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KELLER’S WWE SMACKDOWN TV REPORT
JUNE 16, 2023
LEXINGTON, KY AT RUPP ARENA
AIRED LIVE ON FOX
[HOUR ONE]
-The show opened with a nearly five minute long video package on last week’s happenings with The Bloodline.
-Kayla Braxton stood in the parking garage and welcomed everyone to Smackdown. The Bloodline SUV arrived. She said everyone is wondering “will Jey Uso fall in line.” Roman Reigns stepped out of the vehicle and blew off Kayla and walked past her. Solo Sikoa walked past the camera. She approached Paul Heyman and asked for an update on Jey Uso. He rolled his eyes and glared at her and walked away.
-Michael Cole said tonight the question is whether Jey will fall in line. The graphic said: “Will Jey Uso fall in line?”
(1a) THE STREET PROFITS (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) vs. THE BRAWLING BRUTES (Sheamus & Ridge Holland) – Tag Team Gauntlet match
The Profits made their ring entrance. The Brawling Brutes came out second. The rest of the teams were also at ringside. Cole said the order of entry into the match is random. They showed Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn watching on a monitor backstage. The bell rang seven minutes into the hour. Cole noted that these two teams have the disadvantage of having to make it through five teams consecutively to win. Wade Barrett said he won’t call it impossible, “but it’s the next thing.” Sheamus and Ford battled first. Holland and then Dawkins tagged in. Ridge headbutted Dawkins and tagged Sheamus in. Sheamus caught Dawkins with a boot to the head for the quick win.
WINNERS: The Brutes in under 3:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: This is why these Gauntlet matches are an awful concept, because credible teams lose inexplicably quickly in order for the match to not last too long. Unless it’s part of an angle where Ford ends up disgruntled with Dawkins not lasting longer, it just defines down the Profits to lose so quickly like that.)
(1b) THE BRAWLING BRUTES vs. KARL ANDERSON & DOC GALLOWS
As soon as Anderson and Gallows entered the ring and began fighting, they cut to a break. [c]
Back from the break, Gallows grounded Sheamus with a chinlock. They cut again to KO and Sami who were commenting to each other about what they were seeing. Gallows tagged in Anderson and knocked Holland off the ring apron. When he turned back around, Sheamus delivered a Brogue Kick for a quick win.
WINNERS: Brutes in 9:00 overall.
(1c) THE BRAWLING BRUTES vs. THE LWO (Cruz del Toro & Joaquin Wilde)
Holland finished Cruz del Toro quickly.
WINNERS: Brutes in 11:00 overall.
(1d) THE BRAWLING BRUTES vs. HIT ROW (Top Dolla & Ashante “Thee” Adonis)
Holland backdropped a charging Adonis over the top rope and then Sheamus delivered an instant Brogue Kick to Top Dolla for the win.
WINNERS: The Brutes in 12:00 overall. [c]
(1e) THE BRAWLING BRUTES vs. PRETTY DEADLY (Elton Prince & Kit Wilson)
Barrett said, “There is nothing wrong with androgyny” and accused Cole of toxic masculinity. Barrett called them “Killer Queens.” Prince grounded Holland in a chinlock a couple minutes into their battle. After being double-teamed, Holland crawled over and tagged in Sheamus. He went to work on both Prince and Wilson and then played to the cheering crowd.
Wilson ducked a Brogue Kick. Sheamus came back with an Alabama Slam for a near fall. Prince and Holland battled at ringside. Prince rammed Holland into the ringpost. Wilson slipped out of Sheamus’s grip and crawled to the ring apron. Sheamus grabbed both Prince and Wilson and bashed their chests with forearms as the crowd counted along. Wilson dropped to the floor around ten and then Sheamus continued on Wilson with another 20. He followed with a Celtic Cross attempt. Prince blind-tagged himself in. Sheamus then finished the Cross maneuver and made the cover. Prince landed a top rope legdrop to the back of Sheamus’s neck and scored the three count. They showed Sami & KO reacting in the back.
WINNERS: Pretty Deadly in 22:00 to earn a WWE Tag Team Title match in two weeks on Smackdown.
(Keller’s Analysis: This is the Gauntlet Match you’d enter into evidence as the reason this match format is usually pretty awful. Too many credible teams lost way quicker than they would under almost any other circmstances without any logic to explain it, especially The Street Profits but really also including Anderson & Gallows and The LWO. And for what purpose? Instead, they could have just had the Brutes and Pretty Deadly winning matches on TV for a few weeks, Pearce declare they’re the top two contenders, and then give them a showcase longer tag match to determine who gets a shot at Sami & KO next.)
