Roman Reigns returned on the August 9, 2024 episode of SmackDown and shocked the audience. The BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma was in ruins when the former Reigns clashed with his cousin Solo Sikoa, continuing the family feud since SummerSlam. The night featured intense matches, exciting matches, and unexpected twists that left the WWE Universe hungry for more.
Roman Empire – Blast Back
The night kicked off with Roman Reigns’ music, sending shockwaves throughout the venue. When Reigns entered the ring after weeks away from WWE, the crowd erupted. His return came after his surprise intervention at SummerSlam, where he delivered a Superman Punch and a devastating Spear to Solo Sikoa, earning him the WWE Championship. Sikoa announced that he was the new Tribal Chief in the absence of Roman Reigns and was in good spirits as he entered the ring alongside his new friends Tama Tonga and Tonga loa.
Reigns himself shared his thoughts. “I am the boss,” his voice was full of authority. But Sikoa refused to back down. The tension between the two men is palpable as they speak words of hatred, and each strives to assert his authority. As things seemed to blow up, Kevin Owens arrived with a chair to support Cody Rhodes, who was caught in the middle of an increasing threat.
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A New Challenge Appears
The night continued with an exciting #1 match for the WWE Tag Team Championship, Pretty Deadly and #DIY. This match was all about play and strategy, with both teams doing everything they could to win. After many failures, #DIY emerged victorious and captured the tag team title shot.
This win means a lot to Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa who have been working hard to get back to the top of the tag team division. Their victory would set them up for a match with the champions of A-Town Down Under and The Street Profit, adding to the hype around the WWE tag team scene.
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LA championship celebration turned chaotic
The new American hero L.A. Knight was set to celebrate his victory over Logan Paul at SummerSlam, but things soon changed. As Knight addressed the crowd, and his hard-earned victory, Santos Escobar interrupted to explain that he was aiming for the US Championship.
The fight between Knight and Escobar was intense and they argued with each other. Escobar questioned Knight’s status as champion and Knight fought back, reminding Escobar that he earned the title the hard way. The tension between the two escalated when Andrade entered the fight, setting up a match for the No. 1 championship. 1 is especially dangerous at night.
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Jade Cargill seeks revenge
Jade Cargill entered the ring to fight Alba Fyre with her friend Bianca Belair at her side wanting revenge. The two women have been feuding since Blair Davenport’s interference last week cost Cargill and Belair their shot at the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship.
Cargill persisted, demanding that Ferey pay for the breach. The match was tough and both women were strong and tough. In the end, Cargill made up his mind and unleashed a brutal Jaded on Fyre to secure the victory. But the drama didn’t end there, as Davenport surprised Cargill after the match, causing a nasty brawl that saw Naomi count out.
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Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens: friends or rivals?
One of the biggest storylines of the night was Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens. These two men have a turbulent history but different opinions. Rhodes, the undisputed WWE Champion, shocked the crowd by giving Owens a title shot at the upcoming Berlin Bash. However, his proud friend Owens rejected the offer, saying he had no right to challenge for the title.
The conversation between Rhode and Owens was full of emotion and Rhode was convinced that Owens deserved the opportunity due to his honesty and toughness. However, Owens still believes titles should be earned, not given. Tensions between the two escalated when WWE General Manager Nick Aldis revealed that Roman Reigns would defend the title first, which complicated the situation.
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Solo Sikoa’s kingdom is in crisis
The main event of the night saw Solo Sikoa step into the ring to address the WWE Universe alongside his friends Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa. Still upset about Roman Reigns’ interference at SummerSlam, Sikoa asked the crowd to recognize him as the new Chief of Staff. However, when Reigns entered the ring intent on reclaiming the throne, his bold statement was met with opposition.
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An all-out brawl ensued, with Reigns taking his anger out on Tonga and Loa, knocking them out with a series of punches and spears. Viewers watched as Reigns disarmed Sikoa’s allies, leaving the self-proclaimed leader of the nation vulnerable. The entire show ended with Reigns holding his head high and regaining his position as the true leader of the dynasty.
The August 9, 2024 SmackDown episode was filled with drama, action, and memorable moments. With Roman Reigns demonstrating his superiority, fans of WWE are curious about the potential outcomes for both Bloodline and the other SmackDown wrestlers. With the stakes increasing and new rivalries forming, it is clear that WWE SmackDown is currently more unpredictable than it has ever been.
Winners of the night
- #DIY defeated Pretty Deadly in the Number One Contenders Match for the WWE Tag Team Championship.
- Santos Escobar – Emerged as the Number One Contender for the United States Championship after defeating Andrade.
- LA Knight retained his United States Championship.
- The Street Profits won their match against A-Town Down Under.
- Jade Cargill defeated Alba Fyre.
- Roman Reigns reclaimed his position as the true leader of the Bloodline.
