WWE Smackdown Episode 1491 Highlights & Analysis

WWE Smackdown, a staple of professional wrestling entertainment, continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its electrifying matches, compelling storylines, and unforgettable moments. Episode 1491 of Smackdown, which aired on a day, was no exception. Packed with high-octane action and storyline progression, it delivered a mixture of surprises, intense rivalries, and dramatic moments that have left fans eagerly anticipating the next installment. In this article, we dive deep into the key moments of Episode 1491, providing both highlights and analysis of the performances and angles that shaped this thrilling episode of WWE Smackdown.

The Opening Segment: Roman Reigns and The Bloodline’s Power Play

The episode opened with a bang as Roman Reigns, the undisputed WWE Universal Champion, made his grand entrance to the arena, accompanied by his cousins, Jimmy and Jey Uso. The reigning Tribal Chief has dominated Smackdown for over 1,000 days, and every appearance is marked by anticipation and the aura of his supremacy. Reigns, dressed in his signature black attire and flanked by The Usos, made it clear that his presence alone commanded the attention of everyone in the arena.

The opening segment had all the hallmarks of a classic Reigns promo. The microphone was handed to him, and with a subtle but confident nod, he began to speak to the WWE Universe. He first addressed the lingering threat of Cody Rhodes, the man who many believe will be the one to dethrone him. Roman’s words were sharp, laced with a sense of arrogance that made it clear he saw himself as the pillar upon which WWE’s success rested. The Tribal Chief reiterated his dominance and made a subtle but powerful declaration that no one—whether it be Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, or anyone else—could come close to dethroning him. The crowd’s reaction was mixed, with some cheering for the champion’s dominance and others eagerly awaiting a challenger to rise.

The tension in the ring was palpable, but things took a turn when the tension between The Usos came to the forefront. Jey Uso, who had been at odds with Roman Reigns in the past, seemed uncomfortable, almost as though he was struggling to accept his role as the loyal enforcer of The Bloodline. Jimmy Uso, on the other hand, seemed content to play the part of Reigns’ second-in-command, further deepening the fractures within the group. This moment hinted at a future storyline where The Usos might have to choose between their loyalty to their cousin Roman Reigns and their individual aspirations for glory.

This segment set the tone for the rest of the show—Smackdown would be a night filled with tension, unexpected twists, and power struggles.

The Rise of New Talent: LA Knight’s Momentum Builds

One of the biggest highlights of Smackdown Episode 1491 was the rise of LA Knight, who has quickly become one of the most popular and charismatic performers in WWE. His confidence, swagger, and unfiltered mic skills have won over fans and cemented his place as one of the rising stars on Smackdown.

In this episode, LA Knight faced off against a formidable opponent in the form of Santos Escobar. Both men are known for their athleticism, but LA Knight’s brash personality and larger-than-life presence made him the clear fan favorite heading into the match. What followed was a well-executed contest that allowed both competitors to showcase their strengths. Escobar, representing Legado Del Fantasma, utilized his speed and technical ability, but LA Knight’s brute strength and calculated aggression proved to be too much for him.

The match culminated in a thrilling sequence of moves, with LA Knight finishing off Escobar with his signature finishing maneuver, the “BFT” (Blunt Force Trauma). The crowd erupted into cheers as Knight stood tall in the ring, flexing and trash-talking his way into the hearts of the WWE Universe. His post-match promo was a highlight, as he arrogantly declared that he was the “people’s champion,” calling out anyone who dared to challenge him for supremacy. This victory solidified LA Knight’s place in the WWE Smackdown roster and further cemented his position as a potential future champion.

Key Takeaways from LA Knight’s Victory:

• Momentum: LA Knight’s recent victories are building a sense of momentum, positioning him as a future contender for major titles.
• Charisma: His mic skills and charisma continue to be a defining factor in his success, drawing fans in and creating an atmosphere of excitement around his matches.
• A Potential Star: With his star potential, LA Knight is rapidly becoming a fixture on Smackdown and might be positioned for a top-tier rivalry soon.

Charlotte Flair vs. Asuka: A Battle for the Smackdown Women’s Championship

The Smackdown Women’s Championship division has been one of the most dynamic and competitive in recent years, and Episode 1491 saw one of the marquee matches of the evening as Charlotte Flair, the 14-time women’s champion, took on Asuka, the former Smackdown Women’s Champion, for a chance at reclaiming the title.

The match between Flair and Asuka was a true display of technical wrestling, showcasing both women’s prowess in the ring. Charlotte, known for her dominance in the division, used her strength and versatility to keep Asuka on the defensive, while Asuka countered with her striking ability and submission-based offense. The match went back and forth, with each woman using every tool in their arsenal to gain the upper hand.

One of the key moments of the match was when Asuka locked in the Asuka Lock on Charlotte Flair, nearly securing a submission victory. However, Charlotte’s resilience came through as she managed to power out of the hold and delivered a brutal spear to Asuka, almost ending the match right then and there. The crowd was on the edge of their seats as both competitors went back and forth, delivering big moves and near-falls.

In the end, it was Charlotte who triumphed, securing the victory with a devastating Natural Selection. This victory not only gave Charlotte another shot at the Smackdown Women’s Championship but also continued to cement her legacy as one of the greatest female wrestlers of all time. Asuka, while defeated, left the ring with a renewed sense of determination, hinting that this rivalry might not be over just yet.

