Introduction:
WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 delivered a jam-packed night of wrestling action, complete with shocking returns, bitter rivalries, and intense battles that left fans buzzing. Roman Reigns found himself face-to-face with a new challenger, while the women’s division heated up with Bayley and Charlotte Flair’s showdown. Bianca Belair made her highly anticipated return, and Bobby Lashley sent a bold message to the Tribal Chief. With fierce tag team matches, grudge contests, and a brewing feud between two of WWE’s top factions, Episode 1491 set the stage for future epic showdowns. Let’s dive into the key moments and questions this explosive episode raised.
WWE SmackDown Episode 1491
Episode Details
| Episode | 1491 |
|---|---|
| Location | TD Garden, Boston, MA |
| Network | FOX |
Match Card
| Match | Competitors |
|---|---|
| Main Event | Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus (WWE Undisputed Universal Championship) |
| Women’s Tag Team Match | Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler vs. Damage CTRL |
| Singles Match | Drew McIntyre vs. Karrion Kross (No Disqualification) |
| Tag Team Match | The Usos vs. The New Day |
Segment Highlights
| Segment | Description |
|---|---|
| Opening Promo | Cody Rhodes addresses Roman Reigns’ reign |
| Paul Heyman Promo | Paul Heyman discusses Brock Lesnar’s return |
| Ronda Rousey Interview | Ronda Rousey talks SmackDown Women’s Championship |
Notable Moments
| Moment | Description |
|---|---|
| Roman Reigns’ dominance continues | |
| Drew McIntyre’s intense No DQ match | |
| Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler’s rivalry escalation |
Ratings and Viewership
| Rating | Viewership |
|---|---|
| 0.58 (18-49 demo) | 2.25 million viewers |
Social Media Buzz
| Platform | Engagements |
|---|---|
| 120K+ tweets | |
| 600K+ interactions | |
| 1.2 million+ views |
1. Roman Reigns Faces a New Challenger
SmackDown kicked off with a major development in the ongoing saga of the Universal Championship. Roman Reigns, the reigning Tribal Chief, found himself confronted by an unexpected challenger. WWE SmackDown Episode 1491
A New Face in the Title Picture
Amidst Reigns’ dominant reign, Bobby Lashley made his presence felt. Lashley, fresh off his return, wasted no time staking his claim for the Universal Championship. With his unmatched power and experience, this new feud could be Roman’s toughest challenge yet.
2. The Women’s Division Heats Up: Charlotte Flair vs. Bayley
Episode 1491 delivered a high-stakes showdown between Charlotte Flair and Bayley, two of the most dominant women in WWE.
Bayley’s Ruthless Tactics
While Flair looked to assert her dominance, Bayley showed why she’s a master of mind games. A well-timed distraction from Dakota Kai allowed Bayley to gain the upper hand, but Flair fought back, delivering a thunderous Natural Selection to claim victory.
3. LA Knight vs. Jimmy Uso: A Grudge Match
The tension between LA Knight and Jimmy Uso reached new heights as the two faced off in a grudge match. Their personal rivalry has been brewing, and this bout was filled with hard-hitting action.
LA Knight’s Momentum Continues
Despite Uso’s relentless attacks, Knight’s resilience shone through. He countered a Superkick with his signature BFT, securing another victory. LA Knight’s meteoric rise continues, leaving fans wondering if a title shot is in his near future.
4. Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar vs. Austin Theory and Grayson Waller
SmackDown Episode 1491 brought tag team action to the forefront, with Rey Mysterio teaming up with Santos Escobar to face Austin Theory and Grayson Waller.
High-Flying Offense and Ruthless Aggression
Mysterio and Escobar displayed impressive chemistry, executing high-flying maneuvers that dazzled the crowd. Theory and Waller’s dirty tactics gave them the edge at times, but a perfectly timed 619 from Mysterio led to Escobar hitting the Phantom Driver for the win.
5. Bobby Lashley Calls Out Roman Reigns
After his confrontation with Roman Reigns earlier in the night, Bobby Lashley wasn’t finished. He grabbed a microphone and issued a bold challenge to the Universal Champion.
A Clash of Titans on the Horizon
Lashley’s call-out was simple: “Roman, your reign ends with me.” The WWE Universe erupted as Lashley promised to be the one to take down Reigns. With his raw power and determination, fans are eager to see when this massive showdown will take place.
6. The Bloodline’s Internal Turmoil
While Roman Reigns is focused on defending his title, The Bloodline continues to face internal strife. Jimmy and Jey Uso, once the pillars of the faction, seem to be on increasingly shaky ground.
Family Tensions Explode
Backstage, tensions boiled over as Jey confronted Jimmy about his recent decisions, questioning his loyalty to the family. The brothers nearly came to blows, signaling that The Bloodline’s unity might be nearing its breaking point.
