4 reasons why Giovanni Vinci lost within 3 seconds on WWE SmackDown
WWE Friday Night SmackDown aired last night on the FOX Network and this was an important show in the program's history. SmackDown last night was the final edition to air on the FOX Network, and it will seemingly be the final program from the wrestling titan to air on the network, period, at least for the foreseeable future.
The program featured a handful of major matches and segments, such as The Bloodline vs. DIY and The Street Profits in the main event and both Carmelo Hayes and Andrade chasing after the United States Title.
Perhaps the most talked about part of the show was the return of Giovanni Vinci. The Italian star had vignettes airing for weeks to highlight his return and gimmick change. Then, in an absolutely shocking moment, he lost to Apollo Crews in just three seconds.
Some fans were outraged over Vinci's immediate loss, while others just remained in disbelief. Why exactly this happened isn't yet clear, but there are a handful of possible explanations for Vinci's quick defeat and this article will take a look at each one.
Below are four reasons why Giovanni Vinci lost within three seconds on WWE SmackDown.
#4. It could be seen as a change in pace compared to usual returns and debuts
WWE debuts and returns are often done the same way, at least when announced ahead of time. The standard is for a talent to make their comeback or have their first match against a lesser opponent and win.
The formula has been tried and true for decades now. Whether it is the likes of Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H, Brock, or Kurt Angle, the debut match almost always leads to a victory.
Triple H and company officials may have decided that it was time to shake things up a bit. If every wrestler wins their debut match, it becomes predictable. Now, fans will know in the future that a debut or returning WWE star could shockingly lose their match. This shakes things up a fair bit and is a change in pace compared to the norm.
#3. Apollo Crews arguably needed the singles win
Apollo Crews defeating Giovanni Vinci on WWE Friday Night SmackDown certainly came as a surprise, as he almost never wins. That may be the point of the victory, however. Triple H and company officials may have felt that Crews needed the victory more than Vinci did.
Taking a look at Apollo's record in WWE will tell the story. The last time he won a singles match on RAW or SmackDown was all the way back on June 4, 2021. He managed to defeat Kevin Owens in about 12 minutes.
Over three years later, Crews has picked up wins on NXT and Main Event, but he hasn't had one singles victory on RAW or SmackDown. Beating Giovanni Vinci could be just a way to give Apollo a bit of a rub moving forward, especially now that he's a regular performer.
#2. Giovanni Vinci might have heat with management
There is a less optimistic outlook that could be unfortunate for Giovanni Vinci fans and for the former WWE NXT Tag Team Champion himself. There is a chance that Giovanni lost on Friday Night SmackDown due to heat with management.
Pro wrestling is a unique industry. It isn't quite a sport, but it isn't quite a scripted series. The truth lies somewhere in the middle. With that, the politics and behind-the-scenes aspect of WWE are different from that of any other industry.
If Vinci had backstage heat or if there was any kind of tension between himself and management, Triple H could have decided to punish Giovanni. Alternatively, this could be a test to see if he'll behave after an embarrassing and humiliating defeat so they know he won't act up anymore.
#1. It could be part of a bigger story in WWE
Giovanni Vinci losing in seconds was disappointing for many WWE fans and long-time Imperium fans, but it is important to look at things in a deeper way. This isn't simply a case of a wrestler being squashed.
Instead, Vinci lost because he wasn't taking Crews seriously. He had his back to Apollo and focused more on his outfit than the former WWE Intercontinental Champion. That is telling a story. Moreover, the camera focused more on Vinci reacting to his loss than it did Apollo winning.
This big defeat is likely part of a bigger story that will play out in the coming weeks. Further proof of this is a social media post embedded above that shows Giovanni addressing his loss and signifying that things aren't over between himself and the former NXT star. Storytelling is a major focus in modern WWE, so this one may need time to play out.