SMACKDOWN 2/9/24 REVIEW

The road to WrestleMania 40 already has us at the edge of our seats and we are still 60 days away from the Showcase of the Immortals. 

 

Smackdown starts us off with a highlight reel of the WrestleMania 40 kick off show from Las Vegas and it was Explosive! The Chief Content Officer (CCO), Paul "HHH" Levesque kicks off Smackdown to address the kick-off show. 

 

HHH is joined in the ring by Adam Pierce and Nick Aldis as he address the sold out Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC. The Charlotte crowd is loving HHH, and they are showing him a lot of love because earlier in the day he made it official, that it would be Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship in the Main Event at WrestleMania. 

​

HHH says that last night in Las Vegas was an incredible kick-off event to get the WWE started on the road to WrestleMania, but it took a hard left turn and the road is on fire. The CCO is on Smackdown because he wanted to clear up one thing, but before he could clear up anything, the crowd broke out into "Rocky Sucks" chants. HHH is saying on the flight to Charlotte there seemed to be some confusion in the air and maybe some people don't know their role. He felt like there were people at the WrestleMania Kickoff who tried to exert their authority when they don't really have any. He said he doesn't care where you sit and that answers come from one place and one place only, and you are looking at him. He goes on to reiterate that it will be Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes in the Main Event of WrestleMania. HHH goes to make another statement but the crowd breaks out into "Cody" chants. He continues and mentions there may be people in the back that don't like that decision but it doesn't matter if you don't like that decision. "Welcome to the road to WrestleMania".

​

After HHH finished addressing the crowd, Nick Aldis, the GM of Smackdown, mentioned The World Heavy Champion, Seth "Freakin" Rollins and his opponent will be decided in the Elimination Chamber in Perth, Australia. To get to the Elimination Chamber, WWE management have decided that the superstars in the Elimination Chamber will be decided in a series of qualifying matches and to show that WWE management are a united front, he turned the mic over to the RAW GM, Adam Pierce. 

​

Adam Pierce directed our attention the tron and to the twelve individuals who will be competing in the Elimination Chamber Qualifying matches. The following individuals will be competing in the Elimination Chamber qualifying matches: 

​

- Drew McIntyre

- AJ Styles 

- Randy Orton

- Bronson Reed 

- Kevin Owens

- Logan Paul 

- The Miz

- Bobby Lashley 

- Ivar

- Sami Zayn 

- Dominic Mysterio

- LA Knight 

​

,We are presented with twelve Superstars and six matches over three events, all for the opportunity at WrestleMania Dreams! 

​

Drew McIntyre is kicking off the qualifying matches and on his way to the ring with a mic in hand. Drew wanted to thank the fans for opening up their wallets and purchasing his shirt and letting him know they feel the same way about CM Punk. He said his shirt is on top of the merch sales and selling more than Punks shirts. He said, "DM Hunk is going to make you a promise, Punk will not get one penny of the profits". He says people are thanking him because Cody is going to finish the story and you're welcome. He says he's saved the main event at WrestleMania, got rid of CM Punk and now he will save the World Heavyweight Championship by giving WWE a champion they can be proud of because that's best for business.

​

Match 1 Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match 

Drew McIntyre vs. AJ Styles 

Before the match begins, "The Megastar" LA Knight joins the announce team. Drew and AJ at the bell proceeded to beat the hell out of each other for the opportunity to compete in the Elimination Chamber. During the match it appeared that Drew may have injured his knee and it gave him problems the duration of the match. AJ set up Drew for the phenomenal forearm and Drew countered with a Glasgow Kiss to AJ knocking him outside of the ring onto the mat. Drew threw the Phenomenal One over the announce table close to LA, who proceeded to take the lid off his water bottle and set it on the announce table on its side so it would leak onto AJ who was beside the table. LA acted like AJ knocked it over and picked it and continued to drink out of it. This didn't bode well with AJ who pushed LA and out out of nowhere Drew pushes AJ into LA before throwing AJ back into the ring. AJ quickly recovers and kicks Drews "bad wheel" as he was getting into the ring and then rolls him up for what could have been a three count if the referee wasn't trying to prevent outside interference from LA Knight who was trying to get after Drew after pushing AJ into him. AJ realized what was going on gave up the pin and punched LA off the apron. The LA Knight distraction allowed Drew to recover and hit a "Claymore" for the victory. 

Drew has qualified for the Elimination Chamber. 

Winner: Drew McIntyre 

​

Backstage Segment 

After a entertaining first match in the Elimination Chamber Qualifiers, Kayla Braxton is getting Sami Zayn's thoughts on the Qualifying matches for Elimination Chamber. Sami said that WrestleMania season is a emotional season for everyone. He talks about main eventing WrestleMania 39 and this year watching his window close fast for a opportunity to compete but goes on to sing the praises of his opponent tonight Randy Orton, the thirteen time World Champion. Sami says even if he gets through The Viper, waiting on the other side is Drew McIntyre, a man Sami Zayn has never beat. He says, "It's not a easy path, but it's a path so he'll take it".

