**Introduction:**
What is going on, guys?
It’s WrestleAmia here, back with some more news. Join us as we look at this week’s edition of SmackDown and the wildest new stories and rumors you need to know,
including the real reason behind why Paul Heyman was destroyed and written off TV,
WWE stars unhappy with heavy censorship, Stephanie McMahon at SmackDown,
Dijak shoots on Vince McMahon, Ronda Rousey claps back at Cody Rhodes, and much more. Be sure to subscribe and hit that notification bell for daily wrestling videos, and follow us on Facebook for exclusive lists. Also, check out our new videos on WrestleMania XL. As always, we won’t recap the show but just provide you with The Good, The Bad, and The Downright Ugly.
**SmackDown: The Good, The Bad & The Downright Ugly**
**The Good:**
1. **Best Opening to SmackDown in a Long Time:** SmackDown live from MSG kicked off with Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and Kevin Owens taking the fight to The Bloodline. The segment had intensity and generated buzz around the six-man tag match set for Money in the Bank. Rhodes mentioned the WWE title, hinting at a potential feud with Orton.
2. **Sell of the Decade:** The security guard’s sell of the Crossroads was phenomenal, earning applause and future champion jokes.
3. **LA Knight Qualifies:** LA Knight qualified for the Money in the Bank ladder match in a great match against Logan Paul and Santos Escobar. Knight pinned the reigning US Champion, heating up their feud.
4. **Jacob Fatu’s Stellar Presentation:** SmackDown closed with a Bloodline acknowledgement ceremony where Solo Sikoa introduced Jacob Fatu. Fatu’s entrance and theme song were standout moments, making him a major player for WWE.
5. **Paul Heyman Masterclass:** Paul Heyman delivered a masterful performance in the aforementioned segment, refusing to acknowledge Solo Sikoa as the Tribal Chief and getting annihilated by Bloodline 2.0. Heyman’s babyface turn received a huge ovation.
**The Bad:**
1. **Weakest Money in the Bank Qualifier:** The second women’s Money in the Bank qualifier saw Naomi defeat Indi Hartwell and Blair Davenport. While Naomi is over with the audience, the match was sloppy, and Naomi had to hold it together.
**The Downright Ugly:**
– There was nothing downright ugly on the show. WWE delivered a memorable episode from MSG, handling the build to Money in the Bank well.
**News and Rumors:**
**Cody Rhodes Finishes His Story:**
After SmackDown, Cody Rhodes announced Kayla Braxton’s departure from WWE. Rhodes honored his father, Dusty Rhodes, by raising the WWWF Championship Dusty once held. WWE shared this emotional moment on YouTube.
**WWE Stars Unhappy With Heavy Censorship:**
Behind the scenes, WWE talent is frustrated with heavy censorship. Chants of “F U Solo” and “F U Pacers” were muted, and random black screens popped up. Talent feels the censorship makes production look amateurish.
**Reason Behind Why Paul Heyman Was Destroyed & Written Off TV:**
Paul Heyman’s brutal beatdown sets the stage for Roman Reigns’ return, possibly at Money in the Bank or SummerSlam. Heyman’s babyface turn is expected to play a key role in the upcoming Bloodline storyline.
**Dijak Shoots on Vince McMahon:**
Dijak confirmed his WWE departure and criticized Vince McMahon for always looking for reasons to dislike him, feeling the office wanted him to fail.
**Stephanie McMahon at SmackDown:**
Stephanie McMahon was spotted at SmackDown, fully invested in the show. WWE President Nick Khan was also present during the dark matches.
**WWE Star’s Surprising New Project Revealed:**
Omos launched a YouTube channel reviewing men’s fragrances, showing a different side of his intimidating TV persona.
**Top AEW Name Pushing for Major Signing:**
Will Ospreay hopes Ricochet, whose WWE contract is expiring, signs with AEW. Ospreay believes there’s potential for rematches and tag team opportunities.
**Mercedes Mone Claps Back at Ronda Rousey:**
Mercedes Mone (Sasha Banks) defended WWE against Ronda Rousey’s criticisms, praising WWE and women’s wrestling. Mone highlighted their different views on women’s wrestling and hoped Rousey aimed to improve WWE rather than criticize it.
What do you guys think of these updates? Let us know in the comments below, and stay tuned for more wrestling content!