3 Things Triple H Got Right on WWE SmackDown This Week

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The AAA World Cruiserweight Championship was on the line on WWE SmackDown, as Rey Fenix battled El Hijo del Vikingo. WWE Hall of Famer Brie Bella was in action on the show in a singles match. Meanwhile, the feud between the top babyfaces of the blue brand and The Baddies also continued.

Overall, it was a solid show, which laid the foundation for many major storylines and rivalries. Following an action-packed edition of RAW, WWE retained its momentum with this week’s blue show. In this article, we will discuss three things Triple H got right on tonight’s WWE SmackDown.

#3. Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga Are Off to a Great Start

WWE had been teasing Tama Tonga’s split from MFT for months before it happened recently. Many expected Solo Sikoa to betray Tama, but the duo silently parted ways. Interestingly, Talla Tonga chose to continue working with The Good Bad Guy. Given the development, Sikoa is seemingly set to adopt a babyface character soon. Meanwhile, Tama and Talla will remain heels on TV.

Last week on WWE SmackDown, Finn Balor came face-to-face with his former Bullet Club teammate, Tama Tonga. The duo had a brief interaction where Balor tried to remind Tama of his Bullet Club roots. This week, The Good Bad Guy unexpectedly launched a backstage attack on The Prince with the help of Talla.

Tama said the elders of his family had informed him about his next big move after his split from MFT. Meanwhile, Talla blindsided Balor, leading a brutal beatdown. With the angle, WWE planted the seeds for a feud between the former Bullet Club teammates.

The Triple H-led creative team did the right thing by booking Tama in a feud with The Prince. Balor needed a major singles feud after failing to win the King of the Ring Tournament. Meanwhile, The Good Bad Guy needed a rivalry with an established veteran to cement his spot at the top of the card quickly. Given the duo’s history, their program seems promising.

Tama has the potential to become a top heel on WWE SmackDown alongside Talla. He is a solid in-ring performer and a world-traveled veteran. Fans would love to see him butt heads with Finn Balor this summer.

#2. WWE Is Seemingly Setting Up Trick Williams vs. Carmelo Hayes for SummerSlam

Earlier this year, Carmelo Hayes earned widespread praise for his remarkable United States Championship reign. Melo was a fighting champion, defending his gold against the best WWE SmackDown had to offer. However, before WrestleMania 42, he suffered a huge setback. Sami Zayn defeated Hayes for the title and took his spot on the match card for The Show of Shows.

Many fans wanted to see Hayes battle his former NXT teammate, Trick Williams, at WrestleMania. Unfortunately for Melo, it didn’t happen, as WWE booked The Master Strategist to defend his gold against Williams. However, Triple H & Co. are seemingly planning to book Melo in a well-deserved title match on a big stage this summer.

This week on WWE SmackDown, Trick Williams showed up after successfully defending his title against Ricky Saints at Night of Champions. Carmelo Hayes interrupted Williams and Lil Yachty. The former NXT Champion claimed that Williams was still champion because they had yet to cross paths in a title match. Yacty ultimately handed a non-title bout to Hayes on behalf of Williams for next week.

It seems like Triple H & Co. are setting up Hayes vs. Williams for the United States Championship at SummerSlam. Melo could defeat the champion in a non-title match next week to officially earn a title shot. This seems like the right move because Hayes and Williams have brilliant chemistry. The duo has the potential to deliver one of the best mid-card feuds this summer.

#1. Cody Rhodes Earned His Title Shot Instead of Receiving an Instant Rematch on WWE SmackDown

Cody Rhodes defended the Undisputed WWE Championship in a Triple Threat Match at Night of Champions. He put his gold on the line against Gunther and Sami Zayn. At the end of a back-and-forth contest, Zayn shockingly pinned Rhodes via roll-up to win the gold.

This week on WWE SmackDown, Rhodes showed up to congratulate Zayn on his victory and stake his claim to the title. The duo was quickly interrupted by Jey Uso, who said he wanted to bring the championship back to The Bloodline. Adam Pearce later booked a number one contender’s match between The American Nightmare and The Yeet Master in the show’s main event.

Rhodes defeated Jey on WWE SmackDown to earn a shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship. He will now battle The Master Strategist on the upcoming episode of RAW. The Triple H-led creative team did the right thing by booking Rhodes to win a number one contender’s match.

The American Nightmare suffered the deciding pinfall at Night of Champions. He needed a major win before a potential championship rematch. With his victory over Jey on WWE SmackDown, Rhodes regained his momentum ahead of the title bout on Monday.