Live from the UFC APEX in Enterprise, Nevada, WWE SmackDown continued the King of The Ring tournament. Fans were excited to see who qualified with only five qualifying matches on the cards. Cody Rhodes and Logan Paul were set to address the fans, and there was much more to see. Here’s everything that went down on WWE SmackDown.
WWE SmackDown 10/05/2024 Results
Opening segment: Nick Aldis opened the show by introducing Cody Rhodes. He congratulated Rhodes on a successful title defense at WWE Backlash France. Logan Paul came out as Rhodes was about to address the fans about it. The two exchanged words while Paul clarified that he wanted a title shot. Rhodes, being someone not too shy away from a challenge, accepted it. At the King of the Ring show in Saudi Arabia, the two will face off with the titles on the line. The American Nightmare clarified that winning the United States title would make him a Grand Slam champion.
Faced with the force that has decimated the women’s division, Naomi wasted no time taking it to Jax. While her offense was good, Jax’s strength was too much. Despite making some stunning moves to put Jax down, Naomi was no match for the Irresistible Force. Jax qualified for the next round.
King of the Ring Tournament Match: Baron Corbin vs. Carmelo Hayes
Winner: Carmelo Hayes
The match showcased Carmelo Hayes’s ring awareness against a veteran like Corbin. Despite the bigger man having control of the match at the start, Hayes was able to show off his agility and speed. Using his size and speed, Hayes was able to pick up the win with a small package.
Backstage segment: Bayley is interviewed backstage and claims she’s interested in what Jade Cargill is doing. However, Chelsea Green and Piper Niven show up and claim they will be going after her title.
Backstage segment: Randy Orton is seen backstage and talks about The Bloodline. He claims that he wants Tama Tonga for what happened at WWE Backlash France and wants to hit Tonga with an RKO.
Queen of the Ring Tournament Match: Jade Cargill vs. Piper Niven
Winner: Jade Cargill
The match that ascertained that size doesn’t matter. Despite having the mass on her side, Cargill made quick work of Niven. Cargill’s strength was on full display as she hit Niven with Jaded, which made the entire crowd pop. As Cargill headed out of the ring, her tag team partner Bianca Belair came out for her qualifying match.
Backstage segment: Shinsuke Nakamura cuts a promo that no one on WWE SmackDown is safe from him. If anyone gets in his way, he will cut them down.
Queen of the Ring Tournament Match: Bianca Belair vs. Candice LeRae
Winner: Bianca Belair
Just like her partner Cargill, Belair made quick work of this match. Despite LeRae using her cunningness to get the upper hand, she was no match for the EST. One KOD from Belair and the match was over and now the WWE Women’s Tag Team champs have qualified for the second round of the QOTR tournament.
Backstage segment: Paul Heyman is seen with The Bloodline. While claiming that he was the Wiseman to Roman Reigns and not Solo Sikoa, Sikoa claims that Reigns put him in charge till he returned. This is the first time WWE fans have heard about Reigns from Sikoa. However, his actions when Heyman tried calling Reigns told a different story.
King of the Ring Tournament Match: Angelo Dawkins vs. Tama Tonga
Winner: Tama Tonga
The match was originally set for Bobby Lashley to face Tama Tonga. However, Lashley sustained an injury during his training, which got him replaced with Dawkins. The match was brute strength vs. aggressive strength. While Dawkins seemed to have the control in his hands, Tonga soon turned the match around. Sikoa ran interference for Tonga to capitalize. Tonga won via pinfall to qualify.
King of the Ring Tournament Match: Randy Orton vs. AJ Styles
Winner: Randy Orton
The two started off with a test of strength before The Viper Randy Orton got the upper hand. While AJ Styles was able to mount a good defense against Orton, The Viper kept the match in his control. Post-commercial, Styles was able to get a breather and take control of the match. After his match at WWE Backlash France, this would be the first singles match for both Orton and Styles. Styles continued the pressure on Orton’s leg to ensure The Viper couldn’t hit the RKO. Despite mounting a good return, Orton wasn’t able to hit Styles with the RKO. Styles was able to connect with the Phenomenal Forearm but didn’t get the pin. However, after an RKO, The Viper stole the match.