On August 18, 2023, WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 delivered a night of thrilling action, emotional moments, and significant storyline developments. This episode, held at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, was particularly special as it marked the 25th anniversary of WWE Hall of Famer Edge. The night was packed with high-stakes matches, ongoing rivalries, and surprise twists, making it a memorable event for WWE fans.
Edge’s 25th Anniversary Celebration
The highlight of the night was undoubtedly the celebration of Edge’s 25 years in WWE. The Rated-R Superstar has been a cornerstone of WWE, known for his intense rivalries, legendary matches, and charismatic presence. This episode was a tribute to his incredible journey, with the Toronto crowd offering a hero’s welcome to their hometown legend.
Edge’s night was capped off with a match against Sheamus, a bout that had been highly anticipated given that the two veterans had never faced each other in a singles match before. The match did not disappoint, as both competitors showcased their skills in a hard-hitting contest. Edge, who was clearly emotional throughout the night, managed to secure the victory with a decisive Spear. The post-match embrace between Edge and Sheamus added a poignant touch to the celebration, as the WWE Universe witnessed a moment of mutual respect between the two warriors.
Austin Theory vs. LA Knight: The Battle for Contention
The night kicked off with a segment of “The Grayson Waller Effect,” featuring the new United States Champion Rey Mysterio and his protégé Santos Escobar. The segment quickly escalated into a confrontation involving Austin Theory, the former champion, who demanded a rematch for the title. However, the real excitement began when LA Knight, one of the hottest rising stars in WWE, interrupted the proceedings.
Knight challenged Theory to a match to determine the number one contender for the United States Championship. The match was fast-paced and intense, with both superstars eager to secure their spot at the top. The Miz, who had joined the commentary team, played a crucial role in the outcome. His distraction allowed Theory to roll up Knight for the victory, earning Theory another shot at the title and further igniting the rivalry between Knight and Miz.
Women’s Tag Team Match: Flair and Belair vs. Damage CTRL
The women’s division was well represented on this episode, with a marquee tag team match featuring Charlotte Flair and Bianca Belair taking on Bayley and IYO SKY of Damage CTRL. The match was a showcase of athleticism and strategy, with both teams vying for dominance.
Flair and Belair, despite being rivals themselves, worked cohesively to overcome the experienced team of Bayley and SKY. The match saw several momentum shifts, but it was ultimately Belair who secured the win for her team after hitting the K.O.D. on Bayley. However, the night wasn’t over for Belair, as she was viciously attacked backstage by Damage CTRL, setting the stage for further confrontations in the future.
The Street Profits’ Statement Victory
Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins, collectively known as The Street Profits, have been on a mission to prove that they are a force to be reckoned with in WWE. Their match against The O.C. was an opportunity to do just that. The newly rejuvenated duo displayed a combination of power and speed that overwhelmed their opponents. The match ended with The Street Profits executing a devastating sit-out powerbomb/neckbreaker combo, earning them a decisive victory.
Bobby Lashley, who has recently aligned himself with The Street Profits, joined them in the ring post-match, signaling that this new alliance could be a dominant force on SmackDown moving forward.
The Bloodline Saga Continues
The Bloodline storyline, one of the most compelling narratives in WWE, continued to unfold on this episode. With Jey Uso having quit WWE the previous week, the question on everyone’s mind was the status of the family. Paul Heyman, the ever-manipulative advisor to Roman Reigns, teased the return of Jimmy Uso, announcing that he would appear on the following week’s SmackDown. This development added another layer of intrigue to the already complex Bloodline saga, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what’s next for the faction.
Conclusion
WWE SmackDown Episode 1491 was a night that blended nostalgia with forward momentum. Edge’s 25th anniversary celebration provided an emotional anchor to the show, while the intense matches and ongoing storylines ensured that the episode was packed with action and drama. From Austin Theory’s controversial win over LA Knight to the dominance of The Street Profits, every segment contributed to building anticipation for future episodes. As WWE continues to evolve, nights like this remind fans of the enduring appeal of the product, blending history with the promise of what’s to come.