WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 was a night filled with action, drama, and electrifying performances. As one of the longest-running shows in WWE history, SmackDown continues to showcase the best that professional wrestling has to offer, and Episode 1491 was no exception. With its dynamic storytelling, intense rivalries, and jaw-dropping athleticism, this episode kept fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the matches, moments, and key takeaways from this thrilling installment of WWE SmackDown.
1. Introduction to WWE SmackDown Episode 1491
1.1 Setting the Stage
Episode 1491 aired during an exciting period for WWE, with multiple storylines coming to a head and new rivalries taking shape. As the blue brand’s top stars prepared to showcase their talents, there was palpable anticipation for the matches scheduled for the night. Whether it was the ongoing drama between established superstars or the emergence of new talent, this episode promised—and delivered—on its potential for high-energy entertainment.
1.2 Key Storylines Leading Up to the Episode
Several key storylines had been brewing leading up to SmackDown Episode 1491. Fans were eager to see how these narratives would play out, including:
- Roman Reigns’ Dominance: As the reigning Universal Champion, Roman Reigns continued his dominant reign with his faction, The Bloodline. His rivalry with multiple challengers, including former allies and foes, was central to this episode.
- Women’s Division Showdown: The SmackDown Women’s Championship picture was heating up, with major contenders gunning for the title. Charlotte Flair, Bayley, and Bianca Belair were all vying for the top spot.
- Tag Team Turmoil: The SmackDown tag team division was in a state of flux, with multiple teams jockeying for a chance to dethrone the champions.
2. The Opening Segment: The Bloodline Asserts Its Power
2.1 Roman Reigns’ Promo
The episode opened with an intense promo from Roman Reigns, the Universal Champion, who continued to exude confidence and dominance. Flanked by his cousins, The Usos, and his special counsel Paul Heyman, Reigns made it clear that no one in the SmackDown locker room could challenge his reign. His mic skills were on full display as he belittled his potential challengers and reminded the WWE Universe of his superiority.
Reigns’ promo not only set the tone for the evening but also laid the groundwork for his ongoing feud with Drew McIntyre and a new challenger lurking in the shadows—Brock Lesnar. The tension between Reigns and McIntyre had been building for weeks, and fans were eager to see where this storyline would head.
2.2 Surprise Confrontation
As Roman Reigns continued his speech, the familiar entrance music of Brock Lesnar hit, sending shockwaves through the arena. Lesnar’s return to SmackDown was a moment of pure electricity, and the crowd erupted in excitement. Lesnar made his way to the ring, standing face-to-face with Reigns, creating a tense standoff that teased future confrontations between these two titans.
The verbal exchange between Reigns and Lesnar was intense, with Lesnar taunting Reigns and Heyman visibly shaken. This segment was a perfect kickoff to the episode, setting up a future clash that would have fans eagerly awaiting their next showdown.
3. Match 1: Charlotte Flair vs. Shotzi Blackheart
3.1 A Battle for Supremacy in the Women’s Division
The first match of the night featured a high-stakes battle between Charlotte Flair and Shotzi Blackheart. Charlotte, the self-proclaimed “Queen” of WWE, was determined to reassert her dominance in the women’s division. Shotzi, on the other hand, was looking for a breakout moment to establish herself as a top contender.
3.2 Key Highlights of the Match
The match was fast-paced and showcased the contrasting styles of both superstars. Charlotte relied on her technical skills and power, while Shotzi used her speed and unorthodox offense to keep the Queen on her toes.
Some of the key moments from the match included:
- Shotzi’s High-Flying Offense: Shotzi showcased her daring aerial moves, including a spectacular dive through the ropes, which momentarily shifted the momentum in her favor.
- Charlotte’s Ruthless Aggression: Charlotte used her experience to control the pace of the match, targeting Shotzi’s legs and setting her up for the Figure Eight submission.
3.3 The Finish
In the closing moments of the match, Charlotte countered a high-risk maneuver from Shotzi and locked in the Figure Eight, forcing her opponent to tap out. While Shotzi put up a valiant fight, Charlotte’s experience and technical prowess proved too much for the rising star.
After the match, Charlotte cut a promo, declaring that no one in the women’s division could touch her. This victory further cemented Charlotte’s position at the top of the SmackDown women’s roster.
