WWE SmackDown returned to the MVP Arena in Albany, New York, with a stacked card that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The blue brand’s spotlight shone brightly on the “Last Time Is Now” Tournament, a high-stakes competition designed to crown a new top contender for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. Meanwhile, reigning Women’s Champion Jade Cargill made a statement in the ring, facing off against B-Fab in a non-title clash that carried major implications for the women’s division.
Last Time Is Now Tournament Heats Up
The “Last Time Is Now” Tournament, introduced as part of John Cena’s farewell tour, has quickly become the centerpiece of WWE programming. With Cena’s final opponent set to be determined by the winner of this 16-man field, every match carries extra weight. SmackDown hosted two pivotal opening-round bouts, each with its own unique storyline and surprise entrant.
The Miz vs. Jey Uso: A Clash of Generations
The first tournament match pitted The Miz against Jey Uso. The A-Lister, known for his storied rivalry with John Cena, entered the contest with a 4-1 record against Uso in singles competition. However, the two had not faced each other one-on-one since 2019, making this a long-awaited rematch.
The match was a technical showcase, with both men trading signature moves and near-falls. Uso’s resilience and explosive offense kept The Miz on his heels, but The Miz’s experience and ring awareness allowed him to counter at crucial moments. In the end, it was The Miz who advanced to the next round, narrowly escaping with a victory after a dramatic finish that left fans buzzing.
According to a WWE insider, “The Miz’s win was planned to set up a potential showdown with John Cena down the line. WWE wants to keep Cena’s farewell tour unpredictable, and The Miz’s advancement adds another layer to the story.”
LA Knight vs. Mystery Opponent: Surprise Entry Stuns SmackDown
The second tournament match featured LA Knight, who drew a mystery opponent in the draw. SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis kept the identity of Knight’s challenger under wraps, building anticipation throughout the night. When the mystery opponent was finally revealed, it was none other than a surprise entrant from the NXT roster, marking the first time a developmental talent was included in the tournament.
The match was a hard-hitting affair, with both men showcasing their athleticism and determination. Knight’s charisma and crowd connection were on full display, but his opponent’s unexpected skill and aggression made for a competitive bout. In the end, LA Knight emerged victorious, advancing to the next round and solidifying his status as a top contender.
“LA Knight’s win was a statement,” said a source close to the booking team. “WWE wants to push Knight as a main event player, and this tournament is the perfect platform. The surprise entrant was a way to generate buzz and give Knight a credible win.”
Jade Cargill vs. B-Fab: Women’s Division Showdown
In a non-title match, WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill faced B-Fab, following a heated backstage confrontation earlier in the night. The match was a showcase of Cargill’s dominance, as she overpowered B-Fab with her signature strength and athleticism. Despite B-Fab’s best efforts, Cargill’s experience and ring awareness proved too much, and she secured the victory with a decisive finish.
The win further cemented Cargill’s status as the dominant force in the women’s division, while B-Fab’s performance earned her respect from the fans. According to a WWE insider, “Jade Cargill’s win was meant to send a message to the rest of the division. She’s not just a champion; she’s a force to be reckoned with. B-Fab’s effort was praised backstage, and she’s expected to get another shot at the title in the near future.”
Other Highlights from SmackDown
The night also featured several other notable matches and moments. The Street Profits continued their reign as WWE Tag Team Champions, defeating #DIY in a hard-fought contest. Wyatt Sicks, the mysterious faction led by Uncle Howdy, made a statement by defeating a team of top tag teams, further solidifying their presence in the tag division.
In the women’s division, Alexa Bliss continued her dominant run, defeating Piper Niven in a singles match. Bliss’s victory sets her up for a potential title shot against Jade Cargill, adding another layer to the women’s division storyline.
Backstage Buzz and Future Storylines
The “Last Time Is Now” Tournament is expected to continue heating up in the coming weeks, with more surprise entrants and high-stakes matches on the horizon. According to a WWE insider, “The tournament is designed to keep fans guessing. Every match could have a surprise twist, and the winner will have a major impact on John Cena’s farewell tour.”
Jade Cargill’s dominance in the women’s division is also expected to continue, with potential challengers emerging from the roster. B-Fab’s performance against Cargill has earned her a spot in the title picture, and a rematch could be on the horizon.
Conclusion
WWE SmackDown delivered a night of high-stakes action and surprises, with the “Last Time Is Now” Tournament and Jade Cargill’s dominance taking center stage. The tournament’s surprise entrant and The Miz’s advancement set the stage for more drama in the weeks to come, while Cargill’s victory over B-Fab solidified her status as the top force in the women’s division. With John Cena’s farewell tour continuing to dominate WWE programming, fans can expect more twists and turns as the tournament unfolds.