On the September 13, 2024, episode of WWE SmackDown, the blue brand delivered another action-packed night of wrestling, filled with thrilling matches and dramatic storylines. Fans witnessed title defenses, intense rivalries, and the latest developments on the road to the next major WWE pay-per-view. Here’s a breakdown of the night’s key moments and match results.
Roman Reigns Opens SmackDown
The show kicked off with the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns making his entrance alongside The Bloodline, continuing their dominant presence on SmackDown. Reigns addressed the WWE Universe, boasting about his recent victories and the unity within his family. However, tensions remained simmering within the Bloodline, especially with Solo Sikoa and Jey Uso. The promo set the stage for future conflicts, keeping fans on edge about what’s next for the group.
Match 1: LA Knight vs. Austin Theory
In the opening contest, LA Knight faced off against Austin Theory in a fast-paced match. Both superstars showcased their technical prowess and athletic ability. LA Knight, a rising fan favorite, continued his upward trajectory by defeating Theory with his signature Blunt Force Trauma finisher. Knight’s victory solidifies his status as a major contender for future title opportunities, while Theory continues to search for his next big win.
Winner: LA Knight via pinfall
Backstage Segment: Judgment Day
In a backstage segment, Judgment Day’s Finn Bálor and Damian Priest were seen confronting Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. The tension between the two teams has been growing, and it was clear that Judgment Day has its sights set on capturing the WWE Tag Team Titles. The interaction teased a potential showdown in the near future.
Match 2: Asuka vs. Charlotte Flair
The women’s division took center stage as Asuka battled Charlotte Flair in a high-stakes match. With both competitors being former champions, the bout was an intense back-and-forth affair. Charlotte relied on her athleticism, while Asuka used her striking ability and submission holds to wear down her opponent. In a dramatic finish, Asuka managed to pin Flair after countering the Figure Eight submission into a quick roll-up.
Winner: Asuka via pinfall
Segment: Grayson Waller Effect with John Cena
The talk show segment, “The Grayson Waller Effect,” welcomed John Cena as its guest. Cena, who has been making sporadic appearances on WWE programming, spoke about his legacy and his future in the company. Grayson Waller, known for his arrogant attitude, tried to disrespect Cena, but the veteran responded with his usual charisma, leaving Waller frustrated. This segment teased a possible future match between the two, continuing Cena’s involvement with younger talent.
Match 3: The Brawling Brutes vs. The Street Profits
The Brawling Brutes (Sheamus & Ridge Holland) clashed with The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) in a high-energy tag team contest. Both teams displayed impressive teamwork and hard-hitting offense. The Street Profits, riding a wave of momentum, came out on top after Ford landed a massive Frog Splash on Holland for the pinfall victory.
Winners: The Street Profits via pinfall
Match 4: Rey Mysterio vs. Santos Escobar – United States Championship
The main event of the night saw Rey Mysterio defend his United States Championship against his former protégé, Santos Escobar. The two superstars put on a technical masterpiece, showcasing their lucha libre skills. The crowd was fully engaged as Mysterio and Escobar exchanged high-flying moves and counters. In the end, Mysterio retained his title after hitting the 619 followed by a splash from the top rope.
Winner: Rey Mysterio via pinfall (retains United States Championship)
Conclusion
The September 13, 2024, episode of WWE SmackDown delivered exciting action and furthered key storylines heading into WWE’s next major event. With Roman Reigns and The Bloodline continuing to dominate, the women’s division heating up, and the rise of stars like LA Knight, SmackDown continues to captivate fans each week. The ongoing rivalries and new developments ensure that WWE SmackDown remains must-watch television.