4. Match 2: The New Day vs. The Usos (Tag Team Championship Match)
4.1 A Rivalry Renewed
The second match of the night featured one of the most storied rivalries in WWE history: The New Day vs. The Usos. The two teams had battled numerous times over the years, and each encounter seemed to raise the bar for tag team wrestling. This time, the stakes were higher than ever, as the SmackDown Tag Team Championships were on the line.
4.2 Highlights of the Match
As expected, this match was a showcase of incredible tag team chemistry, with both teams pulling out all the stops. Some of the key highlights included:
- Kofi Kingston’s High-Flying Offense: Kofi dazzled the crowd with his aerial prowess, hitting several high-risk moves that kept The Usos on the defensive.
- The Usos’ Double Team Tactics: The Usos used their well-honed tag team strategies to isolate Xavier Woods, preventing him from tagging in Kofi for extended periods.
4.3 A Controversial Ending
In a thrilling conclusion, the match ended in controversy when Roman Reigns interfered, attacking Kofi Kingston while the referee was distracted. This allowed The Usos to capitalize and retain their titles. The interference not only furthered the ongoing storyline between The Bloodline and The New Day but also kept the tag team division’s rivalry red-hot.
5. Backstage Segments: Building Tension
5.1 Paul Heyman’s Conflict
Backstage, tensions within The Bloodline were palpable. Paul Heyman found himself in a difficult position, torn between his allegiance to Roman Reigns and his history with Brock Lesnar. In an interview segment, Heyman tried to play both sides, but his unease was evident. This storyline development added an intriguing layer to the ongoing Reigns-Lesnar saga, with Heyman’s loyalty called into question.
5.2 Drew McIntyre’s Challenge
Drew McIntyre cut a backstage promo, challenging Roman Reigns to a future match. McIntyre, who had been building momentum over the past few weeks, promised to dethrone Reigns and restore honor to the Universal Championship. This set the stage for an inevitable clash between two of WWE’s biggest stars.
6. Match 3: Drew McIntyre vs. Sami Zayn
6.1 An Unexpected Challenge
The next match saw Drew McIntyre take on Sami Zayn in a surprise encounter. Zayn, known for his cunning and underhanded tactics, attempted to outsmart McIntyre at every turn. However, McIntyre’s size and strength advantage made it difficult for Zayn to gain the upper hand.
6.2 Dominant Performance by McIntyre
Despite Zayn’s efforts to escape McIntyre’s offense, the Scottish Warrior dominated much of the match. His power moves, including the Glasgow Kiss headbutt and the Future Shock DDT, left Zayn reeling.
6.3 The Claymore Kick
The match ended decisively when McIntyre delivered his devastating Claymore Kick, securing the victory. After the match, McIntyre once again called out Roman Reigns, making it clear that he was gunning for the Universal Championship.
7. Main Event: Roman Reigns vs. Finn Balor (Non-Title Match)
7.1 A High-Stakes Main Event
The main event of SmackDown Episode 1491 featured Roman Reigns in a non-title match against Finn Balor, who had been a thorn in Reigns’ side for weeks. Balor, known for his technical prowess and resilience, was looking to prove that he could hang with The Tribal Chief and earn a future title shot.
7.2 The Match Unfolds
The match was a hard-hitting affair, with both men exchanging brutal strikes and high-impact moves. Some key moments included:
- Balor’s High-Flying Offense: Balor used his agility to keep Reigns off balance, hitting a series of dropkicks, sling blades, and a Coup de Grâce from the top rope.
- Reigns’ Power and Control: Reigns, however, used his size and strength to slow the pace, delivering his signature Superman Punch and Spear to wear down Balor.
7.3 Outside Interference
As the match reached its climax, outside interference from The Usos turned the tide in Reigns’ favor. Despite Balor’s valiant effort, Reigns managed to hit another Spear and secure the pinfall victory. The interference once again highlighted the strength of The Bloodline and their willingness to do whatever it takes to ensure Reigns’ dominance.
8. Final Thoughts: Episode 1491 Delivers on All Fronts
WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 was a thrilling installment that delivered on multiple fronts. From Roman Reigns’ ongoing dominance and his confrontation with Brock Lesnar, to the highly competitive matches in the women’s and tag team divisions, this episode had something for every fan. The mix of high-quality wrestling, engaging promos, and storyline progression made this a must-watch episode of SmackDown.
As WWE heads toward its next major event, the seeds planted in Episode 1491 will undoubtedly lead to even more exciting developments in the weeks to come.