Episode 1491 of WWE SmackDown, which aired in 2024, marked another thrilling installment in the long-running wrestling show. WWE fans worldwide tuned in to witness action-packed bouts, intense rivalries, and dramatic storylines unfold. SmackDown continues to be a premier brand of World Wrestling Entertainment, offering a mix of athleticism, storytelling, and entertainment. Episode 1491 maintained this tradition with an array of high-energy matches and key developments that keep fans eagerly anticipating what comes next.
Here’s a breakdown of what happened during this event, including the match card, key moments, and how it all fits into the broader WWE landscape.
1. Opening Segment: Major Announcement from WWE Management
SmackDown Episode 1491 kicked off with an electrifying announcement from WWE management, setting the tone for the night. As has been the case in many episodes, the show started with either a match announcement, a major stipulation being revealed, or an important development that would shape future storylines. In this case, WWE officials revealed new developments regarding the upcoming pay-per-view event, adding fuel to ongoing rivalries. The crowd’s energy was palpable as top superstars hinted at confrontations later in the night.
2. The Bloodline Drama Continues
One of the hottest ongoing storylines in WWE has been The Bloodline’s internal conflict. Roman Reigns, the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, and his faction members continued their power struggle, with Episode 1491 providing more twists and turns in this saga.
The episode featured a segment with Reigns addressing his cousins, The Usos, who have been questioning his leadership in recent weeks. Tensions ran high as Roman Reigns tried to reassert his dominance, but The Usos stood their ground, signaling that the faction’s unity was in jeopardy. As fans have come to expect, The Bloodline storyline delivered both drama and tension, keeping the audience hooked.
3. Main Event: Roman Reigns vs. AJ Styles
The main event of WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 saw Roman Reigns take on the high-flying AJ Styles in a non-title match. Styles, a fan favorite and veteran of the ring, came into the match with momentum and put up a strong challenge against Reigns. The match itself was a fast-paced affair with numerous close calls, reversals, and high-impact maneuvers from both wrestlers.
The match had the audience on the edge of their seats as Reigns attempted to overpower Styles, while Styles utilized his technical ability and agility to counter the champion’s brute strength. As expected, interference played a role when Solo Sikoa, a loyal member of The Bloodline, attempted to help Reigns secure a victory. Despite the outside interference, Styles showcased his resilience by nearly scoring a pinfall victory.
In the end, however, Reigns capitalized on a distraction, hitting Styles with a devastating Spear for the win. This match was one of the highlights of the episode, further solidifying Roman Reigns’ dominant run while setting the stage for future conflicts involving Styles and other challengers.
4. Tag Team Match: The Street Profits vs. Imperium
Episode 1491 also featured a highly entertaining tag team match between The Street Profits and Imperium. Both teams have been working hard to position themselves for a shot at the SmackDown Tag Team Championships, and this match was pivotal in determining future contenders.
The Street Profits, known for their charisma and athleticism, used high-flying moves to keep the crowd engaged. Imperium, on the other hand, focused on their technically sound, hard-hitting style. The contrast in wrestling styles made for a thrilling back-and-forth contest that showcased both teams’ strengths.
The match ended with The Street Profits picking up a win, which could lead to them being next in line for a title opportunity. Their victory was celebrated by the audience, and it appears that a showdown for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships is imminent.
5. Women’s Division Spotlight: Charlotte Flair vs. Bayley
In another key match of the night, two top superstars in the women’s division, Charlotte Flair and Bayley, squared off in a singles match. Both women have been integral to the SmackDown brand and WWE’s overall women’s revolution.
The match was a technical masterpiece, with both Flair and Bayley pulling out their signature moves in an attempt to gain the upper hand. Charlotte, known for her incredible athleticism and submission skills, worked on Bayley’s legs to set up for her Figure Eight finisher. Bayley, ever the opportunist, used her ring awareness and experience to counter Flair’s attacks and target her lower back.
The match concluded with Charlotte Flair executing a perfectly timed Natural Selection to pick up the victory. Following the match, tensions escalated as Flair made her intentions clear that she is gunning for the SmackDown Women’s Championship, putting the current champion on notice.
6. Midcard Showdown: LA Knight vs. Grayson Waller
A crucial part of Episode 1491 was the midcard clash between LA Knight and Grayson Waller. Both competitors have been steadily climbing the ranks in WWE, and their feud has been one of the more entertaining storylines in recent weeks.
LA Knight, a fan-favorite due to his charisma and confident persona, faced the cocky Grayson Waller in a match that had the audience firmly on Knight’s side. The match featured a lot of back-and-forth action, with Waller using underhanded tactics to try and steal a win. However, LA Knight’s resilience and connection with the crowd gave him the momentum to come out on top.
Knight’s victory will likely propel him into bigger opportunities, possibly even setting him up for a future Intercontinental Championship match.
7. Closing Segment: SmackDown’s Future
The closing moments of WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 set the stage for the weeks ahead. With new rivalries forming, title matches looming, and ongoing feuds reaching a boiling point, the episode ended on a cliffhanger that left fans eagerly awaiting the next episode.
The ongoing tension in The Bloodline, AJ Styles’ pursuit of championship gold, and the developing storylines in both the men’s and women’s divisions promise an exciting road to WWE’s next major pay-per-view event.
Conclusion
WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 delivered high-quality matches, intriguing storylines, and memorable moments that kept fans entertained from start to finish. From the continuation of The Bloodline saga to standout performances in the tag team and women’s divisions, this episode laid the groundwork for future developments that will shape WWE in 2024. With superstars like Roman Reigns, Charlotte Flair, AJ Styles, and The Street Profits all playing pivotal roles, SmackDown continues to prove why it remains a cornerstone of WWE programming.
