WWE SmackDown, with fallout from Night of Champions 2023 advertised Roman Reigns celebrating 1,000 days as champion. Amid rumors of a new WWE Universal World Championship belt, Reigns two-belts may no longer be a thing. SmackDown will also feature the next chapter in the budding Bloodline drama, as the latest plot twist saw Jimmy Uso betray Reigns, costing him and Solo Sikoa the Tag Team
SmackDown also advertised Montez Ford vs. surging star LA Knight and Zelina Vega vs. Lacey Evans.
Last week’s broadcast of SmackDown drew 2.158 million viewers.
WWE SmackDown Results | June 2, 2023
- Pretty Deadly and Austin Theory def. The Brawling Brutes
- The O.C. def. Hit Row
- Zelina Vega def. Lacey Evans
- LA Knight def. Montez Ford
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WWE SmackDown Ratings
- May 26, 2023 | 2.158 million
- May 19, 2023 | 2.133 million
- May 12, 2023 | 2.149 million
- May 5, 2023 | 2.059 million
- April 28, 2023 | 2.473 million
WWE SmackDown Ticket Sales
- WWE SmackDown Venue: Mohegan Sun Arena (Wilkes-Barre, Pa.)
- WWE SmackDown Tickets Distributed: 9,256
- Available Tickets: 36
Jimmy Uso Is The Real Tribal Chief | Pro Wrestling Bits
WWE SmackDown Winners and Grades
Pretty Deadly And Austin Theory Def. Brawling Brutes
SmackDown opened with a very impressive video package celebrating Roman Reigns’ 1,000-day run, with Paul Heyman doing the narration.
It was great seeing Pretty Deadly kick off Pride Month in WWE. Pairing them with Austin Theory in a stable would benefit everybody involved.
WWE always has the best euphemisms for “gay” or “effeminate” like “bizarre,” which is what they used to call Goldust or “unique,” which Michael Cole used to refer to Pretty Deadly. It actually felt empowering when Wade Barrett referred to the tag team as “queens.”
Pretty Deadly’s main roster theme is an upgrade from an already-fire track. This will catch fire in short order.
Sheamus continues to be a piping-hot babyface with a sold-out crowd chanting “we want Sheamus!” This felt like a tribute tour to Sheamus’ greatest hits. There was a triple White Noise followed by a Triple 10 Beats of the Bodhran.
Pretty Deadly shouldn’t lose until it’s time for them to drop the tag team titles that they will inevitably win. I would have no problem with Pretty Deadly dethroning Sami and Kevin.
During a backstage segment, Michael Cole referred to Paul Heyman’s relationship with Roman Reigns as Heyman “leeching onto power and success like he always does.”
Pretty Deadly and Austin Theory vs. Brawling Brutes Grade: B-
The O.C. Def. Hit Row
Michael Cole quoted a Top Dolla freestyle with the lowest effort you’ll ever see anybody do anything.
Per usual, Hit Row lost this match within minutes. Ashante Adonis took the pin, and for his troubles, Top Dolla took a Phenomenal Forearm.
Michael Cole tried to freestyle to mock Hit Row, and it was straight trash.
Backstage, Adam Pearce noted The Usos’ flights were canceled and they’ve doubled security. Translation? The Usos will be ruining Roman Reigns’ 1,000-day ceremony.
The O.C. vs. Hit Row Grade: D+
The Grayson Waller Effect With Asuka
Thankfully, WWE eliminated “the man with the platinum tongue” from Grayson Waller’s over-the-top introduction.
Despite her apparent heel turn, Asuka continues to be cheered, and she basked in the reaction like a babyface.
Iyo crashed this segment, not to translate for Grayson Waller, but to call out Asuka in what would be a banger of a match. Asuka and Iyo Sky’s dueling Japanese promos were met with “what chants.”
When Bayley interrupted, Michael Cole dryly remarked “there go the ratings.”
Apparently Iyo wants in the women’s Money in the Bank match. So do Bayley, Shotzi, Lacey Evans (who dresses more like Sgt. Slaughter every week) and Zelina Vega. This basically turned into every opening Raw segment.
This segment ended in a realistic brawl between Asuka and Bianca Belair.
Grayson Waller Effect Grade: C
Zelina Vega Def. Lacey Evans
Zelina Vega was selling her jaw before this match started because Evans connected with a cheap Women’s Right during the break.
Fans really got behind Zelina Vega, who attached a chancla to her leg during the talking segment, as they refuse to let WWE drop the ball with her.
Evans worked this match like she was Andre the Giant in The Princess Bride due to the size difference with Vega. After being trapped in a rear-naked choke, Vega found an opening and won with the Code Red.
Zelina Vega might have to climb two ladders to reach the Money in the Bank briefcase.
Zelina Vega vs. Lacey Evans Grade: C+
LA Knight Def. Montez Ford
I expect the loser of this match to still qualify for Money in the Bank through a last-chance match.
Fans were behind Montez Ford, but due to LA Knight’s surging popularity, they weren’t as enthusiastic about Ford as usual.
Fans ultimately picked LA Knight altogether, chanting “LA Knight!” throughout.
LA Knight won with help from the ring ropes. Until further notice, Knight is the favorite to win Money in the Bank. I love Montez Ford, but all I’ve got to say is “yeah!”
LA Knight vs. Montez Ford Grade: B
Triple H Unveils New Undisputed WWE Universal Title Belt
The new WWE Undisputed Universal Championship is similar to the old WWE Title, but with more gold and it is horrendous. It looks like a butterscotch belt. I think WWE is doing g this on purpose so fajs are happier when Cody Rhodes brings back the Winged Eagle belt.
This was another phenomenal Bloodline segment where Roman Reigns and The Bloodline appeared to be back on the same page. As Roman embraced Chief Jimmy, Reigns coldly said "no," and Solo Sikoa (who temporarily sided with the Usos) turned on his brothers.
