Synopsis
This week’s SmackDown came live from Orlando, Florida, and served as one of the final build-up shows heading into Crown Jewel. On paper, the lineup looked strong, with a Women’s Championship Triple Threat main event, Cody Rhodes continuing his rivalry with Seth Rollins, and the promise of surprise appearances. In practice, the show turned out to be a mix of highlights and frustrations.
What Worked Well
The opening segments did their job. Cody Rhodes’ promo built anticipation for his showdown with Seth Rollins, adding emotional weight and clear stakes. Drew McIntyre was interrupted mid-promo by Jacob Fatu, marking a surprise return that instantly injected freshness into the card. Their confrontation hinted at an exciting new feud that could give SmackDown’s upper card a much-needed spark.
The tag-team match featuring The Miz and Carmelo Hayes against The Street Profits delivered solid mid-card energy. Both teams clicked well, giving the crowd something lively in the middle of the show. Sami Zayn’s U.S. Title Open Challenge added intrigue, reminding fans of his resilience and ability to anchor the mid-card scene.
The main event itself — Tiffany Stratton defending the Women’s Championship against Jade Cargill and Nia Jax — had strong potential. Each woman brought star power, physicality, and presence. For stretches of the match, it felt like a legitimate headline bout.
Where It Fell Short
Unfortunately, the finish of the main event overshadowed everything. A referee’s botch during a pinfall sequence completely broke the illusion, stopping a count that should have continued. The awkward pause and visible confusion from the competitors drained the crowd’s energy and left the ending flat. Instead of talking about the talent, fans were left debating the mistake.
Some of the undercard bouts, like the women’s tag match, were serviceable but forgettable. They felt more like filler than meaningful stepping-stones in ongoing storylines. At times, the pacing dragged — segments seemed designed more to stall than to push narratives forward.
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