WWE SmackDown on October 11, 2024, brought excitement and mixed emotions for fans. From epic confrontations to moments that left us shaking our heads, the night was packed with highs and lows. Let’s take a closer look at three things we loved and three things we didn’t.
#### **Pluses: What We Loved**
##### 1. **The Return of Brock Lesnar**
Brock Lesnar made his much-anticipated return to SmackDown, shaking up the landscape of WWE once again. His appearance electrified the audience, immediately setting up the stage for future rivalries. Lesnar’s mere presence adds an unpredictable edge to the show, and this episode proved why he’s still one of the biggest draws in the company. The intensity he brings is unmatched, and his confrontational style ensures that every time he steps into the ring, something monumental is bound to happen.
From the moment his music hit, the crowd erupted in anticipation. The interaction he had with the current roster, especially in teasing future matchups, kept fans at the edge of their seats. Whether it’s a potential showdown with Roman Reigns or a revisit of his rivalry with Cody Rhodes, Lesnar’s return adds weight to the SmackDown roster, and we love every second of it.
##### 2. **The Rock’s Show-Stopping Cameo**
While The Rock has been absent from regular WWE programming for a while, his surprise appearance on this episode of SmackDown was a crowd-pleaser. The Rock, always the master of the microphone, delivered a classic promo that was equal parts funny and intense. His verbal exchanges with Roman Reigns were full of nostalgia and charisma, making fans wonder if we might see another epic clash between these two powerhouses.
The Rock’s charisma and ability to command the audience made the episode feel even more significant. The brief but impactful confrontation between him and Brock Lesnar teased a potential dream match that could headline a future WWE event. Fans loved seeing The Rock back in the ring, even if just for a few minutes, reminding us why he remains a wrestling legend.
##### 3. **New Talent Showcasing Their Skills**
One of the most enjoyable aspects of this episode was the spotlight given to new and rising talent. Superstars like Austin Theory and Solo Sikoa were involved in competitive matches, showing off their athleticism and hunger to reach the top. This injection of fresh talent gives WWE a chance to evolve, keeping things exciting for longtime fans while attracting new ones.
The match quality was high, and the up-and-comers were given the opportunity to shine in meaningful segments. The balance between veteran stars and new talent made the show feel like a proper mix of nostalgia and future promise, adding depth to the roster.
#### **Minuses: What We Hated**
##### 1. **Over-Reliance on Part-Timers**
As much as we love seeing stars like Brock Lesnar and The Rock return, WWE’s over-reliance on part-timers is becoming an issue. While their appearances generate buzz and ratings, it often overshadows the full-time roster. Fans have expressed frustration that younger talent gets pushed aside in favor of part-time legends, which can stunt their growth and diminish long-term storylines.
This episode was a prime example of that. Despite the exciting return of legends, the frequent reliance on part-timers to carry the show risks undercutting the development of new stars. While fans still love seeing these legends, WWE needs to strike a better balance to ensure that the future of the business remains in capable hands.
##### 2. **A Lackluster Women’s Division Showing**
The women’s division on this episode of SmackDown didn’t live up to its potential. Despite having some of the best female talent in the industry, this episode failed to give them the spotlight they deserve. A brief, underwhelming match left fans wanting more from the likes of Bianca Belair, Charlotte Flair, and Rhea Ripley, who were either absent or underutilized.
WWE has made strides in promoting women’s wrestling over the past few years, but this episode felt like a step back. Fans expect better representation of the women’s division, with more focus on meaningful storylines and matches that highlight their skills. This was a definite miss for the night, and hopefully, WWE corrects this in future episodes.
##### 3. **Predictable Storylines**
While WWE SmackDown often delivers on in-ring action, some of the storylines on this episode felt predictable. The confrontations, while exciting, didn’t offer many surprises, leaving fans feeling as though they could see where everything was heading. For example, the tension between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes, while entertaining, seems to be treading the same ground as previous rivalries.
WWE thrives on twists and turns, and when those elements are missing, the show can feel formulaic. Fans tune in for the unexpected, but this episode didn’t quite deliver on that front. While the matches were solid, the storytelling left something to be desired, especially for fans looking for fresh narratives.
#### **Final Thoughts**
WWE SmackDown on October 11, 2024, was an episode full of action and drama, with some memorable moments and a few missteps. The return of Brock Lesnar and The Rock was a major highlight, while the rise of new talent gave fans hope for the future. However, the reliance on part-timers, underwhelming women’s division representation, and predictable storylines left room for improvement.
Despite its shortcomings, this episode will be remembered for its epic moments, particularly the return of two WWE legends. Going forward, WWE must continue to find a balance between celebrating its past while nurturing its future, delivering storylines that keep fans on their toes.
In conclusion, while there were aspects we loved, WWE still has areas to improve if it wants to maintain its momentum heading into the next major event. Fans will be eagerly waiting to see how these storylines unfold in the coming weeks.