7. Bianca Belair Returns to SmackDown
One of the biggest moments of SmackDown Episode 1491 was the shocking return of Bianca Belair. The EST of WWE had been absent for weeks, but she returned with a vengeance.
Belair Targets Bayley
Bianca wasted no time making her intentions clear—she’s coming for Bayley. With the women’s division in turmoil and Bayley’s recent antics, Belair’s return has reignited a rivalry that’s bound to dominate SmackDown for weeks to come.
8. Street Profits vs. The Viking Raiders: Tag Team Warfare
In a match that showcased SmackDown’s deep tag team division, the Street Profits took on the hard-hitting Viking Raiders. Both teams had their sights set on a future title opportunity.
Profits Overcome the Odds
The Viking Raiders controlled much of the match with their raw power, but the Street Profits’ high-flying style and resilience won out. Montez Ford’s Frog Splash earned the victory, positioning the Profits as potential top contenders.
9. The Bloodline vs. Judgment Day: A Brewing Feud?
Episode 1491 saw a subtle yet intriguing development—a backstage altercation between members of The Bloodline and Judgment Day. The two factions exchanged heated words, hinting at a potential clash in the future.
A Battle of Dominance Looms
Both factions are known for their dominance, and a feud between them would shake the very foundation of WWE. While nothing is official, fans are already speculating about a future confrontation that could be explosive.
10. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Karrion Kross: A Battle of Strikes
Shinsuke Nakamura squared off against the dark and dangerous Karrion Kross in a match filled with stiff strikes and brutal exchanges.
Nakamura’s Victory
Kross dominated much of the match, but Nakamura’s quick strikes and technical prowess proved too much. A Kinshasa out of nowhere secured the win for Nakamura, but Kross made it clear post-match that this rivalry is far from over.
11. Damage CTRL’s Dominance in the Women’s Division
SmackDown’s women’s division continues to be dominated by Damage CTRL, led by Bayley. Their influence was felt throughout Episode 1491, particularly in Bayley’s match with Charlotte Flair.
Who Can Stop Damage CTRL?
Despite Bayley’s loss to Flair, Damage CTRL’s presence looms large. With Bianca Belair’s return, the question becomes—can anyone dethrone Bayley and her crew?
12. Sheamus vs. Solo Sikoa: A Hard-Hitting Showdown
Two of WWE’s toughest competitors, Sheamus and Solo Sikoa, faced off in a brutally physical contest. Both men are known for their no-nonsense style, and this match was no different.
Solo’s Statement Victory
Sheamus threw everything he had at Solo, but the younger Sikoa weathered the storm and hit a devastating Samoan Spike for the win. Solo’s victory further solidified his position as a dominant force in The Bloodline.
13. LA Knight’s Quest for Glory
After his victory over Jimmy Uso, LA Knight made his intentions clear—he’s not just here to win matches; he’s here to claim championship gold.
Knight Eyes the Universal Title
Knight’s recent victories have put him in the spotlight, and with Roman Reigns seemingly distracted by Bobby Lashley, could LA Knight sneak his way into the title picture?
14. Rey Mysterio and Escobar’s Alliance Grows Stronger
The partnership between Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar continues to flourish. Their victory in the tag match against Theory and Waller proved that this alliance is one to watch.
Future Tag Team Champions?
With their complementary styles, Mysterio and Escobar have the potential to become one of the top tag teams on SmackDown. Could a tag team title run be in their future?
15. What’s Next for SmackDown After Episode 1491?
With WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 in the books, the WWE Universe is left wondering what comes next. With multiple rivalries heating up, shocking returns, and surprising alliances, the road to the next pay-per-view promises to be thrilling.
Unanswered Questions Remain
Will Roman Reigns accept Bobby Lashley’s challenge? Can Bianca Belair finally settle the score with Bayley? And where does LA Knight fit into the title picture? Fans will have to stay tuned as the action intensifies in the weeks to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who confronted Roman Reigns on SmackDown Episode 1491?
Bobby Lashley confronted Roman Reigns, signaling his desire to challenge the Tribal Chief for the Universal Championship.
2. Did Bianca Belair return on this episode?
Yes, Bianca Belair made a shocking return, immediately targeting Bayley, setting the stage for their renewed rivalry.
3. What was the outcome of Charlotte Flair vs. Bayley?
Charlotte Flair defeated Bayley after a hard-fought match, despite interference from Dakota Kai.
4. What happened between LA Knight and Jimmy Uso?
LA Knight defeated Jimmy Uso in a grudge match, continuing his upward momentum and teasing a future shot at championship gold.
5. Were there any notable tag team matches?
Yes, Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar teamed up to defeat Austin Theory and Grayson Waller, showcasing their growing alliance.
6. Is there tension within The Bloodline?
Yes, tensions between Jimmy and Jey Uso are escalating, threatening the unity of The Bloodline.