WWE SmackDown Episode 1491: A Valentine’s Day SmackDown To Remember

WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 brought love, rivalry, and high-octane wrestling action to the WWE Universe on Valentine’s Day 2024. Held at the electrifying Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, the episode didn’t disappoint, featuring captivating storylines, unexpected twists, and show-stopping matches.

A Night of Romance and Rivalry

The Valentine’s Day theme permeated the night. The arena was adorned with red and pink decorations, and the commentary team playfully acknowledged the occasion throughout the show. However, the looming rivalries and championship aspirations kept the competitive spirit alive.

Opening Segment: The Miz and Maryse Deliver a Sweet Surprise

The show kicked off with a charismatic entrance by The Miz and Maryse. The “It Couple” of WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 addressed the audience, showering them with affection and Valentine’s Day wishes. But their lovey-dovey display took a turn when they were interrupted by the ever-disgruntled duo of LA Knight and Maxxine Dupri.

Knight, known for his brash attitude, mocked The Miz’s career and claimed that his marriage was the only “championship” he held. The Miz retaliated with a verbal jab, sparking a heated exchange. This segment set the stage for a potential future match between the two teams.

Singles Match: Ricochet Soars over Ridge Holland

The opening contest featured Ricochet, the high-flying superstar, taking on Ridge Holland, the imposing powerhouse. The match was a fast-paced spectacle, showcasing Ricochet’s awe-inspiring agility against Holland’s brute strength. Ricochet dominated the early stages with his signature dives and dropkicks. However, Holland utilized his size advantage to ground Ricochet with powerful strikes and slams.

Despite Holland’s dominance, Ricochet displayed incredible resilience, constantly finding ways to counter and regain momentum. In a show-stealing moment, Ricochet executed a breathtaking Shooting Star Press from the top rope, securing the pinfall victory. The crowd erupted in cheers, acknowledging Ricochet’s athletic prowess.

Backstage: Sonya Deville Makes a Power Move

Backstage, SmackDown General Manager Sonya Deville addressed the ongoing rivalry between Shotzi Blackheart and Ronda Rousey. Deville announced a tag team match for the upcoming episode, pitting Blackheart and a mystery partner against Rousey and a partner of her choosing. This decision added intrigue to the already heated storyline.

Tag Team Match: The Usos Retain Against Legado Del Fantasma

The WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 Tag Team Championship was on the line as The Usos, the reigning champions, defended their titles against the rising trio of Legado Del Fantasma, represented by Santos Escobar and Cruz del Toro. The match was a high-energy affair, with both teams showcasing their impressive teamwork and offensive maneuvers.

The Usos displayed their veteran experience, utilizing well-rehearsed tag maneuvers and quick tags to maintain control. However, Legado Del Fantasma displayed incredible determination, utilizing their fast-paced offense and innovative tag tactics. The match reached a feverish pitch when Jey Uso countered a double team attack with a superkick, leaving del Toro vulnerable for a pin attempt by Jimmy Uso. The Usos narrowly retained their titles, cementing their dominance in the tag team division.

Singles Match: A Bitter Rivalry Continues Between Naomi and Natalya

The longstanding rivalry between Naomi and Natalya took center stage in a highly anticipated singles match. The animosity between the two women was palpable from the outset. The match was a technical display of power and precision, with both wrestlers showcasing their in-ring skills. Naomi utilized her high-flying offense and agility, while Natalya relied on her veteran experience and submission expertise.

The match was evenly contested, with both wrestlers reversing each other’s signature moves and gaining near-fall victories. As the intensity escalated, Naomi attempted a moonsault but was caught by Natalya mid-air and transitioned into the Sharpshooter submission hold. Naomi, displaying incredible resilience, managed to roll out of the hold and pin Natalya for a dramatic victory. This win solidified Naomi’s dominance over Natalya and potentially reignited their heated rivalry.

Main Event: A Grueling Triple Threat Match for the Intercontinental Championship

The main event of the evening was a highly anticipated Triple Threat Match for the Intercontinental Championship. The reigning champion, Shinsuke Nakamura, faced off against the charismatic leader of The New Day, Kofi Kingston, and the resilient veteran Cesaro.

The match was a captivating display of strength, strategy, and athleticism. Nakamura utilized his signature kicks and submissions to inflict damage on his opponents. Kingston relied on his speed and agility, finding weaknesses to exploit and execute his signature aerial maneuvers. Cesaro, is known for his immense strength.

FAQs: WWE SmackDown Episode 1491

What was the main event of WWE SmackDown Episode 1491?

The WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 main event was a Triple Threat Match for the Intercontinental Championship between Shinsuke Nakamura, Kofi Kingston, and Cesaro.

Who won the Intercontinental Championship?

The winner of the Triple Threat Match and the new Intercontinental Champion is not revealed in the provided summary.

What was the outcome of the other matches?

• Ricochet defeated Ridge Holland in a singles match.
• The Usos retained the SmackDown Tag Team Championship against Legado Del Fantasma (Santos Escobar and Cruz del Toro).
• Naomi defeated Natalya in a singles match.

Who interrupted The Miz and Maryse’s opening segment?

LA Knight and Maxxine Dupri interrupted The Miz and Maryse.

Who will be Shotzi Blackheart’s tag team partner in the upcoming episode?

Sonya Deville did not reveal Shotzi Blackheart’s tag team partner. This creates suspense for the upcoming episode.

Conclusion

WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 delivered a well-rounded and entertaining show for the WWE Universe. The Valentine’s Day theme added a playful element to the rivalries and storylines. The night featured high-flying action from Ricochet, a thrilling tag team title defense by The Usos, a hard-fought battle between Naomi and Natalya, and a main event Triple Threat Match that promised to be a showstopper.

The episode successfully advanced existing rivalries like Naomi vs. Natalya and potentially set the stage for new ones, such as The Miz and Maryse vs. LA Knight and Maxxine Dupri. The undisclosed tag team partner for Shotzi Blackheart against Ronda Rousey in the upcoming episode creates intrigue and anticipation for what’s next.