WWE Friday Night Smackdown (episode from August 16, 2024) preview, match card, results with Roman Reigns

The WWE Universe continues to race towards Bash in Berlin, with the scene returning to the Blue Brand and all of its storylines. After Roman Reigns' reappearance last week, one can only guess what's next for the Bloodline faction. Will this be the week that Reigns' opponent for the next PLE, Bash in Berlin, is revealed or at least hinted at?

Cody Rhodes, meanwhile, is still the reigning champion and now faces his friend Kevin Owens. New WWE titleholder Nia Jax will make her first appearance since adding the belt to her Queen of the Ring crown. Here's a rundown of everything we already know about Friday's show and your place to follow live results from the matches and promos.

Date: Friday, 16 August 2024
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Orlando, FL
Transmitted: FOX

• Roman Reigns' appearance is planned
• Tiffany Stratton, owner of the Money in the Bank briefcase, will celebrate Jax's coronation
• Street Profits vs. #DIY in the match of the No. 1 contenders
  • This is a good chance for the Street Profits to regain some notoriety, as they have been on the sidelines for far too long for such a good team.
• Naomi vs Blair Davenport
  • Naomi has come to the aid of Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair because Davenport has sided with Isla Dawn and Alba Fyre. Now they are at odds with each other.
• Kevin Owens vs. Grayson Waller
  • Owens is working to get back into shape against the Australian everyone loves to hate.

Nia Jax / Tiffany Stratton advertisement

Jax being crowned WWE Women's Champion was a sight to behold. Dressed in pink, Stratton heaped praise on Jax and Pretty Deadly serenaded her. It was as ridiculous as it sounds. The key takeaways? Jax told Stratton to take a bow, which will inevitably create a rift between the two and Stratton's eventual cashing in of the Money in the Bank briefcase. Second, Michin stormed into the ring to (thankfully) interrupt Pretty Deadly the Musical with the kendo stick, making it clear that she will be next in line to face Jax.

Andrade vs. Carmelo Hayes

After Hayes interfered in the United States Championship No. 1 contenders match between Andrade and Santos Escobar, the never-ending rivalry has flared up for another matchup. Hayes' springboard clothesline was impressive, as was Andrade's moonsault off the second turnbuckle to the floor, which became free. Hayes was able to knock Andrade off the top turnbuckle, sending him crashing to the floor. After a commercial break, Hayes attempted to drop Andrade from the top rope, but Andrade managed a Spanish Fly. Hayes caught Andrade with a superkick and was then able to apply three cutters, but was unable to pin him. A super spinning back elbow had an incredibly loud bang, but Hayes kicked out again. Andrade attempted his moonsault from the top rope and Hayes broke free of a hold and was finally able to pin Andrade for the first time.

Hayes wins by pinfall.

Solo Sikoa Tama Tonga Promo

Sikoa says that if Roman defeats him and takes Ula Fala, the bloodline will have to submit and he will do so. Aha. OK.

Naomi vs Blair Davenport

The two clashed last week when Davenport once again stuck her nose into Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair's business when Davenport stepped in along with Isla Dawn after Alba Fyre was crushed by Cargill. Two weeks earlier, Davenport interfered to prevent Cargill and Belair from getting their tag titles back, so now the two are competing in singles competition. As for the match, it was pretty choppy action as it lived up to its role as a filler.

Davenport wins by pinfall.

Tribute to Afa Anoa'i

The great Samoan icon and one half of the Hall of Fame tag team The Wild Samoans passed away on Friday.

Kevin Owens vs. Grayson Waller

Before the match, Waller and Austin Theory talked bad about Owens, only for him to show up behind them. Owens agreed that he shouldn't get the title shot, it was an easy win, and that they should get in the ring so Waller could prove it. In the ring, Owens' usual fire finally spilled over the ring and led to mischief. Waller went between the legs to get an elbow off the top rope, then attempted a suplex from up there and Owens stopped him to deliver four headbutts and a Swanton Bomb. Owens then caught him with a Stunner and then a decisive PowerBomb that gave him the win.

After the win, Owens started the attack again, but things quickly changed and Owens was about to endure two steel chairs when Cody Rhodes ran to the ring to support Owens in the same way Owens had done for him for months. Rhodes went to pick up his belt, but Owens grabbed it, gave it to Owens and walked out. Rhodes stared longingly, knowing (in his subconscious, we're sure) that his friendship was going down the drain.

Owens wins by pinfall.

Santos Escobar advertising

They're going to get involved in this Es-co-bar-Si! LA Knight rip-off and not just leave it for one week. They're meeting next week.

LA Knight Advertising

Knight once again proves himself to be the best mic operator in WWE, mocking Escobar for his style and then making some hilarious jokes at his opponent's expense.

Street Profits vs. #DIY

A match between a team with little charisma and a team with a lot more, but both great real wrestlers. Somehow #DIY got plenty of chances at the championship, but Street Profits. The match started with a good display of skill from Montez Ford and Johnny Gargano before the partner switch. Assisted moonsalt, double flap jack. After a commercial break, Gargano landed a nice bulldog and clothesline combination to take out both Profits. Champa dodged Dawkins from the top rope and hit him with a mean knee to the face. Stereo suicide dives were a great look, but the coordination between Gargano and Ford took a little too long. A zig-zag from Ford on Champa was crucial and led to a 450, but Champa was able to get his knees up to prevent it. Somehow Dawkins survived a headfirst superkick and a Fairy Tell Ending. SuperBlockbuster wins and Street Profits get a shot at their first tag titles since 2020.

Street Profits win by pinfall.

Solo promo for Sikoa and Roman Reigns

The crowd still can't coordinate the OTC chant, but they keep trying. One day they will. “If you want that Ula Fala back, get your ass out of here and come get it from me.” The music hits! Roman Reigns appears in an arena full of fingers in the air. Reigns worked over Sikoa and Tonga and temporarily regained the Ula Fala, but a one-legged (supposedly) Jacob Fatu ran to the ring to wreak havoc. Reigns takes his first beating of the feud.