​

After the words from Sami Zayn, WWE presented a video package of NASCAR driver, Ryan Blaney who got the VIP treatment before the show tonight. 

​

Following the video package, we get the most handsome tag team in WWE, Pretty Deadly. Yes Boy! They are on a pier under a gazebo and Elton Prince points out a cloud that looks like Queen Elizabeth but Kit Wilson doesn't seemed amused. The caring, Elton asked Kit if he was mad at Lizzy, and Kit just seems sad and depressed. Kit finally answering, pulls his mangled hand out and it's bandaged up from the fatal four way last week. Elton says that Pete Dunn'e should be ashamed of himself and then curses Pete Dunne. Elton and Kit are ready to show everybody on Friday Night "Snackdown" that Pretty Deadly are ready! Yes Boy!! 

​

Match 2 Women's Elimination Qualifying Match 

Bianca Belair vs. Michin 

Bianca wasn't wasting anytime and immediately went for a KOD at the bell but MiChin wasn't having and brought her "A" game. MiChin has been putting on bangers and tonight proved no different and after a successful powerslam went for a "eat defeat" and Bianca reversed it but MiChin wasn't letting it slide and finally hit it only to have Bianca land outside the ring. MiChin scrambled to get Bianca back in the ring but wasted valuable time and Bianca was able to recover. Binca hit the "KOD" and proved once again you can't spell WrestleMania without the "EST". 

Bianca becomes the second woman to qualify for the Elimination Chamber. Winner: Bianca Belair 

​

Backstage Segment 

After a commercial break, Bron Breakker is seen entering HHH's office. HHH says he's proud of him and everything he's accomplished since arriving in WWE has been impressive. HHH says he's anxious to see what he can do at the next level. Bron thanks him and asked to pick his brain because he has two great offers from Raw and Smackdown.

​

As HHH goes to offer him advice, Paul Heyman walks in and HHH excuses Bron. Paul Heyman says that Bron is one hell of an impressive talent from a wacky family but HHH isn't playing Paul's games and asked him what he wants. Paul Heyman could tell HHH wasn't in the mood to deal with him so he said he'd give him some space and respect and come back next week with his Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns and The Rock. 

After that interesting encounter, Bayley is making her way to the ring and I'm sure she has a lot to get off her chest after Damage Ctrl finally turned on her last week. This Charlotte crowd is loving Bayley and she is eating it up and says that made her feel better. Bayley asked the crowd, if they are cool right now and the crowd went wild with love for her. Bayley says Damage Ctrl meant everything to her and they were her family but the more she gave them the more they tried to take from her. She says at WrestleMania Iyo will learn the hard way. 

​

Dakota Kai interrupts Bayley and says she's been trying to get ahold of her and asked why she was ghosting her. Bayley asked where she was last week and Dakota told her she was at the Dr. trying to get cleared to come back. Dakota Kai said she didn't know about last week and Bayley told her to cut the crap she was along side them when they were laughing at her. Bayley said Dakota knew what was going on the whole time. Dakota asked Bayley to hear her out because she was put into a really tough spot and she always believed in Damage Ctrl. Dakota said that Iyo believed in Damage Ctrl to until Kairi and Asuka joined the group and got into her head. Bayley asked Dakota, "Why didn't you tell me"? 

​

Dakota said she wanted to tell Bayley but didn't know how to tell her. Dakota goes on saying she misses the OG three of Damage Ctrl because they were like sisters. Dakota said Bayley was like a mentor to her and she wouldn't be here if it wasn't for her. She says she didn't know how to tell Bayley because the plan was working, the Kabuki Warriors won the tag titles and you won the Royal Rumble and that it was all Bayley that made it happen. She said she thought the situation with Asuka and Kairi would blow over but it didn't.

​

Bayley said that it's fine and asked Dakota where she stands but before she could give her an answer the Iyo Sky and the Kabuki Warriors interrupted Dakota from answering. As they got closer to the ring, Dakota Kai bailed from inside the ring and appears outside leaving Bayley surrounded. Dakota comes back into the ring with a chair and looks prepared to give Bayley an answer with a chair shot. Dakota runs toward Bayley with the chair but she passes Bayley and hits Iyo, followed by Asuka and Kairi but then she turns it toward Bayley and sets it down seemingly showing her allegiance to Bayley. Does Bayley have an ally in Dakota Kai or is this a set-up by Iyo and the Kabuki Warriors? 

