Last night’s episode of WWE SmackDown was a pivotal one, featuring two highly anticipated title bouts and a series of matches that determined the participants for the upcoming Elimination Chamber pay-per-view event. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the highs and lows of the evening, and examine what this means for the future of the WWE roster.
The Title Bouts Steal the Show
The evening’s main event saw Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns clash for the WWE Universal Championship in a thrilling match that went the distance. Rhodes, who had been building momentum for weeks, looked strong in the early going, but ultimately came up short against the reigning champion. Despite the loss, Rhodes’ performance was impressive, and he’s now firmly in the running for a future title shot.
Meanwhile, in the second title bout of the evening, Alexa Bliss successfully defended her WWE Raw Women’s Championship against a determined Rhea Ripley. The match was intense and physical, with both women giving it their all in a bid for victory. In the end, Bliss emerged victorious, but Ripley’s performance has her firmly in the mix for a future title opportunity.
The Elimination Chamber Qualifiers Narrow the Field
The evening’s qualifying matches for the Elimination Chamber event were a key part of the show, and we saw some surprising winners emerge. In the men’s qualifying match, Sheamus and Jey Uso advanced to the Elimination Chamber, while in the women’s qualifying match, Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez also secured their spots. These matches will have a significant impact on the direction of the WWE roster in the coming weeks.
The Lows of the Evening
While there were certainly some highs to the evening, there were also some notable lows. The opening match of the evening, a tag team bout between The Usos and The New Day, was marred by a series of sloppy spots and a lack of energy. The match was ultimately won by The Usos, but it was a disappointing start to the evening.
Another low point of the evening was the appearance of Dolph Ziggler, who cut a promo that was widely panned by fans and critics alike. Ziggler’s attempt to stir up controversy and draw heat from the crowd fell flat, and he ultimately looked like a relic of a bygone era.
Backstage Insight from a WWE Insider
According to a WWE insider, Cody Rhodes is feeling good about his chances for a future title shot, despite his loss to Roman Reigns. “Cody was disappointed by the loss, but he’s also feeling more confident than ever,” the source revealed. “He’s been working hard to improve his skills and build his character, and he feels like he’s finally starting to see the fruits of his labor. He’s got a good feeling about his chances for a future title opportunity, and we’ll be keeping a close eye on him in the coming weeks.”
The Road Ahead
As the WWE roster continues to evolve and change, one thing is clear: the competition for a spot in the Elimination Chamber and a chance at the WWE Universal Championship will only get fiercer in the coming weeks. With Cody Rhodes, Alexa Bliss, and a host of other talented competitors vying for a spot in the main event, fans can expect some thrilling matches and unexpected twists and turns.
In the meantime, the WWE roster will continue to be shaken up by the ongoing storylines and rivalries, and fans will be treated to a series of exciting matches and events. Whether you’re a fan of the established stars or the up-and-coming talent, there’s never been a more exciting time to be a WWE fan.
Final Thoughts
Last night’s episode of WWE SmackDown was a must-see for fans of the WWE, with a series of exciting matches and storylines that will have a significant impact on the direction of the roster in the coming weeks. From the title bouts to the Elimination Chamber qualifiers, there’s no shortage of action and drama to keep fans engaged and invested. As the WWE continues to build towards the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view event, one thing is clear: the competition will only get fiercer, and the stakes will only get higher. Can Cody Rhodes, Alexa Bliss, and the rest of the WWE roster rise to the challenge? Only time will tell.