WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 held on July 12, 2024, at Madison Square Garden delivered a night full of exciting action-packed gripping storytelling, and moments fans won’t forget. This episode highlighted fierce rivalries, unexpected comebacks, and major changes across various divisions.
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Opening Segment: Roman Reigns’ Intense Promo
The show began with a powerful speech from the Universal Champion, Roman Reigns joined by Paul Heyman and Solo Sikoa. Reigns spoke to the WWE fans showing off his power and setting the mood for the evening. This opening part served nicely to warm up the audience for the main event and to further establish Reigns as the ultimate heel of SmackDown.
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Main Event: Roman Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre
The biggest match of WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 was the championship clash between Roman Reigns and Drew McIntyre; it was like nothing else we had seen before. This match was all about power and strength and the close calls performed by the both stars and had the audiences on the edge of their seats. The Usos stepped in during the match helping Reigns keep his title and opening the door to possible future rematches.
The Return of John Cena
John Cena’s return at WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 stunned everyone in the arena. His appearance stirred up old feuds and got people excited about upcoming shows. People loved how well-planned and well-timed Cena’s comeback was. It also played a key role in the event’s strategy.
Women’s Division Highlights
The women’s division stole the show with several knockout matches. The women’s division grabbed the spotlight with a few outstanding bouts. Bianca Belair fought to keep her SmackDown Women’s Championship against Carmella in a match that showed off their physical skills and ring expertise. Also, Sasha Banks went up against Liv Morgan, with Banks getting a clear win using her Bank Statement submission move. The women’s division keeps raising the bar delivering not just in matches but also in growing characters and moving stories forward.
Tag Team Action
The tag team division stood out that night, as The Usos battled The Street Profits in a heart-pounding match. These teams showed great synergy ending with The Usos winning through a well-timed Double Superkick. This match highlighted the new emphasis on tag team wrestling adding thrill and surprise to the division.
Seth Rollins and Edge Feud
Seth Rollins and Edge’s ongoing rivalry reached its peak with a heated face-off. Rollins challenged Edge, raising doubts about his legacy and skills, paving the way for an intense future clash. This moment added layers to their conflict and kept fans excited about their next meeting.
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AJ Styles vs. Ricochet
One of the highlights of the show were the athletic displays from Styles and Ricochet during one of the bouts. This match showcased a lot of high-flying moves with Ricochet’s 630 Splash and AJ’s Phenomenal Forearm being the most memorable. Thus, AJ emerged victorious yet again, taking the victory and contributing to his already dark count.
Triple H’s Major Announcement
Triple H announced some major developments regarding a new tournament that will determine the next contender for the Intercontinental title. This just created more excitement for the fans making them curious about who might be involved and what kind of matches we would be likely to see.
Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn
A fierce and unforgiving match brought back an age-old rivalry between Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. Their intense performance delivered a powerful impact, serving as a stark reminder of why their ongoing conflict continues to captivate WWE audiences and remains one of the most compelling feuds in recent wrestling history.
Backstage Segments and Storyline Progression
The excitement spilled beyond the ring, with several behind-the-scenes segments adding depth to current plotlines. Drew McIntyre gave a passionate talk about his drive for the WWE Championship sparking talk about his upcoming bouts. Cameras caught Sami Zayn backstage as he schemed his next steps suggesting new twists in his story arc.
Production Quality and Fan Reactions
WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 boasted excellent production values. The lighting and set design created an engrossing atmosphere. The sound engineering team made sure every entrance, move, and crowd reaction came through , which improved the viewing experience. The live audience buzzed with energy, cheering and chanting all night. Fans at the event and those watching from home shared their thoughts on social media complimenting the match quality and compelling storylines.
Social Media Buzz
Episode 1491 caused a stir on social media, with fans posting their thoughts and feelings. Hashtags such as #WWESmackDown, #JohnCenaReturns, and #RomanReigns stayed popular for hours after the show ended. Wrestling experts and reviewers shared good feedback pointing out the compelling storylines and top-notch matches.
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The Emergence of New Rivalries
Fresh rivalries popped up in this episode bringing new tension and conflict to the plot. Rivals are characters who compete against each other, which makes a story more gripping for viewers. The clash between Seth Rollins and Edge got hotter, as Rollins threw down the gauntlet to Edge setting up a big showdown. Also, John Cena’s comeback stirred up old beefs and sparked new fights getting fans excited for what’s next.
Impact of Surprise Returns on Storylines
Surprise comebacks, like John Cena’s, have a big effect on WWE storylines. These returns spark old feuds, build excitement for upcoming events, and add layers of thrill for fans. The careful timing and rollout of these comebacks shape ongoing storylines and boost the overall buzz around WWE shows. Cena’s return, for instance, gave fans a trip down memory lane and shook things up in current storylines setting the stage for what’s to come.
Tag Team Division Resurgence and Dominance
The tag team division is making a comeback, with duos like The Usos and The Street Profits showing great teamwork and control in the ring. Tag team matches in this period have shone a light on the skills and athletic abilities of these pairs adding more layers and thrills to WWE shows. When The Usos beat The Street Profits with their well-timed Double Superkick, it proved how strong they are and how much fans love watching tag team wrestling. This revival has played a big part in making WWE SmackDown more fun to watch putting tag team matches at the heart of the show.
Conclusion
WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 left a lasting impression packed with crucial matches, big announcements, and standout moments. Roman Reigns stood strong in his title defense, while John Cena made an unexpected comeback giving fans plenty to cheer about. The women wrestlers put on a great show, tag teams battled it out, and ongoing plots kept viewers hooked throughout. With WWE SmackDown still drawing in fans around the world, this wrestling staple seems set for more success down the road.
To wrap up, WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 showed how the show has changed in its production, presentation, and storytelling. The skilled wrestlers, along with the show’s creative direction, make sure WWE SmackDown stays a key part of pro wrestling. If you’ve been a fan for years or you’re new to WWE, you had to see this episode. It mixed action, drama, and excitement just right.