-Cole and Barrett hyped Charlotte on The Grayson Waller Effect and whether Jey Uso will fall in line. [c]
-Sami and Owens walked out onto the stage to acknowledge Pretty Deadly’s win. Sami congratulated them. Sami said he didn’t expect them to win. He said they won about five minutes ago, but they’re still in the ring celebrating. He said they’ve overstayed their welcome by about five minutes. He told them to get the hell out of there. Wilson said they just beat five teams, yet their hair is dryer and better than “that mess of a man right there,” a reference to Sami. Wilson said, “How dare you interrupt Pretty Deadly… the two tastiest snacks.” Wilson said when they become the new tag champions, they’ll stay out and celebrate even longer. They played up the phrase “even loooonger” several more times.
Sami asked KO what he thinks of what they were saying. Owens said Sami keeps telling him to calm down, but since he asked, he wants to “punch in their stupid faces.” Sami said they should do it. As they charged to the ring, Cole called out Pretty Deadly for bragging that they just beat five teams. He called it “an outright lie.” (Where was he when Roman Reigns said he won the Royal Rumble by eliminating 29 other wrestlers years ago?)
(Keller’s Analysis: Pretty Deadly getting a feud with Sami & KO this soon seems like an endorsement of them as a top tier tag team act out of the gate by management. They should be able to deliver and look like they belong since they’re good enough in the ring and have really well defined personas. The interplay with KO & Sami and Pretty Deadly has been fun so far and should continued to be really entertaining.)
-Backstage, Heyman was nervously talking to Reigns on a couch. He stammered as he asked Reigns if he has spoken to Jey. Reigns asked who the Tribal Chief is. Heyman said he is. Reigns said since he is the Tribal Chief, Jey should be reaching out to him. Reigns asked Heyman if he’s talked to Jey. Reigns told Heyman to go talk to Jey. Heyman said, “Yes, my Tribal Chief.”
-Cole said Heyman appeared quite nervous and said he could be out of the Bloodline as well.
-Bayley accompanied Iyo Sky to the ring. [c]
(2) ZELINA VEGA vs. IYO SKY
As Vega made her ring entrance after the break, they aired interaction between Vega and Bayley & Sky backstage last week on the Smackdown Lowdown that led to this match being made. The bell rang 46 minutes into the hour. Cole said Vega was friends with Sky years ago and she thinks she’s been poisoned by Bayley. At 2:00 Bayley yelled at Vega from the ring apron. Sky rolled up Vega, but the ref was scolding Bayley and didn’t make the count. Sky then yelled at Bayley. Vega landed a 619 on Sky and stack pinned her for the three count. Bayley tried to explain to Sky how things played out.
WINNER: Vega in 2:30.
-A sponsored video package aired on the Bianca Belair-Adam Pearce interactions last week.
-Belair confronted Pearce about when she gets her rematch. Pearce told her to be patient. She said she’s done waiting, so right or wrong, she’s doing it her way.
-They showed the set being assembled for The Grayson Waller Effect. [c]
-Backstage, Bayley was explaining to Sky what happened when Shotzi interrupted and said if it wasn’t for them, she’d be in the Money in the Bank ladder match. Bayley said she doesn’t belong in the match because she’s not at their level. Shotzi said if she’s so confident, why not put her spot on the line against her. Sky said, “She accepts.” Shotzi said she’d go talk to Pearce and make it official. Bayley asked Sky what she did that for. Sky said, “I was just trying to help,” using the line Bayley used to excuse her actions leading to Sky’s loss.
(Keller’s Analysis: Good closing line by Sky. Whatever Dakota Kai’s injury did to change the course of Damage CTRL, if they’re heading toward Sky turning on Bayley with fans cheering Sky, that can set up a good singles feud for a while before they split off and move onto wrestling others. Sky is a more natural babyface and maybe Bayley can be sparked by a feud with her and then moving on as a singles heel challenging the top babyfaces.)
[HOUR TWO]
-The Grayson Waller Effect: The announcers played up that Waller was nervous about interviewing “the great Charlotte Flair.” Charlotte made her ring entrance. Waller asked her about facing Asuka in two weeks on Smackdown and said she’s not the same Asuka she’s faced before. He asked if she wants to become a 15-time champion. Belair interrupted. She entered the ring and said somebody has to explain to her how things are working around there. She said Charlotte returned after time away and called for a title match and got it. She asked if she’s trippin’.
Charlotte stood and said she called her shot, but she didn’t write the rules. She said she didn’t politic to rewrite them, either. She said she won’t apologize, “and the line starts and ends with me.” She said she lost to Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania, but she didn’t get a rematch. She suggested they’re both deserving of a rematch.
