SmackDown Superstars competed in some big matches at WWE Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia. After a long journey back from the kingdom, the superstars were ready to entertain the fans once again on Friday night.
Roman Reigns was the first to come out of the show to gloat about his tainted victory at Crown Jewel. Drew McIntyre was next as he looked to make a statement on his return to the SmackDown brand.
The final segment of the night saw Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair swap their titles after being drafted to opposing brands. Let's take a look at the five things WWE got right on SmackDown after Crown Jewel.
1. Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch “swapped” their titles on WWE SmackDown
After successfully defending her WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship at Crown Jewel, Becky Lynch made her way to the show on Friday night. She took part in the final segment of the episode along with RAW Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair.
Sonya Deville joined them in the ring for a special Championship Exchange Ceremony. The idea did not create much impact as the titles seemed nothing more than props because of the switch.
The entire segment seemed a little too awkward as Becky first tried to grab Flair’s title and then threw hers' at The Queen. Soon after, Sasha Banks entered the ring arena to remind the two champions that she runs the SmackDown brand.
Lynch exited as Banks and Flair had a verbal exchange. It led to a brawl between the two women and The Boss dropped Flair with a Meteora.
2. Hit Row made an impactful debut on WWE SmackDown
Hit Row made a surprise move to WWE SmackDown from NXT during this year’s draft. A couple of weeks ago, Isaiah “Swerve” Scott lost his NXT North American Championship to Carmelo Hayes.
This Friday, he came out with Ashante “Thee” Adonis, B-Fab, and Top Dolla to cut a promo and announce Hit Row’s arrival on SmackDown. Scott teamed up with Top Dolla to take on local talent Dustin Lawyer and Daniel Williams in a tag team match. Top Dolla showcased his strength and punished the two wrestlers.
3. Drew McIntyre announced his arrival on WWE SmackDown in style
Drew McIntyre hit the ring on WWE SmackDown to issue an open challenge to anyone in the back. The Scottish Warrior gave Big E a tough time at Crown Jewel but failed to win the WWE Championship.
To the surprise of many fans, loudmouth Sami Zayn answered McIntyre’s open challenge. The Conspiracy Theorist reminded the WWE Universe that he is the longest-tenured SmackDown Superstar and the “locker room leader.” The two men locked up and Zayn tried to take control of the match early. The former WWE Champion fought back and hit a great neckbreaker to flatten Zayn. He prepared to hit Claymore, but the heel rolled out of harm’s way.
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4. Adam Pearce suspended Brock Lesnar from WWE SmackDown
After running through The Bloodline on WWE SmackDown, Brock Lesnar stood tall with the Universal Championship held high. The Beast Incarnate made his intentions very clear right after Crown Jewel.
WWE Official Adam Pearce came out to announce that Lesnar would be indefinitely suspended from SmackDown for endangering the wellbeing of the WWE crew. The Beast Incarnate did not take Pearce’s words lightly and attacked him right away. He hit the WWE official with two F-5's for good measure before walking away. This helped put an exclamation mark on the end of The Beast Incarnate’s short stay on SmackDown.
5. Brock Lesnar lived up to his promise on WWE SmackDown
Roman Reigns came out on WWE SmackDown to celebrate his 417th day as the Universal Champion. He defeated Brock Lesnar with some help from The Usos and Paul Heyman at WWE Crown Jewel.
Like many fans, Reigns too was unsure whether Paul was really on his side or was scheming with Brock Lesnar. He questioned Heyman’s allegiances and talked him down. The Tribal Chief called himself the greatest Universal Champion of all time after smashing his competition.
He ran down the list of superstars he’s beaten and made fun of Lesnar. This brought Lesnar out on SmackDown.
