WWE SmackDown Results: April 12th, 2024 - A New Era Dawns with Cody Rhodes at the Helm - Streameast (2024)

WWE SmackDown Results: April 12th, 2024 – A New Era Dawns with Cody Rhodes at the Helm

The echoes of WrestleMania 40 still reverberated through the WWE Universe as SmackDown kicked off live from the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. A new era had begun, and the man leading the charge was the newly crowned Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes.

The excitement crackled in the air as the signature “Then, Now, Forever, Together” video rolled, a poignant reminder of the monumental shift that had taken place just days ago. And when the intro music faded, the WWE Universe erupted as Cody Rhodes emerged onto the stage, the coveted Undisputed WWE Championship held high above his head.

The Undisputed Champion Addresses the WWE Universe

The roar of the crowd was deafening as Cody soaked in the electrifying atmosphere. A genuine smile stretched across his face as he acknowledged the chants of “Cody!” and “You Deserve It!” that filled the arena.

He addressed the Detroit faithful, acknowledging the interruption he received from The Rock on Raw. A loud “Rocky Sucks!” chant broke out, much to Cody’s amusem*nt. He then recounted The Rock’s words about leaving for Hollywood and eventually returning for him.

With a confident smirk, Cody declared, “The Rock doesn’t have to look very far. He’ll find me standing right here.”

He shifted gears, announcing his upcoming schedule. In three weeks, he would be flying to Lyon, France, to defend his title against one of six competitors. This gauntlet of challengers included established veterans like Rey Mysterio, AJ Styles, and Bobby Lashley, as well as rising stars like Santos Escobar and LA Knight.

There was a subtle dig aimed at Kevin Owens when Cody mentioned Owens believing himself to be superior. However, the Undisputed Champion made his point clear: there was only one way to settle such claims.

Cody wrapped up his address by acknowledging the packed house and the shift in his position. “I’m no longer the hunter,” he proclaimed, “but the hunted.” He delivered a final message, a warning to all contenders: “If you come to the king, you best not miss.”

With a wave to the crowd and his signature entrance music, Cody exited the ring, leaving the WWE Universe buzzing with anticipation for the battles to come.

Match Results and Analysis

The night that followed Cody’s address was a captivating mix of high-octane action and strategic maneuvering, all with the ultimate goal of earning a future shot at the Undisputed Championship. Let’s delve into the detailed results and analysis of each match:

Match 1: Triple Threat Match – Santos Escobar vs. Rey Mysterio vs. LA Knight

Winner: LA Knight (via pinfall on Rey Mysterio)

This match was a fast-paced, exhilarating display of athleticism and cunning. All three superstars brought their A-game, showcasing their distinct styles. Santos Escobar aimed for technical precision, Mysterio relied on his signature high-flying moves, and LA Knight employed a more brutal, power-based approach.

The highlight of the match was a breathtaking sequence where Mysterio launched himself off Escobar’s shoulders for a moonsault, only to be caught mid-air by a leaping LA Knight for a devastating spinebuster. This maneuver took the wind out of the crowd and Mysterio, allowing Knight to capitalize with a thunderous pump handle slam for the pinfall victory.

Analysis: This win establishes LA Knight as a serious contender. His ruthless aggression and willingness to exploit opportunities make him a formidable opponent for any champion.

Match 2: Women’s Tag Team Match – Shotzi & Nox vs. Natalya & Sonya Deville

Winners: Shotzi & Nox (via pinfall on Sonya Deville)

This match was a solid tag team contest, showcasing the contrasting styles of the two teams. Shotzi & Nox brought their chaotic energy, while Natalya and Sonya Deville relied on their experience and technical prowess.

The turning point came when Shotzi distracted the referee, allowing Nox to connect with a sneaky forearm strike on Deville. Capitalizing on the momentary lapse, Shotzi followed up with a Moonsault for the pinfall victory.

Analysis: This win keeps Shotzi & Nox in the tag team title picture, but the victory itself felt somewhat unearned. The underhanded tactics employed suggest they might need to refine their approach for a potential championship match.

Match 3: Singles Match – Kevin Owens vs. Ridge Holland

Winner: Kevin Owens (via pinfall after a Stunner)

This match was a back-and-forth brawl, with both Owens and Holland exchanging stiff strikes and showcasing their resilience. Holland’s raw power was countered by Owens’ cunning veteran tactics.

WWE SmackDown Results: April 12th, 2024

The pivotal moment arrived when Holland attempted a running clothesline but collided with the ring post shoulder-first due to a well-timed sidestep by Owens. The impact visibly stunned Holland, creating an opening. Owens seized the opportunity, delivering a picture-perfect Stunner, his signature finishing move, for a clean pinfall victory.

Analysis: This win served a dual purpose. It established Owens as a legitimate contender for the Undisputed Championship, showcasing his ability to overcome a powerful opponent. Additionally, it hinted at a potential future rivalry with Cody Rhodes, given Owens’ earlier comments about being superior.

Match 4: Six-Man Tag Team Match – The Usos & Sami Zayn vs. The New Day (Big E & Kofi Kingston) & Drew McIntyre

Winners: The Usos & Sami Zayn (via pinfall on Kofi Kingston after a Helluva Kick from Zayn)

This highly anticipated main event was a chaotic and thrilling spectacle. The six superstars involved in the match delivered a high-energy performance, weaving a story of constant momentum shifts and strategic alliances.

The New Day and McIntyre displayed great teamwork, utilizing quick tags and double-team maneuvers to gain control. However, dissension began to brew within the Usos when Jey Uso accidentally hit his brother Jimmy Uso with a superkick intended for Big E.

Capitalizing on the confusion, The New Day and McIntyre nearly secured victory, but Sami Zayn, ever the opportunist, blindsided Kofi Kingston with a devastating Helluva Kick, securing the win for his team.

Analysis: This victory solidified the dominance of The Usos and Sami Zayn as a unit. However, the cracks in the foundation of the Usos partnership became evident, potentially setting the stage for future conflict. Additionally, Sami Zayn’s cunning move cemented his position as a dangerous threat in the Undisputed Title picture.

Post-Match Chaos

As the victors celebrated, a thunderous roar echoed through the arena. Cody Rhodes returned to the ring, his expression unreadable. He surveyed the scene, his gaze lingering on each member of the winning team.

The tension was palpable as Cody grabbed a microphone. He acknowledged the win and congratulated The Usos and Sami Zayn. However, his tone shifted as he addressed Zayn directly.

“Sami,” he began, “you played your part well tonight. But remember, there can only be one champion. And at some point, our paths will cross.”

With that ominous statement, Cody dropped the microphone and exited the ring, leaving the WWE Universe buzzing with speculation about potential future rivalries and the upcoming title matches in Lyon, France.

Overall Thoughts

This episode of SmackDown effectively kickstarted the Cody Rhodes era, establishing him as a confident and formidable champion. The triple-threat matches provided intriguing glimpses into potential future title contenders, while the main event set the stage for interesting storylines involving The Usos, Sami Zayn, and The New Day.

With the road to Lyon, France, paved with uncertainty and exciting possibilities, the WWE Universe eagerly awaits what the future holds for the Undisputed Championship and the landscape of SmackDown.

Winners and Losers