WWE SmackDown Recap: Roman Reigns Makes Surprising Return and Teams with Cody Rhodes to Take Down The Bloodline at Bad Blood

The latest episode of SmackDown kicked off with a high-stakes steel cage match between Cody Rhodes and Solo Sikoa for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Sikoa, backed by his Bloodline allies, faced off against Rhodes in a brutal encounter. As the match reached its climax, Roman Reigns made a dramatic entrance into the arena, charging straight into the steel cage. He took down Bloodline members Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa before challenging Jacob Fatu to a one-on-one fight. Although Fatu seemed ready to accept, Sikoa intervened, leading to a tense standoff. Rhodes joined Reigns, and the two stared each other down before exiting the ring. It was later hinted that Sikoa and Fatu might face off against Rhodes and Reigns in the upcoming Bad Blood event.

In a backstage segment, Nia Jax and Bayley engaged in a heated exchange. The conversation turned to their previous encounter at SummerSlam, where Tiffany Stratton had helped Jax secure a victory over Bayley. Naomi joined Jax, and Jax challenged Bayley and Stratton to a match against her and Naomi, with the stipulation that the losing team would be permanently banned from SmackDown.

Undisputed WWE Championship Match – Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa:

Cody Rhodes dominated the early part of the match, driving Solo Sikoa into the steel cage walls multiple times. Sikoa retaliated with a flying headbutt, leaving Rhodes bloodied. The two exchanged blows, with Sikoa using the cage door as a weapon. Ultimately, Rhodes delivered his signature Cross Rhodes to secure the win and retain the championship.

Piper Niven vs. Michin:

Michin initially gained the upper hand, sending Piper Niven out of the ring. Chelsea Green’s interference briefly turned the tide in Niven’s favor. However, Michin came back with a powerful move from the top rope, finishing Niven with the Eat Defeat to claim victory.

Kevin Owens & Randy Orton vs. A-Town Down Under:

Ricky was set to team up with Kevin Owens but was replaced by Randy Orton. During the match, Theory and Waller were thrown into the announce desk, and Owens blocked a superplex attempt. Orton delivered powerful slams on Theory and Waller, and with Owens, executed a double-draping DDT followed by a Stunner-RKO combination to secure the win.