Final WWE SmackDown Show of FOX Era
Friday’s WWE SmackDown show in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada was notable for being the final SmackDown show on FOX due to WWE’s expiring television deal with the network for their SmackDown brand.
Next week’s SmackDown show on September 13th will be SmackDown’s official return to USA Network since September of 2019 as part of WWE’s new television deal with NBC and USA Network for their SmackDown brand.
Cody Rhodes’ Accepts Solo Sikoa’s Challenge for Undisputed WWE Title Match for Next Week’s SmackDown Show
Friday’s WWE SmackDown show also featured Cody Rhodes accepting Solo Sikoa’s challenge for his Undisputed WWE Championship.
During the show, Rhodes came out to the ring and did his usual introductory routine asking the fans what they want to talk about. Rhodes then proceeded to talk about how he retained his Undisputed WWE title against Kevin Owens at Bash In Berlin and after some more words, he stated that he has done this gig long enough to know that any moment he is going to be interrupted. Rhodes stated that before he is, he extends an invitation to The Bloodline to come out.
Why wait around? @CodyRhodes gets ahead of the interruption and invites #TheBloodline to join him in the ring!#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/RoGs1O11XN
— WWE (@WWE) September 7, 2024
This led to The Bloodline’s music playing and the group coming out to ringside. Sikoa entered the ring and asked Cody if he’s done running his mouth to these people and playing around. This led to a “We Want Roman” chants from the crowd which annoyed Sikoa. Sikoa then asked Rhodes if he is ready to defend his WWE title against a real challenger like himself because everyone knows it that he could have been champion if not for Roman Reigns. Sikoa stated that he deserves a rematch, which Rhodes responded stating that for the season premiere of SmackDown next week, there should be an Undisputed WWE Championship match. After some “We Want Roman” chants from the crowd, Rhodes stated that he is trying to become the Tribal Chief but the Tribal Chief is keeping him down and he does deserve a title match. Rhodes stated that he is not talking to Solo and instead turned his attention towards Jacob Fatu at ringside and stated that he is talking to Jacob and asked for him to step up.
Step aside, Solo Sikoa…@CodyRhodes wants to face Jacob Fatu!#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/KjPuMBUpty
— WWE (@WWE) September 7, 2024
This led to Fatu getting on the apron and looked at Sikoa. Fatu told Siko that he loves him and he is his Tribal Chief. Fatu then stepped down from the apron leading to the crowd booing in response. Rhodes responded stating that it was worth a shot and he is crazy to want to wrestle any of them but Sikoa believe it. Rhodes then talked about Sikoa wearing the ula fala and how it means that The Bloodline revolves around Sikoa but for him, he has the WWE title and the WWE revolves around that. Rhodes then stated that perhaps one day he will be looking at the lights courtesy of Solo’s thumb but it won’t be next week.
Step aside, Solo Sikoa…@CodyRhodes wants to face Jacob Fatu!#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/KjPuMBUpty
— WWE (@WWE) September 7, 2024
Sikoa responded stating that Rhodes is trying to get his enforcer to turn on him and tells Rhodes that if he wants him next week, he is on but they don’t have to wait until next week. This led to Sikoa and Rhodes dropping their microphones and Sikoa snapped his fingers resulting in the Bloodline entering the ring. Before anything else could happen, the Street Profits and DIY ran out to the ring and stood alongside Rhodes. This led to SmackDown GM Nick Aldis coming out to the ring and told everyone that unless they want to be suspended they should all step down. Aldis then stated that next week it will be Sikoa vs. Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE title. Aldis told Rhodes that he is on the same page and The Bloodline thing is old and bad for business which is why their match next week will be in a Steel Cage.
Come on, @tiffstrattonwwe!
— WWE (@WWE) September 7, 2024
Nia Jax wasn't born yesterday 🙄#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/4HZ3J6aoJk
Current Card for Next Week’s Season Premiere WWE SmackDown Show
Friday’s WWE SmackDown show also featured three new matches annoucned for the card of next week’s season premiere show on USA Network on September 13th in Seattle, Washington.
These matches were all setup following promos and match card graphics throughout the show.
Current card for September 13th WWE SmackDown show:
- Undisputed WWE Championship Steel Cage match – Solo Sikoa vs. Cody Rhodes (c)
- Best of Series, Match #5 – Andrade vs. Carmelo Hayes
- Kevin Owens & mystery partner vs. A-Town Down Under (Austin Theory & Grayson Waller)
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