Belair said she tried to do things the right way. She said she lost, but she stayed and did things the right way. She said she didn’t go hide for three months. She said maybe she should take things into her own hands, too.
Charlotte said she didn’t hide for three months, but rather she stepped away. She said she picked herself up after each loss 14 times. She said she is a champion with or without a title. She asked Belair if she can say that. Belair said she is the longest-reigning women’s champion of the modern era, “so put some respect on my name.” She said she’ll be standing ringside for Charlotte’s title match with Asuka in two weeks because she is done being patient. She said she’ll go face-t0-face with the winner and call her shot “because the title is coming back to me.”
(Keller’s Analysis: Charlotte appears to be settling into a role of being a star “above the traditional heel and babyface construct” and it just the top legacy star of the division – which of course is not settled law amongst the fanbase. So fans can cheer or boo depending on who she’s wrestling, but she’s a protected main event star. I can live with this, especially since she’s neither a particularly likable babyface when she tries that, yet fans want to cheer her even when she’s a heel. I’d rather she go full on heel and stay there and primarily wrestle only babyfaces, though. Waller is not being given enough to say or do in his segments so far.)
-Heyman approached Jey backstage and apologized that his brother kicked him in the face last week and cost him his opportunity to become U.S. Champion. Heyman said Jimmy doesn’t miss. He said he has the most accurate kick in all of WWE, tied with Jey. He said he didn’t deserve that, “and for that, I’m sorry.” Jey looked to the ground and listened. Then he told Heyman, “I’m sorry, too, O.G.” He smiled and said he’s sorry that if he’s in, Heyman is out. Heyman glared at him and locked eyes for a few seconds before moving.
-As A.J. Styles and Michin made their ring entrance, Cole said Jey’s back is against the wall and it’s decision time. [c]
(3) MICHIN & A.J. STYLES vs. SCARLETT & KARRION KROSS
Kross and Scarlett’s full ring entrance took place. The bell rang 13 minutes into the hour. Styles and Kross started. A couple minutes in, Styles was distracted by Michin and Scarlett battling at ringside. Kross finished Styles with a Kross Hammer and his faceplant finisher.
WINNER: Kross in 2:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: I was settling in for a somewhat lengthy match. That was oddly short. No matter the circumstances, having Styles lose that quickly to Kross, who isn’t exactly a protected top tier main event heel for WWE, defines Styles down and sends a message that he’s in a new stage of his career that’s lower than before. This match just didn’t need to be wedged into this show if they didn’t make sure it had more time.)
-Backstage, Reigns asked Heyman for an update. “Well,” Reigns said. Heyman didn’t say anything, but looked at Reigns. He finally said, “My Tribal Chief.” Solo took a step toward Heyman and Heyman whimpered and scurried away. Solo asked Reigns if he wanted him to handle it. Reigns told him to take it easy because they’ve still got plenty of time. [c]
-Braxton interviewed Cameron Grimes backstage. He was all smiles. She asked how he feels like he’s adjusted so far. Baron Corbin attacked Grimes as he began talking about how he felt good about things so far. Corbin said his luck has run out.
-Rey Mysterio made his ring entrance. He slapped hands and then played to the crowd from the ring. Rey said he’s had many accomplishments in his career that he’s proud of, and there’s one he’s truly proud of, which is reforming the LWO. He said the person he’s about to introduce represents the essence of the LWO and can become the next MITB winner. Out came Santos Escobar. Escobar looked admiringly at Rey after he entered the ring. He addressed the hard camera and said timing is everything. He said he’s worked hard and made a lot of sacrifices to earn this opportunity of a lifetime in the MITB match. He told Rey he loves him and said he inspires him and he’s fighting for him and his family and any of the fans who have a dream. L.A. Knight’s music interrupted.
Knight walked out and got a pop doing so. Barrett said he was the first one aboard the Knight bandwagon. Knight entered and shoved Rey down. Escobar attacked him. Rey went for a 619, but Knight rolled to ringside. [c]
(4) L.A. KNIGHT vs. SANTOS ESCOBAR
The match was joined in progress after the break 30 minutes into the hour. They wrestled at a fast pace for several minutes back and forth until Knight rolled up Escobar and held the ropes, but Escobar rolled through and got the three count.
WINNER: Escobar in 3:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: Knight is still over despite losing quite a bit, but is it this slowing down the upside of his character, especially as an upper-mid-card babyface who trash-talks heels who deserve to be torn apart on the mic?)
-Jey was walking backstage when he saw Sami sitting on the side. Sami stood and nodded and seemed to give him a look that indicated he was about to do the right thing. Cole said he’s expected to make a decision now.
