World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has taken its global appeal to new heights, with the historic city of Lyon, France, playing host to an electrifying edition of “WWE SmackDown.” This landmark event, recorded earlier at the LDLC Arena, is not only a part of WWE’s continued international expansion but also serves as a precursor to the highly anticipated Backlash, which marks its first occurrence outside of the United States.
In a nod to the spirited enthusiasm of the French fans, WWE’s Chief Content Officer and Hall of Famer, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, stirred up anticipation among the American audience by sharing a unique social media post before the event’s U.S. broadcast. On X (formerly known as Twitter), Triple H posted an image of a local fan’s Apple Watch, which had issued a noise warning during the event. The alert read: “Loud Environment. The sound level has reached 100 dB. Exposure to this level for just a few minutes can cause temporary hearing loss.” This testament to the raucous atmosphere created by the French crowd showcased the fervent support WWE enjoys globally.
The @WWEUniverse in France literally received a warning about the noise level tonight at #SmackDown @LDLC_Arena. Absolutely insane.
Like @myMotorhead said… “Only way to feel the noise is when it’s good and loud.” pic.twitter.com/i4KMGnfUtY
— Triple H (@TripleH) May 3, 2024
The significance of this edition of “SmackDown” goes beyond its role as a weekly episodic event; it is the precursor to the first premium live WWE event broadcast from France, further solidifying WWE’s commitment to bringing its unique brand of entertainment to fans worldwide. The French crowd’s enthusiasm captured in Triple H’s post underscores the universal appeal of WWE and its superstars, setting an exciting tone for the upcoming Backlash event.
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, also featured as the poster boy for Backlash, retweeted Triple H’s post, expressing his thrill at the vibrant energy of the French fans. Rhodes is poised for a pivotal showdown at Backlash where he will defend his title against AJ Styles, a former ally from their days in the Bullet Club, making this first title defense a highly anticipated bout.
— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) May 3, 2024
“SmackDown” also sets the stage for several other gripping encounters at Backlash. Among them, Bayley will face a formidable challenge as she defends her WWE Women’s Championship in a triple threat match against Tiffany Stratton and Naomi. Additionally, the tag team scenario heats up with Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill challenging The Kabuki Warriors—Kairi Sane and Asuka—for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships.
In the men’s division, the newly-reformed Bloodline, featuring Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga, is slated to clash with WWE mainstays Randy Orton and Kevin Owens. This tag team match adds another layer of excitement to the event, illustrating the depth of talent and storyline intricacies that WWE continues to develop.
Tonight’s episode in Lyon not only represents a significant chapter in WWE’s international tour but also a strategic move to tap into its vast global fanbase. As WWE expands its footprint worldwide, events like these play a crucial role in enhancing the brand’s global resonance and engaging with diverse audiences.
This historic French edition of WWE SmackDown and the subsequent Backlash event signify a new era of international events for WWE, promising to deliver not only high-octane wrestling action but also to forge deeper connections with fans across different cultures and geographies. As WWE continues to innovate and expand, its ability to adapt and resonate with a global audience remains a key factor in its enduring popularity.