WWE SmackDown Results: Winners, Live Grades, Reaction and Highlights From Sept. 13 (2024)

Welcome to Bleacher Report's live coverage of WWE SmackDown on Friday, October 31.

This is the premiere of SmackDown on its new home at the USA Network, so WWE tried to make it a must-see episode.

Here is a look at what was advertised:

Let's take a look at what happened on Friday's episode of SmackDown.

SmackDown opened with Triple H coming out to usher in the new era of the blue brand on Fox. He said a few words before having the cage lowered for the first bout.

Sikoa came out alone but The Bloodline is never far away. Rhodes took control early but one mistake led to Sikoa sending him into the cage wall. He followed up with a few hip strikes against the cage.

A flying headbutt from Solo busted The American Nightmare open as Solo continued to dominate. The Street Champ hit two Spinning Solos but couldn't get the pin.

This was a decent match that showed the chemistry these two have developed, but it felt a bit lackluster in some ways. It's tough to say if it was the pace or a lack of violence. The big moments hit, so that helped a lot.

After failing to win with a crossbody from the top rope, Rhodes scored the pin to retain his title. The Bloodline showed up and attacked Cody in the cage. Jacob Fatu was about to hit a splash from the top of the cage but was distracted by Roman Reigns's music.

The OTC entered the cage and began taking out everyone. Fatu saved Solo from a Spear before squaring off with Reigns. Solo dragged him out while Tama and Loa went after Reigns. Rhodes and Reigns took them out before having a tense standoff.

Result: Rhodes defeated Sikoa

Grade: B+

Notable Moments and Observations

After losing to Chelsea Green last week, Michin was looking to get a measure of revenge in a match against Piper Niven.

Michin used a kendo stick on Green before Niven took her down with a senton from the apron. After hitting a nice back superplex, Michin scored a very fast win with Eat Defeat.

This was way too short and since Michin was taken out afterward, it felt like her win meant nothing.

Result: Michin defeated Niven

Grade: D+

Notable Moments and Observations

Kevin Owens revealed a local talent as his partner for the night. His name was Ricky and KO tried to give him a good intro. A PA told Owens his real partner arrived, so KO gave Ricky a Stunner to get him out of the ring so Randy Orton could come out.

Theory and Waller took control right before the show went to a break. They continued to keep Owens isolated with quick tags and double-team moves well after we returned.

The Prize Fighter had to trick Waller and Theory before he could finally make a hot tag to The Viper. They hit DDTs at the same time before hitting a Stunner and RKO for the win.

This was a simple but entertaining tag match. Orton and Owens continue to be a crowd-pleasing duo with great chemistry.

Result: RKOwens defeated A-Town Down Under

Grade: B

Notable Moments and Observations

Nia Jax came out and delivered a short promo about an unknown opponent for Bad Blood. Bayley confronted her about needing Tiffany Stratton's help before Tiffy came out to mock her. Naomi joined and they agreed to a tag match next week.

Next up was the fifth encounter between Andrade and Hayes. They came into this tied at 2-2, so both men were hoping to cap off this feud with a victory. Hayes attacked El Idolo while he was entering the ring to get an advantage.

For several minutes, Hayes was the one controlling the pace. Andrade kept trying to make a comeback, but Hayes always seemed to have an answer.

Much like their previous four encounters, this was a show-stealing performance from both men. They managed to make each bout feel different, which isn't easy in a situation like this.

El Idolo hit a spinning neckbreaker from the middle rope for the win. LA Knight came out to

Result: Andrade defeated Hayes

Grade: A-

Notable Moments and Observations

Earlier in the show, Rhodes refused an offer to team with Reigns to take on Sikoa and Fatu, so Nick Aldis and Reigns came out to close the show.

Rhodes eventually joined them in the ring. Before much could happen, Solo and Fatu came out. Tama and Loa attacked Cody and Roman but were taken out.

Reigns signed the contract for the tag match and reluctantly handed it to Rhodes,who inked his name to end the show.

For the first episode of SmackDown on USA, this wasn't a bad first entry. We got a couple of fun matches, a few segments to move storylines forward, and a title bout was even booked for next week.

The best match on the show was Andrade vs. Hayes, but Rhodes and Sikoa did a good job in the cage. The only thing worth skipping was Niven vs. Michin because it was so short.

Grade: B+