-The Bloodline music played. Reigns, Heyman, and Solo walked out. They cut to a break. [c]
-Cole and Barrett hyped next week’s line-up: Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler vs. Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn, Grimes vs. Corbin, and Shotzi vs. Bayley with Bayley’s MITB slot at stake.
-Reigns stood in the ring as his music faded. Reigns looked around and let out a deep sigh. Heyman handed him a mic. He asked Lexington, Kentucky to acknowledge him. Fans cheered and booed. The Usos theme then played and Jey walked out. Cole said a compelling argument can be made for whichever decision Jey makes. Barrett said Jey has always been an emotional hot-head, but he needs to be calm, collected, and smart now.
Jey paced as fans chanted “Uso! Uso!” Reigns said, “I know what they want. They want answers, Jey. So what’s it going to be? Are you in or are you out?” Jey said, “You tell me, Uce. It’s either going to be him (Heyman) or it’s me.” Reigns paused and said, “Alright, listen. When you’re Tribal Chief, you can pick anyone you want to be your wise man.” He said Heyman is his personal wise man “and he’s here to help me as I lead.” He said Jey is meant to keep them at the promised land, at the top of the mountain. He said they’ve been grooming him for over three years now with hard work and equity. (Fans were doing obnoxious “What?” chants whenever Reigns paused. Stop it, people.) He said the problem isn’t the wise man, it’s his brother. He said they’re twins and inseparable.
Jimmy walked out and told Jey the problem isn’t his twin, it’s his cousin. He entered the ring and told Jey that Reigns is using him. He asked if he actually believes the garbage coming out of his mouth. “You believe this over me?” he asked. An “Uso!” chant began again. Reigns laughed. “Listen to them,” Reigns said. He said it took ten years for the Usos to get onto a WrestleMania card, but since joining him, he’s been in every one. He said Jimmy is an anchor while he’s the wings. He said he has a great future in front of him because he’s the next in line to be Tribal Chief. He said he can’t be a Tribal Chief and a twin at the same time. Jimmy wiped his eyes and his temples, as if the pressure was getting to him.
Reigns asked Heyman who the only one was who had an issue with Jey being named the right hand man. Heyman hesitated as if to ask Reigns if he really wanted to go there. Reigns revealed that it wasn’t Heyman’s suggestion. Heyman looked over at Jimmy. Jey shot Jimmy a look. Jimmy hung his head in shame. Jey confronted Jimmy head on and Jimmy couldn’t look him in the eye. Jey asked, “Is it true? Look at me. Is it true?” Jimmy said it is true. Jey recoiled and shot him a look of disappointment. Jey angrily asked if this whole damn time he’s been doubting him. Jey said he expects it from Solo, but not Jimmy.
Jey said Jimmy probably had that attitude because he thinks he’s knows what’s right. He said he always saw himself as the big brother. He said in reality, they weren’t competing with Reigns, but rather he was trying to keep up with his ass. He said Jimmy was Mr. Prom King and “most likely to succeed” and Mr. Player of the Year. He said he got hurt and he stepped up, which was a blessing in disguise. He said he got to be part of main events at major events. He said it’s all because of Reigns. “So guess what?” he said. “You’re out. And I’m out, too.” He turned and superkicked Reigns. Fans popped. Solo got bug-eyed. Solo charged. Jimmy and Jey ducked and double superkicked him. The crowd cheered as the Usos celebrated together. Heyman slid out of the ring as Reigns looked up at what was happening. He stood, and the Usos gave him a double superkick. Cole exclaimed, “The Bloodline is done as we know it. Roman’s Empire has crumbled.”
(Keller’s Analysis: So I’ll get my complaint out of the way up front. There are too many “swerves” in WWE and pro wrestling in general. I’m not buying that Jey Uso’s character would go through a charade of pretending to be mad at Jimmy only to reveal he’s really with him, not do I buy that Jey was really upset with Jimmy and then instantly changed his mind and decided to attack Roman Reigns. That felt like it was done for the manufactured drama of the “shock value.” Usually it’s heels who relish in “fooling the fans” for a few minutes before pulling the rug out from under them, but I don’t buy Jey would be motivated to deceive before revealing his true intent, especially because the news Heyman and Roman gave him about Jimmy resisting him becoming the next Tribal Chief was presented as new info to Jey. As for the rest, stellar as always with great performances all around. The fans, of course, popped big for Jey making the decision they wanted him to make. Despite misgivings about the “swerve” at the end, The Bloodline angle continues to set the bar higher across this industry today and going forward in terms of telling a long-term story with great characters placed in moral dilemmas and difficult situations with tough choices. I’m looking forward to the Usos vs. Reigns & Solo and eventually singles matches with those four, too.)
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