Triple H making major changes; Is Roman Reigns really done? - 4 takeaways from WWE SmackDown this week (June 21, 2024)
WWE has had a big week. The Clash at the Castle Premium Live Event took place last Saturday, and it was an epic event, but it ended in controversy. For a section of fans who may have found themselves frustrated, the Sports Entertainment juggernaut made sure to suck everybody back in.
Monday Night RAW featured the surprise return of Seth Rollins, the shocking and scary debut of the Wyatt Sicks, and then various other intriguing stories and high-quality matches. Meanwhile, NXT saw TNA Wrestling's Frankie Kazarian and Joe Hendry make appearances.
Things didn't slow down on Friday Night SmackDown. There was a lot to take in during the blue brand's latest show, and this article will break down some key takeaways. This includes a debuting talent being positioned as a big star, a feud growing hotter than ever, and beyond.
Below are four takeaways from WWE SmackDown this weekend:
#4. Jacob Fatu is being positioned as a big star
The biggest surprise of the week arguably came during the closing stages of Friday Night SmackDown. Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and Kevin Owens, a super team by any definition, had Solo Sikoa cornered when the new Head of The Table started laughing.
This paved the way for Jacob Fatu to make his maiden appearance on WWE TV. The Samoan Werewolf laid out Randy Orton with a Superkick and a Spear through the barricade. He also beat down Owens, delivering a Samoan Drop on steel steps. Lastly, he put Cody Rhodes through the announcer's table.
Fatu making his debut in such a dominant fashion is a sign that Triple H and company officials have high hopes for the talented Samoan.
#3. Drew McIntyre and CM Punk is one of the hottest feuds in wrestling
CM Punk appeared on last night's episode of WWE SmackDown. The Best in The World addressed the audience and then turned his attention toward his rival, Drew McIntyre. He mocked Drew relentlessly, which makes sense given the animosity between the pair.
After CM Punk taunted The Scottish Warrior for the latter's defeat at Clash at the Castle and had a segment with Cody Rhodes and The Bloodline, people assumed his night was over. Instead, Drew McIntyre showed up unexpectedly and left The Straight Edge Superstar a battered and bloody mess.
Unfortunately, CM Punk being brutalized by Drew seemingly implies he won't be back in action at the Money in the Bank PLE. Still, he could end up being back in time for SummerSlam, which could be a perfect venue for the two to clash. For now, though, fans saw The Second City Saint stretchered out, and it wasn't pretty.
#2. Roman Reigns is "done" with WWE
Roman Reigns is one of the greatest superstars in history, but he has also gone missing. The former Undisputed WWE Universal Champion has been absent since losing to Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania XL.
The Tribal Chief's name came up during Friday Night SmackDown. Solo Sikoa spoke with The Wiseman and dropped the bombshell news that Roman isn't coming back to WWE, thus making Solo the permanent Head of The Table.
Most fans have been assuming that Reigns would return soon, but that may no longer be on the cards. Alternatively, Solo could be bluffing, which could mean not only will The Tribal Chief make his comeback, but he could be gunning for his cousin.
#1. Triple H is clearly trying to keep things fresh and change things up
The final main takeaway from this week's WWE SmackDown is that Triple H is clearly making an effort to keep things fresh and interesting. This is evident by the addition of Jacob Fatu, but it goes beyond just The Samoan Werewolf.
The blue brand hosted three Money in the Bank qualifying matches. In every single match, arguably the least likely winner stood tall in their Triple Threat Match. Andrade, Carmelo Hayes, and Chelsea Green all defeated big names and moved on to the upcoming Premium Live Event.
The Game putting Hayes, Andrade, and Green in these positions is clearly an indication that he wants to keep things fresh and offer opportunities to a wide array of talent.
It isn't clear who will win the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match or the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match, but unexpected names being added will make those bouts even more interesting.