he November 22, 2024, edition of WWE SmackDown was packed with high-octane action, emotional moments, and a few surprises that left fans buzzing long after the show ended. From a highly anticipated face-to-face confrontation between Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes to the intensifying Women’s US Title Tournament, this episode offered plenty of drama and intrigue for WWE fans across the globe. Let’s break down the highlights from this explosive episode.
Kevin Owens & Cody Rhodes Face-to-Face
The night kicked off with the Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes face-to-face confrontation fans had been waiting for. The two former allies turned rivals stood in the middle of the ring, with Owens looking frustrated and angry while Rhodes appeared calm but determined. The tension was palpable, and the crowd was electric.
Owens started off by expressing his frustration at Rhodes, accusing him of betraying their mutual respect in favor of aligning with the wrong people. He pointed out how Rhodes had seemed more focused on personal glory, rather than standing by his friends, and accused him of playing a “game” that was more about manipulation than integrity. Cody, however, responded with his usual charisma, explaining how he had to make decisions that were best for his career. He said that he wasn’t interested in following anyone else’s path but his own, and if Owens couldn’t understand that, then they were no longer on the same page.
The heated exchange almost escalated into a physical altercation, but both men stopped themselves, seemingly acknowledging that they were each at a crossroads in their careers. This confrontation set the stage for a potential match or feud between the two, which has fans eagerly anticipating what comes next in their rivalry.
Women’s US Title Tournament Heats Up
The women’s tournament for the newly announced United States Championship continued to deliver on SmackDown, with two crucial quarterfinal matches taking place. The ongoing tournament has been a major talking point since its announcement, as it provides an exciting new championship opportunity for the women’s division and has brought fresh rivalries to the forefront.
In the first quarterfinal, Charlotte Flair faced off against Shayna Baszler in a hard-hitting, technical showcase. Charlotte, as expected, brought her trademark athleticism and resilience, while Baszler countered with her brutal submission style. The match was evenly contested, but in the end, it was Charlotte’s experience that won out. After a series of near-falls and submission attempts, Charlotte hit a Natural Selection on Baszler, securing the pinfall victory and advancing to the semifinals of the tournament.
Next up was Liv Morgan vs. Raquel Rodriguez in a clash of styles. Liv’s high-flying offense and speed were matched against Raquel’s power and size, creating an exciting dynamic. Liv managed to dodge Raquel’s brutal attacks and capitalize on a well-timed roll-up, earning an upset win and progressing to the next round. Fans were left in shock as Morgan advanced, setting up an intriguing matchup in the semifinals.
Both Charlotte Flair and Liv Morgan’s victories set the stage for an even more intense showdown in the coming weeks, as the Women’s US Title Tournament begins to take shape with unexpected outcomes and rising stars looking to make a name for themselves.
Additional Highlights
The episode also saw a few other notable segments and matches. The Usos continued their dominance in tag team competition, defeating The Brawling Brutes in a fast-paced contest that further cemented their status as the top contenders in the SmackDown tag team division. Meanwhile, LA Knight picked up a crucial win against Austin Theory in a match that had major implications for the Intercontinental Championship picture. With his victory, Knight solidified himself as a top contender to face Gunther in a future title bout.
In another surprise, Sami Zayn made an unexpected return to SmackDown, showing up to confront Roman Reigns in a tense backstage segment. The confrontation teased unresolved tension from their past, and it remains to be seen if Zayn will be playing a pivotal role in Reigns’ future storylines or if he will reignite a feud with the Tribal Chief.
Conclusion
WWE SmackDown on November 22, 2024, delivered a memorable show that advanced multiple storylines and set up intriguing matches for the future. Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes’ emotional confrontation promises big things for their rivalry, while the Women’s US Title Tournament continues to heat up with exciting surprises. With strong performances from veterans and emerging stars alike, this episode left fans eagerly anticipating the fallout in the coming weeks, especially as SmackDown heads toward major pay-per-view events. The road to new champions, personal vendettas, and rising stars is only just beginning, making the future of SmackDown look as exciting as ever.
