WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 aired on June 14, 2024, marking another exciting chapter in the ongoing saga of professional wrestling entertainment. The blue brand delivered a night packed with surprises, intense rivalries, and thrilling in-ring action that kept fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
The Opening Segment: Setting the Stage
The episode kicked off with a bang as the reigning Universal Champion, Roman Reigns, made his way to the ring accompanied by his loyal associates, Paul Heyman and The Usos. Reigns, known for his commanding presence and dominant reign as champion, wasted no time in addressing the WWE Universe.
In a passionate promo, Reigns spoke about his upcoming title defense at the next pay-per-view event, SummerSlam. He called out potential challengers from both the SmackDown and RAW rosters, asserting his dominance and readiness to face anyone who dares to step up.
This set the stage for an electrifying night of confrontations and challenges as superstars from across the WWE landscape jockeyed for position and opportunity.
Clash of Titans: Bobby Lashley vs. Drew McIntyre
One of the most anticipated matches of the night was a clash between two powerhouse superstars, Bobby Lashley and Drew McIntyre. The rivalry between these two men had been brewing for weeks, with both vying for a shot at championship gold.
The match was a hard-hitting affair, with Lashley’s brute strength pitted against McIntyre’s resilience and technical prowess. The action spilled outside the ring as the two competitors threw each other into barricades and steel steps, leaving the audience in awe of their physicality.
In the end, it was McIntyre who emerged victorious, hitting his signature Claymore Kick to secure the pinfall. The win solidified McIntyre’s position as a top contender for the Universal Championship, setting the stage for a potential showdown with Roman Reigns in the future.
Women’s Division Showdown: Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte Flair
The women’s division also took center stage as two of the most talented and accomplished competitors, Sasha Banks and Charlotte Flair, squared off in a highly-anticipated matchup.
Banks, known for her high-flying maneuvers and technical prowess, faced off against Flair, a second-generation superstar with a legacy of excellence in the ring. The match was a back-and-forth affair, with both women showcasing their athleticism and ring IQ.
In a surprising turn of events, Becky Lynch, who had been absent from WWE programming for several months, made her shocking return, interrupting the match and attacking both Banks and Flair. The chaos resulted in a no-contest finish, leaving fans speculating about Lynch’s intentions and future plans.
The Return of Legends: Edge and The Undertaker
As if the night couldn’t get any more exciting, two legendary figures made surprise appearances that sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe.
Edge, a multi-time world champion and one of the most beloved figures in WWE history, returned to SmackDown with a fiery promo, calling out anyone who dared to doubt his abilities. The Rated-R Superstar teased a potential comeback to in-ring competition, sending fans into a frenzy of anticipation.
Meanwhile, The Undertaker, arguably the most iconic figure in professional wrestling, made a special appearance to commemorate his legendary career. The arena erupted as The Deadman made his ominous entrance, reminding everyone why he is considered a true legend of the industry.
Tag Team Turmoil: The Usos vs. The Street Profits
The tag team division was also showcased in a thrilling matchup between The Usos, representing the Samoan Dynasty, and The Street Profits, a charismatic duo known for their high-energy performances.
The match was a showcase of tag team excellence, with both teams pulling out all the stops to secure the victory. The Usos’ experience and cohesion were pitted against The Street Profits’ raw athleticism and crowd-pleasing maneuvers.
In the end, The Usos emerged victorious, thanks in part to interference from Roman Reigns at ringside. The win further solidified The Usos’ dominance as one of the top tag teams in WWE, while The Street Profits vowed to regroup and come back stronger than ever.
The Main Event: Roman Reigns’ Championship Celebration
The night culminated in a celebration of Roman Reigns’ championship reign, as The Tribal Chief took center stage to bask in the adulation of the WWE Universe.
Reigns delivered a powerful speech, acknowledging his journey to the top of WWE and asserting his status as the undisputed Universal Champion. His allies, Paul Heyman and The Usos, stood by his side, reinforcing the message of unity and dominance.
However, the celebration was short-lived as a familiar theme music hit, signaling the arrival of John Cena, a legendary figure and longtime rival of Reigns. Cena, a 16-time world champion, made his intentions clear as he stared down Reigns, setting the stage for a potential showdown at SummerSlam.
The episode ended with a tense standoff between Reigns and Cena, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in their storied rivalry.
Conclusion: A Night to Remember
WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 delivered everything fans could ask for and more—a night of surprises, intense rivalries, and memorable moments that will resonate in the minds of wrestling enthusiasts for years to come.
From the opening segment with Roman Reigns’ championship proclamation to the return of legends like Edge and The Undertaker, the episode was a rollercoaster of emotions and excitement. Matches like Bobby Lashley vs. Drew McIntyre and Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte Flair showcased the incredible talent and athleticism of WWE’s roster.
As the road to SummerSlam continues, the landscape of WWE is filled with uncertainty and anticipation. With rivalries intensifying, legends returning, and new challenges emerging, the future of SmackDown and the WWE as a whole is as unpredictable and thrilling as ever.
Fans can only wait with bated breath for the next episode, knowing that anything can happen in the world of professional wrestling. Until then, WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 will remain a night to remember—a testament to the passion, athleticism, and spectacle that defines sports entertainment at its finest.
FAQs
Who were the key superstars featured in WWE SmackDown Episode 1491?
Answer: WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 featured key superstars such as Roman Reigns, Bobby Lashley, Drew McIntyre, Sasha Banks, Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, Edge, The Undertaker, The Usos, The Street Profits, and John Cena.
What were some of the major highlights from the episode?
Answer: Some major highlights from WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 included Roman Reigns’ championship proclamation and confrontations with potential challengers, the intense match between Bobby Lashley and Drew McIntyre, the women’s division showdown between Sasha Banks and Charlotte Flair interrupted by Becky Lynch’s return, surprise appearances by Edge and The Undertaker, and the main event clash between Roman Reigns and John Cena setting up a potential showdown at SummerSlam.
How did Drew McIntyre’s victory impact the Universal Championship picture?
Answer: Drew McIntyre’s victory over Bobby Lashley solidified his position as a top contender for the Universal Championship. His impressive win over Lashley hinted at a potential future showdown with Roman Reigns for the championship, adding an exciting new dimension to the title picture.
What was the significance of Edge and The Undertaker’s surprise appearances?
Answer: Edge’s return and The Undertaker’s special appearance added immense excitement and nostalgia to WWE SmackDown Episode 1491. Edge’s fiery promo teased a potential comeback to in-ring competition, while The Undertaker’s presence served as a reminder of his legendary career and contributions to the industry.
What can fans expect in the aftermath of WWE SmackDown Episode 1491?
Answer: Fans can expect continued rivalries to intensify, new storylines to emerge, and potential matchups to be set up leading to the next pay-per-view event, SummerSlam. The episode set the stage for several exciting developments, including potential clashes between Roman Reigns and John Cena, Drew McIntyre’s pursuit of the Universal Championship, and the return of Edge to in-ring action.