WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 delivered a night of heart-pounding action and jaw-dropping surprises. From intense championship battles to unexpected alliances, this episode had it all. Let’s dive into the thrilling moments that made this SmackDown unforgettable.
WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 Main Event: Roman Reigns vs. Daniel Bryan
The night’s main event was a clash of titans as Roman Reigns defended his Universal Championship against Daniel Bryan. This wasn’t just any match; it was a battle of wills and styles. Reigns, with his raw power and cunning tactics, faced off against Bryan’s technical prowess and never-say-die attitude.
From the opening bell, the tension was palpable. Reigns dominated early, using his strength to overpower Bryan. But Bryan, ever the underdog, refused to stay down. He countered Reigns’ power moves with quick strikes and submission attempts.
As the match wore on, both superstars pulled out all the stops. Near-falls had the crowd on the edge of their seats. Bryan’s resilience shone through as he escaped Reigns’ devastating spear not once, but twice. The arena erupted with each kickout.
In the end, Reigns’ ruthless determination proved too much. With a thunderous spear and a three-count, he retained his title. But Bryan’s performance left no doubt that he’s still a force to be reckoned with.
Key Matches and Results
While the main event stole the show, other matches kept the excitement rolling throughout the night. The Intercontinental Championship was on the line as Big E defended against Apollo Crews. Their contrasting styles made for an intriguing bout, with Big E’s power clashing against Crews’ agility.
In a surprise upset, Crews managed to dethrone Big E, capturing his first Intercontinental title. The win marks a significant milestone in Crews’ career and sets up potential rematches down the line.
Another standout match saw Rey Mysterio teaming up with his son Dominik against the Dirty Dawgs. The father-son duo’s high-flying tactics kept the crowd on their feet, but Roode and Ziggler’s teamwork ultimately secured them the victory.
Surprise Returns and Appearances
SmackDown 1491 wasn’t short on surprises. The crowd went wild when Edge’s music hit, and the Rated-R Superstar made his way to the ring. His appearance wasn’t just for show; he laid down a challenge for WrestleMania, targeting the Universal Championship.
But Edge wasn’t the only surprise of the night. In a shocking turn of events, Bayley returned from injury, interrupting a women’s division segment. Her return adds a new dynamic to the women’s title picture and sets up potential feuds with current champion Sasha Banks.
Storyline Developments
This episode was crucial in advancing several ongoing storylines. The Mysterio family drama took center stage as Rey and Dominik’s loss led to visible tension between father and son. Dominik’s frustration was evident, hinting at a possible heel turn in the future.
Meanwhile, the ongoing saga between Seth Rollins and Cesaro reached new heights. Rollins, still smarting from his previous losses, ambushed Cesaro during an interview. This attack sets the stage for an intense rivalry leading into the next pay-per-view event.
Tag Team Action
The tag team division was well-represented in SmackDown 1491. Besides the Mysterios vs. Dirty Dawgs match, we saw the Street Profits take on Alpha Academy in a fast-paced encounter. Montez Ford’s high-flying moves and Angelo Dawkins’ power proved too much for Chad Gable and Otis.
This victory puts the Street Profits back in contention for the tag team titles, setting up a potential clash with current champions Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode.
Women’s Division Showcase
The women’s division brought its A-game to SmackDown 1491. In a hard-hitting match, Bianca Belair faced off against Natalya. Belair’s athleticism was on full display as she countered Natalya’s technical wrestling with raw power and agility.
Belair’s victory solidifies her position as a top contender for Sasha Banks’ SmackDown Women’s Championship. The two have been on a collision course since Belair’s Royal Rumble win, and this match only adds fuel to that fire.
Shocking Betrayals and Twists
Perhaps the most jaw-dropping moment of the night came when Jey Uso turned on his cousin, Roman Reigns. After months of loyalty, Jey finally had enough of Reigns’ manipulative behavior. During a post-match celebration, Jey shocked everyone by superkicking Reigns and walking out on The Bloodline.
This betrayal throws the entire Bloodline storyline into chaos. Questions abound about where Jey’s loyalties now lie and how this will affect his relationship with his brother Jimmy.
Crowd Reactions and Atmosphere
The atmosphere in the arena was electric throughout SmackDown 1491. From the opening pyro to the final bell, the crowd was fully engaged. They erupted for surprise returns, booed the heels with gusto, and chanted their support for fan favorites.
The “This is awesome!” chants during the main event between Reigns and Bryan were deafening. Even in defeat, Bryan received a standing ovation for his performance.
Promo Highlights
Promos played a crucial role in advancing storylines and building anticipation for future matches. Paul Heyman, as always, delivered a masterclass in mic work. His promo hyping Roman Reigns before the main event was both menacing and captivating.
On the other side, Daniel Bryan’s pre-match interview showcased his determination and fighting spirit. His words resonated with the audience, reminding everyone why he’s one of the most beloved superstars in WWE history.
Championship Implications
SmackDown 1491 had significant implications for several championship pictures. Reigns’ successful defense against Bryan cements his status as the top dog on SmackDown. However, Edge’s challenge throws a new wrinkle into the Universal Championship scene.
Apollo Crews’ Intercontinental Championship win shakes up the midcard. His victory opens up new possibilities for fresh matchups and storylines in the coming weeks.
Notable In-Ring Performances
While every match had its moments, certain performances stood out. Daniel Bryan’s resilience in the main event was nothing short of inspirational. Despite the loss, he proved he can still go toe-to-toe with the best.
Bianca Belair’s match against Natalya was a technical masterpiece. Belair’s ability to match Natalya hold-for-hold while also showcasing her incredible strength impressed both the crowd and commentators.
Backstage Segments
Backstage segments added depth to the on-screen action. A tense encounter between Seth Rollins and Cesaro in the locker room area set the stage for their in-ring confrontation later in the show.
We also saw a heartfelt moment between Rey and Dominik Mysterio as they discussed their loss. The subtle hints of frustration from Dominik add layers to their evolving relationship.
Match Styles and Techniques
SmackDown 1491 showcased a variety of wrestling styles. The main event between Reigns and Bryan was a perfect blend of power moves and technical wrestling. Reigns’ brute force contrasted beautifully with Bryan’s submission expertise.
The tag team matches brought high-flying action and quick tags, keeping the pace fast and exciting. Meanwhile, the women’s division match between Belair and Natalya demonstrated that technical wrestling isn’t just for the men.
Commentary Team Insights
The commentary team of Michael Cole and Pat McAfee added depth to the in-ring action. Their insights helped viewers understand the stakes of each match and the history behind the rivalries.
McAfee’s enthusiasm was particularly infectious during the main event. His reactions to near-falls and big moves mirrored those of the fans, adding to the excitement of the match.
Post-Match Confrontations
The drama didn’t end with the final bell. After Reigns’ victory over Bryan, Edge stormed the ring to confront the champion. Their face-to-face encounter was intense, with neither man backing down. This confrontation sets the stage for a potential WrestleMania showdown.
In another post-match moment, Big E confronted Apollo Crews after losing his Intercontinental Championship. The normally jovial Big E showed a more serious side, promising to reclaim his title and teach Crews a lesson in respect.
Conclusion
WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 was a rollercoaster of emotions and action. From championship matches to shocking betrayals, it had everything a wrestling fan could want. As the dust settles, new questions arise. How will Roman Reigns respond to both Edge’s challenge and Jey Uso’s betrayal? What’s next for new Intercontinental Champion Apollo Crews? And how will the women’s division shake out with Bayley’s return?
One thing’s for sure: SmackDown continues to deliver top-notch entertainment, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what’s to come.