WWE SmackDown episode 1488 brought its A-game, delivering non-stop action and some shocking developments that left fans buzzing. From high-stakes matches to storyline twists, this episode was another testament to why SmackDown remains the flagship show in sports entertainment. Let’s break down the key moments of the night.
1. Roman Reigns Addresses the WWE Universe
The show kicked off with the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns, returning to the blue brand. After weeks of absence following his grueling match at Fastlane, The Tribal Chief arrived with Paul Heyman and Solo Sikoa in tow. Reigns, oozing confidence, addressed his future challengers and made it clear that no one is worthy of taking his throne.
However, Jey Uso interrupted the promo, sparking a heated exchange. Tension between the former Bloodline members escalated, and it became apparent that Jey still harbored resentment towards his cousin. The segment ended with Solo stepping between the two, teasing another potential clash between the Usos and Roman Reigns.
2. Women’s Tag Team Championship Match: Charlotte Flair & Bianca Belair vs. Damage CTRL (c)
One of the night’s biggest highlights was the Women’s Tag Team Championship match. Charlotte Flair and Bianca Belair, an unlikely yet powerful duo, challenged Damage CTRL’s Iyo Sky and Bayley for the titles. The match was fast-paced, showcasing the athleticism of all four women. Charlotte and Belair worked surprisingly well together despite their differences.
In the end, after a series of near falls and a brilliant display of teamwork, Damage CTRL retained their titles when Iyo Sky hit a devastating Moonsault on Charlotte for the pin. Post-match, tensions brewed between Flair and Belair, suggesting a potential rivalry heading into Survivor Series.
3. LA Knight’s Path to the Universal Title
LA Knight, the hottest rising star in WWE, faced off against Austin Theory in a match that could bolster his claim to challenge Roman Reigns. Knight’s charisma has won over the WWE Universe, and he didn’t disappoint. The match was an excellent back-and-forth, with Theory showcasing his technical prowess, while Knight capitalized on his explosive offense.
LA Knight secured the victory after hitting the BFT (Blunt Force Trauma). Following the match, he grabbed a microphone and issued a direct challenge to Roman Reigns, making his intentions clear for the Universal Title. Could LA Knight be the one to dethrone The Tribal Chief?
4. Rey Mysterio vs. Santos Escobar – United States Championship
In one of the more emotional bouts of the night, Rey Mysterio defended his United States Championship against Santos Escobar. Escobar, Mysterio’s protégé and fellow member of the Latino World Order (LWO), had earned this opportunity after weeks of impressive performances.
The match was a showcase of lucha libre at its finest. Both men exchanged high-flying maneuvers, with Mysterio’s experience giving him the edge at crucial moments. However, Escobar’s hunger to prove himself led to several close calls. In the end, Rey Mysterio retained the title after hitting the 619 and Frog Splash. Post-match, the two embraced, solidifying their bond despite the intense competition.
5. Tag Team Turmoil – New #1 Contenders
A chaotic and action-packed Tag Team Turmoil match determined the next challengers for the WWE Tag Team Championships. Teams like The Street Profits, The Brawling Brutes, Pretty Deadly, and The Viking Raiders fought tooth and nail to earn their shot.
In the end, it was The Street Profits who emerged victorious after a hard-fought battle. Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins delivered a stunning performance, solidifying themselves as the top contenders for the titles held by Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn.
6. Main Event: AJ Styles vs. Jimmy Uso
The main event featured a thrilling bout between AJ Styles and Jimmy Uso. This match stemmed from their ongoing feud, with Jimmy attempting to prove himself after breaking away from The Bloodline. AJ Styles, ever the seasoned veteran, was looking to gain momentum heading into his next big challenge.
The match was full of near falls, with Jimmy Uso putting up a valiant fight. However, AJ Styles’ experience proved too much, as he ultimately hit the Phenomenal Forearm for the win. After the match, Jimmy was visibly frustrated, signaling that his journey to find his own identity outside of The Bloodline is far from over.
Conclusion
SmackDown episode 1488 delivered on all fronts, with gripping storylines, electrifying matches, and a growing sense of anticipation for future events. The road to Survivor Series is heating up, and it’s clear that major confrontations are on the horizon. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if LA Knight gets his long-awaited shot at Roman Reigns and how the various feuds will unfold in the coming weeks.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about WWE SmackDown episode 1488, which aired on October 18, 2024.
1. What was the main event of WWE SmackDown Episode 1488?
- The main event of SmackDown episode 1488 was a match between AJ Styles and Jimmy Uso. AJ Styles secured the victory after hitting the Phenomenal Forearm in a thrilling, back-and-forth contest.
2. Did Roman Reigns appear on this episode of SmackDown
- Yes, Roman Reigns made his return to SmackDown after weeks of absence. He addressed the WWE Universe alongside Paul Heyman and Solo Sikoa, setting the stage for future rivalries, particularly with his cousin, Jey Uso.
3. Was there a title match on this episode?
- Yes, there were two title matches:
- United States Championship: Rey Mysterio successfully defended his title against Santos Escobar.
- Women’s Tag Team Championship: Damage CTRL (Iyo Sky & Bayley) defended their titles against Charlotte Flair & Bianca Belair, retaining the championship.
4. Who won the United States Championship match?
- Rey Mysterio retained the United States Championship after defeating Santos Escobar in a hard-fought contest.
5. Did LA Knight challenge Roman Reigns for the Universal Title?
- LA Knight won his match against Austin Theory and then issued a direct challenge to Roman Reigns, making it clear that he’s aiming for the Universal Championship.
6. Who became the #1 contenders for the WWE Tag Team Championship?
- The Street Profits (Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins) won the Tag Team Turmoil match and became the new #1 contenders for the WWE Tag Team Championships, setting up a future showdown with Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn.
7. What was the outcome of the Women’s Tag Team Championship match?
- Damage CTRL (Iyo Sky and Bayley) retained their Women’s Tag Team Championships after defeating the team of Charlotte Flair and Bianca Belair. Iyo Sky scored the pinfall on Charlotte following a Moonsault.
8. What’s next for Jimmy Uso after his loss to AJ Styles?
- After his loss to AJ Styles, Jimmy Uso showed visible frustration, indicating that his journey outside of The Bloodline remains uncertain. His storyline progression may continue to focus on finding his own identity.
9. Were there any surprises or new developments in this episode?
- One of the biggest surprises was the growing tension between Charlotte Flair and Bianca Belair following their unsuccessful attempt to win the Women’s Tag Team Titles. Their potential rivalry could play a significant role heading into future events like Survivor Series.
10. What’s the next big event after this episode of SmackDown?
- WWE’s next major event on the horizon is Survivor Series 2024, where the current feuds and alliances will likely culminate in major matches. The stakes are rising as we get closer to one of WWE’s most anticipated events of the year.
