Solo Sikoa on SmackDown: ‘It’s Cody’s Turn To Acknowledge Me’

The DCU Center in Worcester, MA, hosted this week’s Friday Night Smackdown episode with a Cody Rhodes promo planned for the show. RAW has so much going on that SmackDown often feels like a single narrative surrounded by story breaks, but there are some non-Bloodline programs and feuds worth featuring, and WWE remembered their depth this week.

Cody Rhodes Wants Blood… Solo Draws The Line

Earlier in the night, the segment showed Randy Orton having a heart-to-heart with one of his best buds in the business, Cody Rhodes. Orton told Cody that he would always have his back no matter what and would be ready to jump in the mix if Cody needed it later in the evening. There was also a nod to their absent partner, always ready for a fight in Kevin Owens as he deals with family matters and is away from TV for now. It was a heartfelt nod from Orton, but Cody was still all business, even if his heart was with his friend.

By the time Cody came out for his promoted appearance, The Bloodline was already in the ring—a path cleared by Jacob Fatu. Solo Sikoa gave a promo about who and why certain family members have acknowledged him and those made to acknowledge him, and he included Roman Reigns in the names of those who will be made to acknowledge him. Cody jumped to the point and told Solo he would give him the match he so desperately craves, and other than a quick word with GM Nick Aldis, it is all but official for SummerSlam. As Cody readied himself to get into a fight, he swung at the top dog first. It was a valiant effort, but it was for nothing as he was overwhelmed by the Tongan numbers.

Orton kept his word and came out to help Cody, but they were still outnumbered and even worse without KO. The Bloodline tied up Cody in the ropes as they double-teamed Randy with the steel steps. With Cody tied up, he was made to watch as the Bloodline put Randy through the commentary desk Shield style. It was quite the message to the back, and as Solo put on the Ula Fala, it was clear the message was to Roman himself as well. At this point, Roman may want to check on Jon Moxley’s contract status because he will need all the help he can get to reestablish order in the WWE and Bloodline.

For Cody, this is the same vulnerable position he constantly puts his friends in. Sure, Cody made it clear he did not want Randy out there, but Randy made it clear he would not hesitate to get involved if Cody needed it. Cody needs the help, but he continues to make those closest to him pay for his cowboy mentality. Orton is clearly a changed man these days, but you can only push a Viper so far.

A Briefcase Filled With A Ticking Tiffy Timebomb

Baily and Tiffany Stratton started SmackDown, and it could have been a mistake, but it had three elements that worked: 1) The WWE women’s champ, 2) the Money in the Bank (MITB) winner, and 3) the reigning Queen of the Ring (QOTR).

For the current QOTR, Nia Jax received a roaring round of boos from the ‘Bay Staters’ in attendance, while Bayley came out with her title in hand ready to deliver a promo brewed of both equal parts attitude and honesty. You add those two factors that connect with the attendance crowd and watching at-home crowd with the MITB winner that has a real social media presence, and you have a cold open firing on all cylinders. She warned Straton not to use her briefcase on her title, or she would be the first women’s MITB winner to unsuccessfully cash in, and like clockwork, Nia’s music hit.

Bayley also warned Jax, claiming she is not “hugger” Bayley anymore, nor is she the 2017 Bayley that was put on the shelf by Nia’s own hands. That is when Nia hit Bayley with the line of the night—a clapback, if you will. “Bayley, I’m well aware you’re no longer the ‘hugger’ I injured before your SummerSlam match in 2017,” Jax snapped on the mic. “What are you now, BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift) Bayley?”

This was a vicious retort and a surprising one coming from such an advocate of body positivity, but it certainly hit that ‘blurring the kayfabe’ note. Bayley has been the recipient of trolls and unwarranted social media commentary since her return to the screen, so to point out anything that lends itself to that nonsense, even if it was a comment meant to get over how great she looks it must be cosmetic, is not the kind of line you want to blur. It was all to set up the SummerSlam match between Nia Jax and Bayley, Nia’s reward for winning the QOTR — maybe next time, promote the K/QOTR with those stakes promoter louder– and the segment ended with everyone getting physical.

Michen came out and cleared the ring with her kendo stick, and then it was thrown to break. The segment certainly got over a match most fans were probably unaware was happening at SummerSlam, and then Nia beat Michen with the Annihilator/Bonzi Drop finisher in the episode’s first match.

A great spot at the end showed this entire storyline’s potential as Nia and Tiffanny (did you also forget they were a thing?) stood tall over a laid-out Bayley. Just as the pair were leaving the ring, Tif realized that this might be ‘her time’ and was contemplating turning in her briefcase to pick up the easy title win. Nia grabbed her, and she changed her mind just before handing it in. This is how you bridge the two situations in a meaningful way.

Rematch Santa Clause: DIY (Gargano & Ciampa) vs A-Town Down Under (Theory and Waller)

After DIY won the titles last week, the former champs instituted the rematch clause, as is their right as former champs. However, it is strange, considering that Waller and Theory have had so many issues lately and seemed destined for a split. Waller was off tonight. He botched several moves and continues to be the crux of the miscommunication with Theory. This one did not have nearly as much time as A-Town exploded earlier than expected. Gargano and Ciampa exploited the fact that their opponents were never on the same page. However, DIY did not have much time to celebrate as Jacob Fatu came out to lay out everyone, heels and faces, champs and former champs all the same.

Other Tidbits/Matches

• Carmelo Hayes interrupted Andrade’s one-on-one, shown in the middle of the introductions between Legado Del Fantasma versus Corbin and Crews (sorry fans in attendance). The two argued over who “stole the show” at MITB before Melo accused Andrade of costing him the win. This could be an awesome feud, and it echoes some of the great NXT matches we saw from Andrade, but you have to wonder who WWE decides to elevate because it cannot be both. It was announced later in the episode that Carmelo and Andrade will face off next Friday.
• Legado Del Fantasma picked up the win over Corbin and Crews (I forgot they were drafted to SD, too). It was a great match, but it feels directionless.
• Blair Davenport was rolled up by Naomi for the singles match win that received two ad-breaks. The match was solid, but Davenport showed her worth at this early stage in her WWE career. She’ll get other shots. In fact, she’ll probably get another shot against Naomi as Davenport attacked Naomi in the back after their match.
• LA Knight had a promo calling out Logan Paul, so naturally, Logan Paul was advertised for next week’s episode in Omaha.

Mario Mungia

Mario Mungia Jr. has a decade worth of experience as a combat sports journalist and correspondent which began with ThaBoxingVoice (TBV) as a podcast co-host, writer and editor-in-chief. Aside from his online resume, Mario spent a fair portion of his early career working for Spanish/English magazine Premier Round and the Mexican website Izquierdo. Mario has also contributed to NYFights while simultaneously working for MIC Sports Network as part of the broadcast crew covering local high school sports. Since then, he has launched his own podcast/live stream (Infighting/Work In Progress) and is covering pro wrestling for FightsATW.

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