The 10/30/18 edition of WWE SmackDown Live, out of the Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, just wrapped up. We’ve got the WWE SmackDown Live results, as well as our overall thoughts on the show, for you to check out below. Let us know what you thought about episode #1002 of WWE SmackDown Live by tweeting us, @TheRumbleRamble.
The Phenomenal One is Home
#WWEChampion @AJStylesOrg wants to talk to @WWEDanielBryan face-to-face? The #YESMan is listening! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/kLkv1Vpkqy
— WWE (@WWE) October 31, 2018
AJ Styles came to the ring to open the show, receiving a massive hometown pop in the process. After soaking it in a moment or two, he invited Daniel Bryan to join him so they could discuss the animosity building between them face-to-face.
Bryan said, on the contrary, he had no personal qualms with Styles, however, his respect for Styles would not stop him from coming for the title. Styles attempted to surprise Bryan with the knowledge that the “accidental” kick last week was no accident at all, but Bryan was less than shocked at the news.
They challenged each other to a match, and after Shane McMahon came out to give them the green light, it was set to take place immediately.
AJ Styles (c) vs. Daniel Bryan
WWE Championship Match
YES!
YES!
NOPE.#SDLive #WWEChampionship @AJStylesOrg @WWEDanielBryan pic.twitter.com/beaKP0bSD2— WWE (@WWE) October 31, 2018
It’s still surreal to see Daniel Bryan and AJ Styles together in a WWE ring, but we (along with the Atlanta crowd) couldn’t be happier about it. Styles seemed determined to injure his opponent, ruthlessly targeting Bryan’s left knee throughout the match.
By no means was Daniel Bryan dominated, however. He hit Styles with every bit of vicious offense he could muster. Styles very nearly tapped out to a Yes Lock, but Bryan lost his hold on the Phenomenal One and became trapped in a calf crusher instead, eventually tapping out.
Post-match, Styles and Bryan hugged in a show of mutual respect, but the touching moment didn’t last long. Samoa Joe attacked both men, leaving them lying in the ring as he held the WWE Championship proudly above his head.
Winner: AJ Styles
Paige Searches for a Captain
It seems @MsCharlotteWWE has some reservations about captaining the #SDLive Women’s team at #SurvivorSeries… pic.twitter.com/pvSJ7BUlNq
— WWE (@WWE) October 31, 2018
Backstage, SmackDown General Manager, Paige, asked if Charlotte Flair would agree to be team captain for the Women’s Survivor Series Match. Contrary to the confident queen we are used to, Charlotte said that she wasn’t the right woman for the job. Paige requested that she give it some time and think it over in hopes that Flair will reconsider.
Big E vs. Cesaro
Trick or Street Fight
A #Halloween costume or a birthday tribute to @EdgeRatedR? YOU DECIDE! #SDLive #Halloween @WWEBigE @TrueKofi @XavierWoodsPhD pic.twitter.com/34pSPRh9XW
— WWE (@WWE) October 31, 2018
We had no doubts that The New Day would come out in awesome costumes, but they really outdid themselves this time. Dressed as Edge, Christian, and Gangrel, New Day came out to the full Brood entrance, complete with people lying on the stage waving fake candles to simulate the ring of fire that the original Brood rose through.
Accompanied by The Big Show, in far less elaborate costume, The Bar came ready to break some pumpkins. As it was a street fight, there were plenty of shenanigans, including interference from both Sheamus and Big Show, as well as “blood” mist to the face of each member of The Bar.
Winner: Big E
Shane Raises the Stakes
“@ReyMysterio is #PowerRanger! @JEFFHARDYBRAND is the long lost member of The #InsaneClownPose and @RandyOrton is…. cool! Randy’s COOL!”
Watch yourself, @mikethemiz… you’re teaming with #TheViper TONIGHT!” pic.twitter.com/0LWFHyUj43
— WWE (@WWE) October 31, 2018
Jeff Hardy, Rey Mysterio, Randy Orton, and The Miz met with Shane McMahon backstage to promote their upcoming tag match. All four men talked some smack before Shane ruined the party by announcing that, should the representative for the blue squad lose in the finals of the World Cup Tournament, they will also lose their place on SmackDown Live.
Styles Wants a New Opponent
#WWEChampion @AJStylesOrg wants @SamoaJoe at #WWECrownJewel…and he’s going to get him! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/6o90OVBdku
— WWE (@WWE) October 31, 2018
AJ Styles approached Paige backstage, demanding to face Samoa Joe at Crown Jewel on Friday, and Paige made the match official.
Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. R-Truth
United States Championship Match
Wait, you thought there WASN’T going to be a #DanceBreak in this match? #SDLive @RonKillings @CarmellaWWE pic.twitter.com/4moNUlr3hF
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) October 31, 2018
The President of Nak-a-merica faced off against R-Truth, the host of the hottest talk show on SmackDown Live, Truth TV. With the power of dance breaks and Carmella at his side, R-Truth was able to keep pace with Nakamura in a fun match. Unfortunately for Truth, the King of Strongstyle eventually got the better of him.
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura
The Champ is Ready for a New Challenge
Never doubt #TheMan. #AndStill #SDLive @BeckyLynchWWE pic.twitter.com/rJ0HNkocnz
— WWE (@WWE) October 31, 2018
Becky Lynch marched to the ring to explain to the audience why she is, in fact, the man. After relishing her defeat of Charlotte Flair for a moment, Becky moved on to Ronda Rousey, who she is set to battle at Survivor Series. To close things out with a bit of violence, Lynch promised to rip Rousey’s arm off.
Jeff Hardy and Rey Mysterio vs. The Miz and Randy Orton
Consider that a short-lived celebration for @reymysterio & @JEFFHARDYBRAND…
…OUTTA NOWHERE! #SDLive #WWECrownJewel #RKOOuttaNowhere pic.twitter.com/rySvyPcZeI
— WWE (@WWE) October 31, 2018
The Miz and Randy Orton gained early momentum against Jeff Hardy and Rey Mysterio, cutting the ring in half and keeping Jeff from tagging in his partner. Randy has made it clear that he thoroughly enjoys hurting Jeff, and took this opportunity to do so. When Rey finally got a chance against the opposing team, he quickly built up steam, helping Jeff finish Miz off with a 619 followed by a Swanton Bomb.
Before anyone had a chance to celebrate, Randy caught Mysterio in mid-air, hitting an RKO out of nowhere, then RKO’d Jeff, then just couldn’t help himself and got The Miz as well.
Winner: Jeff Hardy and Rey Mysterio
What letter grade would you give tonight’s show? #SDLive
— Rumble Ramble (@TheRumbleRamble) October 31, 2018
