![SmackDown Recap: Final Showdowns Before Backlash in Lyon-Decines, France 2 sdlogo](https://i0.wp.com/theubj.com/uae/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/sdlogo.jpg?w=1170)
Wrestling fans experienced an electrifying night on the latest episode of SmackDown, hosted at LDLC Arena in Lyon-Decines, France. The event set the stage for the highly anticipated Backlash Pay-Per-List Entertainment (PLE) happening tomorrow.
Here’s a breakdown of the key moments with SPOILERS provided before the show’s usual broadcast time at 8 p.m. Eastern.
- In a non-televised dark match, Rey Mysterio claimed victory over Carlito.
- The SmackDown episode commenced with arrivals of Cody Rhodes, AJ Styles, Randy Orton, and Kevin Owens at the arena, captured on camera.
- The women’s tag team match saw Bayley, Naomi, Bianca Belair, and Jade Cargill defeat the team of Tiffany Stratton and Damage CTRL, comprising Asuka, Kairi Sane, and Dakota Kai.
- Backstage, Grayson Waller and Austin Theory delivered a promo hyping their WWE Tag Team Championship defense set for later that night.
- Kayla Braxton conducted an interview with Belair and Cargill about their upcoming title match against WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Asuka and Kairi Sane at Backlash. The interview took an intense turn when Bayley and Naomi entered, escalating the tensions.
- Carmelo Hayes was spotted backstage expressing his desire to join the King of the Ring tournament. Bobby Lashley offered advice, which Hayes respectfully declined, prompting Lashley to caution him about his attitude.
- AOP overcame the team of New Catch Republic, featuring Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate, in a tag team match.
- SmackDown GM Nick Aldis and Paul Heyman shared a tense conversation where Heyman’s request to cancel the Backlash tag match was denied. Despite their disagreement, Heyman hinted at a possible disconnect with Roman Reigns since WrestleMania.
- During The RKO Show, hosted by Owens and Orton, Heyman became entangled in a physical altercation with Sikoa and Tonga following an intense exchange of words.
- The Street Profits delivered a backstage promo before their WWE Tag Team Championship match, targeting their rivals A-Town Down Under.
- LA Knight won his match against Angel and subsequently entered himself into the King of the Ring tournament, joined in declaration by Santos Escobar.
- A backstage interview with Carlito was abruptly cut short when Dragon Lee launched an unexpected attack on him.
- The WWE Tag Team Championship bout concluded with A-Town Down Under (Grayson Waller & Austin Theory) successfully defending their titles against The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins).
- The evening saw a heated exchange between Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles. The duo revisited past glories and teased a Bullet Club reunion, which ended with Styles striking Rhodes.
- As SmackDown neared its end, Sikoa & Tonga continued their brawl with Owens & Orton, causing chaos backstage that required security intervention.
Source: F4WOnline
FAQ Section:
- What time does SmackDown air?
SmackDown airs at 8 p.m. Eastern time. - Where was this edition of SmackDown held?
The LDLC Arena in Lyon-Decines, France. - Who retained the WWE Tag Team Championship on this SmackDown?
A-Town Down Under (Grayson Waller & Austin Theory) retained their titles. - Are any Superstars confirmed for the King of the Ring tournament following SmackDown?
Yes, LA Knight and Santos Escobar declared their intention to participate in the King of the Ring tournament.
Conclusion:
The final SmackDown before Backlash offered fans an unforgettable night filled with drama, action, and rivalries at fever pitch. As the WWE Superstars made their final stands, the stage is now set for what promises to be an intense and entertaining Backlash PLE. Fans are left waiting with anticipation for the outcomes of these dynamic confrontations and the future storylines they may give rise to.