SmackDown did a great job this week of making next week’s show feel like an extension of Crown Jewel — with Premium Live Event-level matches also in Perth, Australia, on the day before the actual PLE.
We also got a first in WWE history. Well almost. But we saw The Vision pick up a massive win while Seth Rollins continues to question himself and be fueled by his desire for revenge and validation.
Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker defeated Rhodes and Orton after Rollins interfered in the match, delivering a stomp on Orton. That was an interesting end because it adds another layer of animosity between Rollins and Orton going into the match between Rollins and Rhodes at Crown Jewell. After the match, Rollins went back into the ring to stomp Rhodes but got a Cross Rhodes for his trouble. After Crown Jewel, Orton can be a match on “Raw” or SmackDown against Rollins, and a future title challenger for Rhodes. Paul Heyman urged Rollins not to go after Rhodes, saying “he’s in your head” was a nice touch, as it leaves a lot of room for Rollins to possibly make a similar mistake in their match at Crown Jewel.