This week’s SmackDown was the season finale and the show flew by with interesting storylines and in-ring action. The big takeaway was the underlying idea that Solo Sikoa does not appreciate Jacob Fatu and that his lack of recognizing Fatu’s dominance could come back to bite him.
Also on the show, WWE jobbed out Giovani Vinci in his return match and LA Knight got thrown into the Andrade and Carmelo Hayes rivalry.
Here are the key takeaways from SmackDown, September 6, 2024:
3 Sikoa Mistreating Fatu?
Is WWE Setting The Stage For A Fatu Face Turn?
- Solo Sikoa wouldn’t let Fatu step up to Cody
- This is the second time Fatu has been somewhat disrespected by his Tribal Chief
- Is WWE planting the seeds for a Fatu babyface turn?
On Friday’s episode of SmackDown, tensions between Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu began to rise as WWE planted the seeds for an eventual fallout between the two. During the opening promo segment, Cody Rhodes addressed the live crowd, inviting The Bloodline to the ring before they could interrupt. Sikoa demanded a title shot, but Cody surprised everyone by offering the opportunity to Fatu instead.
Fatu stepped forward, seemingly ready to accept the chance, but hesitated when Sikoa questioned his obedience. This created a tense moment, hinting at a brewing conflict. Before the situation escalated, The Bloodline attempted to ambush Cody, but they were thwarted by The Street Profits and DIY. WWE official Nick Aldis intervened, setting a steel cage match between Sikoa and Cody for next week.
The tension between Fatu and Sikoa only intensified later in the main event. After Fatu dominated the match, taking out Montez Ford and the rest of the opposition, he was forced to tag in Sikoa, who hit two Samoan Spikes to secure the win. While Fatu seemed content with the result, the match underscored the growing dynamic where Sikoa continues to keep Fatu in his shadow, which could eventually backfire and lead to a significant rift within The Bloodline. Remember, this is all not long removed from Sikoa taking the WWE tag team title away from Fatu and giving it to Tonga Loa.
2 Does WWE Have A Plan For Giovani Vinci?
He Lost In Seconds
- Vinci lost in three seconds in his return match
- WWE must have a plan to job him out like that
- Where is the Vinci character going?
Giovanni Vinci made his highly (well, maybe slightly less than highly) anticipated return to WWE after being removed from Imperium, with his in-ring return promoted as a significant moment. However, the match was over before it began.
Apollo Crews quickly rolled Vinci up for an unexpected pinfall before he could even take off his tracksuit. The match, if it can be called that, has to have fans wondering about Vinci’s future. While quick losses like this can sometimes be used to further storylines, it’s unclear yet if WWE has a clear direction for Vinci.
Without a proper plan in place, he risks becoming nothing more than a glorified enhancement talent. For Vinci to remain relevant WWE is going to need to figure out a meaningful way to work this loss, and likely others, into his storylines moving forward. If not, his return could be remembered more for this lackluster loss than any long-term impact.
1 Is WWE Pivoting On The Andrade vs. Hayes Feud
LA Knight Was Worked Into The Mix
- The Andrade vs Carmelo Hayes battle continues
- LA Knight is now in the mix
- Will the winner of match five be the top contender for the U.S. Title?
On Friday night, LA Knight was cutting a promo when he was interrupted by Andrade and Carmelo Hayes. Hayes came out first, talking about how he was putting SmackDown on his back. He said he was next in line for the United States Championship. Andrade came out next and said he beat Hayes twice too. He said he deserves a shot. Knight told both guys to have another fight to see who gets taken out by Knight next.
As Andrade and Hayes got into it, Knight was pushed by accident and that led to him delivering a BFT to both stars. Is this WWE’s way of working Knight into the rivalry? Or, is this just WWE’s way of setting up match number five between the two and adding a new wrinkle by letting the winner take on Knight as the top contender for his title?
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