WWE SmackDown Episode 1491, aired on October 20, 2023, delivered another thrilling installment of in-ring action and high-stakes drama. With storylines heating up ahead of the upcoming premium live events, the superstars of SmackDown left everything in the ring, giving fans an exciting mix of personal feuds, championship implications, and incredible athleticism.
Headline Match: Roman Reigns and LA Knight Build Tension
The episode was dominated by the growing tension between WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and fan-favorite LA Knight. Reigns, who has been ruling the WWE landscape as the “Tribal Chief” for over three years, was set to address the WWE Universe about his upcoming challenger at Crown Jewel. LA Knight, fresh off a series of victories, interrupted Reigns and made it clear that he was not intimidated by the champion’s dominance. The verbal back-and-forth escalated quickly, with Knight declaring his intention to dethrone the Tribal Chief, adding more fuel to their inevitable showdown.
This segment set the stage for their potential clash, likely to headline a major event, where Knight will have the chance to claim the top spot on SmackDown. Reigns, with his history of underhanded tactics and strong allies, isn’t going to make it easy, but Knight’s rise through the ranks has given fans hope that he might be the one to finally end Reigns’ historic title reign.
Championship Matches and Surprises
SmackDown Episode 1491 also featured significant matches with championship implications. The night saw a thrilling bout between Austin Theory and Rey Mysterio for the United States Championship. The veteran Rey Mysterio, who captured the title a few months ago, defended his championship in a match that showcased both his agility and Theory’s brashness. Mysterio’s experience and resilience helped him retain the title, but the match left Theory hungry for another shot.
Another notable moment came when the Women’s Tag Team Champions, Chelsea Green and Piper Niven, defended their titles against Shotzi and Charlotte Flair. The champions’ cohesion was tested by the unconventional pairing of Shotzi’s unpredictability and Flair’s technical brilliance. Despite the challengers’ strong efforts, Green and Niven emerged victorious, solidifying their reign as dominant champions in the women’s division.
Solo Sikoa’s Path of Destruction
Solo Sikoa, Reigns’ enforcer and younger cousin, continued his dominant streak on SmackDown, facing off against a game-but-overmatched Santos Escobar. The match highlighted Sikoa’s brutal power and aggressive style, as he decimated Escobar with a series of devastating moves. With Sikoa’s presence in the Bloodline continuing to grow, his role within Reigns’ faction seems to be expanding, and his destructive path hints at greater ambitions—perhaps a title pursuit in the near future.
Bobby Lashley and The Street Profits’ Uncertain Alliance
One of the most intriguing ongoing storylines involves Bobby Lashley and The Street Profits (Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins). Lashley’s influence on the Profits has been growing, as they adopt a more aggressive and ruthless approach under his guidance. In Episode 1491, Lashley appeared backstage, motivating the Profits before their match against The Brawling Brutes. The Profits, with Lashley’s words ringing in their ears, unleashed a more vicious side, dominating the Brutes and securing a convincing victory.
However, the question remains: what are Lashley’s true intentions with The Street Profits? Is this alliance meant to elevate them, or does Lashley have his own agenda?
Women’s Division Heats Up
SmackDown’s women’s division also took center stage, with former SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair returning to challenge Iyo Sky for the WWE Women’s Championship. Belair, who had been out of action due to injury, immediately targeted Sky, setting up a high-stakes clash. Sky, accompanied by her Damage CTRL teammates Bayley and Dakota Kai, didn’t seem fazed by Belair’s challenge, and the two exchanged harsh words before officials separated them.
This storyline sets up a potential clash between two of WWE’s top female athletes, with Sky’s cunning and Belair’s raw power making for a compelling match in the near future.
Final Thoughts
Episode 1491 of WWE SmackDown was a stellar showcase of what makes the brand so popular: compelling storytelling, larger-than-life characters, and intense in-ring action. With Roman Reigns and LA Knight’s feud intensifying, Solo Sikoa’s path of destruction, and championship rivalries heating up, this episode was packed with excitement and left fans eagerly anticipating what’s next. As the road to Crown Jewel continues, the stakes are higher than ever, and the WWE Universe is in for a wild ride.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about WWE SmackDown Episode 1491, aired on October 20, 2023:
Q: What was the main storyline of WWE SmackDown Episode 1491?
A: The main storyline revolved around the growing tension between WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and LA Knight. LA Knight confronted Reigns in a heated segment, signaling an impending showdown between the two, likely at an upcoming premium live event (Crown Jewel).
Q: Who did Rey Mysterio defend his United States Championship against?
A: Rey Mysterio defended his United States Championship against Austin Theory. Mysterio successfully retained his title after a competitive match.
Q: Did any titles change hands during this episode?
A: No, there were no title changes in this episode. Rey Mysterio retained his United States Championship, and the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Chelsea Green and Piper Niven also successfully defended their titles against Shotzi and Charlotte Flair.
Q: What was the outcome of the Women’s Tag Team Championship match?
A: Chelsea Green and Piper Niven successfully defended their Women’s Tag Team Championships against the team of Shotzi and Charlotte Flair. Green and Niven’s teamwork proved too much for the challengers.
Q: What role did Solo Sikoa play in this episode?
A: Solo Sikoa continued his dominant streak by defeating Santos Escobar in a physical match. Sikoa’s growing presence within The Bloodline storyline hints at bigger ambitions for him in the near future.
Q: What is happening with Bobby Lashley and The Street Profits?
A: Bobby Lashley has been mentoring The Street Profits (Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins), encouraging a more aggressive and ruthless approach. In this episode, The Street Profits, with Lashley’s influence, secured a dominant victory over The Brawling Brutes.
Q: Did Bianca Belair return in this episode?
A: Yes, Bianca Belair made her return after being out due to injury. She confronted WWE Women’s Champion Iyo Sky, setting the stage for a future title match.
Q: What is the next big event following SmackDown Episode 1491?
A: The next major WWE event is Crown Jewel, where several storylines from this episode, including Roman Reigns vs. LA Knight and the developing feuds in the women’s division, are expected to culminate in high-stakes matches.
Q: Where can I watch WWE SmackDown Episode 1491?
A: You can watch the full episode of WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 on the WWE Network or through your cable provider’s on-demand service. It is also available for streaming on platforms like Peacock (in the U.S.).
