3 Talking Points From Tonight’s Episode Of WWE Smackdown – 03rd November 2023

As the WWE Universe revs up for the spectacle that is WWE Crown Jewel 2023, the latest episode of WWE SmackDown, taped on October 27th at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, served as the pivotal go-home show. It’s an understatement to say that the episode was packed with moments that will have long-lasting implications. From John Cena’s microphone mastery to Pretty Deadly’s surprise victory, and the building tension towards the women’s championship match at Crown Jewel, the episode was a combustion engine of narratives, each churning towards what promises to be an explosive event in Saudi Arabia.

The night was punctuated by a verbal joust between John Cena and Solo Sikoa, one that reminded fans why Cena is considered one of the best talkers in the business. Cena, who typically walks the line of the quintessential babyface, cutting promos that echo the beats of heroic resilience and perseverance, flipped the script. He presented himself as a razor-sharp and intense competitor, unfurling a verbal onslaught on Sikoa that left the audience in awe. Cena tore through Sikoa’s threats with the ease of a seasoned orator, reminding everyone that his skills on the mic are as formidable as his abilities in the ring. This wasn’t just a routine promo; it was a gauntlet thrown, a demonstration that Cena is not to be underestimated when Crown Jewel arrives.

Amidst the anticipation of the upcoming pay-per-view, WWE SmackDown didn’t shy away from delivering action-packed matches, with Pretty Deadly, the charismatic duo of Elton Prince and Kit Wilson, taking center stage. The Good Ol’ Fashion Donnybrook Rules match was a delightful chaos of gimmicked glass and shillelaghs, making for a raucous and entertaining display. The comedic timing of Pretty Deadly, juxtaposed with their athletic prowess, made for a perfect blend of humor and high-octane wrestling. The unexpected victory of Prince and Wilson over the Brawling Brutes, especially after the awe-inspiring moves from Butch, was a twist that many did not see coming. The climactic Spilt Milk through a table was a showstopper, suggesting that the feud between these two teams is far from over, to the delight of fans who relish Pretty Deadly’s screen presence.

The main event, however, was where the tensions of the Crown Jewel implications simmered to a boil. Bianca Belair, the WWE Women’s Champion, clashed with Bayley in a match that was as much about physical dominance as it was about psychological warfare. With Bayley’s recent track record of losses to Belair, including tag team matches, the result may have seemed a foregone conclusion, but it was the aftermath that drew gasps from the crowd. Belair’s decision to put Bayley through the announce table with a KOD was a statement of intent, a symbolic gesture that Bayley would not be at ringside for IYO SKY’s match at Crown Jewel. With Dakota Kai out of the picture, SKY faces the daunting task of confronting Belair alone, a scenario that echoes Bayley’s solo defeat due to GM Nick Aldis banning Damage CTRL from ringside.

This narrative thread weaves a complex tapestry of possibilities for the women’s championship match at Crown Jewel. Could we witness the complete unravelling of Damage CTRL, or will the creative machinations of Paul Levesque’s team swerve the audience with the introduction of a new member, salvaging the heel stable’s dominance? IYO SKY’s tenure as champion has been well-earned, and a solo victory would not only cement her legacy but also propel the Damage CTRL storyline into the fast-approaching WrestleMania season. Conversely, a victory for Belair would pave the way for fresh feuds against competitors like Jade Cargill or Charlotte Flair, irrespective of the championship status.

As WWE SmackDown closed, the stage is set for WWE Crown Jewel 2023, a stage fraught with the potential for redemption, upheaval, and the high drama that is the lifeblood of the WWE. With the Crown Jewel just over the horizon, fans are left to ponder the outcomes, the twists in the tale, and the epic encounters that await. The episode may have been the last stop before the grand event, but it was a definitive reminder of the tumultuous and ever-evolving landscape of WWE, where every moment, every promo, and every match could herald the beginning of something unforgettable.