa. The frame of Jacob Fatu in the back made for some terrifying visuals. The build-up to Roman versus Solo will definitely be interesting.
