WWE SmackDown at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., delivered a night full of drama, athleticism, and unforgettable moments. The show kicked off with “The Grayson Waller Effect,” featuring “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes. As expected, Waller’s talk show segment was a mix of sarcasm and provocation, with Waller and his co-host Austin Theory attempting to get under Rhodes’ skin. The crowd was fully behind Cody, who responded to Waller’s taunts with his usual wit and confidence.
The segment took a turn when Waller and Theory tried to cast doubt on Kevin Owens, suggesting that he was not to be trusted. This brought out Owens, who, visibly annoyed, called for Nick Aldis to make things right. Aldis, ever the authoritative figure, swiftly made the match official, setting up a tag-team clash between Rhodes and Owens against Waller and Theory for later in the night.
The card was packed with high-stakes matches, and it did not disappoint. The first big match of the evening saw LA Knight face Santos Escobar for the United States Championship. Knight, who has been on a meteoric rise, faced tough competition from Escobar, but his momentum carried him through, leading to a hard-fought victory and a retained his championship. So, to that I say LA Knight …YEAH!
The six-woman tag match featuring the powerhouse team of Jade Cargill, Bianca Belair, and Naomi against The Unholy Union and Blair Davenport. This match had the crowd on their feet, as all six competitors brought their A-game. Belair and Naomi’s high-flying moves, combined with Cargill’s sheer strength, proved too much for their opponents, securing them a decisive victory.
Next up was a thrilling bout between The Bloodline and The Street Profits for the WWE Tag Team Championships. Solo Sikoa aka Not The Tribal Chief, made Jacob Fatu hand over his Tag Team belt to Tonga Loa, so he could partner with Tama Tonga. Due to Jacob Fatu’s injury. The match was as intense as expected, with both teams showcasing why they are at the top of the tag division. The Street Profits gave The Bloodline a run for their money, but in the end, The Bloodline’s chemistry and ruthless tactics helped them retain their titles.
The tag team match featuring Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens against Grayson Waller and Austin Theory. The match was as intense as expected, with both teams putting on a clinic of tag team wrestling. The team of Rhodes and Owens ultimately secured the victory, but not without some tense moments. At one point, it seemed like Kevin Owens might turn on Cody Rhodes. As Rhodes turned around, expecting the worst, Owens surprised everyone by simply handing Cody his championship belt and pulling him in for a hug. This show of camaraderie between the two fan favorites was a heartwarming moment that resonated with the crowd.
Liv Morgan defended her Women’s Championship against Kairi Sane of Damage Control. Sane, known for her technical prowess and high-flying abilities, was a formidable challenger, but Morgan showed why she is the reigning champion. Despite Sane’s relentless offense, Morgan’s resilience and strategic counters allowed her to retain the title, much to the delight of the D.C. crowd, who all wondered where was Daddy Dom –probably somewhere eating chicken tendies.
The night was filled with electrifying moments, culminating in a highly anticipated main event between Drew McIntyre and “Main Event” Jey Uso. From the moment Jey Uso’s theme song hit, the entire arena was on their feet, chanting “YEET!” as Uso soaked in the adoration of the crowd. His entrance alone felt like a spectacle, with Uso taking his time on the ropes, trying to get McIntyre to join in on the “YEET” chants.
The crowd, however, had a different agenda, breaking into chants of CM Punk’s name, which visibly irritated McIntyre. In an attempt to appease both Uso and the crowd, McIntyre reluctantly agreed to the “YEET,” only to catch Uso off guard with a cheap shot to the leg. This underhanded move sparked the start of what turned out to be an extremely short match—so brief that it felt like a speed match. Despite McIntyre’s tactics, Jey Uso quickly turned things around, securing a victory to the delight of the D.C. crowd.
This main event, though short, was packed with entertainment and showcased the charisma that makes Jey Uso such a fan favorite. The night was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the audience fully engaged from start to finish. WWE SmackDown at Capital One Arena delivered on all fronts, and Jey Uso’s victory in the main event was the perfect capstone to a memorable night.
words + photo: Victoria Ford