May 10, 2024, Mohegan Sun Arena – Wilkes-Barre, PA
During a night filled with excitement and critical confrontations, WWE’s SmackDown took place at the Mohegan Sun Arena, delivering the kind of fervor that keeps the heart pounding. Here’s a summary of the evening’s events, which were marked by setting the scene and shattering barriers.
Match Highlights
- Queen of the Ring 1st Round: Nia Jax secured a win over Naomi with a commanding Annihilator at 10:16.
- King of the Ring 1st Round: Carmelo Hayes outsmarted Baron Corbin, pinning him in a swift 6:30 match.
- Queen of the Ring 1st Round: Jade Cargill triumphed over Piper Niven, finishing the match with Jaded in just 5:16.
- Queen of the Ring 1st Round: Bianca Belair dazzled, defeating Candice LeRae with KOD in a rapid 2:55.
- King of the Ring 1st Round: Tama Tonga dominated Angelo Dawkins, concluding with a Flatliner in 2:10.
- King of the Ring 1st Round: In a recommended match, Randy Orton overcame AJ Styles using his signature RKO after a grueling 17:06.
The Era of Logan Paul Levesque
The evening kicked off with echoes from Backlash in Lyon, France, transitioning smoothly into WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes being introduced by Nick Aldis. With Rhodes’ recent victory over AJ at Backlash still fresh, Aldis shifted focus to the upcoming King and Queen of the Ring event, naming Logan Paul as Rhodes’ next challenger. The prospect of a Champion vs. Champion match stirred the arena as Paul boasted about his tenure as the longest reigning champion, setting the stage for a high-stakes encounter.
Tensions and Triumphs
The air was thick with anticipation as AJ Styles reflected on his narrow defeat at Backlash, vowing redemption in the King of the Ring tournament. Meanwhile, the Queen of the Ring tournament saw Naomi and Nia Jax clash in a battle where Jax emerged victorious, setting her path forward in the tournament.
Baron Corbin, expressing contentment on his return, was quickly challenged by Carmelo Hayes, leading to a match where Hayes’ cunning secured him the victory.
Rising Stakes and Revelations
Bayley’s predictions for the Queen of the Ring were abruptly interrupted, adding more fuel to the fiery competition. Randy Orton, eyeing the King of the Ring title, hinted at a possible future clash with Tama Tonga, promising it wouldn’t be an ambush but a confrontation seen from miles away.
A Night of Returns and Declarations
The evening also marked significant moments with Shinsuke Nakamura promising a new era with his Strong Style on SmackDown, and Solo Sikoa making bold claims about leading The Bloodline in Roman Reigns’ absence, hinting at tumultuous times ahead.
Climactic Confrontations
The main event saw Randy Orton face off against AJ Styles in a match that lived up to its main event billing. Orton’s experience and ring savvy allowed him to counter Styles’ Phenomenal Forearm and secure a win with an RKO, setting him up for the next round against Carmelo Hayes.
Looking Ahead
With the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments heating up, next week promises more action, more drama, and more unforgettable moments as superstars like Jade Cargill, Bianca Belair, and Randy Orton continue their quest for supremacy.
Tonight wasn’t just about victories; it was about statements made and gauntlets thrown, setting the tone for what’s to come. As we edge closer to the next major event, the WWE universe remains on the edge of their seats, waiting, watching, and wanting more.
