Friday Night SmackDown Review - June 21, 2024

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes Helped CM Punk Fend Off The Bloodline

Punk received the strong hometown reaction from the Chicago crowd you'd expect. I love that he was able to make an appearance despite being a Raw guy (though it's not as if WWE has really reinforced the Brand Split in recent years). He didn't mention whether he was cleared or not, but it was awesome to see reunite with Paul Heyman for the first time on TV in over a decade. The Bloodline also played their roles well and Rhodes coming to Punk's aid was a cool moment. This was a stellar segment all the around that also established Rhodes vs. Sikoa as the main event.

Chelsea Green def. Michin and Bianca Belair in a Triple Threat Match to Qualify for the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match

Belair was obviously the favorite coming into this contest, but Green qualifying instead was a pleasant surprise. She got a great pop from the crowd for winning, too. She'd actually be perfect as Ms. Money in the Bank, but my money (no pun intended) is still on Tiffany Stratton capturing the briefcase. Belair loses nothing in defeat as she and Jade Cargill look to regain the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship. This was a well-worked Triple Threat with all three ladies getting some time to shine.

Drew McIntyre Attacked CM Punk

I originally thought McIntyre would attack Punk at the start of the show, but the way they did it instead with McIntyre carrying a bloodied Punk to the stage was excellent, including how it was shot. McIntyre lays out Punk in his hometown the same way Punk embarrassed McIntyre in his home country at Clash at the Castle. They have set the stage for a massive match at SummerSlam that I'm extremely excited for.

Carmelo Hayes def. Randy Orton and Tama Tonga in a Triple Threat Match to Qualify for the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match

Orton has had singles matches with both Hayes and Tonga in recent months, so it was unsurprising that he worked well with them here. It was an enjoyable Triple Threat with good action. Orton and Tonga essentially canceled each other out, so Hayes winning was logical and I'm glad it was Orton who he pinned. Hayes won't win Money in the Bank, but he's a perfect addition to the match.

LA Knight Attacked Santos Ecobar Before Being Attacked by United States Champion Logan Paul

All of this was simple stuff, but it played out nicely. Escobar has basically been an afterthought since WrestleMania 40, but it looks like he's winning that men's Money in the Bank qualifier next week if Knight and Paul are going to finally have their United States Championship match on that same show. Paul laying out Knight here put more heat on him before they face off in next week's Triple Threat.

Andrade def. WWE Tag Team Champion Grayson Waller and Kevin Owens in a Triple Threat Match to Qualify for the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match

Of the three Triple Threats on this show, this was the best one. It was a random assortment of Superstars, mind you, but all of them are talented and delivered a great match. The Bloodline attacking Owens beforehand confirmed he wasn't winning here, and Waller has his own story going with Austin Theory and #DIY. Andrade has been lost in the SmackDown shuffle since being drafted, so at least he'll be a part of Money in the Bank. That said, if Escobar also advances next week, it's safe to say no one from SmackDown is winning the men's briefcase this year.

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes def. Solo Sikoa by Disqualification (Non-Title)

The match barely got going before The Bloodline interfered, which is pretty much what I thought would happen if they intend to save this singles match for SummerSlam with the title on the line. Rhodes vs. Sikoa isn't SummerSlam-worthy, but oh well. Jacob Fatu's debut couldn't have been booked better as he attacked Rhodes, Orton and Owens all on his own and came off like a total badass. For those unaware, Fatu is the real deal and breathes new life into the Bloodline story. Roman Reigns against Fatu down the road is a money matchup.

Overall Show

This was a fantastic edition of SmackDown, perhaps the blue brand's best top-to-bottom offering all year. The three Triple Threats were well wrestled and the right people qualified for Money in the Bank, the angle with Punk and McIntyre was terrific, Knight and Paul furthered their feud, and the arrival of Fatu was everything I hoped it would be. Raw also kicked ass on Monday, so if if the company can maintain this momentum through Money in the Bank and SummerSlam, we're looking at a hot summer season for WWE.

SEE MORE: SmackDown Reviews