Highlights from Charlotte Flair vs. Asuka:

• In-Ring Excellence: Both women delivered an exceptional match, with hard-hitting action and technical mastery.
• Future Rivalries: Given the intense nature of their contest, it’s clear that this rivalry could continue, potentially leading to a bigger showdown at a future pay-per-view event.
• Flair’s Resilience: Charlotte’s ability to overcome adversity and defeat a top-tier competitor like Asuka demonstrates why she is considered the face of the Smackdown Women’s Division.

The Smackdown Tag Team Championship: The New Day vs. Imperium

The Smackdown Tag Team Championship division has always been one of the most exciting and competitive areas of the show, and Episode 1491 delivered a thrilling match between The New Day and Imperium for the titles. The New Day, composed of Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, have held the Smackdown Tag Team Championship multiple times and are fan favorites due to their charisma and high-energy performances. On the other hand, Imperium, led by Gunther, has been a dominant force in WWE, and their tag team, featuring Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci, has brought a sense of old-school brutality and discipline to the division.

From the outset, this match was a clash of styles. The New Day, known for their high-flying and dynamic offense, used their speed and agility to try and outmaneuver Imperium’s more methodical and calculated approach. Imperium, with their stiff strikes and heavy offense, made it clear that they weren’t going to let the high-flyers get the upper hand without a fight.

The match featured plenty of back-and-forth action, with both teams having their moments of dominance. Xavier Woods showed off his impressive athleticism with a series of dives and quick tags, while Kofi Kingston brought the crowd to life with his signature Trouble in Paradise. However, Imperium’s cohesiveness as a unit was evident as they worked together to isolate Kofi Kingston and keep him from tagging Woods.

The end came when Imperium executed a devastating double-team move, leading to a pinfall victory and the retention of the Smackdown Tag Team Championships. While The New Day fought valiantly, it was clear that Imperium’s teamwork and discipline gave them the edge in this high-stakes contest. The win continued to build Imperium’s reputation as a dominant force in WWE’s tag team division.

Also Read: wwe-smackdown-episode-14

Analysis of The New Day vs. Imperium:

• Contrast in Styles: The contrast between The New Day’s energetic, high-flying style and Imperium’s hard-hitting, old-school approach made for an exciting and unpredictable match.
• Tag Team Strategy: Imperium’s methodical and calculated approach to tag team wrestling was a major factor in their success, showcasing their superior teamwork.
• The New Day’s Future: Despite the loss, The New Day remains a top-tier tag team and could easily find themselves back in the title picture in the near future.

Conclusion:

WWE Smackdown Episode 1491 proved once again why it remains one of the most entertaining and action-packed wrestling programs on television. From Roman Reigns’ opening promo to the rise of LA Knight, the incredible women’s match between Charlotte Flair and Asuka, and the continued dominance of Imperium in the tag team division, this episode delivered on all fronts.

The show also continued to develop its ongoing storylines, setting up potential future rivalries and championship matches that will keep fans invested in the product. The impact of Roman Reigns’ dominance and the tensions within The Bloodline, as well as the rapid rise of newer stars like LA Knight, suggest that WWE Smackdown is poised to deliver more compelling content in the coming weeks. For fans, Episode 1491 was a reminder of what makes Smackdown one of the best shows in the business—unpredictability, excitement, and unforgettable moments that keep them coming back for more.

FAQs:

2. Who is Roman Reigns facing next after Episode 1491?

Roman Reigns continues to be the dominant force in WWE and is likely to face a new challenger soon. Given the ongoing tension with The Usos and the looming threat of Cody Rhodes, a future showdown between Reigns and Rhodes is expected, potentially at an upcoming pay-per-view event like WrestleMania.

3. What’s next for LA Knight after his victory over Santos Escobar?

LA Knight’s victory over Santos Escobar has positioned him as a rising star on Smackdown. With his momentum building, Knight could be gearing up for a potential rivalry with a top-tier competitor, possibly setting his sights on a future championship opportunity.

4. Will Charlotte Flair and Asuka continue their rivalry?

While Charlotte Flair emerged victorious in their match for the Smackdown Women’s Championship, their rivalry might not be over. Given the competitive nature of their bout and Asuka’s resilience, this feud could continue, leading to a rematch or even a multi-woman match for the title.

5. Why did Imperium retain the Smackdown Tag Team Championship?

Imperium’s victory in the Smackdown Tag Team Championship match was due to their superior teamwork and methodical approach to tag team wrestling. Despite The New Day’s energetic offense, Imperium’s discipline and strategy allowed them to maintain their hold on the titles.

6. What are the potential future storylines for The Usos on Smackdown?

The Usos’ storyline is currently centered around their loyalty to Roman Reigns and The Bloodline. Given the tension between Jey Uso and Reigns, it’s possible that The Usos might eventually split, leading to a personal feud or a change in allegiances. This could pave the way for individual success for the Usos, possibly with each member pursuing singles championships.

7. Will Smackdown continue to feature new stars like LA Knight?

Yes, WWE Smackdown has been positioning rising stars like LA Knight as future main-event players. His charisma, mic skills, and in-ring ability have made him a fan favorite, and it’s likely that Smackdown will continue to highlight new talent as the show evolves.

8. How did Roman Reigns’ promo set the tone for Episode 1491?

Roman Reigns’ promo at the start of Smackdown Episode 1491 established him as the dominant figure of the show. His words set the tone for the evening, implying that no one could challenge his reign and that The Bloodline was in control. This not only highlighted Reigns’ supremacy but also teased possible future conflicts within his faction.

9. What makes WWE Smackdown a must-watch show?

WWE Smackdown is a must-watch due to its combination of high-quality wrestling, compelling storylines, and larger-than-life personalities. Episodes like 1491 continue to build on ongoing feuds, introduce new rivalries, and deliver unexpected moments, keeping the audience hooked.