SmackDown Episode 1491, which aired on August 9, 2024, was a rollercoaster of high-octane action, intense rivalries, and pivotal storylines.
This episode continued to build momentum towards the upcoming pay-per-view event, with several key matches and segments shaping the future of the WWE landscape.
Here’s a comprehensive look at the highlights and significant moments from this episode.
Opening Segment: Tensions Reach a Boiling Point
The show opened with a dramatic segment featuring Roman Reigns, the Universal Champion, and his ongoing feud with the formidable challenger, Drew McIntyre.
The tension between these two stars has been brewing for weeks, and Episode 1491 intensified the rivalry.
Reigns, flanked by his faction, The Bloodline, addressed the WWE Universe, boasting about his dominance and dismissing McIntyre as a worthy contender.
McIntyre, however, did not take kindly to Reigns’ taunts. He stormed the ring, leading to a heated exchange that ended with a physical confrontation.
This altercation set the stage for their highly anticipated match at the next pay-per-view, promising an epic showdown.
Match 1: SmackDown Women’s Championship Contenders Clash
The first match of the night featured two top contenders for the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
Sasha Banks faced off against Bayley in a highly anticipated rematch. Both women showcased their exceptional in-ring skills, with Banks relying on her agility and technical prowess, while Bayley utilized her power and resilience.
The match was a back-and-forth affair, with each competitor having moments of dominance.
Ultimately, Banks secured a victory with her signature Bank Statement submission maneuver, earning a shot at the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
The result added another layer to the ongoing women’s division storyline, setting up a thrilling title match in the coming weeks.
Segment: The Return of a Fan-Favorite
In a surprise turn of events, Episode 1491 saw the return of a fan-favorite superstar. Edge made a dramatic comeback after a long absence, sending the WWE Universe into a frenzy.
Edge’s return was marked by a compelling promo where he addressed his time away and hinted at unfinished business with several top superstars.
The crowd’s reaction was electric as Edge confirmed his participation in the upcoming pay-per-view event.
His return is expected to have significant implications for ongoing rivalries and add a new dimension to the SmackDown roster.
Match 2: Tag Team Turmoil
The second match of the evening was a tag team turmoil bout featuring several top teams vying for a future title opportunity.
The match included teams like The Usos, The New Day, and The Street Profits, each bringing their unique style and energy to the ring.
The match was a high-energy showcase of tag team wrestling, with numerous near-falls and dynamic sequences.
The Usos emerged victorious after a hard-fought contest, securing their position as the top contenders for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships.
This win sets up an exciting future showdown with the reigning champions, adding depth to the tag team division.
Segment: A Heated Backstage Altercation
Following the tag team turmoil match, the episode shifted to a backstage segment involving Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens.
The longstanding rivalry between these two superstars reached a boiling point as they engaged in a heated argument that nearly escalated into a physical altercation.
The backstage confrontation further fueled the storyline between Zayn and Owens, hinting at a potential match or storyline development.
Their personal feud adds an intriguing layer to the SmackDown narrative, with fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in their rivalry.
Main Event: Intercontinental Championship Bout
The main event of SmackDown Episode 1491 featured an Intercontinental Championship match between the reigning champion, Gunther, and the challenger, Ricochet.
The bout showcased a clash of styles, with Gunther’s power and intensity going up against Ricochet’s high-flying agility and speed.
The match delivered an exciting and hard-hitting contest, with both competitors pushing their limits.
Gunther ultimately retained his title after a grueling match, demonstrating his dominance and setting up potential future challengers.
The match further solidified Gunther’s position as a dominant force in the Intercontinental Championship picture.
Closing Segment: Chaos Unleashed
As the episode drew to a close, the show was marked by a chaotic closing segment.
Several superstars, including Reigns, McIntyre, and Edge, were involved in a brawl that spilled out into the arena.
The segment underscored the high stakes leading up to the next pay-per-view event, with tensions running high and rivalries reaching a fever pitch.
The chaos and unpredictability of the closing segment set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling build-up to the upcoming event, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next developments in the SmackDown storylines.
Conclusion
SmackDown Episode 1491 was a high-energy, action-packed installment that advanced key storylines and set the stage for future events.
With intense matches, surprising returns, and dramatic confrontations, the episode delivered on multiple fronts, keeping fans engaged and excited for what’s to come.
As the WWE Universe gears up for the next pay-per-view, Episode 1491 has solidified its place as a pivotal moment in the ongoing SmackDown saga.
FAQs
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When did SmackDown Episode 1491 air?
SmackDown Episode 1491 aired on August 9, 2024.
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What was the main event of SmackDown Episode 1491?
The main event featured an Intercontinental Championship match between the reigning champion, Gunther, and the challenger, Ricochet. Gunther successfully retained his title in this high-stakes bout.
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Who were the key participants in the opening segment of the episode?
The opening segment featured Roman Reigns, the Universal Champion, and Drew McIntyre. Their heated exchange and physical confrontation set the stage for their upcoming match at the next pay-per-view event.
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What notable return occurred during Episode 1491?
Episode 1491 saw the return of Edge, a fan-favorite superstar, who made a dramatic comeback after a long absence. His return was highlighted by a compelling promo and hints at future storylines.
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Which teams competed in the tag team turmoil match?
The tag team turmoil match included The Usos, The New Day, and The Street Profits, among others. The Usos emerged victorious, securing a future title opportunity.
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What was the outcome of the women’s championship contenders match?
Sasha Banks defeated Bayley in a match to determine a top contender for the SmackDown Women’s Championship. Banks earned a shot at the championship with this victory.
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How did Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens’ backstage altercation impact the episode?
The backstage altercation between Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens intensified their longstanding rivalry, hinting at potential future developments in their storyline.
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What was the significance of the closing segment?
The closing segment featured a chaotic brawl involving Roman Reigns, Drew McIntyre, Edge, and other superstars.
This segment underscored the high stakes leading up to the next pay-per-view event and heightened anticipation for future storylines.
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How did SmackDown Episode 1491 advance ongoing storylines?
The episode advanced several key storylines, including the rivalry between Roman Reigns and Drew McIntyre, the build-up to Sasha Banks’ championship opportunity, and the growing tension between Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens.
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Where can I watch SmackDown Episode 1491?
SmackDown Episode 1491 can be watched on the WWE Network or through various cable and streaming services that offer WWE programming. Check local listings or the WWE Network for availability.