WWE crowns a new champion following SmackDown: 4 mistakes Triple H must not make with him
WWE Friday Night SmackDown proved to be an exciting affair last night. The latest episode of the blue brand saw two matches being confirmed for Clash at the Castle 2024. This includes an ''I Quit Match'' between Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles and a Triple Threat Tag Team Match for the Women's Tag Team Championship.
As interesting as the show was, perhaps even more compelling were the events of a match that took place after Friday Night SmackDown went off-air.
The Stamford-based promotion taped an episode of WWE Speed last night, which will presumably air next Friday. In a previous spoiler, Andrade defeated Tommaso Ciampa to earn a title opportunity against Ricochet. At the SmackDown event, the title clash saw the Latino star dethrone the first-ever champion.
Andrade winning the Speed Championship was quite a shocker, and it was met with some criticism from fans on social media who feared this could be a setback in his career.
Below are the four mistakes that Triple H must not make with Andrade following the WWE title change:
#4. Andrade must appear on SmackDown in addition to WWE Speed
WWE Speed is an interesting concept. The show consists of just one match and a bonus promo at times. The program airs each Wednesday on the X platform, but bonus major title matches are staged on Fridays, at least so far in the show's short history.
One concern many fans have shown on social media is that Andrade may not compete on SmackDown after becoming Speed Champion. In all fairness, this concern seems unjustified, as Ricochet has been a regular on RAW despite having won the title.
Still, Triple H must have Andrade as a regular part of SmackDown. It would be a major blow to El Idolo's stock if he disappeared from television. Keeping him on SmackDown is a must.
#3. The company must make sure Andrade has storyline involvement
Simply appearing on Friday Night SmackDown isn't enough, of course. Even discounting Andrade winning the WWE Speed Championship, El Idolo must be involved in storylines on television.
The Triple H-led era places a major focus on long-term storylines. The success of The Bloodline, Cody Rhodes, The Alpha Academy, and The Judgment Day has been due to a focus on intriguing storytelling.
For Andrade to be successful in WWE, Triple H must have him involved in a compelling storyline. The Apollo Crews-Legado del Fantasma story is a good start.
#2. He can't be booked to lose too soon as Speed Champion
WWE Speed debuted on April 3, 2024. The exciting program has featured one or two matches every week since then, with some of the best and most exciting talent in the world highlighted. This includes the likes of Ricochet, Tyler Bate, Johnny Gargano, Bronson Reed, and Ivar, among others.
Ricochet was the first-ever WWE Speed Champion, a fitting option given his incredible athleticism. The RAW Superstar defeated Johnny Gargano to win the title and later retained it against Tyler Bate.
However, Ricochet's title reign ended in just 42 days. While Speed will likely have frequent title changes, Andrade should have a considerably longer reign, given his status. The Mexican star could elevate the Speed Championship if he is booked for an extended, dominant reign, which will augur well for him and the title.
#1. Andrade must not join Legado del Fantasma
Legado del Fantasma is a faction on WWE SmackDown that first began on NXT. The initial version of the group saw Santos Escobar leading Cruz Del Toro, Joaquin Wilde, and Elektra Lopez. Currently, Santos and Elektra are joined by Angel and Berto.
The group is one of the top stables on the main roster, and they've been recently trying to recruit Andrade. El Idolo has turned down their offer twice now, but they still seem intent on getting the former United States Champion to join them, especially now that he holds gold.
Triple H must not book Andrade to join Legado del Fantasma. Now that he is the Speed Champion, the talented performer needs to stand out on his own and not rely on a group. Being the champion and being used regularly on SmackDown should be enough for Andrade to climb the ladder.