WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 brought fans another unforgettable night filled with heart-pounding action, emotional confrontations, and surprises that no one saw coming. With storylines intensifying as the road to WWE’s next major event continues, this episode delivered high-stakes matches and dramatic moments that will impact the WWE landscape for weeks to come.
In this article, we’ll break down the major highlights of Episode 1491, covering all the jaw-dropping action, evolving storylines, and the key takeaways you need to know from this action-packed episode.
1. Opening Segment: The Bloodline’s Power Struggle Continues
The show began with a familiar, yet increasingly tense, focus on The Bloodline. With Roman Reigns out of action, Jey Uso and Solo Sikoa took center stage to address the growing friction within the family.
- Jey Uso’s rebellion: Jey openly questioned Reigns’ leadership, challenging the authority of the Tribal Chief in front of the WWE Universe. His defiance stirred excitement and uncertainty among fans, with the possibility of Jey breaking free from The Bloodline looming larger than ever.
- Solo Sikoa’s silence: While Jey voiced his frustrations, Solo remained eerily quiet, his loyalty continuing to be a point of speculation. This tension suggests that Solo’s eventual decision could dramatically shift the dynamics of The Bloodline.
2. First Match: LA Knight vs. Grayson Waller
The rivalry between LA Knight and Grayson Waller has been building for weeks, and this episode saw them face off in a highly anticipated singles match.
- A fast-paced contest: Both Superstars gave it their all in an action-packed match, with Waller’s high-flying agility matched against Knight’s raw power.
- LA Knight’s statement win: Knight scored a decisive victory over Waller with his signature BFT finisher, continuing his momentum and further solidifying his status as one of SmackDown’s rising stars.
3. The Women’s Division: IYO SKY vs. Shotzi for the WWE Women’s Championship
With IYO SKY still riding high as the WWE Women’s Champion, this episode saw her defend her title against the unorthodox and unpredictable Shotzi.
- A chaotic match: Shotzi’s unpredictable style caught SKY off guard multiple times throughout the match, creating several near falls and close calls.
- SKY retains: Despite Shotzi’s best efforts, IYO SKY managed to retain her championship, once again with the help of her Damage CTRL teammate Bayley, who interfered to turn the tide of the match. This interference has left fans wondering whether Shotzi will get another shot at the title down the line.
4. Special Appearance: Logan Paul Calls Out Rey Mysterio
One of the night’s most talked-about moments was the unexpected appearance of Logan Paul. Fresh off his victory at a recent pay-per-view event, Paul wasted no time in making his intentions clear—he has his sights set on Rey Mysterio and the WWE United States Championship.
- Logan’s challenge: In typical Logan Paul fashion, he took the mic to call out Rey Mysterio, stating that his win in the boxing ring has given him the confidence to conquer the WWE landscape as well.
- Rey Mysterio’s response: The legendary luchador appeared on the Titantron to respond, acknowledging Paul’s challenge but warning him that stepping into a WWE ring is a different game altogether. This segment left fans excited for a potential showdown between the two in the near future.
5. Tag Team Turmoil: The Usos vs. Street Profits
The Usos took on the charismatic duo of The Street Profits in a tag team match that had the WWE Universe buzzing from the opening bell. With The Usos still trying to rebuild their reputation after recent setbacks, this match was critical for them to regain momentum.
- High-flying action: The Street Profits brought their signature energy and athleticism to the match, keeping The Usos on their toes with a flurry of aerial attacks and innovative offense.
- The Usos secure a much-needed win: After a hard-fought battle, The Usos managed to score a victory, but the tension between them was evident even in victory, as subtle miscommunications hinted at potential future friction between the brothers.
6. Karrion Kross vs. AJ Styles: A Battle of WWE Veterans
The clash between Karrion Kross and AJ Styles was one of the night’s most anticipated matchups. Both veterans of the ring, the contrasting styles of Kross’ brute strength and Styles’ technical prowess promised an exciting contest.
- An intense physical encounter: Kross dominated the early portion of the match, using his power to ground Styles. However, AJ’s experience allowed him to mount a comeback, thrilling the audience with his high-octane offense.
- Kross gets the win: In a surprising turn of events, Kross capitalized on a distraction from Scarlett to secure a pinfall victory over Styles. This win positions Kross as a serious threat to any top-tier WWE Superstar moving forward.
7. The Return of Asuka: A Major Shift in the Women’s Division
SmackDown Episode 1491 featured the highly anticipated return of Asuka, one of the most dominant women’s champions in WWE history. After a brief absence from the WWE landscape, Asuka wasted no time making her presence felt.
- A clear message: Asuka interrupted a backstage segment featuring the current women’s champion IYO SKY, confronting her and making it clear that she has her sights set on regaining the title. This sets the stage for an inevitable showdown between the two Japanese powerhouses.
- Damage CTRL in Asuka’s crosshairs: With Asuka now back in the picture, Damage CTRL faces a significant threat to their reign over the women’s division. Fans can expect this rivalry to escalate in the coming weeks.
8. Main Event: Roman Reigns Returns to Face LA Knight
The main event of Episode 1491 saw the shocking return of Roman Reigns, who made his first appearance in weeks to confront LA Knight. After Knight’s win earlier in the night, it was clear that he wasn’t done proving himself, and what better way than to take on the Tribal Chief himself?
- A verbal confrontation: Before the physical action could even begin, Reigns and Knight exchanged heated words in the ring, with Knight refusing to back down from Reigns’ intimidation tactics.
- Physicality erupts: The episode ended in chaos as Reigns attacked Knight, igniting a brawl that spilled out of the ring and into the crowd. The WWE Universe watched in shock as the show went off the air with both men continuing their battle, signaling that this feud is just getting started.
9. Predictions and What’s Next for WWE SmackDown
SmackDown Episode 1491 provided fans with numerous storylines to sink their teeth into, setting the stage for major developments in the weeks to come. Here are a few predictions based on the events of this episode:
- LA Knight vs. Roman Reigns: With their rivalry heating up, expect a high-profile match between LA Knight and Roman Reigns to headline an upcoming pay-per-view, potentially even for the WWE Universal Championship.
- Logan Paul vs. Rey Mysterio: Logan Paul’s challenge to Mysterio for the U.S. Championship is bound to lead to an exciting showdown that could bring mainstream attention to WWE.
- Asuka’s challenge: The return of Asuka suggests that she will soon be challenging IYO SKY for the WWE Women’s Championship, setting up a massive title match that fans are eagerly anticipating.
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Conclusion
WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 delivered in every way imaginable, from thrilling in-ring action to storyline twists that have left fans clamoring for more. With The Bloodline’s internal conflicts, LA Knight’s ongoing rise, and the return of dominant forces like Asuka, SmackDown’s future looks brighter than ever.
As we head toward the next big event, WWE continues to prove why it remains the pinnacle of sports entertainment, and SmackDown Episode 1491 was a perfect example of that. With so much still to unfold, the WWE Universe is in for an exciting ride in the weeks to come.