WWE Smackdown: Teased Heel Turns and AJ Styles’ Return

WWE Smackdown made its way to Oklahoma City on Friday, delivering one of the last episodes before the highly anticipated Bad Blood premium live event, set for October 5 in Atlanta. The show featured a modest lineup of just four matches, yet only one stood out as truly memorable, even as the main event did not fulfill expectations. Here’s a closer look at the match results: Bayley defeated Naomi, Carmelo Hayes defeated Andrade, Mia Yim defeated Niven, and Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu defeated Kevin Owens and Randy Orton.

As the Smackdown episode unfolded, a potential heel turn from Kevin Owens continued to be teased, particularly during a brief shoving match between him and Cody Rhodes. Fans are starting to speculate about a significant shift in dynamics within the roster, leading to discussions about whether it might be time to divert attention from Owens and consider Randy Orton as a possible turncoat instead. Orton, known as “The Viper,” expressed his disapproval of Rhodes teaming up with Roman Reigns for Bad Blood, which sparked tension between the two longtime friends. Despite Orton’s attempts to mediate the situation, a sense of foreboding hung in the air, as viewers felt the opportunity for an RKO out of nowhere was just around the corner.

The long-standing relationship between Rhodes and Orton adds layers to this developing storyline, given their shared history as they both rose through the ranks of professional wrestling, following in the footsteps of their legendary fathers. Earlier this year, Orton made a guest appearance on Rhodes’ podcast, “So What Do You Want to Talk About,” where both wrestlers expressed interest in potentially working together in a storyline feud. Such a feud could become one of the most captivating narratives within WWE, possibly taking the spotlight from ongoing rivalries like that of CM Punk and Drew McIntyre. The chemistry and history between Rhodes and Orton could lead to a deeply engaging storyline, showcasing their talents and narratives in a fresh light.

In another potential twist, Naomi’s heel turn could also be on the horizon. Following her defeat to Bayley in the No. 1 contender’s match, her frustration may lead her down a darker path. WWE has a knack for transforming beloved characters into formidable villains, and Naomi’s recent loss could serve as the catalyst for her transformation. The matchup between Carmelo Hayes and Andrade was another highlight of the evening, showcasing the incredible athleticism and skill of both competitors. While Hayes emerged victorious, the match was marred by an unexpected interference from L.A. Knight, which ultimately cost Andrade the win. Despite the outcome, the rivalry between Hayes and Andrade has elevated both Superstars, positioning them as strong contenders for the United States Championship, particularly as they prepare to challenge Knight for the title.

In the main event, Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu squared off against Kevin Owens and Randy Orton. While the match concluded with a decisive victory for Sikoa and Fatu, it was the post-match developments that captured the most attention. The ongoing storyline involving Bloodline 2.0 continues to be a focal point of Smackdown, with Jacob Fatu emerging as a significant player. With his impressive presence and athletic ability, Fatu has been steadily rising within WWE, and fans are eager to see him ascend to new heights in his career. His capabilities suggest he could be a prime candidate to assume the role of the Tribal Chief, a title that carries immense prestige within the wrestling world.

Additionally, the episode concluded with exciting news about AJ Styles’ imminent return to Smackdown. As a future Hall-of-Famer, Styles’ comeback promises to be a major event for fans, and his return will coincide with a series of six consecutive appearances from Roman Reigns on the show. WWE is clearly ramping up the excitement leading into Bad Blood and the subsequent Survivor Series in November, setting the stage for an exhilarating conclusion to the year. The promotion’s ability to build compelling narratives and highlight rivalries is evident, particularly as they gear up for events leading into 2025, starting with the Royal Rumble. As the storylines develop and Superstars like AJ Styles and Jacob Fatu make their mark, fans are left eagerly anticipating how the remainder of 2024 will unfold in the world of professional wrestling. With tensions rising and potential heel turns on the horizon, WWE Smackdown remains an electrifying program that keeps viewers engaged and excited for what comes next.