​

Kayla Braxton is backstage with Randy Orton, who looks ready for his match against Sami Zayn. Kayla asked, "With all your success at WrestleMania's in the past, how determined are you to earn your spot this year starting tonight against Sami Zayn"? Randy, said earlier tonight Sami was right and making it to WrestleMania isn't a given and just last year he was watching it from home and it was horrible but he did learn a invaluable lesson, patience. He said the Viper knows when to strike and he can wait on Roman Reigns. He said his WrestleMania plans have taken a slight detour but he still plans on everything going his way on his road to Elimination Chamber. He says the one constant in the Elimination Chamber will be the three most dangerous letters, R.K.O! 

​

Before we find out who will be facing The Judgement Day at Elimination Chamber, we heard from Bobby Lashley and the Street Profits. Bobby welcomes the newest member into their group, B-Fab and they remind The Final Testament that they still have receipts coming. B-Fabs says it's WrestleMania season and it begins on Monday when Bobby Lashley goes against Big Bronson Reid for a spot at Elimination Chamber. Bobby said he will win Elimination Chamber and that WrestleMania will be "All Mighty".

​

Match 3 

Tyler Bate/Pete Dunne vs. DIY 

The winner of this match will face Judgement Day for the Undisputed Tag Team Titles at Elimination Chamber in Perth, Australia. Johnny Gargano and Tyler Bate start off this entertaining tag team match with some skilled mat work and some one up man ship. Both men hit the ropes and a blind tag made by Bate to the Bruiserweight Pete Dunne and hammers Johnny Wrestling with a big clothesline. Ciampa and Dunne are two hard hitting individuals and business picks up with both in the ring and back from a break both teams are hitting on all cylinders and some fantastic tag team work from both teams. I could watch these two teams weekly, they are that good and you know they are going to put it all on the line to win and tonight Pete Dunne put the "Bitter End" to DIY's plans to face the tag teams champs at Elimination Chamber. 

Winner: Tyler Bate/Pete Dunne 

​

Backstage Segment 

Following that great tag team match, WWE goes backstage to Byron Saxton who is set to get words from Dirty Dom Mysterio. Dirty Dom is predicting Elimination Chamber results and says The Judgement Day will retain their tag titles, Mami will be Nia Jax and he plans on winning Elimination Chamber and beating Seth "Freakin" Rollins at WrestleMania so he and Mami can have matching titles. Byron tells Dom that he still needs to qualify and Dom says he don't care who they put in front of him he'll slap the taste out their...Kevin Owens ask's, slap the taste out their what? Kevin really wants to know if Dom is going to slap the taste out his opponents mouth because he's Dom's opponent next week on Smackdown. KO says the only thing happening next week is he is going to beat Dom and dedicate the win to the greatest luchadores of all time, Dom's Dad, Rey Mysterio.

​

After Dom walks away, we hear R-Truth yelling, Miz! Miz! KO is visibly confused and tells him, he's suppose to be on Raw and not to let Nick catch him on Smackdown. KO asked him, "Nick Mysterio"? R-Truth said, "No, Nick Aldis!" The shocked KO just said "Ok" and R-Truth gave him a, "My Dawg"! 

As soon as R-Truth came out you could hear the crowd chanting, we want R-Truth! Truth is a National Treasure! 

​

Before the main event gets under way, Logan Paul is crying in the GM office about finding him a challenger for the U.S. Title but they instead put him into the Elimination Chamber Qualifier. Logan is listing out accomplishments of the PLE like they are his own and says he's the common denominator of all of them. He says he's a prize fighter and you have him fighting for free next week in Utah. Logan says he deserves the Rock treatment; come in do what he wants, slap someone in the face and then back on the jet. He relents and says he'll do but he's winning Elimination Chamber and beating Seth Rollins at WrestleMania to become a double champ. Logan asked who he is facing next week and Nick says Logan knows him very well and he's a must see Superstar...The Miz! 

​

Main Event Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match 

Randy Orton vs. Sami Zayn 

I think it's a toss up between Randy Orton and Roman Reigns on who takes the longest walk out to the ring. What a start to a main event tonight on Smackdown, Sami Zayn broke out some classic El Generico offense and it reminded me just how good Sami is. Sami in the beginning of this qualifying match has had a answer for everything The Viper has thrown at him until Randy pulled out a super plex from the top rope but it looked like it hurt Randy more than Sami. These two threw it all out there on the line and it looked like Sami was about to qualify with the Blue Thunder Bomb but it wasn't enough to keep The Viper down. After some back and forth offense and off the ropes the three most devastating letters in sports entertainment ended Sami's hopes to go to the Elimination Chamber...R.K.O.

Randy Orton has qualified for the Elimination Chamber. 

Winner: Randy Orton 

​

Takeaways 

1. HHH cleared up who should know their role 

2. Men's Elimination Qualifier started...Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton have qualified 

3. Bianca Belair qualified for Elimination Chamber 

4. Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne will face Judgement Day for the Tag Titles

5. Salt Lake City should bring in extra precautions for next week cause Smackdown is going to be HUGE!